By David J. Stewart | June 2012

       I've been studying the Judgment Seat Of Christ this week and discovered that two of my favorite preachers and authors disagree on the subject considerably. These great men of God are Dr. Curtis Hutson (1934-1995) and Dr. John R. Rice (1895-1980). In essence, Brother Rice believes that Christians will give account for their sins in eternity at the Judgment Seat of Christ; whereas Dr. Hutson teaches that Believers will NOT be held accountable for any sins, but rather only for their good or bad service for the Lord while on earth.

No two preachers agree alike on everything. Dr. Rice believed in a Young Earth where dinosaurs lived amongst men; but Dr. Hutson believed in an Old Earth (Gap Principle). I agree with an Old Earth view of Genesis. As you study the Bible and seek opinions from diligent students of the Bible, you will often find that they disagree. That's perfectly acceptable and to be expected, because no two people view everything identically. Of course, in critical matters such as repentance, faith and salvation it does matter tremendously, and thankfully these two great men of God agreed wholeheartedly on the fundamental doctrines of Christ. Having said that, lets see what these great men of God both taught concerning the future Judgment Seat of Christ for every believer.

And let me say that just because two great men of God disagree on a Biblical doctrine, doesn't mean that we should take a middle-of-the-road approach to the issue. Each of us are responsible to God for what we teach. It's a serious matter to God that be rightly divide the Word of truth. Obviously, both of the following men CANNOT be right. Someone is wrong. I won't cast a negative light on the gentleman that I think is errant, but I want to give you numerous Scriptures and help you to conclude what you believe.

In 1934 Dr. John R. Rice (1895-1980) launched THE SWORD OF THE LORD, which, by the time of his death, had become the largest independent religious weekly in the world, with subscribers in every state of the Union and more than 100 foreign countries. Thousands of preachers read it regularly, and it undoubtedly had the greatest impact upon the fundamentalist movement of any publication in the 20th century. Here's an excellent quote from chapter 4 of the book, “WHEN A CHRISTIAN SINS.” The chapter is titled, “THE CHRISTIAN'S HAPPINESS IN HEAVEN DEPENDS ON HOW HE LIVED ON EARTH” ...

"AGAIN LET ME SAY that I do not encourage sin. No one must treat sin lightly. We are not soon done with the disaster of sin. The Christian who sins will suffer for it in this life. He will suffer for it in the life to come.

Some people suppose that every sinner who goes to Heaven will have the same joy and happiness. But that is not true. In Revelation 20, we find that sinners who go to hell are judged, every man according to his works, according to the things written down in God's Books. The torment of unsaved people in hell will differ, each one according to his opportunity and according to his sin.

Likewise, the Bible makes it abundantly clear that not all Christians will enjoy the same position and have the same honor and responsibility and blessing in heaven. It is true that each one who trusts in Christ has the same salvation and goes to the same heaven. But beyond salvation there will be rewards for Christians according to their service, and Christians must give an account for their sins. Let no Christian think that he is getting by with his worldliness, his sin, his disobedience, his carelessness about soul-winning.

THE CHRISTIAN MUST MEET HIS DEEDS, GOOD AND BAD, AT CHRIST'S JUDGMENT SEAT

Read with me the shocking passage of Scripture in 2nd Corinthians 5:9-10:

'Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 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.'

Here we know why Paul worked so hard, why he endured such persecution, gave up home, family, good name, ease, honors, in order to win souls. He was labouring to be acceptable to Jesus Christ! He knew that he would one day meet the Saviour and longed to have Jesus say to him, 'well done, good and faithful servant' (Mt 25:23). Paul says, 'For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ' (2nd Co 5:10a). Do not confuse this with the final judgment of the unsaved as described in Revelation 20. Do not confuse this with the judgment of the Gentile world as described in Matthew 25:31-46. Here is a judgment, in heaven, of Christians only. After we are already caught up to meet the Lord in the air, after we have resurrected bodies, after we see the Saviour, then 'we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.'

And what occurs at this 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 Co 5:10b).

Do not explain away the plain statements of the Scriptures. The Christian is still to come face to face with his past. I know that the Christian has his sins forgiven as far as the destiny of his soul is concerned. It is true that all his sins are laid on Jesus and paid for on the cross. But God is still against sin. And up in heaven no Christian will think it did not matter that he sinned. Every Christian will find how horrible are the results of his sins. He will face what he has done, whether it be good or bad.

