But, Jesus had another side to him. We began this lesson talking about the importance of paying attention. Let's be practical. It seems to clearly be pointing to escaping punishment. There are rewards and punishment that are given out on the basis of works.
Salvation is by grace, but rewards and punishment are by works.
For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done . One could argue that it is more appropriate for a father to punish and reward his own children than someone else's. In this way, it is appropriate for the Father to punish and reward us. We are his children. The whole gist of this passage is a warning to behave.