HDR Candidate: Hills, Bruce


Title of Project Living Today in the Light of That Day: The Future Judgment and Reward of Believers
Course of Study Doctor of Philosophy
Language of Instruction English
Abstract

Within the body of Paul’s writing, he used the motif of judgment as a rhetorical tool to motivate his readers to appropriate Christian living in light of the coming judgment (Rom 2:16; 14:10, 12; 1 Cor 3:12-15; 4:4-5; 2 Cor 5:10). Much scholarly research has focused on the soteriological tension between justification by grace and judgment by works, but not the nature, essence or results of the works themselves. This thesis will analyse the specific ‘works’ Paul singles out in his use of judgment language. Then, within a broader survey of the judgment of believers, it will examine what ethical implications can be drawn which help furnish an important area in Paul’s theology of judgment.