Chapter 6.25

The Goal of Faith

Pleasing God Now & Being Glorified Later

 

Overall Objective

To be reminded of why, despite all the difficulties it causes, God wants us to live by faith now, and to correct the popular notion that experiencing God with our senses now is more spiritual.

Table of Topics

A) Living for God’s Pleasure

B) Living for God’s Glory

B.1) Glorifying God Now before Humans

B.2) Glorifying God Now in Heaven

B.3) Being glorified for all eternity

Extras & Endnotes

Primary Points

• The fact that faith pleases God explains many of the most important questions of life (i.e. Why must I have difficulties? Why doesn’t God just show Himself, etc.).
• The reason that the best divine revelation we currently have is a Book is because of the great value God places on faith.
• We naturally despise living by faith, but we can embrace it if we realize how much it pleases God, and how rare and temporary it is.
• Only now do we have an opportunity to live by faith.
• Mega mysticism is in danger of being a rebellion against God’s desire for us to live by faith instead of sight.
• Contrary to many, God likes it when we see, hear, and feel nothing, but still believe, trust, and obey Him.
• There are three realms in which glory occurs for our faith: before humans now, in Heaven now, and in Heaven later.
• When the world sees our empowering faith in biblical promises and commands in the midst of extreme difficulty and trial, God is glorified (cf. 1 Pet 3:15).
• When the vision faith for a homeless shelter, hospital, school, church plant or other endeavor to serve humankind is pursued in Jesus’ name, and accomplished by Jesus’ power, He and we are glorified.
• There is a realm of unseen beings that surround our lives and they are watching us (1 Cor 4:9). This is confirmed in Job.
• Our choices in this life either glorify God or the devil.
• Everyone wants to glorify God with the kind of blessing Job experienced, rather than the kind of testing he endured.
• How much will we love and trust God in this life? That is the most important question being answered in the Universe.
• Glory is the most precious commodity in the Universe, and both God and the devil want it. Christians are the greatest source of glory for both in the Universe because only we really have free will over sin and can choose who we will love. There is no greater way to reveal the worth of someone—to glorify them—than to love them. Not even God can manipulate real love. And it is especially unconditional, sincere love for God that gets Heaven and Hell’s attention.
• God wants to glorify us. This glory will be awarded at the judgment seat of Christ, and then enjoyed for all eternity.

A) Living for God’s Pleasure

Our definition of biblical faith has been: a commitment of reason to a correct understanding of a divine revelation, based on divine evidence, producing divine pleasure. It is this last component of biblical faith that we would like to address briefly here. Along these lines the author of Hebrews writes:

By faith Enoch was taken from this life, so that he did not experience death; he could not be found, because God had taken him away. For before he was taken, he was commended as one who pleased God. And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him. (Heb 11:5-6)

The author portrays Enoch as one who pleased God by living a life of faith. Accordingly, we read of him in Genesis:

When Enoch had lived 65 years, he became the father of Methuselah. And after he became the father of Methuselah, Enoch walked with God 300 years and had other sons and daughters. Altogether, Enoch lived 365 years. Enoch walked with God; then he was no more, because God took him away. (Gen 5:21-24)

While the Hebrew text of modern translations states that “Enoch walked with God,” the ancient Greek Septuagint text, which the author of Hebrews used, had paraphrased this expression as “Enoch pleased God.” No doubt that all of this is true. Enoch “walked with God” in a relationship of faith that pleased God.

Note that during this time, while “men began to call on [or proclaim] the name of the Lord” (Gen 4:26), there is no mention that God was physically revealing Himself to people as He did to Adam hundreds of years previously and would, evidently, to Noah. Therefore, Enoch’s “walk with God” was by faith, and not by sight. This is precisely why he pleased God so much. He loved and lived for a God he had not seen, which, as we will see, God takes a particular delight in.

As one studies the passage in Genesis, one notices that the text repeatedly says that all the other men from Adam to Noah simply “lived,” including Enoch’s son Methuselah who lived 969 years, the longest of any recorded human being. But the text does not say that Enoch “lived,” but that he “walked with God,” and it says it twice. God is no doubt making a point here that to live a life of faith, communion, and obedience to God for 365 years is much better than to simply live for many more years as Enoch’s contemporaries and own son did. To “walk with God” was a description only given to Enoch and Noah (cf. Gen 6:9), and which seems to communicate even more intimacy than “walking before God” which is used of others in Scripture. ^[1] Enoch lived a life of faith, never seeing God, but obeying God, and therefore pleasing God so much that the author of Hebrews said God translated him directly to Heaven without dying.

