All mankind has several things in common, some good and some not so good.
· All of us have sinned and come short of the glory of God. Romans 3:23
· All of us need a Savior, and there is only one true Savior — Jesus Christ. John 14:6; Act 1:12
· All of us are facing death. Hebrews 9:27
· We all face a coming judgment:
Christians – the Judgment Seat of Christ. 2 Cor. 5:9-10.
Non-Christians – the Great White Throne Judgment. Rev. 20:11-15.
In this meditation, I want to focus on “The Judgment Seat of Christ.” All who have received Christ as Savior and Lord and have served Him will appear at this place of judgment. It is not to decide where we will spend eternity. That was determined when we were born again by faith in Jesus Christ.
Note: For those who really know Jesus Christ I have some really good news for you. In Romans 8:1 NKJV we read, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit.”
In Romans 5:1 NKJV we read, “Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God, through our LORD JESUS CHRIST.” Wow! – Peace with God and no condemnation.
Our sins have all been paid for – past, present and future. In Colossians 2:13 NKJV we read, “And you being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh. He (Christ) has made alive together with him, having forgiven you all trespasses.”
The Judgment Seat is also known as the Bema. We believe this event will take place right after the LORD comes for His bride, the church.
John 14:1-3; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-17.
Let’s Consider the Purpose of the Judgment Seat.
In 2 Corinthians 5:9-10, the Apostle Paul wrote –
“Therefore, we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well-pleasing to Him. For we must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”
· The Judgment Seat is a time of evaluation of our service for the LORD.
· In 1 Corinthians 3:11-15: “For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.”
WOW – this is a very important passage of God’s word.
Everyone’s work or service for the LORD will be tested. I believe this will consider motive, attitude, and much more. Christ’s judgment will be fair and just.
In verse 13 we have the word “evident” or ‘clear’ depending on the translation. ‘Evident’ is the Greek word ‘phaneros’ which means ‘known, plain, visible, revealed as to its nature.’
Also, in verse 13, we have the expression ‘the day will show it,’ or ‘declare it.’ The Greek word here is deloo which means to make ‘evident or clear.’
The 13th verse also contains the phrase “Be revealed.” The Greek word here is ‘apokalujpto’, which means ‘to unveil.’
Also in verse 13 is the word ‘test.’ The Greek word here is ‘dokimazo’ and it means ‘to test for the sake of approval.’ The words ‘the quality is ‘hopoios’ that means ‘of what sort or kind.’
In 1 Corinthians 4:5 NKJV, we read, “Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the LORD comes, who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each one’s praise will come from God.”
The phrase “Bring to light” is photizo and it means “to bring to light, and make visible.”
As I wrap up this meditation, several things should be very clear. The LORD will be the Judge. He will evaluate the quality and nature of every person’s work. The Bible is clear – some will be disappointed or suffer loss. Others will be rewarded for faithful service. The Bible talks about the fact that a number of crowns will be presented for different forms of service or ministry.
How do you think you will fare at this judgment? In 1 John 2:28 NKJV we read – “And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He (Christ) appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.”
I pray that each of us will daily walk with Christ and abide/live in Him and He in us. If we do, then we will come before Him with confidence and not be ashamed before Him.
For His glory,
Pastor Leonard
