How seldom this subject is talked about today, yet it is a key Bible doctrine.
The Bible teaches that every person, including Christians, will face God’s judgment. However, for believers, this is not a judgment that leads to condemnation, but rather an evaluation of their lives to receive rewards.
Old Testament warnings about God’s judgment
The Old Testament also frequently states that God will judge everyone, explicitly highlighting that he will judge his own people to determine both whether they are really his people and share the faith of Abraham and then whether they have lived as he wants. These are some of the many passages the Old Testament contains:
“For your ways are in full view of the Lord, and he examines all your paths.” Proverbs 5:21
“He summons the heavens above, and the earth, that he may judge his people: 'Gather to me this consecrated people, who made a covenant with me by sacrifice.' And the heavens proclaim his righteousness, for he is a God of justice.” Psalm 50:4-6
“By myself I have sworn, my mouth has uttered in all integrity a word that will not be revoked: before me every knee will bow; by me every tongue will swear.” Isaiah 45:23
“God will bring into judgment both the righteous and the wicked, for there will be a time for every activity, a time to judge every deed.” Ecclesiastes 3:17
“For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.” Ecclesiastes 12:14
“As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats.” Ezekiel 34:17
“But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver.” Malachi 3:2-3
“His eyes are on the ways of mortals; he sees their every step.” Job 34:21
Many subconsciously think that God does not know what they do and think in secret. This is untrue, all we are is apparent to God.
“Who can hide in secret places so that I cannot see them?’ declares the Lord.” Job 23:24
The New Testament repeats this warning about God’s judgment
The Bible distinguishes two types of judgement. The first is whether a person is a member of the Kingdom of God, of Christ’s Kingdom. The other judgment is just for those who are Christians and this judgment will be on how we have lived.
The Judgment of Salvation
The Old Testament concept of God judging His people connects directly to the New Testament judgment seat of Christ, the Bema seat. The Bema seat (from the Greek word bēma, meaning ‘a raised step’) was a raised stone platform in ancient Greece and Rome used by judges and senior leaders, and this idea was used in the New Testament to refer to the Judgment Seat of Christ. The Bible is clear that only those who belong to Christ will be saved,
“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God’s wrath remains on them.” John 3:36
Those who have become followers of Jesus have already been justified by faith and will not face condemnation on the final day. Jesus said:
“Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24
This peace and security can be the experience of all God’s people. Paul wrote:
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. . .” Romans 5:1
A group of pioneers who were making their way west across a central state in the United States to make a new home for themselves. They traveled in covered wagons drawn by oxen, and progress was slow. One day they were horrified to see a long line of smoke in the west, stretching for miles across the prairie, and soon it was evident that the dried grass was burning fiercely and the wind was blowing the fire toward them rapidly. They had crossed a river the day before but it would be impossible to go back so far before the flames would be upon them. One man understood what could be done. He gave the command to set fire to the grass behind them. Then when a space was burned over, the whole company moved back upon it.
As the flames roared on toward them from the west, a little girl cried out in terror,
“Are you sure we shall not all be burned up?”
The leader replied,
“My child, the flames cannot reach us here, for we are standing where the fire has been!”
What a picture this is of Christians who are safe in Christ! The fires of God's judgment burned themselves out on Jesus, and all who are in Christ are safe forever, for they are now standing where the fire has been.
However just saying we are Christians does not mean we are right with God. There are repeated warnings that not all who claim to be followers of Christ really are and their judgment will be whether they were committed to Christ.
“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.” Matthew 25:31-33
This repeats what Ezekiel said about God separating the sheep, rams, and goats from within His own flock:
“As for you, my flock, this is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will judge between one sheep and another, and between rams and goats.” Ezekiel 34:17
Even ‘religious people’ claim to be followers of Christ will be judged whether their religion is just outward show or whether they have a genuine relationship with Jesus. Jesus gives a frank warning,
“‘Not everyone who says to me, “Lord, Lord,” will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name and in your name drive out demons and in your name perform many miracles?” Then I will tell them plainly, “I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!” Matthew 7:21-23
This is why we must all be clear whether we have turned to live under the authority of the Lord Jesus.