When the author of Hebrews says “without faith it is impossible to please God” we know that the corollary is true as well: faith pleases God. This fact explains many of the most important questions of life. Why must I have difficulties? Why does holiness have to be such a struggle? Why doesn’t God just do a miracle and show Himself? Why does God let the devil be in charge of this world? Why wouldn’t He encourage, bless, and radically transform every Christian instantly and forever with just a brief glimpse of Him in Heaven now? Because God loves faith.

Our present interaction with God through the Scriptures and Spirit requires faith. We cannot see the God we are experiencing on a daily basis. Indeed, Peter said, “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy,” (1 Pet 1:8). Likewise, the Apostle Paul said of the Christian, “we live by faith, not by sight.” Living by faith in our relationship with God essentially means that God does not directly reveal Himself to our physical senses. We do not see Him, hear Him, nor can touch Him. As we have said, biblical faith depends on evidence and reasons for sure, but just not the kind that comes through direct contact with our physical senses. ^[2]

Admittedly, not all of God’s people have had to live completely by such faith. Adam & Eve heard the Creator walking and talking (cf. Gen 3:8-13). Moses saw His backside and talked with Him face to face (Exod 33:11, 23). The Prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel “saw the Lord” (cf. Isa 6:1; Ezek 1:1). The Apostle Paul did have that glimpse of Heaven (2 Cor 12:1-4). And we can envy such people if we do not understand how much faith pleases God.

The reason that the best and clearest divine revelation we currently have is a Book, is because of the great value God places on faith. Because we live in the Age of Faith instead of the coming Age of Sight, we do not know God as we will, nor in the manner we will. But the Age of Faith will end (cf. Rom. 8:24-25, 2 Cor. 4:18, 5:7, Heb. 11:1). While the earthly life of Christ was the ultimate divine revelation of God in the past and the indwelling of the Spirit in our New Nature and the provision of Scripture is such for the present, there is still to come, a revelation of God that will far surpass all of these.

But that time has not yet come. Along these lines, the Dutch Reformed theologian Herman Bavinck (1854-1921) wrote regarding the typical mystic’s claim to a sensual (i.e. of the senses, not sexual) relationship with God:

[These] notions can be considered an anticipation of an ideal that will be realized in the future. Nevertheless, they indicate a very dangerous line of thought. They all proceed from a confusion between the present dispensation and that of the hereafter.

While the New Jerusalem will no longer need a sun or moon, these two heavenly bodies nevertheless remain necessary here on earth. The fact that we will one day walk by sight does not cancel out the necessity of walking by faith in this dispensation.

Although the church militant and the church triumphant are fundamentally one, there is nevertheless a difference between them in position and life in the present. The boundary line cannot and may not be erased. We will never achieve a heavenly life while we are here on earth. We walk by faith, not by sight. ^[3]

 

The fact is, God is not as real to us as we would like Him to be. Not even to the most spiritual and godly Christians. This is because faith is never as real as sight. Do we doubt for a moment that God was more real to Adam, Moses, and Isaiah than He is to us? And He was more real to them for the simple reason that they saw something of His Person with their human senses that very few of God’s people have throughout the Church Age.

It is natural to envy such men, and unfortunately the parade of people today claiming to have seen or heard God as well does not help. Let us admit it. We despise living by faith instead of by sight. We yearn to pierce the veil that God Himself has established between us and Him and interact with Him as we are accustomed to interacting with humans. This is why contemporary Christian music is full of songs that ask God to let us see, hear, and even touch Him. ^[4] Indeed, we envy the Prophets and Apostles who have, and chafe under the obligation that in this life, “we live by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7).

It is only when we understand how much God is pleased with faith, that we can begin to embrace it. The time will come when faith will not exist (cf. Rom 8:24-25, 2 Cor. 4:18, 5:7, Heb. 11:1). But in this age “without faith it is impossible to please God” (Heb 11:6). It is only now that we have an opportunity to live by faith. Not even Angels or demons live by faith. Only we have the awesome opportunity and privilege to live by faith and not by sight, hearing, or touch in our relationship with God. While we might envy the very few in human history who have seen or heard more of God’s Person than we, we are reminded that Christ told such people, “Because you have seen Me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). ^[5]

A God of the senses and a God of faith are incompatible. We cannot see, hear, or touch the God we love, serve, adore, and would die for. And that is precisely how He wants it. . . for now. Of course God is our Father Who knows and cares for our life, Jesus is our Friend Who will always be with us to the end of the Age of Faith, and the Holy Spirit lives inside of us, but God intends all of these relationships to preserve the need for faith. Therefore, God Himself will rarely, if ever, reveal Himself personally in a voice, vision, etc.

