FIC Home

                                                    The Judgment Seat of Christ

                                                       Hyperlinks

Introduction

(Heb 11:5) By faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated him: for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God.

(Heb 11:6) But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

Enoch pleased God! To hear well done good and faithful servant will be reward in itself. The fact that God promises rewards is proof in itself that the motive is not sinful. Just as parents are happy when there children do well and achieve recognition. I believe the Lord is happy when His children do well, and achieve recognition. The important thing is pleasing Him who has chosen us. The Bible teaches that each of us will give account for our service to the Lord. Some will receive rewards and some will not, according to how we seek Him in faith, and service. Weather it be diligently or slothfully. The word diligently in Heb 11:6 means seeking him earnestly with a sincere heart and desire to obtain His favor (Deut 4:24, Ps 14:2 and Jer 29:13). God has some special things prepared for those who love Him and are willing to seek Him earnestly in faith, now and in eternity. There will be a future judgment of Christians concerning our faith, and service to Christ.  The judgment will be according to the light we have - (Luke 12:48), and also our abilities given -( Matt15:1-31). Christians will not be judged for sin, but for service because Jesus bore our sins on the Cross.  There is no condemnation to them who in Christ (Rom 8:1).  We are not saved by works but for works. We will be judged by are works but not to determine if we are saved but to determine the degree's of are rewards. There are degrees of rewards at the judgment seat of Christ for believers and degrees of condemnation at the great white throne judgment for unbelievers before they are cast into the lake of fire (Rev 20:11-15). Back to Top

Building on the Right Foundation - 1Co_3:11-18

We find in these passages that every Christian is building on a foundation that already has been laid. Our work is either in the Spirit which will be revealed as gold, silver, and precious stones or in the flesh, wood hay and stubble. There is coming a day that will reveal weather our works are of God or not. The works that survives the fire will be rewarded, but the works that do not survive the fire there will be great loss. It's sad but there will be some who stand before Christ on that day and see there works go up in flames. They will be saved but suffer great loss according to verse 15. To the Church of Thyatira in the book of Revelations chapter 2 Jesus speaking to this Church spoke of a few things He had against it in verses 18-29. We see here that Christ was examining there works and doctrine, also other Churches in that chapter and in chapter 3. But we also see the foundation Paul was speaking of to the Corinthians in (Rev 2:24-26). There was some in Thyatira who had not accepted false doctrine and to them He said hold fast to what you already have, and he that overcometh and keepeth My works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations. The foundation that has already been laid is Christ's works. His life was an example for our sanctification (John 17:19), and because He overcame we can overcome (John 16:33). The works spoken of here are that which He commands us to do. Our works is as filthy rags (Isa 64:6). He gives us the victory He has won through faith.

1 Pet 1:7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Also the words of Christ in Rev 3:18 I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. Notice both symbols are spoken of by Jesus gold and fire. Our works are to be in Christ by the Spirit under trials and pressure through the fire.

To live and walk in His steps even as He walked (1John 2:6, and  1Pet 2:21), is our calling. Christ is the foundation we are to build upon. His pure words His works, and life are to be studied cherished, and lived. The spiritual fire of trials and pressure Paul is talking about  will either burn up or refine. When God is obeyed, and faith survives the fire the Christian will overcome, and receive from the Lord. Some will have great lose loosing all they had. Yet as saved by fire. Back to Top

Our Service Judged weather Good or Bad - 2 Cor 5:10, 11

(2Co 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.

(2Co 5:11) Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.

In verse 10 - whether it be good or bad. Strong's definition gives us the meaning.

The word good= means ag-ath-os'  Primary word; “good” (in any sense, often as noun): - benefit.

The word bad= means kak-os'  Primary word; worthless, (subjectively) depraved, or (objectively) injurious: - bad, evil, harm, ill, or, wicked.

So we see here that there is works that we can benefit from, and works that could be deemed bad or worthless. The works that survive the fire are works for Christ sake, and for the Gospels sake. Out of love, and gratitude for what God has done for us through Christ on the Cross. The Christian who is not concerned with good works lacks a proper vision of what's to come. Our works will be judged weather good or bad! We will all appear, and give account at the Judgment Seat of Christ for the deeds done in theses bodies. The word appear could mean simply us appearing before the Lord. Such as appearing before a court room Judge or it could also mean appearing in our true character or nature when we see Him (1 John 3:2, Phil 3:21, and 2 Cor 3:18). The word appear means to make visible or to make known. We will be either approved or ashamed (2Co 5:3; Luk 19:11-26; 1Co 3:14-15 1Co 9:27; 1John 2:28; 2John 1:7-8). This truth should dramatically change the way we live, and think, for our actions will be evaluated by our Lord. Our motives thoughts and all we do, even our idle words (Matt 12:36). 

