We are saved by grace not works, so why are we to be judged by Christ?

  • Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.

    If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!

    To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.

Blik

Senior Member
Dec 6, 2016
7,312
2,428
113
#1
2 Corinthians 5:10 For 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.
 

Deuteronomy

Well-known member
Jun 11, 2018
3,344
3,720
113
68
#2
Hello @Blik, the Bible speaks of at least two end times Judgments, one at the Great White Throne (for the reprobate), and one at the Bema Seat of Christ (for the saints). Apparently, all who are judged at the Great White Throne will be condemned, while those who are judged by Christ at the Bema Seat will not be (condemned, that is). Rather, believers will receive rewards that are commensurate with their good works/service to God during their lifetimes here.

Here are a couple of links that you may find useful (I included short quotes from each article, as well).

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). All our sins are forgiven, and there is “no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1). 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).
Some Christians believe that the Scriptures reveal three different judgments to come. The first is the judgment of the sheep and the goats or a judgment of the nations (Matthew 25:31-36). This takes place after the tribulation period but prior to the millennium; its purpose is to determine who will enter the millennial kingdom. The second is a judgment of believers’ works, often referred to as the “judgment seat [bema] of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). At this judgment, Christians will receive degrees of reward for their works or service to God. The third is the great white throne judgment at the end of the millennium (Revelation 20:11-15). This is the judgment of unbelievers in which they are judged according to their works and sentenced to everlasting punishment in the lake of fire.

God bless you!!

~Deuteronomy
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,652
5,908
113
#4
2 Corinthians 5:10 For 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.
This true grace saves us in light of that

“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works. These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.”
‭‭Titus‬ ‭2:11-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

Gods grace found in the teachings of Christ brings us to understand the need for this part

teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ;”

Hearing and believing the gospel brings us to repentance and remission of our sins

When we die we can go to judgement having our sins remitted ( removed and taken away like the scapegoat sacrifice who Carries them Away forever to an inn own land )

air we can go to the same judgement having co ruined in willful sin refusing the call to repentance

We can answer for our wrongs now through acknowledging , repentance and remission. Or we can pretend it’s not really us choosing to do it and we’ll never have to answer for it so why confess and repent ?

Some men's sins are open beforehand, going before to judgment;

and some men they follow after.”
‭‭1 Timothy‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We have access now to repentance and remission of sins but it’s not an excuse to pretend our sins don’t matter and well Never answer for them

The wrong thinking will Keep us away from repentance if we try to reject the coming judgement which is what the devil wants us to hear his call to repentance is what Jesus wants

“I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”
‭‭Luke‬ ‭5:32‬ ‭KJV‬‬

because it’s true your original post there we do have to face Jesus for all we do and also say , that’s why we want to accept the gospel which is him telling us Our judgement now so we can get right ( repent ) and have our sins removed completely forever ( remission of sins )

that’s the good news it’s no longer “ if you sin you must die “ it is “ sll
Have sinned now whoever repents and believes the gospel will receive remission of sins and given eternal life “

That judgement is going to be by this word

He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.”
‭‭John‬ ‭12:48‬ ‭KJV‬‬

But we can accept it now and repent and learn from Jesus and have remission of sins now ahead of time

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

instead of being in this group without remission of sins

“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:28-29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

They didn’t accept the gospel and remission of sins

“I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins.”
‭‭John‬ ‭8:24‬ ‭KJV‬‬

We don’t want to die in our sins we want to repent and have remission of sins before we go to Jesus for judgement

“Then Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins,

and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.

For the promise is unto you, and to your children, and to all that are afar off, even as many as the Lord our God shall call. Then they that gladly received his word were baptized: and the same day there were added unto them about three thousand souls.”
‭‭Acts‬ ‭2:38-39, 41‬ ‭KJV‬‬

remission of sins is really really important to us because we do have to face Jesus and judgement for good and bad
 
L

Locoponydirtman

Guest
#5
2 Corinthians 5:10 For 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.
For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building. According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
I Corinthians 3:9‭-‬15 NKJV
https://bible.com/bible/114/1co.3.9-15.NKJV
 

TMS

Senior Member
Mar 21, 2015
4,030
1,319
113
Australia
#6
We are saved by grace (100% Jesus's righteousness). Not by our works or deeds. We can not earn or buy the right or be good enough by our own efforts.
We need the grace of Christ to be saved.

But Jesus does not give His grace to all. He did make provision to save all at the cross. But the judgement is how God determines who will recieve the Grace of Jesus.

Faith without works is dead.
God will look at our lives and the fruit will show if we had true faith.

Heb 11:4 By faith Abel offered unto God a more excellent sacrifice than Cain, by which he obtained witness that he was righteous, God testifying of his gifts: and by it he being dead yet speaketh.