Indeed, the Apostle Peter said, “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Pet 1:8). It is important to notice that the Apostle assumed that none of the multitudes of believers that he was writing to in his day had ever personally physically seen or heard the King. While many are claiming today that such “an inexpressible and glorious joy” could only come from a personal sensory encounter with God, the Apostle says it can occur simply through faith.

The Apostle invites us to experience “an inexpressible and glorious joy” without seeing, hearing, or feeling Christ, and in the process we maintain the right to claim we are still living by God-pleasing faith, not sight. It is this very “faith” that the Apostle says is “of greater worth than gold,” must “be proved genuine,” and will “result in praise, glory, and honor when Jesus Christ is [actually] revealed” (v. 7). This is good news for the vast majority of God’s people throughout human history who, being just as sincere, sacrificial, and spiritual as any others, have not encountered God with their human senses.

The promotion of mega mysticism (i.e. God is constantly prompting us with extra-biblical messages), super-supernaturalism (i.e. the miraculous should be normal), and charismaticism ^[6] in the Church today is in danger of being a rebellion against God’s desire for us to live by faith instead of sight. The mantra within these theological camps is to live by sight or feeling or circumstances, not by faith. This is why emotional impressions and impulses, dreams, and mere coincidences or natural occurrences are quickly interpreted as the direct inspiration or hand of God, because it makes God seem more real. The popular Charismatic author Jack Deere is quite typical of this perspective when he says:

[T]here is something very wrong in our relationship with God when we do not see, hear, and feel from him, and yet leave our “time with him” feeling satisfied. . . . In order to fulfill God’s highest purpose for our lives we must be able to hear His voice both in the written word and in the Word freshly spoken from heaven [which would be what?]. ^[7]

On the contrary, there would be “something very wrong in our relationship with God” if we did “see, hear, and feel” Him in the Age of Faith we live in. That is not the stuff that God-pleasing faith is made of. We would forfeit the one brief, exclusive opportunity we have to live by faith now. For all the great “faith” claimed in these movements, their doctrine and practice encourages us to experience God with our senses, the very opposite of faith. Consequently, they, and those who would follow them, are in danger of being among those who have the least faith.

What did the Apostle say? “Though you have not seen Him, you love Him; and even though you do not see Him now, you believe in Him and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy” (1 Pet 1:8). The Apostle seems squarely at odds with the mega mysticism, super-supernaturalism, and Charismaticism of our day, and it is time for God’s people to decide if they will seek the God of the senses through visions, voices, miracles, impulses, and mere feelings, or the God of faith.

One mega mystical author has written:

You can’t build a relationship [with God] on one-way speeches [like Scripture and prayer]. You need frequent, sustained, intimate contact between two persons, both of whom speak and both of whom listen. ^[8]

Here again is that effort to make God more human, and make our current relationship with Him more like Heaven. And we had better be able to have a God-pleasing relationship with Him without a conversation because most, if not all Christians will truly never have one until Heaven.

Our mega mystical, super-supernatural, and Charismatic brothers and sisters need to be reminded that when:

the Pharisees and teachers of the law said to Him [Jesus], “Teacher, we want to see a miraculous sign from You.” He answered, “A wicked and adulterous generation asks for a miraculous sign!” (Matt 12:39) ^[9]

And yet Christians are commonly encouraged to seek a “miraculous sign” of God’s love, working, or guidance.

God decides what we need to see, hear, and feel in order to have the necessary evidence to believe what He wants us to believe, and therefore, many in the Church today need to be a lot more content with the revelation He has already provided. Isn’t “faith . . . being certain of what we do not see” (Heb. 11:1)? And isn’t this the faith that without which “it is impossible to please God” (v. 6)? In this day where experience is exalted over faith we need to be reminded that God likes it when we see, hear, and feel nothing, but still believe, trust, obey, and adore Him.

