Something that has confused me a bit is the actual time that a believer will appear before the Lord, and what that judgment will be about? Will it be right at the moment of death or at the resurrection (of the body) ?
If at the resurrection, then I do not understand how a believer goes right in the presence of the Lord (ie: thief at the cross, and what Paul says that to be absent with the body means being present with the Lord) and then has to appear yet again to answer for his/her life? I guess the strange question is why would be appear before Him, if we are already in heaven enjoying him (without our new physical and resurrected bodies)?
I honestly believe the judgment for believers is a rewards based one from my understanding because sin was dealt with at the Cross/Resurrection, but would like some other thoughts...thanks!
If at the resurrection, then I do not understand how a believer goes right in the presence of the Lord (ie: thief at the cross, and what Paul says that to be absent with the body means being present with the Lord) and then has to appear yet again to answer for his/her life? I guess the strange question is why would be appear before Him, if we are already in heaven enjoying him (without our new physical and resurrected bodies)?
I honestly believe the judgment for believers is a rewards based one from my understanding because sin was dealt with at the Cross/Resurrection, but would like some other thoughts...thanks!