I do not wonder that, in the next verse, Paul says, 'Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade man' (2 CO 5:11). Paul knew that it would be a terrifying thing for Christians, born again, and even in glorified bodies, to stand up before Jesus Christ and give an account of the deeds done in the body both good and bad. In my sermon on 'Tears in Heaven' in the book And God Remembered, I have discussed the tears of Christians when they face their sins in heaven. And I hope you will read it.

God may forgive sins, but there are some of the results of sin that will never be undone...”

SOURCE: “WHEN A CHRISTIAN SINS,” John R. Rice; chapter 4, pgs. 60-62; copyright 1954, Sword Of The Lord Publishers; ISBN: 0-87398-911-2

At the request of Dr. John R. Rice, Dr. Curtis Hutson (1934-1995) became Associate Editor of THE SWORD OF THE LORD in 1978, serving in that capacity until the death of Dr. Rice in 1980 before becoming Editor, President of Sword of the Lord Foundation, and Director of Sword of the Lord Conferences. Dr. Hutson was at the head of the Sword ministries when he passed away in March, 1995, all these ministries literally changing the lives of thousands of preachers and laymen alike, as well as winning many more thousands to Christ.

In his booklet titled, “THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST” (1990), Dr. Hutson states on pages 10-11...

“The person who teaches that the believer will answer for sin at the judgment seat of Christ does not understand the doctrine of justification, neither does he understand the vicarious sufferings of Christ and the substitutionary death of Jesus on the cross.

Jesus Christ settled the sin question years ago. God placed all our sins on Him, and He died in our place. ...

The judgment seat of Christ is not a judgment for sin but rather a judgment for service. ” Read again I Corinthians 3:11-15 and notice these expressions, 'Every man's work shall be made manifest . . . and the fire shall try every man's work . . . . If any man's work abide . . . . If any man's work shall be burned . . . .' Not one time in these five verses is the word sin mentioned. This judgment is clearly a judgment for work (service), not sin. Every believer is going to stand at the judgment seat of Christ to have his work approved or disapproved.

We are not saved by works, but we are saved to work.”

SOURCE: “THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST,” Dr. Curtis Hutson; pgs. 10-11; copyright 1990, Sword Of The Lord Publishers; ISBN:0-87398-455-2

Let me make clear that I admire and love both of these dear saints of God. God has used the writings and sermons of both of these men to change my life for Christ, simplifying salvation and teaching me to be a faithful soul-winner for the Lord. I think the subject of the Judgment Seat of Christ is important, as it affects our attitude as believers toward the way we live our life here upon the earth.

Every Believer Will Give Account To God At The Judgment Seat Of Christ

I agree in this matter 100% with Evangelist John R. Rice and I'll explain to you why from the Scriptures. I absolutely love Pastor Curtis Hutson and he's one of my favorite preachers, but I'll never adopt any man's doctrines just because I like him. Always make your decisions based upon truth and Biblical principles. I could write a book in defense of Dr. Rice's position, because the Bible has much to say about how Christians treat one another, and the coming judgment (Hebrews 9:27). I am actually quite perplexed at Dr. Hutson's teachings on the matter in lieu of a preponderance of Scriptural support which warns Christians of coming judgment.

The “Bema seat” (or judgment seat) was an elevated seat, located in Corinth. At this seat in the square, Roman magistrates would sit and administer justice. This is not a casual setting; but rather, a court setting. Likewise, the Lord will sit in an elevated place to judge the saints.

Salvation is not an issue at this judgment. The believer's sins have already been forgiven in Christ. However, the Lord must judge His children for the unsettled conflicts, wrongs and discrepancies amongst themselves which have not been settled. The world is filled with bitter Christians today who've been defrauded, hurt and cheated by fellow Christians. Although these sins we're also paid for by Christ on Calvary, these matters have still not been settled amongst believers. There are many angry men who've been financially ruined, emotionally devastated, dragged through a godless court system by a childish, hateful and irresponsible wife who's rebellious.