We do not wish to imply that biblical characters who experienced miraculous revelation, or those who might do so today, are automatically any less people of faith. Abraham, for example, experienced a great deal of miraculous revelation but is known as a man of great faith. However, such people rarely, if ever, were seeking such revelation. God just does it. It is those who are seeking, depending on, and constantly presuming miraculous revelation that we fear have lost the value that God places on faith.

For example, the Charismatic Evangelical Free pastor Doug Bannister approvingly quotes the mega mystical Christian author Dallas Willard as saying:

The Spirit that inhabits us is not dumb. . . . It is simply beyond belief that two persons, so intimately related . . . would not speak to each other. How can there be personal relationships, a personal walk with God . . . without individualized [extrabiblical] communication? ^[10]

How we wish Pastor Bannister spoke the truth! We would love to have a conversation with God! We naturally are like “some Greeks” who told the Apostle Philip, “we would like to see Jesus” (John 12:21)! But we will not simply ignore the fact that there are no biblical promises or normative precedent for such a thing, that it has not been the experience of the vast majority of the most spiritual, godly, and influential Christians throughout Church history, that such unverifiable claims are open to a great deal of self-presumption, that those who claim such things are no more holy, loving, or fruitful than those who do not, that Scripture and our New Nature are very sufficient means of divine revelation, and we are not in Heaven yet!

As another writer has put it, “This road of our earthly pilgrimage is headed for a reunion [and revelation] that cannot be rushed.” ^[11] All of these things are constantly ignored by the unbiblical revelatory isms in our day.

Here we are reminded of something Alexander Mackie wrote many years ago in the conclusion of his study on claims to miraculous events and communication throughout Church history:

Men are eager for the supernatural. The ordinary way of morality as a school for spiritual development is often irksome. The bringing in of the Kingdom of God through patient toil is not an undertaking which commends itself to many minds. Cataclysmic religion is far more interesting. Voices, visions, and miracles are a much more simple and attractive method of solving the problems of life than is to be found along the bare and sometimes unattractive path of duty. The lure of the presence of the supernatural is a will-o’-the-wisp that many minds follow gladly, never stopping to investigate claims or pretensions as to the reality of the supernatural. ^[12]

As for us, we will “live by faith, not by sight” (2 Cor 5:7) because this is what God wants, this is our only opportunity to do so, we are the only beings that can do so, it puts a smile on the King’s face, and it makes us anticipate all the more that Day when we will see Him smiling at us with our own eyes.

B) Living for God’s Glory

Of course to please God is to glorify Him. And this too is the result of our faith. When and where does this glory occur? In several realms: 1) before humans now on Earth, 2) in Heaven now, and 3) in Heaven later.

B.1) Glorifying God Now before Humans

Jesus spoke of such earthly glory through our good deeds when He said, “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven” (Matt 5:16). It is particularly when the world sees our empowering faith in biblical promises and commands in the midst of extreme difficulty and trial, that God is glorified. As discussed further elsewhere, this is precisely what the Apostle Peter is referring to when he writes:

[E]ven if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear what they fear; do not be frightened.” ¹⁵ But in your hearts set apart Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. (1 Pet 3:14-15)

The context here was that Christians were being persecuted for their faith, but exhibiting great courage and “hope” in the midst of it. Accordingly, Peter anticipates unbelievers, even their persecutors, asking them how they can have such hope in the midst of such difficulties. The answer would not be intellectual arguments for the faith as so many interpret and apply this verse. ^[13] The answer would be: Because I’m a Christian! I have the Holy Spirit! I know God loves me!

Visionary faith, the accomplishment of human plans to obey God’s commands, certainly glorifies God on Earth. When the vision faith for a homeless shelter, hospital, school, church plant or other endeavor to serve humankind is pursued in Jesus’ name, and accomplished by Jesus’ power, He and we are glorified. And this has been the undeniable proof and history of Christianity in this world. Elsewhere we have recorded several encouraging testimonies of how the supernatural virtue of Christians, as they carried out a visionary faith for God, has greatly glorified God on Earth. ^[14]

B.2) Glorifying God Now in Heaven

Unfortunately, however, many Christians confine their understanding of glorifying God to the current earthly realm. While our supernatural faith and love have the potential to glorify God on Earth, it is a harsh reality that pagans are rarely paying attention. If God’s glory is confined to what mere unbelievers may grant Him, then it is limited indeed. In addition, we often cannot handle earthly glory very well, and it tempts us to pride. Thankfully, glorifying God and being glorified by God occurs more consistently, importantly, and gloriously elsewhere.

