THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST

 

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Cor. 5:10)

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ? 11For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. (Romans 4:10-12)

The Greek word for judgment seat is (bema) and means a step. A raised place mounted by steps, used of the official seat of a judge, a seat on a Tribunal.

This to a lot of people could look devastating to say the least, but the good thing about this is it is for believers only. This is not a judgement of the believer's sins, since we have been washed clean by the Saviour's blood, and God remembers them no more. (Heb. 10:17). This is for the works of the believers that they have accomplished for God while on the earth, weather it be good or bad. Since it says we must stand before the Judgement Seat of Christ to receive the things done in the body whether (good or bad) we see that there will either be rewards or loss of rewards at this time. The rewards will be given for the believer's Faithfulness to the Lord.

The word (Bad) in Greek is (Phaulos) and refers to that which is worthless in the sight of God, thus it is referenced to the (wood, hay, stubble) which will be burned up by fire, thus a loss of rewards.

The word (Good) in Greek is (Agathos) This is work done by the believer who's walking in fellowship with the Lord and is controlled by the Holy Spirit.

In two passages the word is used of the divine tribunal before which all believers are hereafter to stand. In Rom. 14:10 it is called "The judgment seat of God," rv (kjv, "of Christ"), according to the most authentic mss. The same tribunal is called "the judgment seat of Christ," 2 Cor. 5:10, to whom the Father has given all judgment, John 5:22, 27. At this bema believers are to be made manifest, that each may "receive the things done in (or through) the body," according to what he has done, "whether it be good or bad." There they will receive rewards for their faithfulness to the Lord. For all that has been contrary in their lives to His will they will suffer loss, 1 Cor. 3:15.

So here we see that this judgement is only for believers and not everyone. We have been saved by the precious blood of Christ, and thus when we are before Christ at the Judgment Seat it will be for rewards or loss of rewards. It is quite necessary, however that the service of every child of God be definitely scrutinized and evaluated (Mathew 12:36; Rom. 14:10; Gal. 6:7; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24-25; Rev. 2:18,19; 3:17,18; 22:12. In any event of rewards the truly Born-Again believer will be saved (1 Cor. 3:11-15). The greatest thing we as believer's can do is live the best we can for God with whatever time we have left here on earth.

So when and where does this take place?

This would seem to be set up in heaven and will take place before Christ's glorious second coming to establish His earth rule in the millennial kingdom (Matt. 16:27; 2 Tim. 4:8; Rev. 22:12). The out-taking of the church, according to 1 Thess. 4:13-18; 1 Cor. 15:51-58, must first be fulfilled. The judgment seat of Christ is necessary for the appointment of places of rulership and authority with Christ in His role of "King of Kings and Lord of Lords" at His revelation in power and glory.

Christ's rewards are meant to provide a powerful incentive for an obedient life. Little wonder that the apostle Paul rigorously disciplined himself so that he would not be disqualified from the reward of reigning with Christ (1Cor. 9:24-27). The judgment seat of Christ can be a time of great regret, or it can be an occasion of supreme joy.

Some observations of this Judgement:

  1. It is only for the believer
  2. The works are tested by fire
  3. The quality of works is very important
  4. Will our works stand, rewards or rubble
  5. Some will suffer loss of rewards but their lives will be spared

Triumph = Matt. 10:41; 1 Cor. 3:14

Tears, Terror and Shame = 2 Cor. 5:10,11; 1John 2:28; Gal. 6:7; 2 John 8

Let us now look at some of the Rewards given by Christ to the believer:

  1. The Crown of Life - Martyr's crown James 1:12; Rev. 2:10; Matt. 5:10-12
  2. The Crown of Glory - Elder's or Pastor's crown 1 Pet. 5:2-4
  3. The Crown of Rejoicing - Soul winners crown 1 Thess. 2:19,20; Phil. 4:1; Phil. 3:14; Dan. 12:3; Prov. 11:30
  4. The Crown of Righteousness - for those who love Christ's appearing 2 Tim. 4:8; 1John 3:2-3
  5. The Crown Incorruptible - the victors crown. 1 Cor. 9:25-27

Then we see when we are in heaven in Revelation 4:10,11 we will throw our crowns at the feet of Christ and worship Him.

References, The Holy Bible, Logos Bible Software, New Ungers Bible Dictionary, Strongs Concordance, H.A. Ironside, Clarance Larkin, King James Bible Commentary, Vines expository Dictionary.