25 July 2025
Ken F. Miller
This study guide is to be used with my book Understanding the Doctrine of Christ, according to Hebrews 5:12-14 & Hebrews 6:1-20. This guide has been laid out to be used in a classroom environment, using a very good Bible Concordance for scriptural references and either a KJV or NKJV Bible. It can be very easily used with my book which would explain in detail what is brought out here.
In today’s world where there are so many misleading information and distractions, a true believer is not and cannot be judged on the basis of anything other than how truly they believe in the word of God and apply that to their everyday lives. The Bible is very clear about what to do and what not to do: outward appearances may deceive, but the Lord looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7). For Christians, this truth should provoke both humility and purpose. We are not accountable to pastors, peers, or the watching world, but to Jesus Christ Himself, who knows us intimately.
The Scripture is very clear on this as it starts with God saying,
13Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. Ecclesiastes 12:13
For the Father [God the Father] judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: John 5:22
Who Judges the Christian?
Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:10,
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.”
This verse underscores that Christian character is judged by Christ. The ultimate assessment of our spiritual life will be based on how we lived out the gospel, reflected the Doctrine of Christ, and obeyed His commands.
12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. Hebrews 4:12-13 (KJV)
What Is Christian Character?
(See the blog on developing our Character)
What we see/hear/touch/taste/and smell (our 5 senses)
Goes into our mind, which demands a thought,
Every thought demands an action,
Every repeated action creates a habit,
Every habit builds our character,
Jesus will judge every character.–Ken Miller
After reaching the “age of accountability” only you can make or change your character and only you, with your character, will stand before God explaining why your character is what it is. We must start out on the right foot otherwise establishing a Christian Character would be IMPOSSIBLE! Becoming a Christian is the first step.
Christian character goes beyond behavior. It is not simply about “being nice” or following rules. It is the result of a transformed heart and a renewed mind (Romans 12:2), shaped by the Holy Spirit through God’s Word. Galatians 5:22-23 paints a vivid picture of such character: “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” These virtues are the marks of a life aligned with Christ.
Jesus makes clear that the tree is known by its fruit (Matthew 7:17-20). A person’s Christian character is evident in how we love others, respond to trials, serve without recognition, and remain faithful when no one is watching, and the list goes on and on.
Judged by the Right Standard
Christ’s judgment is not based on human achievements or accolades, church titles, theological arguments won, or social media influence. He searches the motives of the heart (Jeremiah 17:10). Jesus praised the poor widow who gave two small coins over the rich who gave out of abundance (Mark 12:41-44), reminding us that Christian character is judged by how well we have applied the fruit of the Spirit to our soul and followed that Spirit to our death bed.
The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7) reveals the type of life Christ values, one marked by meekness, mercy, purity, hunger for righteousness, and love for enemies. This revolutionary teaching turns worldly wisdom upside down. When Christ judges the believer’s life, He will be looking for a heart that has obeyed His commandments.
The Danger of Self-Deception
Perhaps the most sobering warning from Jesus comes in Matthew 7:21-23: “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of My Father who is in heaven.” Many will claim to have done great things in His name, but Jesus will say, “I never knew you.”
This underscores the necessity of having an authentic relationship with Christ over religious performance. It is not enough to appear Christian; we must be transformed from the inside out.
Living for Christ’s Approval
Paul’s words in Galatians 1:10 challenges us: “Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.” This Christ-centered focus encourages a life of integrity, even if people do not notice, Christ sees whether or not we are praised, Christ knows, whether or not the world understands our choices.
Encouragement for the Weary
There are believers who live quietly and faithfully, never receiving public recognition or worldly reward. To these saints, Jesus offers encouragement: “Your Father who sees in secret will reward you in secret” (Matthew 6:4, 6, 18). When our character is judged by Christ, it will be done with perfect justice, mercy, and clarity.
If you feel unseen, take heart. If you feel imperfect, remember God is still working in you. Philippians 1:6 promises, “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” The final word on your life will not come from man, it will come from the One who knows you best and loves you most.
Preparing for Christ’s Judgment
- Accepting the fact that without Jesus we have no salvation. To do this we must sincerely have a believing faith which will lead us to be baptized into Jesus for remission of our sins.
- Abide in Christ (John 15:4-5) – Only by remaining connected to the Vine can we bear the kind of fruit Christ seeks. This is done by developing a Christian character and destroying our old character.
- Examine yourself (2 Corinthians 13:5) – Continual self-examination and repentance keeps our hearts pure in God’s eyes.
- Walk in the Spirit (Galatians 5:16) – Let the Holy Spirit guide your choices, relationships, and responses.
- Live with Eternity in Mind (Colossians 3:2) – Fix your eyes on eternal rewards, not temporary approval.
- Love Authentically (1 Corinthians 13) – Love is the highest mark of Christian maturity and will be weighed heavily when Christ judges our hearts.
Conclusion
At the end of this life, what will matter most is how our Christian character is judged by Christ. It will not be our bank accounts, our titles, or how many followers we had. It will be whether we lived for His glory, loved with His heart, and walked in His truth.
Let this sobering reality inspire holiness, encourage perseverance, and anchor your identity in Christ. Live in such a way that when you meet Jesus face to face, He will say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)
Because in the end, the only judgment that counts is His.