Do you think God is just going to ignore these explosive situations? You'll have husbands killing their wives in Heaven, and vise versa. God has to judge between these matters. This is very Biblical. When Sarah and Hagar got into an argument, Sarah said, “the LORD judge between me and thee” (Genesis 16:5). David and Saul also. David said to Saul in 1st Samuel 24:12, “The LORD judge between me and thee, and the LORD avenge me of thee: but mine hand shall not be upon thee.” Vengeance belongs to God alone my friend!!!

2nd Corinthians tells us that God is going to judge each and every believer for THEIR GOOD AND BAD. If a saved wife destroys her husband's life, then God will hold her accountable and discipline her accordingly as His child. Please note that condemnation is quite different from damnation. When Romans 8:1 says that no Christian will ever be condemned, it means DAMNED in the Greek. Condemned just means that you are guilty of something. Although no Christian will be sent to Hell, that doesn't mean that we are not still guilty. The Bible teaches that condemnation for the believer means CHASTISEMENT, not damnation. 1st Corinthians 11:31-32, “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are CHASTENED of the Lord, that we should not be condemned [DAMNED] with the world.”

If a person is unsaved and dies in their sin, they will be judged at the “Great White Throne of Judgment” following the Millennium. If a person is a born-again believer in Jesus, they will be judged at the “Judgment Seat of Christ.” Salvation is not an issue at this judgment. Their sins have already been forgiven.

A Christian's true desire should be to hear the words, “WELL DONE, THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT” (Matthew 25:21). Paul's attitude should be the Christian's attitude, that is, “YEA DOUBTLESS, AND I COUNT ALL THINGS BUT LOSS FOR THE EXCELLENCY OF THE KNOWLEDGE OF CHRIST JESUS MY LORD: FOR WHOM I HAVE SUFFERED THE LOSS OF ALL THINGS, AND DO COUNT THEM BUT DUNG, THAT I MAY WIN CHRIST” (Philippians 3:8). Indeed, how important some worldly things or pleasures seem to the Christian now, yet how worthless they will be at this judgment. As Christians we need to live to please Jesus and not ourselves (Philippians 2:20-21).

The following Scripture teaches that God will hold every believer accountable for their sins...

Romans 14:10-12, “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”

Grudge Not One Against Another, Lest Ye Be Condemned

James 5:9, “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.”

Carefully notice that the words “condemned” in James 5:9 and John 3:18 are NOT the same Greek root word. In John 3:18 (“He that believeth on him is not condemned”) the Greek word for “condemned” is krino. Note that this is the same exact Greek word (krino) used for the word, DAMNED, in 2nd Thessalonians 2:12. So we could interchange the words damned and condemned in John 3:18... “He that believeth on the Son is not DAMNED!!!”

God is telling us not to condemn each other, because God will judge us all. If only service is judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ (and not sins), then this Scripture wouldn't make sense. People judge each other because of wrong doing, not service. I think it is a mistake to make a distinction between sins and service, because BOTH are works. 2nd Corinthians 5:9-11 teaches that we shall all give account for the GOOD AND THE BAD. Bad is sin. Ecclesiastes 12:14, “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” I don't find any Scriptures that excuse Christians from being held accountable for their wrong doing. Again, Christians will be CHASTISED by the Lord, and not DAMNED as the unsaved will be.

The Bible promises that God will avenge each and every person of wrongs committed against them. We are told in the Bible that VENGEANCE IS THE LORD'S...

Romans 12:18-21, “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.”

The Bible teaches in Romans 12:19 that God is going to “repay” (recompense) evil for evil and good for good. The word “repay” is the Greek antapodidomi, which means “to requite (good or evil).” God is going to return evil for evil and good for good at the Judgment Seat of Christ. No believer will be in danger of going to Hell. Christ took the punishment of our sins upon Himself on the cross. Yet, as you are about to learn, God chastises and scourges His children.
 

Hebrews 12:6 Teaches That God Flogs (whips) His Children

Chastisement is quite different than punishment. Hebrews 12:6-8 teaches that God chastises and scourges His children. Hebrews 12:6, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.” The word “scourgeth” in Hebrews 12:6 is the Greek word mastigoo, which means “to flog (literally or figuratively).” TO FLOG!!! Do you know what flogging means? To flog is to beat severely with a whip or rod; to beat with a cane. My friend, God is going to whip and beat some Christians, and I believe literally. I believe that a brutal man who mercilessly beats his family, may just get a beating from the Lord on judgment day. Did not the Lord wrestle with Jacob and deliberately cripple him for life? Argue as you may, the Bible teaches that God flogs (beats) His children.

