The Judgement Seat Of Christ

by J. McCormick, Barrow-in-Furness | Category: General | Jul 1968

"The coming of the Lord is at hand" (James 5.8). How often does the thought pass through our minds rejoicing our hearts, reviving our drooping spirits! The long-expected day when we shall see Him whom our souls love! We shall see the face that was so marred, the hands and feet that were pierced and gaze in wonder at His wounded side. This will bring a meaning to His suffering and death which we did not fully realize before. We shall rejoice that now we are in His presence for ever. The thought of His coming with its purifying effect needs to be ever before us (1 John 3.3). Because He is coming soon we should all be prepared, for "we must all be made manifest before the judgement seat of Christ" (2 Corinthians 5.10), also called "the judgement seat of God" (Romans 14.10). This gives to the coming of the Lord a solemnity to which we ought to give earnest heed. Christ is the Judge, for all judgement has been committed to Him (John 5.22). At the judgement seat of Christ believers will be judged as to their work, which will be proved by fire (1 Corinthians 3.13-15). Some will be rewarded, while others will suffer loss. Some may lose their crown (Revelation 3.11) while others will not obtain a full reward (2 John 8). Again, it is sadly possible that we may be ashamed before Him at His coming (1 John 2.28). All believers of this dispensation of grace will appear before the Lord "that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5.10). The works of believers are likened to various materials, according to their value and durability to withstand the test of fire.

God desires in the life of the believer something of intrinsic value, in which He can take lasting pleasure, and He will reward accordingly. Faith is a very precious thing, and in God's sight it is more precious than gold. Such faith will be tested that it "might be found unto praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ" (1 Peter 1.7). This is living, active faith such as was seen in Abraham when He was called upon to offer up his son Isaac (Hebrews 11.17-19), or like that of the three Hebrew youths who endured the fierce heat of Nebuchadnezzar's furnace and were delivered by divine intervention (Daniel 3). Those to whom the Hebrew epistle was written knew something of the truth that "My righteous one shall live by faith", as they experienced a great conflict of sufferings (Hebrews 10.32-39).

"The things done in the body ... whether it be good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5.10) directs our thoughts to our manner of life. We all experience times of temptation, sometimes from within, sometimes from without. In whatever form it appears we need a steadfast heart to overcome. The overcomer is very precious to the Lord. Notice how He rewards such (Revelation 2.3), and note also James 1.12.

Our life of service will be brought under review, whether it be little or much. The Lord gives His talents according to ability in His sight (Matthew 25.14-30). Those that served well are commended and enter into the joy of their Lord. The neglectful suffer loss. In our service we should not heed the harmful criticism of our fellows. The apostle Paul endured this, but he was encouraged at the thought "He that judgeth me is the Lord" (1 Corinthians 4.4; note also verse 5). He served in the light of that moment when he would give account to his Master, the perfect Servant, who will assess all service at its true value.

Overseers in a church of God have a service allotted to them. It is their responsibility to "rule well" (1 Timothy 5.17), "with diligence" (Romans 12.8), not "lording it" over their charge (1 Peter 5.3) nor yet for "filthy lucre" (1 Peter 5.2). To faithful overseers is the promise, "And when the Chief Shepherd shall be manifested, ye shall receive the crown of glory that fadeth not away" (1 Peter 5.4).

In whatever degree we are called to serve the Lord let us think of the triumphant word of the apostle Paul;

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course I have kept the faith; henceforth there is laid up for me' the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give to me at that day: and not only to me, but also to all them that have loved His appearing" (2 Timothy 4.7,8).

J. McCormick, Barrow-in-Furness | Jul 1968
General