Interacting with a group of women during a recent book-study session, a comment referring to our future judgment was made. “I was clearly taught that I would be judged one day for all these things I was doing wrong.”
It became evident to me that confusion was swirling around the room – simply by the look on the ladies’ faces who were staring at me, waiting for my response to that declaration.
Maybe you, like them, have questions about how YOU as a follower of Jesus will be judged when you step into the presence of Jesus.
Let’s look at scripture:
“For 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.” (2 Corinthians 5:10 NIV)
So, from the get-go, we see that ALL will be judged, and according to our good or bad deeds. We will be held accountable for our motives and behaviors. By this point you may be shuddering at the prospects of that judgment to come.
To further clarify, let’s examine the TWO JUDGMENTS mentioned in the scriptures.
The Great White Throne Judgment is the final judgment of humanity, with Jesus declaring publicly, the decisions that have already been made. Satan, his fallen angels, and all those who have rejected Christ will be judged. It is the last judgment before all who oppose God are cast into the lake of fire. The unbelievers are judged according to their works and sentenced to everlasting punishment in the lake of fire. John writes . . .
“Then I saw a Great White Throne and him who was seated on it. . . and I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done… and if anyone’s name was not found in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:11-15)
This judgment is for all those who oppose Christ – the unsaved. Believers will not be present at this judgment.
The Judgment Seat of Christ is for Believers. This is a time in the future when Believers will give an account of themselves to Christ.
Circle back around to 2 Corinthians 5:10.
“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.”
Without taking a closer look, it appears that Christ is going to “call us out” for those bad behaviors, impure thoughts, deceptive motives, etc. But that is not at all what this JUDGMENT is about.
The Judgment Seat of Christ is often referred to as the Bema Seat.
“Judgment Seat” is translated Bema, which, in its simplest definition describes a place reached by steps or a platform. In Greek culture “bema” referred to the elevated platform on which victorious athletes received their crowns.
Think of the medal-stand in our modern day Olympic games. The athletes ascend the steps to the platform and are given medals for their stellar achievement.
So, 2 Corinthians 5:10 speaks of us receiving what is due us – whether good or bad.
It is important to note that in this context, ”bad” is from a Greek word meaning worthless or useless. It simply means loss of rewards for the follower of Christ.
Does someone receive a reward for being useless? No. You just don’t GET a reward. So, the place of judgment for the Believer is one that rewards us for our good deeds, motives, purposes in life. The judgment meted out for those bad things - is our loss of rewards.
“For no one can lay any foundation other that the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved – even though only as one escaping through the flames.” (1 Corinthians 3:15 NIV)
All of our motives and deeds will be exposed. They will be revealed as either Christ-worthy or as meaningless. We will still be saved, but our motives and actions in our earthly life will be judged
And as each one is refined by fire, those things done for Christ will shine gloriously and survive for the acceptance of the reward. Those things done - not for Christ - will be burned up and perish into nothingness.
It's important to note, as well, that this is a personal judgment – not collective. And the purpose is not judicial - but so that believers might be rewarded.
Oh I long to be rewarded! It’s not that I’m working to earn His favor or His reward – but I realize that those things which will one day be rewarded - are all things that please Him now! It’s getting a bit easier to practice delayed gratification when I think of pleasing Him, rather than seeking to please myself.
Am I willing to take a deep breath and not retaliate when someone mis-judges me?
Am I willing to turn the other cheek when I’m criticized (especially for something I didn’t do?)
Will I make an effort to act in Jesus-ways when no one else around me does?
Can I do kind things for others without ever calling attention to myself?
Is working hard for the Kingdom Cause, something I do – not caring about earthly recognition?
These are just a sampling of rewards that could be mine on the day Christ speaks to me personally about what I’ve done for His sake, not mine.
In summary, YES, every single person will be judged. But thanks be to God, that believers will not be judged for sin at The Judgment Seat of Christ.
Every sin for every believer has already been judged at the cross.
“God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” (2 Corinthians 5:21)
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus.” (Roman 8:1)
THANK YOU JESUS!
Dear Father, please help me “get over myself” so that I will not focus on ME! I’m willing and ready to turn the other cheek, die to self-will and wants, and put others’ desires before my own. Now, help me to follow through with every desire that pleases You. You’ll make it all right one day. Besides, every choice to practice delayed gratification on my part, helps me focus on You. When I climb that platform at the Bema Seat, my longing is to hear . . . “Well done good and faithful servant.” REWARDS FROM JESUS ARE THE BEST! Amen.