The term “judgment seat” comes from the Greek word bema, which was the platform in Greek towns where oration  were made or decisions handed down by rulers ( Matt. 27:19; Acts 12:21; 18:12). The seat or bench on which judges sit in court. It was also the place where the awards were given out to the winners in the annual Olympic Games. This “judgment seat” must not be confused with the Great White Throne from which Christ will judge the wicked (Rev. 20:11-15). Because of the gracious work of Christ on the cross, believers will not face their sins (John 5:24; Rom. 8:1); but we will have to give an account of our works and service for the Lord. Back to Top

The Resurrection - 1 Cor 15

I think it important to also look at 1 Cor 15 the resurrection chapter. Wherein Paul gives some important truths about the resurrection. Some there in the Corinthian Church were saying how can the dead be raised, and what kind of body will they have. Paul's answer was a strong rebuke and a call to righteousness. Then he went on to give some insight by the Spirit of God. How that we are like a seed that will some day bear grain of wheat or some other grain, what we really are. And just as Jesus used nature as an illustration . Paul was saying in verses 39-42 look around at the animals, the beasts, fishes, and birds. All flesh is not the same flesh their is one kind of men, and another kind of beasts. Look up at the heavens their is the glory of the sun, moon, and stars. One differs from another, and so it will be in the resurrection of the dead. All of nature speaks of the glory, and power of God. If God could make all this with all its differences, and glory, such as an elephant differing from a horse or a bird, or one star differing from another. He will have no problem in the resurrection. As we have born the image of the earthly after Adam, even so we will bear the image of the heavenly, after the last Adam, speaking of Christ. As the scripture says when we see Him we will be like Him, but Paul makes it clear their will be something distinctly different? We will all have a body like His, but their will be something different in the glory of some than others verse 42. One preacher put it this way every ones cup will be filled to overflowing. Nobody will complain, and all will be full of joy. But some will have a bigger cup than others, because of there love, and devotion to Christ. These are truths in the Word of God, but we should also remember what Paul said of himself, and others concerning the Lords return, and the judgment of others.

(1Co 4:4) For I know nothing by myself; yet am I not hereby justified: but he that judgeth me is the Lord.

(1Co 4:5) Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.

As I've stated above the foundation we are to build upon is Christ 1 Cor 3:11, and Rev 2:26). We are to do the works He has commanded us, but also the Bible says we share in His sufferings (Rom 8:17,18). Although its important to state here that nobody has ever fully lived the life He did or shared fully in His great sufferings that pass our understanding. Especially on the Cross where we have been redeemed, suffering the wrath of God in our place. We all have our lot, and our works that have been given to us before the foundation of the world (Eph 2:8-10). Hence the ground is level at the Cross. Jesus is Lord, and Judge. Back to Top

(1Pe 4:18) And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?

This passage is very clear that we will make it only through much effort! The word scarcely here is used also in Acts 27:7 where Paul is in a ship on his way to Rome when a great storm came upon them suddenly. The strong winds and waves almost made it impossible for them to get a little boat they were pulling behind them back on board. They scarcely were able to do it. It was achieved with great difficulty! We will not make it without much grace and effort into the Kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). True Christianity  is not following a yellow brick road as some convey. Though it is joy unspeakable and full of glory. Its looking beyond this life into eternity. The ideal Peter is conveying is there will be many obstructions and difficulties for the righteous in so much that salvation came very near to not happening.  Weather overcoming or loosing much, the fire that will try every mans work for what sort it is, will bring much difficulty (1Cor 3:13). As to where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear? I refer again to Paul who says in (2Co 5:11) Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade all men. Do we have the understanding that Paul is asserting here. There are only two judgment bars the Great White Throne Judgment, and the Judgment Seat of Christ. People are either saved or lost there is no in-between! Back to Top

The Lord Bless you and keep you as you seek Him.

FIC Home