2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body… I. THE JUDGMENT IS CERTAIN. 1. It is a matter of most definite revelation. 2. It is necessary for the vindication of Divine justice. II. CHRIST WILL BE THE JUDGE. "The judgment seat of Christ." 1. A very solemn fact (1) for those who have rejected his salvation and his rule; (2) or who have treated his claims with neglect and indifference; (3) or who have professed to believe on him, but in works have denied him. 2. A very joyous fact for those who have loved, confessed, and served him. 3. A very impressive tact that the One who died for men will judge men. III. ALL WILL STAND BEFORE CHRIST'S JUDGMENT SEAT. Not one will be missing. How vast an assemblage! A great multitude, and yet no one test in the crowd! We shall be conscious of the great number which no man can number, and yet be impressed with our own individuality. "Each one will receive (ver. 10) - one by one. Every day we are brought a day nearer to that dread convocation. IV. AT THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST THERE WILL BE A GREAT REVELATION. 1. Of character. 2. Of condition. 3. Of life. We shall be made manifest." Life secrets will cease. Successful deceptions will be successful no longer. All veils and disguises will be torn off. The world as well as God will see us as we are. V. AT THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST WE SHALL RECEIVE OUR DOOM. This will be according to the deeds of our life. Will the faithful then be justified by faith? Yes; by faith which produces works. Profession will then go for very little. "Lord, Lord," will be but an empty cry. Ability to pray fluently or to preach eloquently will not come into the account. Nor the ability to look extremely pious. Nor facility of talk respecting "blessed seasons" enjoyed on earth, What faith has wrought in us will be the question. What our Christianity has amounted to really and practically. "A name to live" then will be nothing if we are found "dead." Upon the branch professedly united to the Vine fruit will then be sought. "Faith without works is dead." At the judgment it will seem very dead indeed. Yet not by the mere outward act shall we be judged. The motive will be considered as well as the actual deed. "Faith which worketh by love" (Galatians 5:6) will be diligently sought for. Note: 1. The distinction between good and evil will be strictly drawn at the judgment. 2. There will be degrees of reward and punishment. Some "saved as by fire;" some having an "abundant entrance;" some beaten with few stripes, some with many. It will be "according to what he hath done." 3. The dependence of the future upon the present. We shall receive the things done in the body. A remarkable expression. What we do now we shall receive then. We are now writing the sentence of the judgment! Time is sowing. Judgment is reaping. "What manner of persons ought we to be?" - H. Parallel Verses KJV: For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. |
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