SPECIAL TOPIC: The Judgment Seat of Christ

SPECIAL TOPIC: The Judgment Seat of Christ (from 2 Cor. 5:10)

The immediate context is written to believers; even believers will stand before God (cf. Rom. 14:10; 1 Cor. 3:10-17). Apparently, we will be judged/rewarded for our motives, availability, and use of spiritual gifts. Sin and sins have been completely dealt with in Christ's substitutionary death (i.e., 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 John 1:7; 2:1-2), but discipleship is an issue!

On the concept of Jesus as Judge, here is a brief note from my commentary on John 3:17 (see it online at www.freebiblecommentary.org).

"There are several passages in John that assert that Jesus came as Savior, not Judge (cf. John 3:17-21; 8:15; 12:47). However, there are other passages in John that assert that Jesus came to judge, will judge (cf. John 5:22-23,27; 9:39; and in other parts of the NT: Acts 10:42; 17:31; 2 Tim. 4:1; 1 Pet. 4:5).

Several theological comments are in order:

1. God gave the work of judgment to Jesus, as He did the work of creation and redemption, as a sign of honor (cf. John 5:23)

2. Jesus did not come the first time to judge, but to save (cf. John 3:17), but by the fact that people reject Him, they judge themselves

3. Jesus will return as King of Kings and Judge (cf. John 9:39).