2 Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 25:31

“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…” What a profound and heartfelt bible truth.  No one will escape the judgment of Christ which is covered by the mercies of God.  He gives all an opportunity for eternal life after death.  Death is final in this earth. But in heaven Christ is preparing for the resurrection of the righteous saved.  The judgment seat reveals that one day we will see Jesus face to face.  The joy of salvation will be complete.

The judgment of Christ is not to be taken in a negative connotation.  The word judgment feels uncomfortable because the outcomes are not always pleasant. But the judgment of Christ is given in love and mercy. Actually, it is good for people of faith who trust and love the Father and the Son. For the righteous saved, death is not final. There is a promised resurrection into everlasting life for those whom Jesus finds worthy.   Salvation is the forgiveness of sins. After the acceptance of salvation, we must know how to live for him.   We are judged according to our response to his moral commandments in Exodus 20:1-17. The moral commandments were not abolished at the cross of Christ. Without the commandments, there would be not guidance as to how to love God and to love each other. 

The parable in Matthew 25 takes into account all the believers who confess the Lord Jesus as their Savior. The believers are represented by the sheep and the goat. Both are to work out their own salvation. They are judged prior to his second coming and are separated. Some believers, which are the goat, will come up short. The judgment of the wicked will follow a thousand year after the righteous resurrection. The judgment seat of Christ is just and loving.   

The judgment seat of Christ tells us that we do indeed have a much higher calling to obtain.  His judgment seat will grant either eternal life or eternal damnation.  As we share in the grief and condolences of many who are called into death, know that life has an eternal value.  

Please listen to this entire message on “Judgment Seat of Christ” and share this link with a family and friends to help us to spread the good news about eternal life.