When we think of judgment in the Bible, we often think of the fiery pits of Hell and gnashing of teeth. However, “to judge” in the Bible has two different meanings: one to condemn and the other to give out rewards. Judges can decide whether you deserve punishment or freedom, a blue ribbon or a red one. Not all judgment is about punishment. Some is about reward.
Greek, like English, uses the word “judge” in two ways. One way refers to condemnation, while the other way is the giving out of rewards. The Bible says unbelievers will be judged in the first way – condemnation, while believers will be judged in the other way – rewards. The purpose of a believer’s judgment is to determine the worthiness or worthlessness of our works.
There is no question that all believers will stand before God and be judged individually. However, Christians will not be judged for their sin but for their faithful service to God. Let’s explore what the judgment seat of Christ really means.
Judgment Seat of Christ
The term “judgment seat” comes from the Greek word “bema” which refers to a step or platform on which a judge sat during athletic competitions. From this platform, the judge watched the competition, being sure the athletes followed the rules. After the contest was over, the competitors would line up before the bema seat to receive their rewards or crowns.
Believers are in a spiritual competition of sorts, and Christ is the judge. However, unlike the earthly judges who only give awards based on what they see, Christ gives out awards based on our heart’s motivations and intents. The purpose of Christ’s judgment is not to mete out punishment for believer’s sins but to reward a believer’s faithfulness during their time on earth. Jesus already took our punishment upon Himself at the cross (Romans 8:1).
This judgment is only for the Church. Older saints will be judged at another time. Scripture points to this judgment occurring sometime after the Rapture but before Christ’s Second Coming. Jesus says in Luke 14:14 that we will be repaid for our good deeds at the righteous’s resurrection. Also, John describes the Church when Christ returns with His Bride at His Second Coming as already rewarded because the Church is clothed in “fine linen, bright and clean,” indicating the righteous acts of the saints (Revelation 19:8).
Understanding the Judgment Seat of Christ
The Apostle Paul often used metaphors to compare a biblical concept to everyday life to help the reader better understand the idea he was conveying. Paul uses three metaphors to help us understand the judgment seat of Christ.
In the first metaphor set out in 1st Corinthians 3:10-15, Paul compares our lives to a building. He says that only Jesus Christ can lay the foundation on which we are to build our lives. He then says that we can either choose to build our lives with materials that will withstand the test of fire or with materials that will burn-up when the fire gets too hot. If any person’s work is left after the fire, they will be rewarded for what is left.
Paul’s second metaphor helps us understand what types of works will stand the test of fire. He compares us to stewards of God’s affairs on earth. The biblical definition of stewardship is “utilizing and managing all resources God provides for the glory of God and the betterment of His creation” (Holman Bible Dictionary). Christians are to manage and use wisely the gifts God has given them. Stewards of God’s gifts are entrusted with much and must be trustworthy (1 Corinthians 4:2). Jesus tells us that “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more (Luke 12:48b).
Finally, to help us understand better the judgment seat of Christ, Paul compares our lives to a race (1st Corinthians 9:24-27). He tells us that we should run our race to win and with purpose. He says that we must exercise self-control and discipline to not be disqualified from earning our reward. The author of Hebrews gives us additional advice on how to run our race encouraging us to “lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author, and perfecter of faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).
We need to be sure that the work that we are doing has an eternal purpose and will not burn up with the fire of testing at the judgment seat of Christ. As stewards of God’s resources on earth, believers must be trustworthy. We must wisely use the gifts and talents that God has given us, knowing that the more God gives us, the more required of us. Lastly, we must discipline ourselves, running our race with purpose, fixing our eyes on the finish line, Jesus Christ!
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Making Him Known February 28, 2025 9:13 am