The faith chap. shows that faith lead to works.
Faith and works go hand in hand with each other.
 
Nov 26, 2021
1,125
545
113
India
#7
Dr David Jeremiah gives you the 5 Crowns Believers will be rewarded with at the Judgment Seat of Christ with the Scripture to back it up ----there is a short video on it as well -----

https://davidjeremiah.blog/what-kind-of-rewards-will-believers-receive-in-heaven/
Agree with this. Good link.

1) All who die believing and loving Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior will be saved, by grace through faith in Him.
2) The Good Works you do will determine the degree of reward you have and your level or position in Heaven.
(3) The Evil works an unbeliever - whose sins were never washed away - does will determine his place in Hell.

So the most important is to have our sins washed away, by grace through faith in Our Lord Jesus. And after that, to make serious efforts to avoid all sin as far as we can, live a blameless life, and strive for Eternal Rewards by doing Good Works.

God Bless.
 

Webers.Home

Well-known member
May 28, 2018
5,894
1,084
113
Oregon
#8
.
I was 24 years old back in 1968 before discovering that Christ is returning to
rule the world. My initial reaction was alarm because I instinctively knew
that were I called on the carpet for a face-to-face with Christ, it would not
go well for me because I had a lot to answer for.
_
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
#9
2 Corinthians 5:10 For 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.

Those that are saved by the sovereign grace of God, are judged by God's chastening, as they live here on earth, and are not judged at the last day, only the wicket are judged at the last day.
 
Nov 26, 2021
1,125
545
113
India
#10
Those that are saved by the sovereign grace of God, are judged by God's chastening, as they live here on earth, and are not judged at the last day, only the wicket are judged at the last day.
Jesus Christ in Rev 22 disagrees:

"12 And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be."

Good works receive a reward when done by believers. Bad works receive a punishment when done by unbelievers.

Bad works done by believers are washed away in Christ's Blood. Good works done by unbelievers have no eternal reward.

God Bless.
 

Webers.Home

Well-known member
May 28, 2018
5,894
1,084
113
Oregon
#11
.
2Cor 5:10-11 . . 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. Knowing therefore the terror of The
Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust
also are made manifest in your consciences.

Now, I don't really know the full extent of the meaning of that passage, but
I'm pretty sure it relates to 1Cor 3:8-15 & Rev 20:11-15. The first addresses
performance awards, whereas the second addresses crime and punishment.

So I'm guessing that the "persuade" Paul is speaking of pertains to both
believers and unbelievers. To believers: to live a life acceptable to God; and
to unbelievers: prepare yourself for the worst because whereas all walk
away alive from 1Cor 3:8-15, nobody walks away alive from Rev 20:11-15.
_
 

ForestGreenCook

Well-known member
Jul 8, 2018
8,441
1,213
113
#12
Jesus Christ in Rev 22 disagrees:

"12 And, behold, I come quickly; and My reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be."

Good works receive a reward when done by believers. Bad works receive a punishment when done by unbelievers.

Bad works done by believers are washed away in Christ's Blood. Good works done by unbelievers have no eternal reward.

God Bless.



this is Jesus's words informing us what he will do on earth. Isaiah 40:10-11 - Behold, the Lord God will come with strong hand, and his arm (Jesus) shall rule for him, Behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. He shall feed his flock like a shepherd.

He rewards the good and punishes the bad by his chastening, as they sojourn here on earth.
 

BonnieClaire

Well-known member
Jul 1, 2021
385
403
63
#13
2 Corinthians 5:10 For 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.

John 5:24
“Truly, truly, I say to you, the one who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. ~NASB
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,705
113
#14
We are saved by grace not works, so why are we to be judged by Christ?
2 Corinthians 5:10 For 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 Context
7(For we walk by faith, not by sight8We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10For 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.

You are correct in your assertion that this is addressed to believers. As @Deuteronomy has said, this Judgement only concerns our rewards. All who attend this "Bema Seat" Judgement will still be safe in Jesus. This Judgement will only determine what type of crown they will be given.

Hello @Blik, the Bible speaks of at least two end times Judgments, one at the Great White Throne (for the reprobate), and one at the Bema Seat of Christ (for the saints). Apparently, all who are judged at the Great White Throne will be condemned, while those who are judged by Christ at the Bema Seat will not be (condemned, that is). Rather, believers will receive rewards that are commensurate with their good works/service to God during their lifetimes here.

Here are a couple of links that you may find useful (I included short quotes from each article, as well).


God bless you!!

~Deuteronomy
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,652
5,908
113
#15
We are saved by grace not works, so why are we to be judged by Christ?

2 Corinthians 5:10 Context
7(For we walk by faith, not by sight8We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. 9Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 10For 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.

