Accountability And Reward

by R. Hickling, Nottingham, U.K. | Category: Christ's Return - Approaching World Crisis | May 1984

One of the gems of Scriptural teaching which lay hidden for a long period, but which has been recovered in comparatively recent times concerns the truth of the Judgement-seat of Christ. For many centuries readers and students of the Word were aware of such Scriptures as Genesis 18:25; Psalm 9:8; Eccl. 3:17; Heb. 9:27 and that the human race was destined to face the judgement of God. Early writings show that there was confusion as to the nature and timing of these judgements and it is a cause of thanksgiving that the Holy Spirit has shed light on this subject over the years for the instruction of the children of God. One problem that faced earnest readers of the Word was how to reconcile the statement of Romans 14:10 with such Scriptures as John 3:18.

The Judgement-seat

No words could be clearer, no statement more direct than that contained in Romans 14:10, "... for we shall all stand before the judgement-seat of God." These words were addressed to believers in the Church of God in Rome and the word "all" is important, showing clearly that it will be the experience of every single believer in this dispensation to stand before this judgement-seat. How then can such a fact be reconciled with the assurance of eternal salvation contained in such verses as John 3:16; 3:18, and Romans 5:1?

Much help can be obtained from a consideration of the Greek word used in Romans 14:10 and 2 Corinthians 5:10 in connection with the judgement-seat of Christ. This is the word "bema" meaning primarily "a step," and, as Mr. W.E. Vine states in his Expository Dictionary, "the word became used for a tribune... it was applied to a tribunal of a Roman magistrate or ruler." Thus the judgement-seat, the "bema", would be a familiar sight to a Roman. But in ancient Greece the "bema" could correspond to the judge's stand at the games where results would be determined and rewards given. The Judgement-seat of Christ then, is the place where a believer's life will be assessed as to its value and is not in any way concerned with his salvation from the penalty of sin. The latter depends on the finished work of Christ; the former is that in which the responsibility is ours.

From Romans 14:12 we learn that "each one of us shall give account of himself to God." The word "account" is logos and the use of this word indicates that the account will be given by word of mouth. In Romans 14:10 the Judgement-seat is described as "of God" while in 2 Corinthians 5:10 it is described as "of Christ." Both references are to the same Judgement-seat and there is no contradiction. God has given all judgement unto the Son (John 5:22) and it is before our Saviour and Lord that each born-again person will stand individually in that day "to receive the deeds done in the body." They will come under the keen searching scrutiny of the One who died for us. It is then He will "bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and make manifest the counsels of the hearts."

A consideration of certain Scriptures leads to the view that the Judgement seat of Christ will follow directly after the coming of the Lord for His saints. "Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to render to each man according as his work is" (Rev. 22:12). "Wherefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come... and then shall each man have his praise from God" (I Cor. 4:5). Further, in Revelation 19:7, 8, we find the bride, the wife of the Lamb arrayed in pure linen "which is the righteous acts of the saints." This would imply, therefore, that at that point in the unfolding of God's purposes, the Judgement-seat will have already taken place. The worthless content of our lives and service will have been consumed while that which proves acceptable will remain and form the "righteous acts of the saints."

The Test

In I Corinthians 3:11 we are warned to take heed how we build on the foundation that has been laid, even Jesus Christ. Our works are likened to gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay, stubble, and we are told it shall be "revealed in fire." Its true value will be seen. Wood, hay and stubble are all dead things which take up a lot of space and are easily burned. On the other hand, even small quantities of gold and silver are valuable; and costly stones, even though often quite tiny, are of great value. Thus we learn that it is not so much the quantity of our work which will count in that day but the quality. Of course, we should not shirk any responsibility to which we have been called and for which we have been fitted, but it is the motive which prompts our service which counts with God. Just as wood and hay are bulky commodities which can be seen easily so is it possible for us to fall into the error of serving for the sake of self-prominence and the praise of men. Such is of the flesh and will not stand the test of the Judgement seat. Our service should be motivated by love for our Lord and coupled with faithfulness to the Word of God. Self-will should have no place in our lives for Him. Let us never despise anything we can do for the Master even though, to human reckoning, it may seem trivial and insignificant. Work done for Him from a true motive will receive his commendation and a reward.

