Hebrews 9:27-28 And just
as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear
the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save
those who are eagerly waiting for him.
Ask 10 Christians about the day of judgment and you'll
likely get more than a dozen answers. From Ancient times, God's people have
known there will be an accounting before Him, but there seems to be an ongoing
lack of understanding about it – the nature, purpose, and participants of and in
this great and terrible Day of the Lord.
What is the nature of
this judgment? Throughout national Israel's history, she and the pagan
nations around her were subjected to God's judgment for their actions. One
example from Psalm 9:16 [950] The LORD
has made himself known; he has executed judgment; the wicked are snared in the
work of their own hands. Sometimes we see Israel being punished and at others
it was pagan nations. When God's name is profaned, those responsible will be
disciplined.
We see in Psalm 75 [1030] that God's judgment is not always
punishment: verse 7 but it is God who
executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another. This was
commonly associated with rulers being raised up or put down. As in the days
when Israel wanted to be like the pagan nations, with a mortal man as her king,
so many Christians in our day put too much hope in political leaders,
forgetting the end of the ages has come upon us (1 Corinthians 10:11) and our
citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20).
With man's predilection of being focused on things temporal,
Scripture speaks most about the doom of judgment at the end of the age, as
there is no recovery from it. Speaking of the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob,
Psalm 76:7-9 [1031] But you, you are to
be feared! Who can stand before you when once your anger is roused? From the
heavens you uttered judgment; the earth feared and was still, when God arose to establish judgment, to save
all the humble of the earth. We see similar accounts in Isaiah 66,
Jeremiah 25, and Ezekiel 39. Matt 16:27 [1856] For the Son of Man is going to come with his angels in the glory of his
Father, and then he will repay each
person according to what he has done. The ancient preacher adds some
detail to this: Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 [1209] The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his
commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. [this first part we are
familiar with; this next part is our topic]
For God will bring every deed into
judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. This should
sound familiar, as Paul said virtually the same thing in 2 Corinthians.
The Lord Jesus spoke of the day of judgment without
providing detail of its operation, as if the Jews knew all about. Matthew 10:15
[1840] Truly, I say to you, it will be
more bearable on the day of judgment
for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town. The doom of Sodom
and Gomorrah was legendary; this doom Christ spoke of was worse! This type of
reference recurs several more times in Matthew 11 and 12. In Luke 3, John tells
the Pharisees that the wrath of God is upon them and those "trees"
that do not bear good fruit will be cut down and thrown into the fire. In
Revelation 6:19ff [2473], the other man named John reveals the terror of being
found naked on judgment day: Then the
kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful,
and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks
of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated
on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their
wrath has come, and who can stand?” God’s judgment is real. We must be
ready. If the day of judgment was not certain doom, Christ would not have had
to bear that dreadful curse and we would not benefit from His wondrous love!
One of the more frequent discussions touching on both the
purpose and participants is focused on the "Bema Seat Judgment" of
Christians. This phrase generally refers to the idea that believers must stand
before God to be rewarded - separately from those who are doomed to hell. The
proponents of this doctrine call this the Bema seat judgment to distinguish it
from The White Throne Judgment. The latter they believe to be the Judgment that
God reserves for judicial verdict against transgressions by the wicked. They
may get some support from John 5:24 [1829], which uses the same word (in
several translations) as verse 22. Truly,
truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has
eternal life. He does not come into
judgment, but has passed from death to life. But the word, judgment, is
kree'sis in the Greek; which can also
mean damnation or condemnation; context reveals what is correct. The KJV gets
this verse right: 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. We see the same two statements in verse
27 & 29. John 5:28-29 (KJV) 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. Again, KJV gets it
right, ESV and others use the word "judgment." We’ve seen that God
will bring every deed into judgment – no man escapes this. But we also see that
those who have passed from death unto life shall not come into condemnation!
This is Paul’s point in Romans 8:1, as he tells those who were tempted to trust
in works that there is NO CONDEMNATION for those who are in Christ Jesus, He is
the only refuge!
The truth about the judgment seat is a lot less complicated
and much less ambiguous. The Greek word bema, which is translated seat, is from
a root that means 'base' or the foot (and by extension, step). It is used to
designate a stepped seating area for Judgment. Thus bema simply refers to the
raised seating of a judge or a king. For example, the throne of a King is
usually stepped seating. In other words, seating that is raised above the level
of the surrounding area. Much the same as our courts today have established for
judgments. In our country one must approach the raised judgment area called the
bench. Likewise, the bema seat is simply the raised seating of someone sitting
to judge. For example, Pilate sat on the judgment seat [bema] when Jesus was
being accused of wrong doing (Matt 27:19 & John 19:13). John 19:13 [2064] So when Pilate heard these words, he brought
Jesus out and sat down on the judgment
seat at a place called The Stone Pavement, and in Aramaic Gabbatha. This
is the same Greek word as found in 2 Corinthians, where the alleged "Bema
seat" judgment takes place.
