The Final Judgment
The Judgment Seat of Christ
Believers Judged for Rewards
Description
All believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give account for deeds done in the body, whether good or bad. This is not a judgment of condemnation—there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus—but a judgment of works for rewards. Our works will be tested by fire; some will receive rewards, some will suffer loss though saved. This judgment will reveal the quality of each one's work. Faithful service will be rewarded; wood, hay, and stubble will be burned up. Every secret thing will come to light. We labor to be accepted of Him at that day.
Key Verses
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.
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. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.