Although, as we have noted, our eternal welfare is not in question at the Judgement-seat of Christ, sin in our lives will affect the outcome of this solemn tribunal. Unconfessed, and therefore unforgiven, sin makes us unclean vessels, unfit for the Master's use and so spoils our service for Him.

Rewards

At the Judgement-seat every believer whose work withstands the fire will receive a personal reward (I Cor. 3:14). But eternal loss will be the portion of those whose works are consumed, although they themselves will be saved "as through fire" (1 Cor. 3:15). There will be sorrow and shame as well as joy at the Judgement-seat. We are warned about indifference or carelessness which would result in the loss of reward, "Look to yourselves, that ye lose not the things which we have wrought, but that ye receive a full reward" (2 John v.8).

In his second letter to Timothy, Paul, guided by the Spirit uses various illustrations to teach truths related to our service and reward. One of these concerns the games, with which the people of the day would be familiar. The crown awarded to the victor was a much sought after prize, but it could only be given to a competitor who observed the rules (2 Tim. 2:5). It was but a corruptible crown while we should strive after one that is uncorruptible (I Cor. 9:25).

Some crowns mentioned in Scripture are:

The crown of life. (James 1:12; Rev. 2:10). This is promised to those who endure temptation and suffer tribulation, maybe even imprisonment or death.

The crown of righteousness. (2 Tim. 4:8). This is promised to those who fight the good fight, finish the course and keep the faith.

The crown of rejoicing. (1 Thess. 2:19, 20). This will be the reward of those who lead others to Christ and will see the fruit of their labours.

An incorruptible crown. (1 Cor. 9:25). Here is a contrast between the transient achievements and rewards of earth and the "eternal weight of glory" in the heavenly reward.

The crown of glory. (1 Peter 5:4). This is promised to the elders of the flock who carry out their duties responsibly before the Lord.

Lessons from the Parables

Some of the principles involved in the teaching concerning the Judgement seat of Christ are illustrated by the parables of Matthew 20: 1-16; Matthew 25:14-30, and Luke 19:11-27. The story of Matthew 25 has to do with the spirit in which service is rendered while the other two parables also emphasize the faithful use of gifts given.

The man about whom we read in Matt. 25 entrusted certain of his goods to his servants while he was away. Each received different amounts "according to his several ability." This is important. Each man was responsible for using what he had received whether a larger or smaller amount. It was not for the man with the one talent to envy the man who had five, nor was it for that man to complain about the extra responsibility given to him. Each was responsible to serve his master wisely and faithfully using that which had been entrusted to him. Let us avoid coveting another saint's gift or complaining if much responsibility has been given to us. The man with the one talent hid it in the earth. How easy it is for us, especially in our present world, to allow our talents to become lost and unused under the mound of earthly interests and demands! In this parable much emphasis is placed on faithfulness, "Well done, good and faithful servant."

(Matt. 25:23). This is a quality which is essential in the Lord's service and about which we should all be exercised.

The story of Matthew 20: 1-16 seems to be prompted by Peter's question in Matt. 19:27, "We have left all and followed Thee, what then shall we have?" Peter appears to have been thinking of a recompense commensurate with the sacrifice he considered he had made. But the labourers who worked without any agreement as to wages were treated in an equally just and righteous way as those with whom no such arrangement was made. Our service should be given out of love for the One who died for us. Yet we marvel at the grace of God who has not only forgiven our sins and given us eternal life, but also will credit all acceptable service to our account and reward us in that coming day!

And when in His holy presence

We again our works shall meet;

Will they stand the fiery testing

At the coming judgement seat?

R. Hickling, Nottingham, U.K. | May 1984
Christ's Return - Approaching World Crisis