God and other beings in the spiritual realm are watching us now. The Apostle wrote the Corinthians:

It seems to me that God has put us Apostles on display [apedeiken] at the end of the procession, like men condemned to die in the arena. We have been made a spectacle [theatron ^[15]] to the whole universe, to Angels as well as to men. (1 Cor 4:9)

Paul believed his life, struggles, and ministry were being lived out on a theatrical stage with God, Angels, and humans watching. The “men” probably refer to those on Earth. ^[16] But both God and Angels (good and bad probably) are watching from the unseen spiritual realm. We are so unaware of our surroundings, thinking that the only things that exist and effect our lives are things we can see. But there is an entire realm of unseen beings that surround our lives and they are watching us.

This theology is confirmed in Job. Notice how much both God and satan know about him when we read:

One day the members of the heavenly court came to present themselves before the Lord, and the Accuser, satan came with them.⁷ “Where have you come from?” the Lord asked satan.

satan answered the Lord, “I have been patrolling the Earth, watching everything that’s going on.”

⁸ Then the Lord asked Satan, “Have you noticed My servant Job? He is the finest man in all the Earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.”

⁹ satan replied to the Lord, “Yes, but Job has good reason to fear God. ¹⁰ You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. You have made him prosper in everything he does. Look how rich he is! (Job 1:6-10 NLT)

Both Heaven and Hell were watching Job’s life intently. What were they watching for? Love for, and faith in God. These are what our life is being evaluated on. Will we love God enough to be holy, and will we trust Him through all the difficulties thrown our way. The trials of life are simply stage props designed by God to test us, not hurt us, so that our faith and love are on display for Him, the Angels, and the demons.

Why? Because our choices in this life either glorify God or the devil. When we love and exercise faith in a God we cannot see, we give glory to God. When we sin, when we fear, when we give up, we glorify the devil. Notice how God boasts about Job to the devil:

Then the Lord asked satan, “Have you noticed My servant Job? He is the finest man in all the Earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.” (v. 8)

Job’s fear, faith, and love for God glorified Him, even giving God an opportunity to boast to His enemy.

Then came the dare. Here is the part that makes this passage one of the most fascinating in all of human literature, let alone Scripture: satan dares God about Job’s faith and love:

⁹ satan replied to the Lord, Job has good reason to fear [and trust and love] God. ¹⁰ You have always put a wall of protection around him and his home and his property. ¹¹ But reach out and take away everything he has, and he will surely curse you to your face!” (vs. 9-11)

What is satan’s claim: “Job does not really love God, but really only loves God’s blessings. Take it away and you’ll see how much faith and love Job really has for you.” Unfortunately, the devil had a great deal of evidence for his claim. Throughout human history he had observed this very thing repeatedly with very few exceptions. Everyone’s love for and faith in God is conditional. Everyone wants to glorify God with the kind of blessing Job experienced, rather than the kind of testing he endured.

It is at this point in the biblical narrative that we might think God would simply brush off the devil’s dare. What does He care about what satan thinks. God knew Job loved Him. But God wanted the devil to know too. God wanted to embarrass the devil. God wanted to show the Angels and demons that Job really did worship Him out of His own choosing, and not just because of the blessings. And it would be Job’s unconditional love, even love in the midst of God taking everything from him, that would make the devil’s and demons’ jaws drop in awe- because no one loves them like that. No one glorifies them like that. They are not worth that much to anyone. Only God deserves to be loved and worshipped even when He is withholding good from you.

So, we read: “All right, you may test him,” the Lord said to satan” (v. 12). This revelation is not given just so we know what happened to a man named Job 4-5000 years ago. It is revealed to us so that we know the same thing is happening to us. “You may test him or her” is no doubt something God has said about us. He wants to give us the opportunity to prove our faith and love for God and glorify Him before the Angels and demons who watch us.

How much will we love God in this life? That is the most important question being answered in the Universe today. This is the reason God started the whole thing. To see, to reveal, what people given real free will would do. How much would they love God back even if God allowed life to be hard sometimes?

