So far in this study series, we have covered the judgment of the believer’s sins, followed by the judgment of the believer’s self. We now go onto the third judgment – the judgment of the believer’s works.
The believer’s works will be judged at the “judgment seat of Christ.” This term is used only in the following two places in the Bible, though it is referred to many times.
Romans 14:10
But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at naught thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
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.
Careful reading of both passages reveals within the context that only believers will appear before the “judgment seat of Christ.” Only their works will be judged – not their sins!!!! the believer’s sins were already judged in Christ on Calvary –
Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
This judgment will take place in the air following the first resurrection! 1 Thess. 4: 14-18 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with Him.
15 For this we say unto you by the Word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep.
16 For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
At the judgment seat of Christ, the believer will give an account of himself to God. It is evident that we should look to our own service, and not judge the works of others. This passage speaks only to the Body of Christ!! Rom. 14: 10-13 –
10 But 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.
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.
13 Let us not therefore judge one another any more: but judge this rather, that no man put a stumblingblock or an occasion to fall in his brother’s way.
It is very humbling to know that someday the believer will be faced with ALL his works – good or bad. Some will be ashamed and suffer loss – not the loss of salvation – but the loss of rewards. 1Cor. 3:11-15 – 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.
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.
Whatever you do – no matter how insignificant it may seem – do it to the glory of God.
The Vine Vigil 