The writer to the Hebrews makes this form of judgment certain, he wants all to know that the death of Christ to take responsibility for the sins of his people is the only hope:
“Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment, so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many; and he will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.” Hebrews 9:27-28
The Judgment of the Christian’s Life
In the Old Testament, God is the judge who refined His chosen nation; in the New Testament, Jesus Christ is revealed as that ultimate Judge who evaluates the Church. Thie confidence that those who have submitted to the rule of Christ will be saved does not mean that how we have lived will not be judged. Paul wrote:
“You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written:“As surely as I live,” says the Lord, “Every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.” Romans 14:10–11
Paul is quoting from Isaiah 45:23 (‘every knee will bow’) to prove that we will all stand before God's judgment seat. Every Christian will be saved but will still be judged on the way they have lived. Paul, the great advocate of salvation by faith has no doubt that we will still be judged.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat (Greek bema) of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due to us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10
This is identical to the language of Ecclesiastes 12:14 which states God will judge ‘every deed . . . whether it is good or evil.’ Yet now our judge will be the Lord Jesus, the embodiment of God.
The prospect of the coming judgment of God was used by Paul to motivate Timothy to make the teaching of the Word of God his priority in life.
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage – with great patience and careful instruction.” 2 Timothy 4:1-2
When he talks of the ‘living and the dead’, he could mean that those still alive and those who have died will be judged. Alternatively he could be referring to those who are alive in Christ and those who are spiritually dead because they have rejected him. It makes little difference, since all people will face the ‘judgment of salvation’ and therefore everyone must be told about the only solution, and because Timothy will face God’s judgment on his priorities in life he must share the gospel urgently.
Those who are faithful in serving the Lord will be richly rewarded:
“Remember that the Lord will reward each of us for whatever good we do, whether we are slaves or free.” Ephesians 6:8
Why is God’s judgment of Christians so little discussed today? Peter warns us:
“For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?” 1 Peter 4:17
What will Christians be judged over?
The Scottish preacher James Denney (1856-1917) said:
“It is Christians only who are in view here. All that we have hidden shall be revealed. The things we have done in the body will come back to us, whether good or bad. Every pious thought, and every thought of sin; every secret prayer, and every secret curse; every unknown deed of charity, and every hidden deed of selfishness; we will see them all again, and though we have not remembered them for years, and perhaps have forgotten them altogether, we shall have to acknowledge that they are our own. Is not that a solemn thing to stand at the end of life?”
Christians will not be judged for their sins, as those were already punished on the cross. Instead, God will evaluate our motives, faithfulness and stewardship, as believers in him in order to determine our heavenly rewards.
The Lord knows what our true motives are:
“He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God.” 1 Corinthians 4:5
He knows whether we have been faithful, he knows whether we have used the gifts he has given us for him or for ourselves. In the Parable of the Talents, Jesus said of the faithful servant:
“The man who had received five bags of gold went at once and put his money to work and gained five bags more. . . His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’" Matthew 25:16, 21
Christians are Christ’s representatives who are here to help others trust in the Lord Jesus by the way we live and what we say:
“Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15–16
By ‘opportunity’ this must mean the opportunities to help people find faith in the Lord Jesus.
God also sees how we support other Christians when they are in need. If we are not concerned about other Christians welfare the question is raised as to whether we really love their Lord. In explaining the parable of the sheep or goats, Jesus said,
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Matthew 25:40
There are many trials and pressures Christians will face because they are determined to stay close to Jesus and live for him. Jesus says those who persevere will be blessed :
“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12
Spiritual leadership and teaching has great benefits but we are warned,
“Not many of you should become teachers, my fellow believers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.” James 3:1
How we speak, especially about others, will particularly be a point of our judgment:
“But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned.” Matthew 12:36–37
Malachi 3:3 describes God sitting as a ‘refiner and purifier of silver’ to clean the Levites. This matches what Paul says about Christ's judgment that will use fire to test the quality of each Christian's work. It burns away worthless deeds but preserves what is valuable. We are saved because we have put our trust in the rock, in Christ, but we have been saved for a purpose and our effectiveness will be judged
“For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved – even though only as one escaping through the flames.” 1 Corinthians 3:12–15
Be holy
Christians are called to be a holy people because God is holy. This means firstly that our characters and our purpose in life are being changed to be like the Lord Jesus. We will be loving both to the Lord himself and to others as ‘God is love’. We will always hold to truth as God is true. We will also be passionate about helping others find the way to enter God’s Kingdom as that is why Jesus entered this world:
“So we make it our goal to please him, whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:9-10
The context of these sentences is the urgency of proclaiming the gospel by how we live and speak for Jesus. Paul continues:
“Since, then, we know what it is to fear the Lord, we try to persuade others. What we are is plain to God.” 2 Corinthians 5:11
“And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us.” 2 Corinthians 5:19-20
The ‘us’ in this chapter refers to all Christians, not just a select few.