There are some cruel, heartless and rotten people in God's family, who have never matured in the Lord. A carnal believer is capable of committing any sin. Whether you want to admit it or not, there are carnal believers who do steal, lie, cheat, commit adultery and commit unspeakable acts. One-third of the Bible was written by murderers. David, who penned most of the Psalms, committed adultery and murder as a Christian. David got Uriah drunk to deceive him. David went 8-months with no remorse for the evils he had done. Samson went with a prostitute. Abraham lied. Sarah laughed in God's face in irreverence. Joseph's 10 half-brothers sold him into slavery to the Midianites.

By the way, I've heard so many preachers say that Joseph's brothers sold him into slavery, but they didn't. They never got the chance. The brothers were conspiring to sell Joseph to the Ishmaelites; but as they ate and considered their next move, the Midianites came by and drew Joseph out, taking him into Egypt. This is perhaps why Joseph's brothers had no idea who he was as governor decades later when the famine forced them to travel to Egypt for food. Had the brothers sold Joseph to the Ishmaelites, then likely they would have had an idea where Joseph went. When Rueben came back to the pit, it was empty, Joseph was gone. For the next 20-years Joseph's 10 half brothers would wonder and not know what had happened to Joseph. Who took him? Where is Joseph? God truly works in mysterious ways.

Having said that, do you think those rats—those dirty evil brothers who threw Joseph into a pit and were conspiring to sell him to the Ishmaelites—do you really think that God will not hold them accountable for their sins on judgment day? Since they are saved God won't punish them in Hell, but God certainly will hold them fully accountable.

God believes in the BOARD of education and He uses it! Argue as you may, Hebrews 12:6 teaches that God flogs His children! In Psalms 6:1 David pleaded for God not to chasten, “O LORD, rebuke me not in thine anger, neither chasten me in thy hot displeasure.” God gets angry! Do you think God's hands are bound so that He cannot discipline His own children who need a daddy-spanking? You don't know Who you're messing with my friend. Hebrews 10:30-31, “For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” God is to be greatly feared. Hebrews 12:28 admonished every believer to serve the Lord with reverence and godly fear.
 

Judgment Will Begin At The House Of God

God's People are the Jews. God's children are all Christians. Not all God's people are God's children, as Romans 9:6 plainly teaches. The Lord shall judge His people, the Jews. Likewise, God shall judge the Church. 1st Peter 4:17, “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?” Clearly this implies judgment for all of our actions in life—whether they be deeds of immorality (sins of commission) or failing to faithfully serve Christ (sins of omission).

Romans 12:19, “Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.”

In the preceding verse we as believers are ordered by God not to seek retaliation nor vindication against a brother nor sister in the Lord. If there's not going to be a judgment for sins committed, then you might as well vindicate yourself. The Greek word for “avenge” in Romans 12:19 is ekdikeo and means “vindicate, retaliate, punish.” God commands us NOT to take this low-road; but rather, to take the high-road and put any offenses against us into His hands for judgment day.

The Bible is speaking in Romans 12:19 about the many instances in life when people do evil against us and there's no recourse of action (other than doing something illegal to hurt them). We've all been there. Yes, you have, you can't fool me. If someone rips a page out of your book, you want them to burn in Hell. Yes you do! It's never easy to let things go. But I'll tell you, the more you get into the habit of “Let Go, Let God,” it gets easier. Let Go, Let God. You have God's PROMISE in Romans 12:19, so you can relax and know that God has the situation covered!!! No one is going to get away with anything. Jesus warned in Matthew 12:36 that men will give account to God for even the idle words they speak.
 

Some Matters Ought To Be Let Go For God To Judge In Heaven

In fact, as hard as the following Scripture is to stomach, we're supposed to allow our brother or sister in the Lord to defraud us (financially), leaving the matter into God's hands (rather than giving unsaved heathens the chance to blaspheme the name of Christ in court)...

1st Corinthians 6:7, “Now therefore there is utterly a fault among you, because ye go to law one with another. Why do ye not rather take wrong? why do ye not rather suffer yourselves to be defrauded?”

