The judgment seat of Christ is a biblical doctrine that refers to the future judgment of believers in Jesus Christ. It is also sometimes called the “bema seat judgment” based on the Greek word βῆμα (bēma) meaning “judgment seat.” This judgment will take place after the rapture of the church and will determine rewards believers will receive in heaven.
Several key passages in the New Testament mention this coming judgment for Christians:
- Romans 14:10 – “For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.”
- 2 Corinthians 5:10 – “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.”
- 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 – “Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.”
Based on these passages, we can understand several key things about the judgment seat of Christ:
It is a judgment for believers only
The judgment seat of Christ is only for those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ as Savior. Unbelievers will face a different judgment called the great white throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). The judgment seat of Christ is only for those who are in Christ.
It will evaluate a Christian’s life work
This judgment will be an evaluation of each believer’s service and works for the Lord after becoming a Christian. As 2 Corinthians 5:10 says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” The focus will be on examining the quality and motives of the works each believer has done.
There will be rewards and loss of rewards
Based on the quality of each believer’s works, there will be two potential outcomes at the judgment seat. If a believer’s works were done with the right heart motives to glorify God and build His kingdom, they will receive rewards in heaven (1 Corinthians 3:14). However, if a believer’s works were worthless and lacked heavenly value, they will suffer loss of rewards but still be saved (1 Corinthians 3:15). The nature of these heavenly rewards is not defined, but will be given by Christ himself.
The judgment seat is not about salvation
It’s crucial to understand that the judgment seat of Christ is not about salvation. Every believer in Jesus is saved by grace through faith, not by good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Their eternal destiny in heaven is secure. However, their rewards in heaven will be determined by this judgment.
Jesus Christ himself will be the judge
As John 5:22 states, “The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son.” And as Romans 14:10 declares, “For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.” Jesus Christ, who fully understands the works and motives of every believer, will be the righteous judge at this assessment.
It may dispense chastening for unfaithful service
For believers who have lived unfaithful lives as Christians, Scripture indicates there may be some kind of chastening or discipline that results from this judgment, though they will still be saved. As 1 Corinthians 3:15 says, “If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.” The sobering prospect of facing Christ’s disapproval should motivate Christians to faithfully serve Him.
It will occur after the Rapture
The timing of this event places it after the Rapture of the Church. Following the Rapture, the world will undergo a terrible seven year Tribulation period. At the end of this Tribulation, Christ will return and establish his Millennial Kingdom on earth. It is following these events that Revelation 19:8 indicates the judgment seat of Christ will take place, likely very soon after the Second Coming.
All motives and secrets will be revealed
First Corinthians 4:5 tells us that when Christ judges, “he will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart.” Nothing will be hidden from the all-knowing eyes of Christ. Every improper motive and secret sin of believers that was unconfessed will be made known.
Bad works don’t necessarily negate good works
At the judgment seat, Christ will evaluate all the works of each believer. Just because a Christian did something unworthy of reward does not mean they cannot still receive reward for the good they did. Paul still calls unfaithful believers “saved, but only as through fire” (1 Cor 3:15). Their poor works will be burned up, but good works may still endure.
Greater responsibility equals stricter judgment
Jesus said, “Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required” (Luke 12:48). Believers given greater responsibilities, spiritual gifts, talents, opportunities, or knowledge will be judged by a stricter standard than others. There are varying degrees of reward and loss based on what each believer was entrusted with.
Loss of reward is catastrophic, not minor
The loss of eternal reward is not a light or minor consequence. Believers are exhorted to live in light of the judgment seat in many sobering passages like 2 John 8: “Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward.” The prospect of rebuke from Christ and forfeited eternal rewards is meant as a weighty warning.
Knowing Christ is life’s only essential reward
While eternal rewards for service will be given, the Bible reminds believers that nothing compares to the surpassing value of knowing Christ. Paul said everything else is worthless refuse compared to knowing him (Philippians 3:8). Eternal life in Christ’s presence is the believer’s glorious inheritance that outshines any possible reward for works.
The doctrine of the judgment seat carries serious ramifications for how Christians live and serve Christ on earth. Evaluating motives, persevering in obedience, and investing in the eternal over the temporal take on much greater significance in light of this coming judgment. Wise believers will live in joyful submission to Jesus’ lordship, work passionately for His kingdom, and rest confidently in His grace, knowing that eternity awaits. Maranatha!