Judgement in the Life of the Believer

Isn't judgment a very serious subject? Yes, it is indeed, and may the Lord give us a deep impression of this. But I hope to show that there are features connected with our subject that should be a joy to our hearts and a reason to praise our God and our Lord and Saviour more and more. The Bible distinguishes at least five different forms of "judgment" that are related to the believer. Let us study them briefly.

1. The substitutionary judgment of ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More

Right at the beginning of our meditation, we find something that brings eternal joy to our hearts. There is a judgment that every sinner deserves eternal punishment in hell"Place" prepared for the devil and his angels (demons) (Mt 25:41), but into which everyone whose name is not written in the Book of Life will also be thrown (Rev... More. But the believer knows that this punishment will never reach him because Another has already borne the judgment in his stead. In the three hours of darkness on the cross of Calvary, our blessed Lord bore the entire weight of divine wrath. "All Your waves and Your billows have gone over Me" (PsalmPsalm simply means "song." In the Old Testament, this word only occurs in connection with the Psalms of David and the Book of Psalms. Singers sang a psalm with instrumental... More 42:7), but "Many waters cannot quench love, neither can the floods drown it" (Song of Solomon 8:7). And why did He take all this upon Himself? Oh, our hearts know the answer. It was for you and me. He bore the judgment of God for all those who have come to Him as their Savior in repentanceWhile remorse (Greek metamellomai) means to regret a previous act or behavior and to have a different way of thinking about it, Repentance (Greek metanoia) goes further than that: It... More and faith. The words that a future remnantWe speak of a remnant when the majority of God's people have become apostates and have turned away from God. God calls the remnant the few who remain faithful to... More in Israel will utter can surely be applied to us: "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed" (Isaiah 53:5).

2. Self-judgment

Although there is no condemnationThe Bible uses the term condemnation to describe God’s final judgment on sinners – eternal separation from God in hell (Rom 5:18). For those who believe in Jesus and claim... More for those who are in ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More (Romans 8:1; John 3:18; John 5:24), that does not mean that there is absolutely no more judgment in the life of a believer. As long as we are walking here on earth, there is a need for judgment in the sense of chastening or discipline. And the first (and best) thing God expects from us is that we do this ourselves.

Self-judgment should be a constant feature of the believer's life. In connection with the Lord's supperOn the night when the Lord Jesus was going to be delivered into the hands of His enemies, He instituted the Lord’s Supper so that the believers may always think... More, the apostleApostle (Greek) means "sent one." Today, we are "messengers" for Christ when we pass on the gospel (2 Cor. 5:20). But the highest-ranking messenger is Jesus Christ himself (Heb 3:1;... More writes to the Corinthians: "But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup" (1 Corinthians 11:28). This self-examination is not merely a matter for Saturday evening or Lord's Day morning. Rather, it should be our constant attitude to search our hearts, motives, and consciences in His presence. In writing this, the author of this article is fully aware of his shortcomings in these respects. But self-judgment is the only way to escape further forms of divine chastisement.

3. Judgment in the governmental ways of God with a believer

The Corinthian saints had not always followed the instructions of the apostleApostle (Greek) means "sent one." Today, we are "messengers" for Christ when we pass on the gospel (2 Cor. 5:20). But the highest-ranking messenger is Jesus Christ himself (Heb 3:1;... More, which meant that some of them had eaten and drunk unworthily. The result is stated clearly by the apostleApostle (Greek) means "sent one." Today, we are "messengers" for Christ when we pass on the gospel (2 Cor. 5:20). But the highest-ranking messenger is Jesus Christ himself (Heb 3:1;... More: "For he who eats and drinks in an unworthy manner eats and drinks judgment to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. For this reason many are weak and sick among you, and many sleep" (1 Corinthians 11:29-30).

If we fail to judge ourselves and bring our conduct into accord with the Word of God so that we "walk worthily," then God our Father has to discipline us in His ways with us on earth. This sounds very serious—which it definitely is—but we should be glad that our Father deals with us in this way. It proves that we are sons. "For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives. If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons... but He chastens us for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness" (Hebrews 12:6-10). The experience of godly discipline is, of course, something we don't like, but the writer of the Epistle to the Hebrews knew about that. So he says: "Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it" (Hebrews 12:11).