Well, we know Job passed his test. After being informed of all he had lost we read:

Job stood up and tore his robe in grief. Then he shaved his head and fell to the ground to worship. ²¹ He said, “I came naked from my mother’s womb, and I will be naked when I leave. The Lord gave me what I had, and the Lord has taken it away. Praise the name of the Lord!” ²² In all of this, Job did not sin by blaming God. (vs. 20-22)

What do you think Heaven & Hell thought of that? This was the super-bowl. This was the Olympics of glorifying God. Everyone was watching this one. Has any man been tested like this? And Job worshipped and He said “Praise the name of the Lord!”

The same theology is illustrated in the life of Daniel. Three times the Angel Gabriel appears to him and addresses him with: “you are highly esteemed [chamudah: precious, pleasing],” “you who are highly esteemed,” and “O man highly esteemed” (Dan 9:23, 10:11, 19). Who was Gabriel referring to that had such high esteem for Daniel? God. This was the very reason that Gabriel said he had come to speak to him (cf. 9:23). Daniel was famous in Heaven because of the faith and love for God that he exercised throughout his life while living in captivity.

We see something similar when Luke relates:

Some Jews who went around driving out evil spirits tried to invoke the name of the Lord Jesus over those who were demon-possessed. They would say, “In the name of Jesus, whom Paul preaches, I command you to come out.” ¹⁴ Seven sons of Sceva, a Jewish chief priest, were doing this. ¹⁵ One day the evil spirit answered them, “Jesus I know, and I know about Paul, but who are you?” (Acts 19:13-15)

In other words, it would appear that Paul was famous among demons as well. These men earned the esteem of God, the awe of Angels, and the fear of demons because they lived a life of love and faith.

What is the most precious commodity in the Universe? It is glory, and both God and the devil want it. And Christians are the greatest source of glory for both in the Universe because only we really have free will over sin and only we can really choose who we will love. There is no greater way to reveal the worth of someone—to glorify them—than to love them. Not even God can manipulate real love. And it is especially unconditional, sincere love for God that gets Heaven and Hell’s attention.

This is the most important reason to love God- to increase the amount of glory that God gets, particularly in Heaven and Hell. All of this is why our choices are so critical. Why our faith is so critical. Along these lines, Andy Stanley has written:

Pursuing a divine vision is really an act of worship. It is a declaration of our confidence in God. It is a proclamation of how important we believe his agenda to be. And God is honored. . . .

Pursuing a vision requires faith. Pursuing a great vision requires great faith. Pursuing a vision will test, stretch, and at times exhaust your faith. And while you are pulling your hair out down here, God revels in the glory he receives. While we wait and wait and wait, and trust and trust and trust, he basks in the glory reflected back to him by his faithful servants.

He glories in our willingness to take him at his word. He delights in our perseverance in the face of debilitating odds. Our faith and ensuing faithfulness bring him immense honor. ^[17]

B.3) Being glorified for all eternity

God wants to share His glory. He not only wants to be glorified, but He wants to glorify us. This glory will be awarded at the judgment seat of Christ, and then enjoyed for all eternity. Accordingly, the Apostle writes that the evaluation of deeds for God will occur when “the Lord comes” and “at that time each will receive his praise [glory] from God” (1 Cor 4:5). Likewise, Paul indicates that the glory awarded at the Great White Throne (cf. Rev 20:11; Matt 25:31-33) will continue for eternity when he says: “our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Cor 4:17). Likewise he writes: “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Rom 8:18).

It really matters what we do for God in this life on this Earth. It will matter for all eternity. Thus, the Apostle gives us this sobering warning:

For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. ¹² If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, ¹³ his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light.

It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man’s work. ¹⁴ If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. ¹⁵ If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames. (1 Cor 3:11-15)

In fact, if you study the biblical descriptions of what happens when we are first gathered before the throne of Christ, you will notice that it would seem Christ is interested in only one thing: What did we do for Him? We might expect a celebration of His victory or our salvation, or a worship service, or instructions regarding what eternal life in the New World will be like. But none of these are described as occurring when we meet at Christ’s throne. As John saw it: “The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books . . . each person was judged according to what they had done” (Rev 20:12-13). And that’s about it.

Of course, there is no glory for us for saving or miracle faith. These are solely the work and gift of God for which we cannot take any credit for. But empowering and visionary faith require a real free will choice on our part and therefore have a tremendous potential to bring us glory.

