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).
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