In Scripture this includes the judgment of the living (Matt. 25), of the dead (Rev. 20), and the manifestation of believers (Rom. 14:10). Among Christians, however, the phrase is nearly always restricted to the last of the three. In 2 Cor. 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 5:24 (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.