Consciousness of Christ’s judgment
“For we must appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” 2 Corinthians 5:10, NKJV.
“… For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Romans 14:10, NKJV.
But while the Bible says we shall be judged according to our works, it does not teach we shall be justified on account of our good works (Romans 3:20).
“Therefore by the deeds of the law flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.” Romans 3:20, NKJV.
George Ladd, in A Theology of the New Testament, explains it like this: “The believer will be judged for his works. … This judgment is not “a declaration of doom, but an assessment of worth,” involving not condemnation or acquittal, but rewards or loss on the basis of the worthfulness or worthlessness of the Christian’s life.”
(Please refer to Ivan T. Blazen’s article, Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works, referenced in the further study section of this handout.)
“Because we understand our fearful responsibility to the Lord, we work hard to persuade others. …” 2 Corinthians 5:11, NLT.
Defining godly fear
• Godly fear is the beginning of Psalm 111:10; Proverbs 9:10.
• Godly fear is like the profound Isaiah felt when in God’s presence (Isaiah 6:5). Godly fear is based on a realization of the character, majesty, and greatness of God, and of one’s own unworthiness.
Our call to persuade others
Can God use His people to persuade others no matter how ill equipped they feel?
Start with sincerity
“11 … but we ourselves are well known to , and I hope that we are also well known to your consciences. 12 We are not commending ourselves to you again, but giving you an opportunity to boast about us, so that you may be able to answer those who boast in outward appearance and not in the heart.” 2 Corinthians 5:11–12, NRSV.
Embrace radical devotion
“If we are “out of our mind,” as some say, it is for God; if we are in our right mind, it is for you.” 2 Corinthians 5:13, NIV.
Compelled by Christ’s love
“ 4 For the love of Christ us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; 15 and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for who died for them and rose again.” 2 Corinthians 5:14–15, NKJV.
Christ died our death for us that we might live His life for Him.
There are three reasons we share the gospel
1. In light of the judgment and through the grace of God, we share the gospel because we want God to glorified by our service.
2. We share the gospel, because “the hour of His has come” (Revelation 14:7). We want others to receive the everlasting gospel and receive the seal of God.
3. We share the gospel, because Christ for us that we might live His life for Him.
“who died for us, that whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with Him.” 1 Thessalonians 5:10, NKJV.
Reflection questions
What are some misconceptions people have about the concept of judgment for believers?
If Christ were to assess the works He has done in your life, how worthy or worthless would they be?
How can understanding that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ influence the way we live our lives today?
Why is it important to maintain a clear conscience as a Christian, especially in light of the judgment seat of Christ?
What does it mean to be ‘compelled by Christ’s love’ in our day-to-day decisions?
How does understanding the fear of the Lord play a role in our actions and decisions?
What does 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 reveal about the relationship between Christ’s love and how we should live?
In what ways can you help others understand the importance of living for Christ in today’s world?
In what practical ways can we be motivated by the love of Christ to live for Him rather than for ourselves?
Further reading
• “Justification by Faith and Judgment According to Works” by Ivan T. Blazen
• Some versions use the word, terror, in 2 Corinthians 5:11. According A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature, 3rd ed. φόβος phobos means concretely, something terrible/awe-inspiring, a terror. So the the Greek at the start of 2 Corinthians 5:11 “Εἰδότες οὖν τὸν φόβον τοῦ κυρίου” can be translated “since we know what it is that causes fear of the Lord” i.e. the judgment to come.
Ministry of Healing Chapter 41—In Contact with Others
“The love of Christ,” said Paul, “constraineth us.” 2 Corinthians 5:14. This was the actuating principle of his conduct; it was his motive power. If ever his ardor in the path of duty flagged for a moment, one glance at the cross caused him to gird up anew the loins of his mind and press forward in the way of self-denial. In his labors for his brethren he relied much upon the manifestation of infinite love in the sacrifice of Christ, with its subduing, constraining power.