But be forewarned, the Lord has PROMISED to avenge any brother or sister who's defrauded by another. Remember, these Scriptures were written to the Church. In this case, the Christians at Thessalonica...

1st Thessalonians 4:6-8, “That no man go beyond and defraud his brother in any matter: because that the Lord is the avenger of all such, as we also have forewarned you and testified. For God hath not called us unto uncleanness, but unto holiness. He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit.”

Now how can God avenge a believer who's been defrauded by another believer unless sin is judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ? Obviously he can't! God has PROMISED in 1st Thessalonians 4:6 to avenge a defrauded Christian. The Bible is speaking to Christians here.

There will arise conflicts in life where there's nothing we can do. Sometimes people do evil to us and the circumstances are beyond our control. All we can do is place the matter into the Lord's hands. You don't have to ask Him to judge the matter, because He has already PROMISED to avenge (Romans 12:19).
 

Christians Must Give Account For Good And Bad—Knowing The Terror Of The Lord

Remember that God scourges His children according to Hebrews 12:6, and that certainly includes at the Judgment Seat of Christ when we face the “TERROR OF THE LORD.”

2nd Corinthians 5:9-10, “Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. 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.” The word “accepted” here is the Greek word euarestos which means “fully agreeable.” Hence, the Apostle Paul states that we labour as Christians so that things will go fully agreeable between us and God on judgment day. Paul then states that every believer will give account to God for the deeds done in the body, good or bad, and he appeals specifically to our service for God (but not limited to it). We shall give account for EVERY DEED, whether good or bad (sin).

Jesus shed His blood to pay for your sins so you wouldn't have to burn in Hell, but the sins that we commit still have to be accounted for (Romans 14:12). Listen again to the wise words of Dr. John R. Rice:

"At the judgment seat of Christ God's anger is not expressed against any individual who has thoroughly repented of his sins, confessed them and forsaken them. But God's judgment on the sin itself may continue where there is no judgment against the individual as such. It seems to me that we need to make a distinction between the proper anger and wrath of God against one who goes on unrepentant in sin, and God's proper wise judgment against the sin itself even when the sinner has been reconciled completely and forgiven." 

SOURCE: Dr. Rice, Here's My Question, by Dr. John R. Rice; Sword of the Lord Publishers

We are warned in 2nd Corinthians 5:11, “Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences.” The Bible warns about the “terror” of God. The following passage is a quote from the great man of God, J. Vernon McGee (SOURCE: Thru The Bible) ...

I think the word terror could better be translated "fear." There is a great deal said in the Bible about the fear of the Lord. We are told that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (see Proverb 9:10).

One of the tenets of liberalism is that we don’t need to be afraid of God. They characterize God as a sweet, indulgent old man whom you can treat most any way. Liberalism teaches the universal fatherhood of God and the universal brotherhood of man, which is one of the most damnable doctrines abroad today. Do you know that the Word of God says: "It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God" (Heb. 10:31)? Let us not give ersatz bread to the people. Let us not preach a watered-down, sunshiny gospel. Our God is a holy God, a righteous God. It is this holy God who loves you. It is this holy God who wants to save you.

But, my friend, if you don’t come to God His way, you will have to come before Him in judgment. "Knowing therefore the terror [fear] of the Lord, we persuade men." There is many a pulpit from which is never preached a sermon on hell. There are few sermons on punishment, few sermons on judgment. As a result, God’s judgment is almost a lost note in Protestantism today. The Lord Jesus said that He had come to seek and to save that which was lost. My friend, it is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. We need to fear the judgment of God. We need to recognize that we are going to be held accountable to Him.

SOURCE: THRU THE BIBLE, by Dr. J. Vernon McGee © Thru the Bible Radio Network, www.ttb.org

I couldn't agree more. The Greek word for “terror” here is “phobos,” which means “fear.” Christians ought to fear God. Hebrews 12:28 teaches that believers should serve God with reverence and godly fear. Hebrews 12:28, “Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.”

It will be a fearful moment when arrogant, foolish and worldly believers stand before God. The whip will come out. Some believers are confused between punishment verses chastisement. God will not punish any believers at the Judgment Seat of Christ; but it will seem like punishment for many when God chastises them. No child who's receiving a spanking from a loving parent sees any difference between punishment and discipline; but there is! Being sentenced to the penitentiary for stealing is punishment; but being given work to do by dad for stealing is character building discipline. Good parents chastise their child, in hopes that one day when the child grows up, they won't be punished for breaking the law. The Bible plainly teaches that God chastises and scourges His children for their own good (Hebrews 12:6-8).

