Those whose works have a natural source will “suffer loss.” Their works will be burned up, but they themselves “will be saved.” The judgment seat of Christ, then, does not confer or rescind salvation. Rewards are distributed to those whose works withstand the test. As Arthur Pink points out, “‘Gold, silver, precious stones’ are of intrinsic value, whereas ‘wood, hay, stubble’ are a natural growth” ( The Redeemer’s Return, ch. The “fire” of God’s scrutiny will reveal the quality of our works. Note, in the above passage, that our works subsequent to Christ’s salvation are of two different types-good and bad. 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 3:10b–15). If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. 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. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. Paul likens our Christian service to erecting a building:Įach one should build with care. Did we neglect our opportunities to serve the Lord? If so, we will suffer loss of reward. What did we do with the resources God gave us? How faithful were we? Were we yielded to the Spirit, seeking to honor Christ and further His work in the world? If so, we will have reward (see Matthew 10:41–42). It will be a time of examination and a time of reward. So, believers are secure in Christ, but they still must appear before the judgment seat of Christ. 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, emphasis added). All our sins are forgiven, and there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). The judgment seat of Christ does not determine our salvation that matter was settled by Christ’s sacrifice on our behalf (1 John 2:2) and our faith in Him (John 3:16). Believers will appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Appearing before the Great White Throne will be unbelievers. That will be the final judgment of the wicked prior to their being cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11–15). The judgment seat of Christ is different from the Great White Throne Judgment. As Jesus taught in His parable, the king is going to return, at which time he will require an account from his servants (Luke 19:11–26). The warning is to Christians, not unbelievers. This is the plain teaching of Scripture: “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 5:10). The judgment seat of Christ involves a time in the future when believers will give an account of themselves to Christ. We will all stand some day before the judgment seat of Christ. Only the Lord Jesus is qualified, and all judgment has been entrusted to Him (John 5:22). None of us are qualified to be the Judge. So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God” (Romans 14:10b–12, ESV). Scripture gives us a reason not to judge one another: “For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.
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