Guided by The Gospel – Issue 130 (Questions of Faith: Does God Keep Score?)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Have you ever wondered if God keeps a running tally of your deeds—the good and the bad? Many of us imagine God as a scorekeeper, weighing our actions on a divine scale. This perception can lead to either fear of judgment or a sense of pride, depending on how we think we’re doing. But what does the Bible say about God’s judgment and His rewards?

In Romans 14:12, Paul reminds us, “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” While this may sound daunting, scripture paints a much more profound and hopeful picture of God’s justice and mercy.

God’s justice is perfect and holy, far beyond human understanding. He doesn’t measure us by a checklist of good deeds but by our relationship with Him. Ephesians 2:8-9 makes it clear: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

This means that salvation is not earned by good deeds or canceled by bad ones. Instead, it is a gift of grace through faith in Jesus Christ. However, the Bible also speaks of judgment and rewards for believers, showing us that our actions do matter—not for salvation, but for reflecting our faith and fulfilling God’s purpose.

The Bible promises rewards for those who faithfully serve God. In Matthew 6:20, Jesus tells us, “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” These treasures aren’t material but eternal—recognition of how we’ve lived for God’s glory and impacted others for His kingdom.

Believers will face the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10), where our works will be tested. This is not about condemnation but about how we’ve stewarded the gifts, time, and opportunities God has given us. It’s a call to live intentionally, knowing that what we do in faith echoes into eternity.

Practical Takeaway: What Does This Mean for Us? God’s grace frees us from the fear of “earning” His love, but it also inspires us to live in gratitude and obedience. Micah 6:8 reminds us: “He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.”

Rather than focusing on a tally of good and bad deeds, let us focus on loving God and others, trusting Him to guide our paths and reward our faithfulness in ways we cannot imagine.

Reflection and Challenge - Reflect on what motivates your actions. Are you striving for approval, or are you living out of gratitude for God’s grace? Ask God to help you see opportunities to serve Him and others with joy and humility.

I welcome speaking with you in the comments, privately, or in more detail about these or any other questions you may have. If you’d like to share a question for future newsletters, please reach out—I’d love to hear from you!

With Hope and Faith,

Edward C. Thomas

Guided by The Gospel

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