In both Biblical accounts of this episode (Matt 27 &
John 19), the Greek word translated seat, bema, means the exalted seat of
judgment. We should note very clearly that far from being a seat to hand out
rewards, it is a seat of Judgment in tribunal for crimes (perceived or
otherwise). Pilate sits upon this Judgment seat and he makes a Judgment to have
the Lord Jesus Christ scourged, and handed over to be crucified. Quite clearly,
this was a Judgment seat for judicial law. This is not only illustrated by the
context, but also by the content. In both passages, Pilate sits on this bema
and delivers a judicial verdict against Christ (beating and handing Him over to
be crucified) which has absolutely nothing to do with rewards. Likewise, in the
book of Acts we find the same scenario present with this Judgment seat (Acts
18:12 & 17). Acts 18:12 [2124] While
Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews made a united attack against Paul and
brought him to the judge’s bench. The ESV calls this a tribunal, the KJV
calls it a judgment seat. The Greek word is bema.
What is the purpose
and who are the participants? The parable of the talents shows believers
have rewards, based on our deeds – just as we read in Psalm 75:7. The purpose
of judgment day is two-fold; with punishment for evil-doers, rewards for good
deeds (which the Holy Spirit equips and wills us to do), and our inheritance as
joint-heirs with Christ. This inheritance is being regenerated or born of God
to live and reign with Him. This is taught in Ephesians 1:11, 13-14 [2263] In him we have obtained an inheritance,
having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things
according to the counsel of his will. … In him you also, when you heard the
word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed
with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we
acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. This is confirmed in Galatians
3, Colossians 1 & 3, Hebrews 9 & 11, and 1 Peter 1. The inheritance
Abraham looked for was that city whose designer and builder was God, the
heavenly Jerusalem which is described in Revelation 21:9-10 [2494] Then came one of the seven angels who had
the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues and spoke to me, saying, “Come,
I will show you the Bride, the wife of
the Lamb.” And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great, high mountain,
and showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God.” This
is what Peter made mention of in 1 Peter 2, when he referred to the saints in
Christ as living stones being built up as
a spiritual house. What greater reward could one hope for than being at
peace with God, abiding with Him in perfect harmony?
Matthew 25:31-33 [1877] When
the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will
sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he
will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from
the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.
Two groups of people present at this judgment, when Christ returns and sits
in judgment on the nations, He is on a bema; sheep at His right hand, goats at
His left. No separate judgment for the saints in this passage.
Another glimpse at this judgment: Revelation 22:12-15 [2497]
“Look! I am coming quickly, and My reward
is with Me to repay each person
according to what he has done. I am
the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.
“Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the
tree of life and may enter the city by the gates. Outside are the dogs, the
sorcerers, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters, and everyone who
loves and practices lying”. Same two groups of people, each getting judged.
Those who wash their robes (KJV: keeps His commandments) are blessed; these are
the people of God who have been raised up and given His Spirit Who wills and
equips us to do what pleases Him. Outside are those who do not know Him.
The Bible is clear that there is one Judgment of Christ, and
it takes place at the last day. It is then that man will stand before the
Judgment seat of Christ to give account of what he has done on earth, whether
good or evil. All those who were washed clean in the blood of Christ stand
before God spotless with 'good' works that are faultless. The rest of the dead
stand with 'bad' works, and are found guilty in their works of sin. 2 Timothy
4:1 [2342] I charge thee therefore before
God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge
the quick and the dead at his appearing and his kingdom; Romans 14:10
[2181] But you, why do you criticize your
brother? Or you, why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand
before the tribunal of God. One judgment of all flesh, the quick (alive in
Christ) and the dead; at the end of the age.
2 Corinthians 5:10-11 [2229] is where many stand to defend a
separate “bema seat” judgment for Christians. But does that passage teach this?
For we must all appear before the
judgment seat (bema) 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. The same two groups of people, before the
judgement seat of God.
This raised seat judgment Paul speaks of in this passage
also describes the throne on which Herod sat when he was killed by God (Acts
12), the judgment seat Paul was dragged before Gallio (Acts 18), the place
Festus sat in Acts 25, Caesar's judgment seat in Rome, and the raised platform
where Paul met his accusers (Acts 25:16-17). The Greek word does not lend
itself to the narrow, single purpose definition imposed upon it by the Bema
Seat proponents. Bema used to describe various judgment seats and thrones, from
which men in authority render judgment.
The Great White Throne Judgment, in Revelation 20:11-15
[2493], has many of the same characteristics of these other passages we’ve
read. And I saw a great white throne, and
him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and
there was found no place for them. 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. And the sea gave up the dead
which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them:
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. What
in this passage gives the impression it’s a different scene? More detail, same
two groups of people, same two eternal states. The Greek word for throne
(thronos) is not bema; but one definition of bema is "throne" and one
definition of thronos is "seat." While different words, they are
nearly identical in meaning.
Revelation 20 is the same basic scene as in Matthew 25,
wherein Christ sits on His throne of glory, judging between sheep and goats.