False prophet Paul Washer says that there's no such thing as a carnal Christian. We'll, he's wrong! The Apostle Paul called the Believers at the church of Corinth “carnal” in 1st Corinthians 3:1. It's not acceptable for any believer to live carnally in the flesh. God commands every believer to depart from iniquity (2nd Timothy 2:19) and walk in the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:6). But the reality is that even the best Christians commit sin  at times. If sins won't be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ, then why live right at all? Some Christians will live right because they love the Lord, which is the proper attitude to have (John 14:15).

However, newer believers who've struggled with sin their whole life are far more likely to commit sin if they don't think God will hold them accountable. To teach that God doesn't judge sin at the Judgment Seat of Christ is an invitation for believers to sin. My friend, the truth is that all believers will indeed be held accountable at the Judgment Seat of Christ.

I've been saved for over 30-years. For the first several years, I believed that God wouldn't hold believers accountable for their sins, because Calvary took care of all sins. I was ignorant and was taught by others to believe that way. But then someone stabbed me in the back, who I believed to be a child of God. I was upset. How can this person steal thousands of dollars from me and still go to Heaven, not having to give account for anything? So I started studying the King James Bible for answers. I was amazed and my eyes were opened when I read all the warnings from God against hurting others.

Daniel 12:2-3, “And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament; and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.”

The insane idea that born-again Christians will not have to give account for their sins is not taught in the Scriptures. Daniel 12:2-3 says that many in the earth shall awake to everlasting contempt and shame. Others will awake to shine as the brightness of the stars forever. Clearly, it will be soul-winners who shine as the brightness of the stars for turning many to righteousness; but who are those that will arise to everlasting shame and contempt? Is the Bible contrasting soul-winners with the unsaved wicked in Hell? I think not.

I think it will be unwise believers who live selfishly, that will arise to contempt and shame. The unsaved will burn in the fires of Hell forever. Shame and contempt are the last things people in the Lake of Fire are worried about.
 

Little Things Are Important To God

God Who watches each sparrow and numbers the very hairs on our head (Matthew 10:29-30)—hasn't missed even the most seemingly insignificant things that people do to hurt others. Proverbs 24:12, “If thou sayest, Behold, we knew it not; doth not he that pondereth the heart consider it? and he that keepeth thy soul, doth not he know it? and shall not he render to every man according to his works?”

In the Old Testament, we find that God cared about little baby birds in their nest. Deuteronomy 22:6, “If a bird's nest chance to be before thee in the way in any tree, or on the ground, whether they be young ones, or eggs, and the dam sitting upon the young, or upon the eggs, thou shalt not take the dam with the young.” God commanded that a construction project must show respect for life, even the life of some little birds. 1st Corinthians 10:26 says that the earth is the Lords and the fulness thereof. God is an environmentalist my friend, because He owns the earth and commands us to care for His creation. In Revelation 11:18 during the Great Tribulation, God is going to “destroy them which destroy the earth.” Mankind will be judged by God for their recklessness with nuclear bombs and tampering with DNA, destroying and corrupting God's creation.
 

Christians Can Be Condemned [Chastened] By God; But Never Damned

1st Corinthians 11:31, “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.”

We ought to judge ourselves. The first mention of the word “judge” is diakrino and means “to separate thoroughly, that is, (literally and reflexively) to withdraw from.” If we would withdraw and separate from wickedness, then God wouldn't have to judge (condemn) us. The second and third mention of the word “judge” is the Greek word krino and means “to distinguish, that is, decide; by implication, to try, condemn, punish.” Punish is the best word to use. The word damned also comes from this Greek word. The word krino means that a person has already been found guilty of a sin. John 3:18... He that believeth not is damned [krino] already!

The Bible admonishes believers to withdraw from evil; but if they don't, then God will condemn (punish) them, but when God condemns (punishes), He CHASTISES them so they won't be DAMNED (to judge against in the future) with the world.