You are correct in your assertion that this is addressed to believers. As @Deuteronomy has said,
“this Judgement only concerns our rewards. All who attend this "Bema Seat" Judgement will still be safe in Jesus. This Judgement will only determine what type of crown they will be given.”

brother can you offer any scrioture to support this ?

alive hewrd the explainations before but still have yet to see a scripture

Is this about rewards and not salvstion ?

“Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance? But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of

God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:


but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, of the Jew first, and also of the Gentile;

but glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile: for there is no respect of persons with God.”
‭‭Romans‬ ‭2:4-11‬ ‭KJV‬‬

one group receives eternal Life another group receives tribulation and anguish indignation and wrath “ Are both groups “ saved “ but just have different rewards ?

Indignation , wrath , anguish those aren’t describing salvation

“but unto them that are contentious, and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, indignation and wrath, tribulation and anguish, upon every soul of man that doeth evil, “

they aren’t going to be saved brother

“God; Who will render to every man according to his deeds: to them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life:”

but glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:”

That group is going to inherit eternal life Or salvation

The judgement seer of Christ is the final judgment it’s this

“Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.”
‭‭John‬ ‭5:28-29‬ ‭KJV‬‬

That’s this

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. ( Roman’s 2)

And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: ( Jesus called them out ) and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
‭‭Revelation‬ ‭20:12-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

There’s one judge who will return one day and all will be tethered before him Christians can repent and obey the gospel now and be judged now by remission of sin rather than imputation of it

theres no seperate judgement there’s just God warning us all of that day some will believe and repent and get right others will refuse to believe his warnings and won’t repent

In the end we all have to face the judge according to what we know and what we did that’s his judgement seat some will hear this

“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:

( others will hear this )

Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

And these shall go away into everlasting punishment:( not saved )

but the righteous into life eternal.”( saved )
‭‭Matthew‬ ‭25:34, 41, 46‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If you read that you’ll find out they were judged according to what they had done
 

oyster67

Senior Member
May 24, 2014
11,887
8,705
113
#16
“this Judgement only concerns our rewards. All who attend this "Bema Seat" Judgement will still be safe in Jesus. This Judgement will only determine what type of crown they will be given.”

brother can you offer any scrioture to support this ?
Yes.
2 Corinthians 5:10 is not the only reference to the Judging of a saved person's works.

1 Corinthians 3:
9For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
10According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

No one mentioned here will lose their salvation (v.15). It only concerns the believer's rewards (v.14).
 

Edify

Well-known member
Jan 27, 2021
1,569
661
113
#17
10For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive compensation for [e]his deeds done through the body, in accordance with what he has done, whether good or bad.
 

Pilgrimshope

Well-known member
Sep 2, 2020
14,652
5,908
113
#18
Yes.
2 Corinthians 5:10 is not the only reference to the Judging of a saved person's works.

1 Corinthians 3:
9For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
10According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon.
11For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is.
14If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.

No one mentioned here will lose their salvation (v.15). It only concerns the believer's rewards (v.14).
Brother your talking about ministers within the body and the quality of what they build on the gospel not eternal judgement

“And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men? For while one saith, I am of Paul; and another, I am of Apollos; are ye not carnal?

Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers by whom ye believed, even as the Lord gave to every man?

I have planted, Apollos watered; ( thier work ) but God gave the increase.

So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.

Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: ( he just explained he planted and Apollos watered them ) and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.( in ministry )

For we are labourers together with God: ( ministers )

ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building. ( the church they helped build ) According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise masterbuilder, ( I built ) I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. ( Apollos watered and now others are building upon so he warns the current ministry in the church he and Apollos labored over as Gods fellow workers )

But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon. For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. ( ministers need to stick to the foundation of the gospel established by Jesus )

Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; ( the people hearing will test the doctrine )

and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, ( on the gospel ) he shall receive a reward.

If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.”
‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3:1-15‬ ‭KJV‬‬

If a minister preaches upon the gospel as a foundation even if they don’t understand and aren’t able to build a fine house just the fact the minister based everything on the right foundation his work may not stand the test , but he believes the gospel and will be saved

this is specifically addressing the people taking over after Paul and Apollos moved on to tower places he’s warning the chi rich leaders not to stray from the gospel because that’s what saves people
 

Nehemiah6

Senior Member
Jul 18, 2017
26,074
13,778
113
#20
2 Corinthians 5:10 For 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.
As already mentioned, the Judgment Seat of Christ is for the assessment of the works done by Christians AFTER they are saved.

Every believer is "ordained unto" good works (Eph 2:10). So Christ wants to see your good works, and there are all kinds of good works mentioned in the Bible. Those whose works are of eternal value will receive appropriate rewards (and even crowns), and those whose works are of no value will receive nothing. But no one's salvation is in jeopardy, since salvation is purely by the grace of God and faith in Christ and His finished work of redemption.