Here in Revelation 20, the Lord sits on a throne which is great and white -
terms that ascribe glory and honor. In Matthew 25 [1877], the deeds done by
each group are reviewed, have everything in common. The one thing that
distinguishes between the sheep and the goats is the sheep did their works out
of love for Christ and His brothers. Verse 40 “And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one
of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’ verse 34 Then the King will say to those on His
right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared
for you from the foundation of the world. The inheritance of the saint in
view once more.
In Revelation 20, the sea gave up her dead and death and
hell gave up their dead. Is there any doubt that "death and hell"
give up the damned, to face their Judge? These are terms commonly associated
with those who are not reconciled to God. What about the sea; are its dead the
same category of people or does it give up those who have died in Christ?
Isaiah 60:5 [1350] sheds light on this, describing the fulfillment of what
national Israel foreshadowed when all nations come to God, where the abundance of the sea shall be turned to you (God), the wealth
of the nations shall come to you! This supports the idea that in Revelation
20, the sea could refer to those being called by God from every nation, tribe,
and tongue. This would fit right in with the other judgment passages, which
show the same two groups of people - sheep and goats.
And in this scene, it is as clear as it can be: the only
thing that determines destiny has nothing to do with deeds we do here. If your
name is not written in the Lamb's Book of Life, you have no life in Christ. If
your name IS written in the Lamb's Book of Life, you have eternal life in
Christ. Come, you who are blessed by my
Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
Whatever rewards we may gain by faithful, Spirit led service in this age,
inheriting the kingdom is totally based on God’s free gift of grace poured on
His sheep.
This is what YHWH meant in this snippet from Job 34:23 [921]
- For God has no need to consider a man
further, that he should go before God in judgment. The judgment eternal
destiny of souls is not based on deeds done in the flesh; it is wholly
dependent on and based on the standing one has; is he in Christ? And when one
comes to Christ Jesus in faith, which is a gift from God, he will be protected
from the wrath of God on that great and terrible day when Jesus judges all
nations and peoples.
In speaking about the trials we will face in this age, Peter
pointed us to Christ as our example; revealing a truth about the final judgment
that ought to comfort the saints. 1 Pet 2:23 [2409] When he was reviled, he did not revile in return; when he suffered, he
did not threaten, but continued entrusting himself to him who judges justly. This
is why we who are in Christ have no need to fear the day of judgment: He is
just. The white throne is a sign of Christ’s rule and His glory: He is mighty.
Summary &
Conclusion
The nature of this judgment is comprehensive, no mortal is
excluded. The purpose of judgment day is twofold: to reward those who by
patience in well-doing seek for honor and glory and to punish those who are
self-seeking and unrighteous. Varying rewards and punishments. The participants
in the day of judgment are two: those
who have been clothed in the righteousness of Christ and seek to bring Him
honor and those who are dressed in their own rags of self-righteousness who
serve themselves and mind earthly things. In these things, God is glorified in
saving sinners, punishing evil doers, and bringing the age of redemption to a
close for all will know Him and declare Christ to be King, whether they rejoice
in their salvation or weep in their doom.
Luke 12:42-48 [1983] And
the Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom his master will
set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master
will find so doing when he comes. Truly, I say to you, he will set him over all
his possessions. … And that servant
who knew his master's will but did not get ready or act according to his will,
will receive a severe beating. But the one who did not know, and did what
deserved a beating, will receive a light beating. Everyone to whom much was
given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much,
they will demand the more.
The great day of the Lord is a frightful time for those who
are not clothed in Christ. It’s a validation of all He has promised for those
who wear His white robes. 2 Pet 3:13 [2243] But
according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in
which righteousness dwells. If you are in Christ, you can, with a clear
conscience, join the saints of old and cry out, Maranatha! Come quickly, Lord
Jesus! If you do not have peace in your soul as you consider the end of things
and the accounting that must be made to the Creator and Judge of all things, consider
His words (John 6:35 & 37) [2035]: “I
am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever
believes in me shall never thirst. … All that the Father gives me will come to
me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out.” There is salvation in
no other name or person. Come to Jesus. He is the faithful one.
On the day of judgment, that great and terrible day when
everything done in secret will be exposed (Ephesians 5:13), there is no place
to hide, no safe refuge, no shield from the wrath of God – except for the very
Lamb that will judge all flesh. This is why the gospel is central to mission of
every church. This is why Christ Jesus is heralded as the only savior of poor
sinners; He alone makes atonement for sin, He alone reconciles His enemies to
His Father. He is the bread and water of eternal life; no one who comes to Him
will hunger or thirst; no on who flees to Him will ever be cast out. Repent of
your sin and believe on Christ – there is no other way to be at peace with God.
Peace with God came at a dreadful price as the Son of God drank the cup of
wrath due us. This wonderous love, that caused the Lord of bliss to bear the
dreadful curse for your soul and mine. Let us exhort one another while we have
breath to always look unto Christ, for He is our great salvation and He is our
life!