There are two dangers as far as our reaction to godly discipline in our lives is concerned: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him" (Hebrews 12:5). On the one hand, we could despise His chastening, or regard it lightly. Perhaps there are those who, when a problem arises and there are difficult circumstances, roll up their sleeves and think, "Problems are there to be solved"—and we don't see the chastening hand of the Lord in the matter.

On the other hand, there is the possibility that we faint when He rebukes us. This is just the opposite danger. We feel more or less overwhelmed by all the difficulties and sorrowful circumstances, and we don't discern the loving hand of our Father in His dealings with us.

May the Lord give us all to be rightly exercised by all the ways of God with us.

4. The judgment of the assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More

There was unjudged evil of the grossest kind in the midst of the assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More in Corinth. The apostleApostle (Greek) means "sent one." Today, we are "messengers" for Christ when we pass on the gospel (2 Cor. 5:20). But the highest-ranking messenger is Jesus Christ himself (Heb 3:1;... More has to tell them: "For what have I to do with judging those who are outside? Do you not judge those who are inside? But those who are outside God judges. Therefore put away from among yourselves the evil person" (1 Corinthians 5:12-13). If there is wickedness or evil in the midst of a local assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More, the holinessIt generally denotes something separate from the ordinary or even evil. Holiness is, above all, an attribute of God; He is glorious in holiness, He sits on his throne of... More of God requires judgment by the assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More in the putting away of the wicked person. The same thing is also stressed by the Lord Jesus Himself in Matthew 18: "Assuredly, I say to you, whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven... For where two or three are gathered together in My name, I am there in the midst of them" (Matthew 18:18, 20).

Whenever this sad, serious, and holy necessity arises, and the saints, gathered to the Name of the Lord, have the duty to bind the sinThe Bible carefully differentiates between sin and sins. • Sin: the evil power at work in man that causes him to engage in sinful activities (Rom 7:17, 18). God pronounced... More on someone, then this judgment of the assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More is recognized in heaven. Of course, this is true as well of the happy occasion of the restorationWhen a believer turns away from God, He works on them so that they turn back to God through repentance and confession. Then, the believer can once again honor God... More of the sinner and the consequent loosing of the sinThe Bible carefully differentiates between sin and sins. • Sin: the evil power at work in man that causes him to engage in sinful activities (Rom 7:17, 18). God pronounced... More in the judgment of the assemblyThe literal meaning is “called out”: • called out of "the darkness" (1. Pet 2:9)—this refers to the area where there is a lack of light about God Himself, His... More. Next to the demands of the holinessIt generally denotes something separate from the ordinary or even evil. Holiness is, above all, an attribute of God; He is glorious in holiness, He sits on his throne of... More of God, this restorationWhen a believer turns away from God, He works on them so that they turn back to God through repentance and confession. Then, the believer can once again honor God... More of the one put under discipline is the aim of such an act.

It shouldn't need to be mentioned that an act of discipline that is recognized in heaven is also recognized by all the local assemblies on earth. The one put away from the saints in Corinth was out of fellowship in Ephesus, Philippi, and all the other assemblies. The same one was received again (2 Corinthians 2:6-8) for the breaking of bread at all other places as well. This is still the pattern for those gathered to His Name in fellowship with one another.

5. The judgment seat of ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More

"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ" (2 Corinthians 5:10). We started our meditation thinking about the sacrificeA sacrifice/offering to God (or deities in pagan religions) that differed in occasion, purpose, and form. The most important sacrifices required by the Old Testament law include burnt offerings, grain... More of the Lord Jesus. After some challenging considerations about judgment in a believer's life, we close now with another thought that is challenging and encouraging as well.