There will be rewards, praise, and glory for the empowering faith we exercised in God’s commands and promises like Job. Likewise, “Every good purpose of ours and every work prompted by our [visionary] faith” (2 Thess 1:12) will be about the most important thing on our most important Day. What were we willing to plan and pursue in this life for the advancement of God’s Kingdom and glory? What did our visionary faith include? What did we try for God, even though we did not know if it would bear the fruit we desired? In light of eternity, these are among the most important questions the Christian can ask- and hopefully answer.

It would seem Pastors will have a special evaluation and glory. Scripture indicates that we will stand before Christ with those entrusted to our spiritual care. The Apostle wrote: “We know that the one Who raised the Lord Jesus from the dead will also raise us with Jesus and present us with you in His presence” (2 Cor 4:14). Do we know that? Do we know that at least part of our divine evaluation will be together with those we led? Will we be able to “boast of [them] in the day of the Lord Jesus” (2 Cor 1:14) as Paul hoped for the Corinthian church? This was one of Paul’s burdens for the Corinthians—that they would have something to show for their life and he took a great deal of responsibility upon himself for helping them to do so (cf. 1 Cor 3:1-18).

Notice what the Apostle told the Philippians and why:

Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing. (Phil 2:14-16)

Can we say to our church what Paul said to the Thessalonians?:

What is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when He comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy. (1 Thess 2:19-20)

And evidently, that “glory and joy” will be for eternity.

In our individualistic culture, we only think of meeting Christ and being evaluated by Him as an individual, alone with Him. That will certainly be the case: “At that time each will receive his praise from God” (1 Cor 4:5). But we will also be evaluated together. What kind of church were we? How well did we work together, and how much did we accomplish?

And the evaluation of Pastors will no doubt include what they did to help their people live up to their unique potential. This is why:

He . . . gave some to be . . . Pastors and Teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (Eph 4:11-12)

That is talking about helping God’s people reach their full potential.

Part of our God-given job description is to do what we can to make that Day as glorious as possible for our people. We can help them receive more praise at the judgement seat of Christ and enjoy more eternal rewards in the New World forever and ever.

Extras & Endnotes

A Devotion to Dad

Our Father in Heaven, we embrace the opportunity to live by faith in this life in order to please You. While we yearn to see You, we know we are privileged even beyond angels to live by faith. Help us to live by faith and not sight as we look forward to that Day that we will live by sight forevermore.

Gauging Your Grasp

1. Why does faith please God?
2. How can this knowledge encourage us to live by faith?
3. What are some popular ways of illegitimately trying to live by sight instead of faith?
4. We claim that the promotion of mega mysticism in the Church today is in danger of being a rebellion against God’s desire for us to live by faith instead of sight. Why is this? Do you agree or disagree?
5. What are the three realms in which glory occurs?
6. How does our empowering faith glorify God and us?
7. How does our visionary faith glorify God and us?
8. Why do we claim that unlike other types of faith, saving and miracle faith do not result in our glory? Do you agree or disagree and why?
9. What is our interpretation and application of 1 Corinthians 4:9? what other biblical texts do we use to support this view? How does this concept affect our life?
10. What do you think our reward of glory will look and feel like in the New World?

Publications & Particulars

1. OT scholar Victor Hamilton compares the two phrases when he writes:

   Twice we are told that Enoch walked with God, a description applied also to Noah in 6:9. This expression may be compared to halak [“walk before God] which indicates the service of a loyal servant, who goes before his master (sometimes human but mostly divine), paving the way, or who stands before his master ready to serve. Thus, Hezekiah walked before God (2 K. 20:3 par. Isa. 38:3), as did the patriarchs (Gen. 17:1; 24:40; 48:15). A bit more intimacy seems to be suggested by “walking with” as over against “walking before.” “Walk with” captures an emphasis on communion and fellowship. In a number of passages, all addressed to a king or his dynasty, “to walk before God” strongly suggests obedience and subordination (1 K. 2:4; 3:6; 8:23, 25; 9:4), rather than worship and communion. (The Book of Genesis (NICOT) (Eerdmans, 1990), 258 ↑

2. For further discussion of the fact that biblical faith rests on evidence and reason see chapters 6.12-14. ↑

3. Herman Bavinck, Prolegomena, Church Dogmatics Vol. 1 (Baker, 2003), 473. ↑

4. Speaking of the exaggerated intimacy present today in Christian worship, David McLeod of Emmaus Bible College writes in a review of Jack Deere’s Suprised by the Power of the Spirit:

   [Jack] Deere’s discussion of “passion” for Jesus sounds a lot like the “eros piety” confronted by Anders Nygren. Eros piety, found in Greek religion, Gnosticism, and the mystery religions expresses “an appetite, a yearning desire for God which seeks Him in order to satisfy the believer’s spiritual hunger by the [physical and sensual] possession and enjoyment of the divine perfections.” It is seen in many choruses, which are almost romantic in quality.

