Opening Prayer
Today I want to speak about something many Christians are unaware of — or choose not to think about: after the rapture, we will be judged. Yes, we who belong to Christ, we who have put our faith in Him, will be the first to stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Some Christians mistakenly believe that judgment is only for the unbeliever. But Scripture teaches clearly otherwise. In fact, Peter tells us plainly:
1 Peter 4:17
“For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God…”
What is the house of God? It’s not a building. It’s the church—you and me, the body of believers. We are God’s house, and the judgment begins with us.
Let’s turn to 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, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”
This is not addressed to the world — it’s addressed to believers. Paul includes himself. He says, “we must all appear.”
Now, let me be clear: this is not a judgment of condemnation.
Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.”
We are not being judged to determine our salvation — that was settled at the cross. But we are being judged to determine our rewards, and to assess the quality of our service to God.
And the word translated “appear” in 2 Corinthians 5:10 is strong — it means “to be made manifest.” That means everything about us will be brought into the open. Every word, every motive, every deed. Nothing will be hidden. There will be no secrets in that moment.
This is a sober reality. It’s not meant to scare us, but it should awaken us. We will stand before the bema seat of Christ—a raised platform where judgments were given, like the one Pontius Pilate sat on when he judged Jesus.
Just imagine — the very One who was judged by man will now be the Judge. And He will judge His own people first.
Paul says we will receive what is due to us for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. Notice: only two categories. There is no third option.
Some may say, “Well, I’m not doing much that’s right, but I’m not doing anything really wrong.” That’s a lie of the enemy. There is no such thing as neutral ground.
1 John 5:17
“All unrighteousness is sin.”
Just like a straight line reveals what is crooked, righteousness reveals what is sinful. A deviation of one degree or ninety degrees — it’s all deviation.
So if what we do is not good, then it is bad. If it is not righteous, then it is unrighteous. And that will be revealed.
Now let me ask you: Are you living in a way that pleases Jesus? Are you storing up wood, hay, and stubble — or gold, silver, and precious stones?
In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul says each one’s work will be tested by fire. What survives the fire is what will be rewarded. What burns up will result in loss—not the loss of salvation, but the loss of eternal reward.
So let us live now with that day in mind. The rapture will be glorious, but it will be followed by an honest reckoning of how we lived as Christ’s disciples.
Let’s not be caught off guard. Let’s not be ashamed when we stand before Him.
We’ll speak more on eternal judgment soon, but remember: our judgment comes first. Not for condemnation, but for reward and reckoning.
So I urge you today: examine yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal what is pleasing to the Lord and what is not. Repent where needed. Walk in righteousness. Serve with sincerity. Love boldly.
For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. “So then each of us shall give account of himself to God.” – Romans 14:12
Theme Verse:
2 Corinthians 5:10
“For we must all 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.”
I believe the Lord has given me a teaching message — a message not just to stir emotions but to impart understanding and provoke reflection.
Our theme is “The Judgment Seat of Christ.”
The Greek word for judgment seat is “bema.” In the Roman world, the bema was a raised platform where a ruler, judge, or military commander sat to render verdicts. It carried dignity, authority, and a sense of awe.
In the New Testament, we see this word used…
When Pontius Pilate judged Jesus (John 19:13), When Pilate heard this, he brought Jesus out and sat down on the judge’s seat at a place known as the Stone Pavement (which in Aramaic is Gabbatha).
Paul answered: “I am now standing before Caesar’s court, where I ought to be tried. I have not done any wrong to the Jews, as you yourself know very well.
This gives us a picture of the sobriety and seriousness of what lies ahead for each believer.
Romans 14:10–12
“For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ… so then each of us shall give account of himself to God.”
We, the church, are the first to be judged. That should wake us up. “If the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and sinner appear?”
Salvation is free — but it is not cheap. The blood of Jesus paid for it, and we must live in light of that price.
1st Peter 1:17
“Conduct yourselves throughout the time of your stay here in fear.”
Hebrews 4:13 Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.
John 3:18
“He who believes in Him is not condemned…”
John 5:24
“He who hears My word and believes… has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment…”
Romans 8:1
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus…”
Why? Because our righteousness is not our own — it is Christ’s righteousness. God will never find fault with Jesus.
But we will be evaluated. Not to determine if we’re saved, but to determine how we served.
John 12:48 “The word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.”
We judge ourselves now, by the Word, or we will be judged later by the same Word. That’s why Paul said: “If we would judge ourselves, we would not be judged.” (1 Corinthians 11:31)
Your Bible is more than a devotional tool — it’s your future courtroom transcript.
The Five Principles of God’s Judgment (Romans 2). Let’s repeat these together:
Revelation 1:13–17
…and among the lampstands was someone like a son of man, dressed in a robe reaching down to his feet and with a golden sash around his chest. The hair on his head was white like wool, as white as snow, and his eyes were like blazing fire. His feet were like bronze glowing in a furnace, and his voice was like the sound of rushing waters. In his right hand he held seven stars, and coming out of his mouth was a sharp, double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw him, I fell at his feet as though dead. Then he placed his right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.
John saw Jesus not as the suffering servant, but as the Glorified Judge:
Prepare now: This message isn’t about fear — it’s about truth and preparation.
This is a moment we cannot avoid. You will stand before Jesus Christ. Everything will be revealed. Everything will be weighed.
The question is: Are you ready?
Let’s live our lives in such a way that when we appear before the bema seat of Christ, we hear: “Well done, good and faithful servant.” - Amen.
Matthew 25:23
“His master replied, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master’s happiness!’