Judgment Seat of Christ

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 13
 
In Scripture this includes the judgment of the living (Matt. 25), of the dead (Rev. 20), and the manifestation of believers (Rom. 14:1010But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (Romans 14:10)). Among Christians, however, the phrase is nearly always restricted to the last of the three. In 2 Cor. 5:1010For 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 connection is, however, as wide as language can make it; and as it embraces all men, it necessarily includes every occasion on which they appear before this divine tribunal. That the believer will never be judged is stated in John 5:2424Verily, 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) (lit.), but that he, as well as others, will appear before the judgment seat of Christ is plainly shown. The purpose for which believers will be brought before this tribunal is that (their past works and service being fully reviewed) they may receive praise or suffer loss according to the character of their walk and testimony. Inasmuch as this determines all rewards and our place in the glory (see GLORY), and as at the public appearing of Christ saints are seen in possession of their rewards, (1 Thess. 2.19, &c.), it appears that this manifestation takes place after the rapture of the saints to heaven, and before their return in glory with the Lord.