   The agape love of the NT is not “a longing and striving after something that man lacks and needs but a response of gratitude for something freely and bountifully given.” It is a wholehearted surrender to God, whereby the believer becomes God’s willing slave, content to be at His disposal, having full trust and confidence in Him.

   Sensitivity and humility are needed in evaluating [modern] spiritual life teaching. I would point out, however, that the NT does not use the kind of quasi-romantic expressions that Deere uses (i.e., falling in love with Jesus). Nor does it promise the kind of immediacy of contact that he hungers for. I would suggest that we all need to remember that heaven and the kingdom come later (Acts 14:22). Today we live by faith and not by sight. (Emmaus Journal, “Surprised by the Power of the Spirit^: A Review Article” 10:1, (Summer 2001), 146). ↑

5. Christ’s blessing on people who believed without seeing does not contradict our defense elsewhere of Thomas’ request to see Jesus (cf. section 6.19.A.5). ↑

6. For a description of the essence of charismaticism see endnote in section 6.6.E. ↑

7. Jack Deere, Surprised by the Voice of God (Zondervan, 1996), 291-2. ↑

8. Reference unavailable, which may be a fortunate thing for the author. ↑

9. Collin Brown says in his entry under “Miracle” in the International Standard Bible Encyclopedia: “The demand for conclusive signs is [condemned] (Mt. 12:39; 16:4; cf. Lk. 11:16, 29; Jn. 4:48; 1 Cor. 1:22). Such a demand is indicative of a refusal to respond to what has been already revealed” (Geoffrey W. Bromiley, ed., 4 vols. [Eerdmans, 1988], III:371). ↑

10. Doug Bannister, The Word and Power Church (Zondervan, 1999), 99. ↑

11. Reference unavailable to our regret. ↑

12. Alexander Mackie, The Gift of Tongues: A Study in the Pathological Aspects of Christianity (Doran, 1921), 258. ↑

13. Regarding the popular misinterpretation and application of 1 Peter 3:15 see section 5.4.B.2. ↑

14. Regarding the history of supernatural virtue in Christianity see chapters 5.9, 5.16, and 5.18. ↑

15. Albert Barnes writes of Paul’s use of theatron in 1 Corinthians 4:9:

    The theater, or amphitheater of the ancients was composed of an arena, or level floor, on which the combatants fought, and which was surrounded by circular seats rising above one another to a great height, and capable of containing many thousands of spectators.

    Paul represents himself as on this arena or stage, contending with foes, and destined to death. Around him and above him are an immense host of human beings and angels, looking on at the conflict, and awaiting the issue. He is not alone or unobserved. He is made public; and the universe gazes on the struggle. Angels and human beings denote the universe, as gazing upon the conflicts and struggles of the apostles.

    It is a vain inquiry here, whether he means good or bad angels. The expression means that he was public in his trials, and that this was exhibited to the universe. The whole verse is designed to convey the idea that God had, for wise purposes, appointed them in the sight of the universe, to pains, and trials, and persecutions, and poverty, and want, which would terminate only in their death. (Barne’s Notes on the NT; available online at http://www.ccel.org.

    Regrettably, most other commentators, while confirming Barnes’ interpretation, do not comment much on this amazing statement in 1 Corinthians 4:9. ↑

16. It is a very popular belief that deceased Christians are watching us from Heaven as well. In our opinion, there is not enough clear biblical support to be dogmatic about that, including Hebrews 12:1.

    Likewise, in 1 Cor 4:9, Paul says he is being watched by the whole cosmos including Earth, not just Heaven. The “Angels” are certainly watching from Heaven, which leaves the “men” to be watching from Earth. Accordingly, in the next verses he speaks of being “dishonored . . . brutally treated . . . cursed . . . persecuted . . . slandered” and “the scum of the earth, the refuse of the world” (vs. 10-13) all before humans on Earth. ↑

17. Andy Stanley, Visioneering (Multnomah, 1999), 63, 65. ↑