The scene upon which this judgement of Christians will be carried out is referred to by Paul twice, in very similar language, in two different passages of his epistles.
“But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ.” (Rom. 14:10)
“So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Rom. 14:12)
In these two verses the phrase “your brother,” which occurs twice, and the phrase “each of us” make it clear that Paul is speaking only about the judgement of Christians. Paul’s thought is that as Christians we should not seek to pass final judgement upon one another because Christ Himself will do that upon each one, and each one of us will have to answer for himself to Christ.
As always, where we are considering eternal judgement, it will be an entirely individual matter. This is stressed by the emphatic phrase which Paul uses: “each of us.” Paul uses very similar language to describe this judgement of Christians in other passages.
“For we must all appear before the judgement 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 Cor. 5:10)
Once again, both the language and the context make it plain that Paul is speaking only of Christians. Again, too, there is the same emphasis upon the individual – “each one.”
Paul also states that the things which will be brought up for judgement at this time will be “the things done in the body” – the acts and behaviour of each Christian during his life here on earth.
Paul indicates, too, that every act performed by a Christian while here on earth must fall into one of two categories – either “good” or “bad.” There is no third category, no neutrality. Every act of a Christian has definite value of some kind – either positive or negative. Every act that is not performed in faith and obedience, for the glory of God, is unacceptable to God and therefore bad. It is upon this simple basis, clearly revealed, that each one of us as Christians must expect to be judged.
Father, please allow me, in Biblical terms and in Paul's words to finish my race so that I win, because my longing for the Lord is that I honour You and glorify Your name in everything I do! Thank You for giving me the power and the perseverance for this. Amen.
