Journal: Michigan Theological Journal
Volume: MTJ 03:2 (Fall 1992)
Article: Rewards And The Judgment Seat Of Christ
Author: Samuel L. Hoyt

MTJ 3:2 (Fall 1992) p. 175

Rewards And The Judgment Seat Of Christ

Samuel L. Hoyt

What is the judgment seat of Christ all about? This article considers the existing confusion which surrounds the judgment seat of Christ as well as what the Bible clearly teaches. There is both an examination of what the judgment seat of Christ is as well as what it is not.

The judgment seat of Christ is a subject which juxtaposes two great doctrines. Ecclesiology and eschatology are brought side by side since this sobering event involves the future evaluation of the church. Throughout the church age, however, ecclesiology has been subjected to a wide spectrum of interpretations and applications. Likewise, eschatology has experienced numerous misinterpretations, and has also suffered from noticeable neglect until relatively recent times. As a result the doctrine of the judgment seat of Christ has often has been denied or relegated to minimal consideration under the subject of a general judgment. Consequently, there has been widespread confusion concerning eschatology in general and the true nature of the judgment seat of Christ specifically.

From the plain testimony of Scripture this doctrine is of cosmic significance to each one who is a part of the true church, the body of Christ. A proper understanding of this subject has far-reaching ramifications which affect all areas of Christian life and conduct. With increased knowledge there comes increased responsibility, and increased responsibility in the present results in an increased accountability in the future.

Biblical eschatology and Christian ethics find a focal point at the judgment seat of Christ. The purpose of this awesome event is twofold: in the present to serve as a motivation for Christian living and in the future to review and reward each

MTJ 3:2 (Fall 1992) p. 176

Christian individually. The prospect of this evaluation should incite believers to faithful and godly living against the backdrop of a future day of reckoning before the Lord Jesus Christ.

Confusion Exists

Some writers believe that Christians will face their unconfessed sins, while others believe that the believer’s sins, whether confessed or unconfessed, will have no place at the βημα.

Some view the judgment seat as a place of great fear; others see it as a place of great anticipation. These issues will be considered after an examination is made of the nature and implications of the three other judgments which have a direct bearing upon Christians: the judgment of the cross, the self-judgment of the believer, and the disciplinary or chastening judgment of the believer. Without an accurate understanding of these judgments the...