Atmospheric Changers: The Judgment Of Believers

2 Corinthians 5:10: “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.”

The Bible teaches that believers will someday have to give an account at “the judgment seat of Christ” for all deeds done in the body, whether good or bad. Concerning the judgment of the believer, thus the following facts should be kept in mind.

(1). All Christians will be subject to judgment; there will be no exceptions

(Romans 14:12; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Ecclesiastes 12:14).

(2). This judgment will occur when Christ returns for His church

(John 14:3; 1 Thessalonians 4:14-17).

(3). The judge is Christ (John 5:22; 2 Timothy 4:8).

(4). The Bible speaks of the believer’s judgment as something solemn and serious, especially since it includes the possibility of damage or “loss” (1 Corinthians 3:15; 2 John 8), of being ashamed before Him “at His coming” (1 John 2:28), and of “burning” one’s whole life’s work (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). The believer’s judgment, however, will not involve a declaration of condemnation by God.

(5). Everything will be made manifest. The word “appear” (Gk. phaneroo), (2 Corinthians 5:10) means “to be manifest openly or publicly.” Hence, God will examine and openly reveal,

in their true reality:

(a). Our secret Acts (Mark 4:22; Romans 2:16).

(b). Our character (Romans 2:5-11).

(c). Our words (Matthew 12:36-37).

(d). Our good works (Ephesians 6:8).

(e). Our attitudes (Matthew 5:22).

(f). Our motives (1 Corinthians 4:5).

(g). Our lack of love (Colossians 3:18; 4:1).

(h). Our work in ministry (1 Corinthians 3:13).

(6). In summation, the believer will have to give an account of the degree of his faithfulness or unfaithfulness to God (Matthew 25:21, 23; 1 Corinthians 4:2-5) and of his deeds and actions in light of the grace, opportunity, and understanding made available to him (Luke 12:48; Romans 8:1).

(7). The believer’s bad deeds, when repented of, are forgiven in relation to eternal punishment (Romans 8:1), but they are still taken into account when being judged for recompense: “He that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done” (Colossians 3:25; Ecclesiastes 12:14; 1 Corinthians 3:15; 2 Corinthians 5:10). The believer’s good deeds and love are remembered by God and rewarded (Hebrews 6:10); “whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall be receive of the Lord” (Ephesians 6:8).

(8). The specific results of the believer’s judgment will be varied. There will be either the gain or the loss of joy (1 John 2:28), divine approval (Matthew 25:21), tasks and authority (Matthew 25:14-30), position (Matthew 5:19; 19:30), rewards (1 Corinthians 3:12-14; Philippians 3:14; 2 Timothy 4:8), and honor (Romans 2:10; 1 Peter 1:7).

(9). The anticipation of the Christian’s judgment to come should perfect in him or her the fear of the Lord (2 Corinthians 5:11; Philippians 2:12; 1 Peter 1:17) and cause him or her to be sober, to watch and to pray (1 Peter 4:5, 7), to live in Holy conduct and Godliness (2 Peter 3:11), and to show mercy and kindness to all (Matthew 5:7; 2 Timothy 1:16-18).