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by Fred H. Pfeiffer (Author)
This biblical process is often misunderstood. Many believe this judgment will determine their salvation. They believe this is when Jesus will ask, "Why should I allow you into Heaven?" They also believe that if they reply that Jesus died for their sins, they will be "saved" from God's wrath and be allowed into Heaven. However, only believers will appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ, so belief in the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ is a prerequisite. Rather than salvation to Heaven, this judgment involves the believer's willingness to seek guidance from the Holy Spirit to live godly Christ-like lives... the salvation of their soul. The believer must grasp the difference between "spirit" and "soul" salvation. "Spirit salvation" is granted to all believers. When a person trusts in Jesus Christ as their savior, they become a believer and are guaranteed that they will enter Heaven. Since only believers appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ, their "spirit salvation" must have already been secured. Instead, believers will be judged solely on their obedience to the direct leading of the Holy Spirit, which is how "soul salvation" is determined. The question Jesus will ask is: "Did your "good works" happen under the direction of the Holy Spirit, or were they a result of "soulish" desires - directed by your mind, will, and emotions, apart from the Spirit?" The problem every believer faces is how to secure the salvation of their own soul God expects believers to become mature; growing from "converts" who merely accept Jesus as their savior, into "disciples" that carry out God's will on earth. A disciple will have learned to become sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit - recognizing His voice and obeying His directions, and in so doing securing their soul's salvation.
