Space having been taken, what labor and diligence in preparing goods for exhibition! what attention to quality, style, and finish) each exhibiter anxious to secure the award of merit. There is no confusion in men’s minds betwixt the judge’s award and the sentence of a criminal judge. Simple as this is in itself, yet it illustrates one of the most important distinctions that can be presented to the mind of man—I mean the future award of merit and the future judgment of sin. Nothing could be more distinct, both as to the persons and judgment; and yet it is incredible what an amount of confusion exists on the subject, even in the minds of real Christians. It is most certain the believer’s works done in the body will all be tested before the judgment seat of Christ, and that the award will be given “according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad,” (2 Cor. 5:10), just as the wares of every exhibiter shall be judged and tested by the judges. And blessed it is to know, that Christ will make no mistake. Yet is not this as different as possible from standing before the great white throne of judgment, to be judged for sins? just as different as the two cases, where one man’s wares shall be judged, and the award of merit given; and another man cast into prison, tried for his life, condemned, and executed. True, the exhibiter may fear lest his labor in preparing his goods be in vain, and he lose the reward; but is this the same thing as the dread of a guilty criminal? He dreads the hour of judgment—he dreads the face of the judge. Oh! ponder ye crowds that will revel this year in the sins of America’s great city! ponder well what it will be to stand before the judgment seat! “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation,” ({vi 30133-30134}Heb. 9:27, 28). Could the contrast be more striking than these two verses? To the unbeliever, there is death and judgment; to the believer, the coming again of Him who was offered to bear his sins. He comes to such without sin—no question of sin can be raised.
One word more as to the award of merit. When the exhibiter knows that his space is secured, then he may apply with all diligence to prepare his wares to meet the eye of the judges. Just so, if my reader is a believer, knowing that his place is secured in the heavenly crystal mansion by the blood of the Lamb, let him now give all diligence that his works may meet the approval of Christ—if accepted in Him, now labor to be acceptable to Him.