May 18, 2020
Good Morning Saints,
Judgment is found in the teachings of the Lord Jesus. This topic is found in both his teachings and parables. He spoke of a day of judgment for the people who lived in His day. In another place, Jesus spoke of a final judgement of unbelievers.
But I tell you, it will be more bearable for Tyre and Sidon on the day of judgment than for you. Matt 11:22
When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his throne in heavenly glory. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. Matt 25:31-33 (NIV)
Jesus also spoke of a future judgment of the nations. Undoubtedly, Jesus taught there is going to be a future judgment of unbelieving humanity. This separation of sheep and goats is the judgement as to weather a person has been marked by the Holy Spirit unto salvation or if a person has not followed Christ in this life thus leading to damnation. Things are different for each group.
And he has given him authority to judge because he is the Son of Man. Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out–those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. John 5:27-29
These verses speak only about a future event, the time is coming when all the dead in their graves will hear the voice of God’s Son, and they will rise again. Every person will be resurrected when the Lord returns, with one of two results: one will be life, the other will be judgment. God grants eternal life to those who have come to the Light and have believed in Jesus Christ. But God will judge and condemn those who rebelled against Christ by refusing to come to the Light.
God’s judgment has already come upon them and will be completely executed by the Son of Man after the resurrection.
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. Rev 20:11-12 (NIV)
The spiritual dead will be judged according to what they have done in their sinful state. This judgement is the judgement of eternal damnation.
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Cor 5:10 (NIV)
Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men’s hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. 1 Cor 4:5 (NIV)
These passages reveal Paul’s emphasis on the judgment seat of Christ. Judgement to us in America means that you go to court and are found guilty and receive a sentence for your crime. This will happen for unbelievers. The judgment seat of Christ is where you go before him and based on His evaluation of your life receive the rewards that His grants. Notice that Paul says each man’s praise will come to him from God. God gives rewards to the victors; We know that He won’t condemn us for our sins at that point, because
Romans 8:1 says, “There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”
Thus, the purpose of the judgment seat of Christ is to examine a Christian’s total life. We will be rewarded for the deeds we have done.
God bless you and keep you.
Pastor Dennis