Hence, there will be believers at the Judgment Seat of Christ that God needs to judge harshly. But they won't be damned to Hell. Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” The word “condemnation” here is different from all the others I have mentioned. This is the Greek word katakrima, which means “an adverse sentence (the verdict).” God will not find any Christian guilty of sin; but that doesn't mean that God won't whip troublesome believers. They are God's children and He is responsible for them as any good parent. God needs to get the belt out and spank many believers today, because they are out of control and living in sin. They are saved and secure in their salvation, but they are also condemned (going to be judged) as James 5:9 says. They will not be damned. They will be scourged as Hebrews 12:6-8 teaches.

The unsaved (Christ-rejecters) will be damned to the Lake of Fire...

2nd Thessalonians 2:12, “That they all might be damned who believed not the truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousness.”

Believers who have failed to repent of sins in their life will be found guilty, but not damned to Hell because Jesus paid for their sins. All believers are SAFE in Christ Jesus. Amen! The following Scripture plainly evidences that holding a grudge against another Christian will bring God's judgment upon us. We are warned that a Christian can be condemned...

James 5:9, “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door.”

Carefully notice that the words “condemned” in James 5:9 and John 3:18 are NOT the same Greek root word. In John 3:18 (“He that believeth on him is not condemned”) the Greek word for “condemned” is krino. Note that this is the same exact Greek word (krino) used for the word, DAMNED, in 2nd Thessalonians 2:12. So we could interchange the words damned and condemned in John 3:18... “He that believeth on the Son is not DAMNED!!!”

If you have believed on Jesus Christ, then the decision has already been made that you're not DAMNED. You cannot be punished in Hell for your sins. And if you don't believe that Jesus is the Christ, then you are already DAMNED in God's eyes (which is why the rich man went straight to Hell in Luke 16:19-31). He was already DAMNED!

However, the word “condemned” in James 5:9 is katakrino, which is very different from John 3:18 (“He that believeth on him is not condemned”) and means “to judge against, that is, sentence.” When God condemns a believer, it is CHASTISEMENT (not damnation). We read this truth in 1st Corinthians 11:31-32, “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are CHASTENED of the Lord, that we should not be condemned [DAMNED] with the world.”

James 5:9, “Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned [chastised]: behold, the judge standeth before the door.”

The word “grudge” is very interesting, which is the Greek word stenazo and means “to make in straits.” The word “straits” means a bad or difficult situation. Hence, to grudge means to make life bad or difficult for one another. We see this often in the heathen workplace, where employees continually try to get each other into trouble, fighting like little kids. Grudging against one another means fighting, bickering and hurting one another. The Bible warns that in so doing you will bring God's judgment upon yourself. How can God judge Christians at the Judgment Seat of Christ if only service is judged in eternity? Clearly, sins will be judged. Grudging against one another is a sin. Conflicts and hard-feelings, resentment and bitterness, harassment and gossip—these all bring God's judgment.

James 5:9 is NOT speaking about service; but rather, cutting each other's throats (as goes on in many carnal churches today and across the internet). The problematic church at Corinth wasn't given to us by God as a blueprint to pattern our churches after (you'd think it was from looking at apostate churches today). The believers at Corinth were suing each other in court, showing up drunk at the Lord's Supper, eating meats offered to idols, fighting amongst each other and allowing fornication in the church without preaching against sin from the pulpit. The Apostle Paul called them “carnal” and “babes in Christ” in 1st Corinthians 3:1.

God gave us the Book of Acts to pattern our churches after. God gave us 1st and 2nd Corinthians to help us clean up our churches of demonic speaking-in-tongues, confusion, unforgiveness and all the sins plaguing churches today. God took an x-ray of the unhealthy church at Corinth and is showing us the diagnostics. Thankfully it wasn't an autopsy like the church of Laodicea.

Literally, God is going to take action against sinful believers who have defrauded others, grudged against others and done wrong to others. Clearly, sin will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ. The difference is that believers are in no threat of going to Hell.

Colossians 3:23-25, “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. But he that doeth wrong shall receive for the wrong which he hath done: and there is no respect of persons.”

Believers Who Fail To Judge Themselves Will Face The Terror Of The Lord

So consider yourself warned friend, although God will not send you to Hell for your sins as a believer, you still can be chastened by the Lord for your sins. God never disowns His children, but He does spank us when we need it. King David said before he was afflicted he went astray, but now he keeps God's Words (Psalms 119:67, 71).

