1. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians
2 Corinth 5:9,10 The Judgement Seat of Christ
2 Corinth 5:9 – “Therefore we make it our aim, whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.”
Therefore, what’s it there for?
2 Corinth 5:6-8 – an atmosphere of confidence!
We make it our aim or labor – present indicative
What’s this labor?
whether present or absent, to be well pleasing to Him.
In the flesh this is a tiresome process and totally unworthy.
But in the Spirit it begins with rest - Heb 4:1-10
And again, Phil 1:21 - For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
Rom 12:1 - I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service.
Every commentator appears to put the pressure on us here!
And how easy it is to apply the law to this!
Then, how is this accomplished? 1
June 18, Bob Eckel 1

2. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians
2 Corinth 5:9,10 The Judgement Seat of Christ
Col 1:29 – To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.
2 Corinth 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.”
This verse may be the most important and perhaps misunderstood verse that is given to the church!
For we must appear – it’s going to happen!
What is this judgement seat?
Hal Molloy – 9 judgements, and he points out 3 major judgements based on dispensational, not covenant theology.
Matt 24,25 – of living nations; signs of end of the age (tribulation) and His 2nd coming (those saved during the tribulation or during the Kingdom age) – based on faith that produced works!
Rev 20:12 – of unsaved: great white throne 2
June 18, Bob Eckel 2

3. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians
2 Corinth 5:9,10 The Judgement Seat of Christ
Based on faith and grace
Acts 4:12 - Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.
2 Corinth 5:10 – of Christ
Based on faith based and grace
Eph 2:8 - For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God,
Covenant theology
Two judgements related to two covenants - one of works and the other of grace.
Works – ended with the fall of Adam
Grace – from fall and includes Israel and the church.
Relates to Israel not accepting the Lord Jesus Christ; therefore all promises must be fulfilled and law is our rule of life.
Dispensational theology – 9 major judgements.
Adam and Eve
Flood
Cross 3
June 18, Bob Eckel 3

4. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians
2 Corinth 5:9,10 The Judgement Seat of Christ
Tribulation-related
Judgement seat of Christ – when uncertain, before the 2nd coming.
Nations after His return
Satan, beast, false prophet
Great white throne
Final purging of the earth
Judgement seat – bema
What other text uses this term, and how does it relate to the church?
Let’s turn to Rom 14:11-23
What’s this all about?
Rom 14:11 is a direct quote from Isaiah 45;23 and doesn’t this appear to relate to Israel not the church?
Thus, ac cording to Hal – ‘These believers were not walking in love, righteousness, peace, joy, serving Christ, well pleasing to God, edifying each other in faith, i.e. good works. Therefore the omission of good works is characterized as works is characterized as worthless works.’
Literally, a raised platform which could be utilized as a tribune for orations or rewards. 4
June 18, Bob Eckel 4

5. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians
2 Corinth 5:9,10 The Judgement Seat of Christ
Tribune – John 19:13; Acts 12:21, Acts 18:12,16,17, 25:6,10,17
Rewards – 1 Cor 3:8-15, 4:1-5, 9:16-18, 24-27; 2 Cor 5:10
The purpose of the judgement seat of Christ must therefore be either a place of tribunal where the believer confesses his worthless works before God or a place for rewards where His good works that were performed in us are accounted.
So what do we do with Col 3:23-25
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.
that each one may receive the things done in the body
Notice here that we may be in a position of receiving.
Subjunctive tense, possibly but not certainly – what does that mean?
according to what he has done, whether good or bad.
What has been done – indicative
What works are good and bad? 5
June 18, Bob Eckel 5

6. The Second Epistle to the Corinthians
2 Corinth 5:9,10 The Judgement Seat of Christ
bad can be translated as worthless
Are sins and/or motives involved?
If sins which ones have not been forgiven?
What about motives?
Has not the sin nature also been crucified?
Heb 8:12 - For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds[fn] I will remember no more.”
See 2 Corinth 9:6-8; 1 John 2:28 – will we be ashamed and if so when?
What is the foundation for all works?
1 Corinth 3:10 - 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
What are good works?
Eph 1:10 - that in the dispensation of the fullness of the times He might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him.
Therefore, the judgement seat is not revisiting our sins or motives but rewarding us for all that He has done in us by our faith, and all will be satisfied! 6
June 18, Bob Eckel 6