There are three New Testament passages that refer to the future judgment of Christians: Romans 14:10, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, and 2 Corinthians 5:10. In Romans 14:10, Paul wrote that we will all be required to give an account of ourselves to God. In 1 Corinthians 3, Paul was more specific, telling us that the quality of our lives and doctrine will be revealed at this judgment. The product of false doctrine and unworthy living will be “burned,” while the product of truthful doctrine and God-honoring living will endure.
Scripture implies that the judgment seat of Christ will involve both confrontation and reward. Although believers need not fear condemnation, we can reasonably expect to experience shame and remorse as we are confronted with our most significant sins and failures.
The Bible doesn’t state how long this will take, although the fact that it is referred to as a judgment rather than a process implies that it will occur quickly. There is no need to assume that the process will take a great deal of time as implied by the Medieval Catholic doctrine of purgatory. As we will be embodied spiritual beings with our intellectual and emotional capacities no longer limited by earthly bodies (1 Corinthians 15:39-45), we may have much greater capacity to review and comprehend the deeds of our mortal lives.
A judgment is usually a public event. Even so, we don’t know to what degree our personal sins and failures will be open to the view of others. Even if others are present to view our judgment in this grand final spectacle of judgment and redemption, they, like us, will be transformed, glorified beings, no longer motivated by the pride and envy that poison relationships in a fallen world.
Although all confessed, forsaken sins are completely and eternally forgiven, it is fitting that our unconfessed and unforsaken sins will be faced at the judgment seat of Christ. This will not be a place of punishment, but a necessary step in final preparation for the full glory of our heavenly existence. It will be the culmination of our redemption, a time in which we will fully understand what God in Jesus Christ has done for us. Our awe at the greatness and holiness of our Creator will be so great that we would be filled with terror if we were not simultaneously overwhelmed by the reality of His love.