Be Fruitful
Jesus insists that all Christians should be producing ‘fruit’ for him.
“He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit he prunes so that it will be even more fruitful. You are already clean because of the word I have spoken to you. Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” John 15:2-4
What does ‘fruit’ meaning this context? Some have tried to explain that this is simply the fruit of a Christ-like character but Jesus makes it clear that he means more that that.
“You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit - fruit that will last - and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.” John 15:16
During this time of final teaching given shortly before his crucifixion Jesus is preparing his followers for their future mission, “to go into all the world and make disciples” (Matthew 28:19). They will produce fruit for Christ but teaching people God’s Word, just as Jesus did:
“If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also.” John 15:20
They will produce fruit by telling people about Jesus, by testifying:
“When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father - the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father - he will testify about me. And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning.” John 15:26-27
If any Christians are not interested and praying for opportunities to help people come to Christ, we will undoubtedly be judged by God for not having this as a priority.
The ‘fruit of the Spirit’ is a list of those attitudes that help build up relationships with other people, an essential feature if we are to help others in the church and attract people to Christ. They are a single fruit, we cannot pick and choose:
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22
The Parable of the Minas
This parable of Jesus in often not well understood. Jesus told this story after the account of his meeting Zacchaeus in Jericho when he explained his purpose in life:
“Today salvation has come to this house, because this man, too, is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:9-10
The parable then starts:
“A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. “But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, ‘We don’t want this man to be our king.’ “He was made king, however, and returned home.” Luke 19:12-15
Story was probably derived from the actual history of Archelaus, the son of Herod the Great. He was a most unpopular man. After his father's death, he went to Rome to receive the king ship over part of his father's kingdom, in accordance with his father's will it's confirmation by the Roman Emperor was necessary, because Harrod Empire formed part of the Roman empire. A deputation of 50 senior Jews also went at the same time to oppose Archelaus’ claim to the kingship. In spite of this, the Emperor appointed him as a ruler over half of his father's kingdom, though not as a fully sovereign King. When he returned many opposed him.
Jesus is clearly talking about himself. He would shortly be returning to his Father in heaven be be crowned with glory but who will again return after a long and indefinite time. The Jewish leaders and many people rejected Jesus, refusing to have him as their king. When he does return he will demand that his servants give an account of how they have used what he gave them.
Ten ‘minas’ was worth only about three months of a working man’s pay and note that each of the servants received the same. The question needs to be answered,
“What, in this parable, does the mina represent?”
Each Christian has been given the gospel, the news of salvation that is available to all through Christ and this is available for us to share. Each Christian is expected to make grow, to spread the news about Jesus throughout the world. Every believer must be faithfully employed in this work for the extension of His rule on earth until He returns.
One servant was faithful:
“The first one came and said, ‘Sir, your mina has earned ten more.’ ‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’” Luke 19:17
Whoever has faithfully and diligently made the best of the opportunities given him by Jesus to serve his cause will be richly rewarded in the everlasting kingdom. Note the good servant does not receive the ten cities as his own possession that has authority over them in order to administer their affairs on behalf of his master.
Whoever has been faithful to a lesser degree will also be rewarded but to a smaller extent.
The believer who proves to be unfaithful in his service, will be rebuked and will take no part in the privilege of reigning in the heavenly Kingdom or of sharing the authority of the eternal king. Although no believer can perish, the unfaithful and those who forsake their calling will meet with disgrace and loss. Whoever makes use of the opportunities for fruitfulness in the Lord Service will receive further opportunities of working for Christ and will be more richly blessed in eternity. Whoever neglect his opportunities and is unfaithful in the Lord’s Service will become spiritually impoverished.
The Scottish preacher, Alexander Maclaren (1826-1910) often talked about the Judgment seat of Christ, saying:
“It is meant for us professing Christians, real and imperfect Christians; and it tells us that there are degrees in that future blessedness proportioned to present faithfulness
After 10 years of’ rule Archelaus was removed from power by the Emperor. The rebellion of the Jews against Rome reached a climax in the rebellion of 66 -70 AD which resulted in the death of hundreds of thousands of Jews and the destruction of Jerusalem and the temple. At the second coming of Jesus all who have rejected Jesus will face his eternal judgment.
The parable only reports on three of the servants. Presumably we are meant to see ourselves as one of the other 7 and answer for ourselves how we are using the gospel we have neem entrusted and empowered with.
We must never forget the judgments to come.
BVP