When the believer appears before the judgment seat of ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More, he won't be judged in the sense of condemned. That matter was settled at Calvary. But he will be revealed. It should be a joy for the believer to think that at this moment, he will—for the first time—see his own life entirely in the way the Lord Jesus sees it. And in our glorified bodies, we will completely agree with this judgment. All this will lead to eternal heavenly worshipIn both Hebrew and Greek, the word "worship" can also be translated as "prostrate / bow down" (Ps 95:6). It is more than praise and thanksgiving because, in worship, honor... More.

There's no room here to talk about this important matter of the judgment seat of ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More. However, in the following listing, I give some of the ramifications of the subject, together with the Scripture references. This is done as an incentive to personal study, which I trust will be of great value and blessingA blessing is something good, in the Old Testament, usually associated with possessions, prosperity, and health, and is usually pronounced over someone. In principle, the lesser is blessed by the... More.

Concerning the Judge

1. All men, without exception, have to appear before the judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10; Ecclesiastes 12:14).
2. This tribunal has three different "sessions": a) 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10; b) Matthew 25:31-33; c) Revelation 20:11-12
3. It is the judgment seat of God in contrast to human judgment (Romans 14:11-12). Even the perfect Servant committed His work to His God (Isaiah 49:4).
4. Jesus ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More, Son of GodThe term "Son of God" in the singular always refers to the Lord Jesus. On the one hand, He is the only begotten (unique) and eternal Son of God, who... More and Son of Man"Son of Man" is a designation for our Lord Jesus Christ. In many Scriptures, it means that He really became man through His birth (Gal 4:4). Like every human being,... More, will be the judge (John 5:22, 27; Acts 10:42; Acts 17:31; Romans 2:16).

Concerning the believer and the judgment seat.

1. Believers won't be judged or condemned there (John 3:18; 1 Corinthians 11:32; Romans 8:1).
2. They will appear there with glorified bodies (2 Corinthians 5:10).
3. The appearingAfter the Rapture and at the end of the 7-years-long tribulation period, the Lord Jesus will appear, i.e., he will come visibly to earth. He will judge the enemies and... More of the saints before the judgment seat will take place between the raptureThe rapture of the believers is one of the great mysteries that was unknown in the OT and is only described in the NT (1 Cor 15:51). It describes the... More and the marriage of the Lamb (Revelation 19:7, 8).

What happens at the judgment seat

1. All deeds will be rewarded there (2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Corinthians 3:13).
2. We have to give an account of all our words (Matthew 12:36).
3. The counsels of the heart will be made manifest (1 Corinthians 4:5).
4. Hidden things will be brought to light (1 Corinthians 4:5; Romans 2:16).
5. Faithfulness in service will be rewarded (Matthew 25:21).
6. The believer's positionThe Christian position cannot be separated from Christian practice, but a distinction must be made. "Position" means how God sees us now. In the eyes of God, we are "in... More in the kingdom depends on the verdict at the judgment seat (Luke 19:17).
7. Present personal faithfulness bears upon the future collective part of the church (Revelation 19:8).
8. Each one has to give an account of himself (Romans 14:12).
9. A servant may lose reward by the unfaithfulness of those whom he was instrumental in bringing to the Savior (1 John 2:28; 2 John 8).
10. It is possible to suffer loss at the judgment seat (1 Corinthians 3:14-15; Revelation 3:11).

About the present result in a believer's life when he is occupied with the truth of the judgment seat.

1. The thought of the judgment seat encourages us to be pleasing to Him (2 Corinthians 5:9).
2. Walking in the judgment seat's light will give us a good conscience (1 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 2:28).
3. Because ChristA title of the Lord Jesus, which is also used as an epithet; Messiah (Hebrew) and Christ (Greek) mean "anointed one". The title refers to the fact that Jesus is... More will be the judge, we fulfill the ministry of reconciliation"Reconcile" can also be translated as "balance." It describes how people are "brought into an agreement." "Reconcile with God" means to bring people or things into harmony with God. It... More (2 Corinthians 5:11ff).
4. The truth of the judgment seat makes us respect the freedom of others in matters of Christian liberty (Romans 14).