2nd Corinthians 5:11 warns about the coming TERROR OF THE LORD at the Judgment Seat Of Christ. If God only denies rewards to believers who have lived lives of wickedness and selfishness, then what “terror” is there? That would not be terrifying at all. The Judgment Seat Of Christ (bema) will be a courtroom setting. People won't be snickering, drinking beverages and watching with humor. Believers will be terrified!!!

There is a common misconception of God that has become popular in these apostate times, portraying God as being laid back and not to be feared. Yet Hebrews 12:28-29 says to “serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: For our God is a consuming fire.” God sees the bird that falls from the sky, and knows the number of hairs on our head (Matthew 10:29-30). Little things are important to God. Again, notice the frightening warning in Hebrews 10:30-31, “For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Did you read that? IT IS A FEARFUL THING TO FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE LIVING GOD. God has promised to recompense evil for evil and good for good. Hebrews 4:13, “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do.”

To clarify, no believer will be damned for their sins, for Christ bore the burden of our sins on Calvary's cross. Jesus' blood has washed away our sins. Albeit, as God's children we will be held accountable for the life we have lived on earth. 2nd Corinthians 5:9-11 says that we will give account to God for the GOOD and the BAD done in the body. Many believers will have to be shown the error of their way, because a lot of people shift the blame for their sins upon others. A brother defrauded must be avenged as 1st Thessalonians 4:6 teaches.

There are millions of broken marriages across the nation, where husbands and wives blame each other. Who's to blame? The Bible already answers that question. I don't think God determines who's to blame, because it doesn't matter. What will be judged is an individual's good and bad. The husband will be judged for his good and bad. And the wife will be judged for her good and bad. What the other spouse did is irrelevant to what you did. God won't allow finger pointing. The Lord knows all. There won't be any need for juries in Heaven, because God knows every matter down to the tiniest detail.

Please understand also that if you are not saved, then you will go straight to Hell and none of your good will even be considered by God. Ezekiel 18:22 makes this very clear. I'm speaking about Christians in this article and the Judgment Seat Of Christ. Believers won't escape judgment just because they escaped Hell. The Lord died to save us from sin, not to give us an excuse to sin (Romans 3:31). Those believers who hide behind the cross in an attempt to justify their sins will be shocked when judgment day comes. There are many believers who have no hesitation to sin, because they think all is washed away by the blood and nothing bad will ever happen to them, regardless of how they live. The Bible doesn't teach that at all. It is true that you are safe because Jesus died on the cross, but you will be nonetheless be judged as a believer.

Consider 1st Corinthians 5:5 and the man living in fornication with his step-mother. The Apostle Paul said to confront him about his open sin in the church. If he repents, embrace him as a brother; but if he doesn't, then let them Devil have him. 1st Corinthians 5:5, “To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.” Notice that the man was not in danger of losing his salvation. His spirit would be saved when Christ returns, either way, because he is a believer. Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

Notice that believers aren't judged by the LAW OF SIN as unbelievers are. We are freed from the law of sin and death (Romans 8:2). James 2:12, “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty.” We are at liberty in Christ Jesus. The curse of the law has no dominion over us anymore. We are now under grace by faith in Christ. James 2:12 says that we shall be judged. Stop there! WE SHALL BE JUDGED! Get that into your mind. As Christian believers WE SHALL BE JUDGED! But we shall be judged by the law of liberty in Christ.

Again, the key Scripture passage to understanding the judgment of the believer is found in 1st Corinthians 11:31-32, “For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. But when we are judged, we are CHASTENED of the Lord, that we should not be condemned [DAMNED] with the world.” If we take care of the problem, then God won't have to. However, if we choose to live in sin, run from serving the Lord, don't preach the Gospel, don't pray, don't obey the Word... then we will be CHASTENED by the Lord. The unsaved are already damned and will drop into Hell the second they die. But believers are safe in Christ. Instead, we will lose rewards and be chastised (whipped) by God.

The tears will flow. God will show us all what the consequences of our sins have caused. Many believers will have to be humbled and their pride and arrogance stripped away. I think the biggest regrets of believers will be the things THEY DIDN'T DO while in the body on earth. Can you imagine standing before God one day as a believer, having spent your life enjoying the pleasures of life, pursuing wealth and having never won even a single soul to Jesus Christ?

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