What is the judgment seat of Christ?

Answer

Scripture provides us with a reason not to judge one another: “For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. . . . So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10-12;ESV). None of us is qualified to be the Judge. Only the Lord Jesus is qualified, and all judgment has been entrusted to Him «For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: », (John 5:22). We will all stand someday before the judgment seat of Christ.

The judgment seat of Christ involves a time in the future when believers will give an account of themselves to Christ. This is the clear teaching of Scripture: “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” «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 Corinthians 5:10). The warning is for Christians, not unbelievers. As Jesus taught in His parable, the king is going to return, at which time he will require an account from his servants (Luke 19:11-26).

The judgment seat of Christ is distinct from the Great White Throne Judgment. That will be the final judgment of the wicked before they are cast into the lake of fire <a href="https://www.bibliatodo.co

(Revelation 20:11-15). Unbelievers will stand before the Great White Throne, while believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

The judgment seat of Christ does not determine our salvation; that was secured by Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf “and he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”, (1 John 2:2) and our faith in Him “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”, (John 3:16). All our sins are forgiven, and there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”, (Romans 8:1). Jesus said, “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life” “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”, (John 5:24, emphasis added).

Therefore, believers are secure in Christ, but they will still stand before the judgment seat of Christ. It will be a time of examination and reward. Jesus will evaluate our works. How did we utilize the resources God provided? How faithful were we? Were we obedient to the Spirit, striving to honor Christ and advance His work in the world? If so, we will receive a reward (see Matthew 10:41-42). Have we missed our chances to serve the Lord? If we have, we will endure a loss of reward. Paul compares our Christian service to constructing a building:

Each person should build with care. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If someone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, or straw, their work will be revealed, as the Day will bring it to light. It will be exposed to fire, and the fire will assess the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built endures, the builder will receive a reward. If it is consumed, the builder will suffer loss but will still be saved—though only as one escaping through the flames (1 Corinthians 3:10b-15).

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