The Narrow Path Ministries

2 Cor 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 that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

I have often wondered about this verse. Paul uses the word "we" here, so it appears that he is including Christians, and I assume this is also including the whole of mankind that must appear before Christ's judgment seat. Paul doesn't seem to differentiate between those who are faithful to Christ and those who are not. Just from looking at this verse, all seem to be on equal footing here. Therefore, will christians receive for the bad things done?...and will non-christians receive for the good things done? And, if so, what might be received in each case?

Todd

This is something I wrote from a previous topic:

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Remember the parable about the wedding garments? Some were wearing the white garments, but some weren’t. Some people have no garments. These same people claim, “I’m clothed with the righteousness of Christ!! Now I can live as I want!! Jesus cloaks my unrepentant life!! HaaaHaaa!! And you, Mr. Loaves, can’t tell me what to do!!”

Those people are misled.

What is our garment made of? “And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints” Rev. 19:8

Now, we ARE NOT saved by works. Salvation is a gift. But that gift needs to be received. But we must, must, must (have I proven my point??) realize that our righteousness comes ONLY through Jesus Christ, enabling us, equipping us, and empowering us.

BUT!! Judgment is according to our works.

“I will give unto every one of you according to your works” Rev. 2
“and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works” Rev. 20

And by “Judgment” I mean when Jesus will reward everyone according to their works. I believe everyone in the Lake of Fire will be tormented eternally, “for ever and ever.” No one will escape hell. But, the degree of agony may be “according to their works.” I believe every believer will dwell in the New Jerusalem "for ever and ever." But our blessings and our position in heaven may be “according to their works.”

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And so, "Judgment," I think, is where Jesus rewards us according to our works, whether good or bad. From there, they will pass either into torment or into the New Jerusalem.

Hi Father of Five,

You might be interested in this related topic posted a number of years ago (my first post I believe)

http://www.wvss.com/forumc/viewtopic.ph ... highlight=

Matthew 12:37
"For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned."

1 Corinthians 11:31
But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world.

James 3:1
Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly.

1 Peter 4:17
For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

I believe we all stand and are judged according to our works, our works reveal our heart. I'm not to surprised to have to stand and be judged.

1 John 2:4
The man who says, "I know him," but does not do what he commands is a liar, and the truth is not in him.