Christ The Righteous Judge

The Apostle Paul opens the door on the Judgement Seat of Christ in 2 Cor 5:10 when he writes, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.” ESV. This judgement is not designed to determine heaven of hell for the believer, but the value level of the believer’s deeds done. It is important to keep this mind. The believer is saved, redeemed and secure for heaven.

Listen to Paul’s insight regarding the Judgement Seat event. “Finally, there is laid up for me the CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, ( what day? When we appear at the Judgement Seat) and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.” As he continues “And also if anyone competes in athletics, he is not crowned unless he competes according to the rules.” 2 Tim 4:8 NKJV.

Every believer will be judged and receive a crown of righteousness based on deeds done. In the second and third chapters of Revelation, a clear and precise message is given to the angel/pastor of the church being addressed by the Christ the Righteous Judge.

The Apostle Paul under the divine leadership of the Holy Spirit puts forth the following; For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, you are God's building. 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. 11 For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day (the Judgement Seat) will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 1 Cor 3:9-14 NKJV. Listen to the words of Jesus to the church at Thyatira, “I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works.” Rev 2:23 NKJV.

The “builder” who uses gold, silver and precious stones, is the one who lives to obey God’s word and commands putting to death every worldly/fleshly desire. The “builder who uses wood, hay and straw is one who lives only to satisfy his own desires rather than God’s Will. The church, who is the church? a group of “called out ones” the church. – the Greek word is ekklesia (ek-klay-see'-ah); The church is made-up of individuals who have called out a Christian community of members on earth.

Jesus, the Righteous Judge, gives us insight into the church’s future events; 18 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, 'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 19 I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first. 20 Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols. 21 And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent. 22 Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 23 I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. 24 Now to you I say, and to the rest in Thyatira, as many as do not have this doctrine, who have not known the depths of Satan, as they say, I will put on you no other burden. 25 But hold fast what you have till I come. 26 And he who overcomes, and keeps My works until the end, to him I will give power over the nations-- 27 'He shall rule them with a rod of iron; They shall be dashed to pieces like the potter's vessels'-- as I also have received from My Father; 28 and I will give him the morning star. 29 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches." ' Revelation 2:18-29 (NKJV)

There is a celebration day ahead for the “called out ones” for each one's work will become clear; for the Day (the Judgement Seat) will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. Listen to Paul “Finally, there is laid up for me the CROWN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, ( what day? When we appear at the Judgement Seat) and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing.”

The Apostle James declares, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the CROWN OF LIFE which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” James 1:12 (NKJV). Peter also shares his insight, “and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the CROWN OF GLORY that does not fade away.” 1 Peter 5:4 (NKJV). The scriptures teach that there are THREE crowns issued by heaven’s court to believers. The Apostles Paul, Peter and James list three awards the Crown of Righteousness, Life, and Glory.