The Bible teaches “... we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10) However, it is the church (Jesus' faithful followers) who are being judged at the present time, while the general world of mankind will be judged at the close of the Millennium after they have been instructed in righteousness, or “learned righteousness” (Isaiah 26:9). Then the great throne scene takes place in heaven: “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works” (Revelation 20:12). “...Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness... God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ…” (Romans 2:16).
What are those works and secrets recorded in that book of life? If we judge ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:31-32), we might determine if we are meeting the goal of pleasing God through our prayers, works and personal conduct.
While not complete, the following list offers some suggestions for those who are part of Christ’s church: Did we manifest the Lord's spirit? (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4:1-32, 5:1-33). Did we endure temptation? (James 1:12) Did we spread the gospel? (Matthew 28:18-20) Did we demonstrate humility? (1 Peter 5:2-5) Did we control our tongues? (James 3:1-9) Did we use opportunities wisely? (Romans 2, Hebrews 2:1-4, Galatians 5:1-26, 6:1-10, Colossians 3) Did we remain “steadfast and immoveable; abounding in the work of the Lord”? (1 Corinthians 15:58) Did we labor in love? (Hebrews 6:10) Did we demonstrate victory over sin? (Romans 6:1-4) Did we honestly seek the truth and reject evil? (Romans 2) Did we follow the Golden Rule? (Luke 6:31; Matthew 18) Did we demonstrate faith as overcomers? (I John 5:4) Did we cultivate the disposition of love? (1 Corinthians 13)
“... For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire” (1 Corinthians 3:9-15).
We are judged according to our diligence in building on Christ's foundation. “And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming” (1 John 2:28).
Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1074: “Does God Judge Everyone the Same Way?”
The complexity, equity and utility of God’s eternal judgments
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show NotesEpisode #1227: “Where Do the Human Soul and Spirit Go When We Die? (Part I)”
Defining what the human soul is and is not, and its destiny at death
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show NotesEpisode #934: "Will Sinners Be Happy on Judgment Day?"
Understanding the events and purposes of Judgment Day
CQ Rewind Show NotesPDF Booklet: The Day of Judgment
PDF Booklet: God's Grand Plan of the Ages
Related Questions
November 03rd 2014 | 39086 views What made Israel different from other nations in the Old Testament? They conquered by killing men, women, children and in some instances livestock. In modern-day culture, we call that genocide.
September 21st 2022 | 65298 views Is a child conceived out of wedlock able to go to heaven? Deuteronomy 23:2 implies that a child born of a forbidden union would not be able to enter into heaven.
August 19th 2014 | 44366 views Will EVERYONE be saved and not just those chosen by God? If so, could you explain on what basis God judges?
January 27th 2024 | 46877 views Since Romans 4:15 says without Law there is no transgression, how could Cain be charged with the murder of his brother Abel? You cannot violate or transgress a law that does not exist.
October 12th 2023 | 52914 views Would you say that America has come under the judgment of God as we see so many happenings that seem to clearly lineup with the Bible? I'm reminded of the Israelites and their disobedience and idolatrous ways—-God poured out His wrath upon His chosen people.
October 05th 2022 | 64086 views When the people that had done evil are resurrected, will they die in the lake of fire and cease to exist? Or God will do something else?
March 17th 2018 | 39000 views Can a preacher continue to preach to a congregation when he has said something bad to cause chaos with people outside of his church?
December 08th 2016 | 38728 views