The Judgment Seat of Christ

The Bible tells of coming judgment. The lost face judgment at the Great White Throne; Revelation 20. The believer faces judgment at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

We read of the Judgment Seat of Christ in 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. Also, Romans 14:10-12 …we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. 12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.

This Judgment involves a…
1. REVEALING
Salvation is not the issue here. Nothing about our good works saves us or gives us any merit for Heaven. Yet our Lord examines and rewards the believer for his works – his service to the Lord.

It will be a REVEALING process, likened to FIRE. 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. 11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

Verse 15 talks of a loss – it is a loss of rewards, not of salvation. The quality of every believer’s work will be tested - “every man's work shall be made manifest” - the nature of it will be revealed.

Some works are likened to gold, silver, and precious stones. Such works stand the test of fire. Are we living out the fruit of the Spirit?

The Lord will burn up the unacceptable works, likened to wood, hay, and stubble. They are not worthy of reward.

The Lord will reveal:
• our Words
• our Thoughts
• our Secrets
• our Motives

How have we used our time, money, and our God-given abilities? Have we lived with perseverance and self control? How have we managed relationships, our witness, and our faithfulness to God’s Word?

Not only will there be a Revealing of Works, there will be a…
2. REWARDING
Our Lord Jesus gives eternal life as the great reward – the gift for all who believe. Not a reward of works.

There is an aspect, however, where the Lord recognises how a believer has lived for the Lord. We are commended to seek for heavenly treasures (Matthew 6:20) and the Lord gives recognition of faithful stewardship (Matthew 25:21).

We read of five crowns:
(1) The Incorruptible Crown - 1 Cor 9:23-27 - this crown is given for faithfulness in the race; alike to a committed athlete.
(2) The Crown of Rejoicing - 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 - this is the Soul Winner's Crown.
(3) The Crown Of Life - James 1:12, Revelation 2:10 - this is the crown for stedfastness; for patiently enduring trials and testing.
(4) The Crown Of Righteousness - 2 Timothy 4:7-8 - this crown is given for those who love His appearing. And,
(5) The Crown Of Glory - 1 Peter 5:1-4 - this crown is given for shepherds who faithfully tend, lead and nourish the flock.

The Word tells us of a principle of...
REAPING
Galatians 6:7-8 Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8 For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.

We can expect a return, a result, a harvest, a process of REAPING.

Sadly, some believers will be ASHAMED about what they have sown in their lives… 1 John 2:28 And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming.

Let us be encouraged to want to live well-pleasing to the Lord in all things. Let’s aspire to live by faith, to walk in His glorious power and life, with a spiritual readiness, in preparation for His coming.

Of course it is not that we NEED rewards to want to live right for God. Our motivation as a believer is our love for our Lord, and our wanting to give Him glory in our life.