“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” (2 Corinthians 5:10 HCSB).
Unlike an attorney who seeks to argue the facts of a case before a human court, there will be no need for such deliberations before the judgment seat of Christ. At that time, it will not be necessary to establish motives, reconstruct events, or work to create a sense of reasonable doubt regarding the circumstances and events of our lives. All such things are already known to an all-knowing God, and this judgment will reflect an accurate appraisal of our motives and actions.
In addition to this cautionary message from 2 Corinthians 5:10, consider the following portions of Scripture…
- “Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13 NIV).
- “For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14 NIV).
- “You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat” (Romans 14:10 NIV).
- “For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops” (Luke 12:2-3).
- “For God is closely watching you, and he weighs carefully everything you do” (Proverbs 5:21 TLB).
In the words of one theologian, “The immediate context is written to believers; even believers will stand before God (cf. Rom_14:10; 1Co_3:10-17). Apparently, we will be judged/rewarded for our motives, availability, and use of spiritual gifts. Sin and sins have been completely dealt with in Christ’s substitutionary death, but discipleship is an issue.” (1)
Of course, its easy to understand why some may be reluctant to examine their motives in advance of this judgment. Since our true intentions are often difficult to discern, it may take a great deal of effort to uncover the reasons behind our actions. There is also the possibility of discovering that our motives might be less noble and virtuous than we thought if we stopped to evaluate them.
Nevertheless, the knowledge that God will judge such things should prompt us to prayerfully examine our motives now to avoid the potential for unpleasant surprises later.
(1) Dr. Bob Utley, Free Bible Commentary 2 Corinthians [5:10] Copyright ©2014 by Bible Lessons International http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/new_testament_studies/VOL06/VOL06B_05.html