Judged But Not Condemned

[SteveEpperson]

Today I learned that according to Romans 8:1, there is no condemnation for me as a follower of Christ. I knew that already, but it was nice to be reminded of that fact.

However, the commentator brought up another scripture that has always frightened me:

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Cor. 5: 10 (NET 2)

The two words "paid back" are the ones that make the hairs stand on the back of my neck. However, I now understand that although Paul was trying to get the attention of the wayward church in Corinth, he didn't mean they would be condemned for their worthless acts of vane worship. It simply meant there was no way they were going to be rewarded when they got to heaven.

If you have a different interpretation, I would appreciate your input.

 

[Deuteronomy]

Hello @SteveEpperson, for what it's worth, I understand the Bema Seat Judgment of Christ in basically the same way that you do, it's a judgment of the saints that results in rewards, or the lack thereof, not in condemnation.

God bless you!

~Deut

1 Corinthians 3
10 According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it.
11 For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,
13 each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work.
14 If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.
15 If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; ~but he himself will be saved~, yet so as through fire.
​

 

[DavidTree]

Today I learned that according to Romans 8:1, there is no condemnation for me as a follower of Christ. I knew that already, but it was nice to be reminded of that fact.

However, the commentator brought up another scripture that has always frightened me:

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be paid back according to what he has done while in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Cor. 5: 10 (NET 2)

The two words "paid back" are the ones that make the hairs stand on the back of my neck. However, I now understand that although Paul was trying to get the attention of the wayward church in Corinth, he didn't mean they would be condemned for their worthless acts of vane worship. It simply meant there was no way they were going to be rewarded when they got to heaven.

If you have a different interpretation, I would appreciate your input.

Being frightened of giving account before the LORD is a Good thing for us while we are here on earth.

The Fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.