THE JUDGEMENT SEAT OF CHRIST
ROMANS 14:10,
“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.”
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.”
Introduction:
Some time in the near future, God’s people who are alive on this earth at the coming of Jesus Christ, will be raptured out of this life and into the presence of God. The dead in Christ will have been resurrected just moments ahead of the rapture. Then what happens?
The Bible gives us information regarding what happens next. The saints of God will be reviewed and rewarded for their service here upon the earth. This event is called the Judgement Seat of Christ and you don’t want to be ignorant about this doctrine. Ignorance is not bliss regarding this event.
This judgement is three-fold and every believer will face it.
I. WE WERE JUDGED IN THE PAST AS SINNERS.
A. 2,000 years ago God took every sin that you have committed or will commit and PLACED THEM ON JESUS CHRIST at Calvary, Isa. 53:6.
1. The JUST suffered for the UNJUST, 1 Peter 3:18.
2. He who knew no sin became sin for us, 2 Cor. 5:21.
B. The Sacrifice of Jesus Christ judged sin and His blood paid for sin so perfectly that God can find nothing for which to condemn us, Rom. 8:1; John 5:24.
II. WE ARE BEING JUDGED PRESENTLY AS SONS.
A. We have the OPTION of judging ourselves during this life, 1 Cor. 11:31-32.
1. This means walking in fellowship with the Lord, 1 John 1:6-7.
2. This means confessing our sins in order to maintain fellowship, 1 John 1:9; Ps. 32:5.
B. When we DO NOT judge ourselves the Lord judges us.
1. He deals with us as sons, Heb. 12:5-7.
2. Chastening is not payment for sin.
a. It is a sign of sonship.
b. It is a means of directing us back to God’s will.
1) Loss of health.
2) Loss of possessions.
3) Loss of joy.
4) Loss of loved ones.
III. WE WILL BE JUDGED PROSPECTIVELY AS SERVANTS AND STEWARDS.
A. No believer will miss this judgement, Romans 14:10b.
B. Christ will examine every son regarding his service to the Lord.
1. This will not be a judicial bench. Salvation is not the issue here. If you are not a Christian your judgement is at the Great White Throne Judgement of Rev. 20:11-15.
2. It is the “Bema” judgement. In the Grecian games, the arena had a raised platform on which the presiding judge sat. From this seat he watched the contestants and awarded all of the winners. This was called the “bema” seat. It was a place of reward. But before the reward came the review.
C. The books will be opened.
1. The book of Revelation – the Bible, Isa. 40:8.
2. The book of Redemption – The Lamb’s Book of Life, Rev. 21:27.
3. The Book of Remembrance, Mal. 3:16.
a. The Lord is not writing down your sins – they are blotted out.
b. He is writing down the little things that no one else knows or things others have overlooked.
1) Bottles of our tears, Ps. 56:8.
2) Our midnight prayers that were uttered when no one else could hear. In the Temple boxes held the burnt up wicks from the lamps in the sanctuary.
3) A cup of water, Matt. 10:42.
D. Every Believer has to GIVE AN ACCOUNT of …
1. His building, 1 Cor. 3:10-15.
2. His body, 2 Cor. 5:10.
a. Our works, 1 Cor. 3:13; Eph. 2:8-10.
b. Our faithfulness, 1 Cor. 4:2, “Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”
c. Our motives, 1 Cor. 4:5.
E. Some will receive REWARDS from God, 1 Cor. 3:14. Five crowns are mentioned in the Bible:
1. Incorruptible crown, 1 Cor. 9:25. “Those who conquered in these games were crowned only with the withering leaves or boughs of trees, of olive, bays, or laurel. But Christians have an incorruptible crown in view, a crown of glory that never fadeth away, an inheritance incorruptible, reserved in heaven for them.” Matthew Henry
2. Crown of Rejoicing (a soulwinners crown), 1 Thess. 2:19. These are expressions of great and endeared affection, and high estimation.
3. Crown of Glory (Shepherd’s reward), 1 Peter 5:4. These are expressions of great and endeared affection, and high estimation.
4. Crown of Life (Sufferer’s reward), James 1:12. The crown of life is promised not only to great and eminent saints, but to all those who have the love of God reigning in their hearts. Every soul that truly loves God shall have its trials in this world fully recompensed in that world above where love is made perfect.
5. Crown of Righteousness (for those who love the appearing of Christ), 2 Tim. 4:8.
F. Some will LOSE rewards, 1 Cor. 3:15. The great day will pluck off all disguises, and make things appear as they are.
CONCLUSION
With great joy we will lay our crowns at the feet of Jesus. Rev. 4:1-4, 10-11.