we shall all stand before the judgment seat of christ

We will not be able to excuse ourselves by saying: “It was the priest’s or the pastor’s fault that I was not saved, that I did not repent and that I did not put my trust in Christ…” It is then that we will understand many things that we now cannot understand such as God’s mercy, His wisdom, His protection and His guidance as well as the way we have lived our lives.

This does not relieve any one from his own responsibility. We must note, however, that priests and pastors will have to give an account for their flock (Heb.13:17), whether or not they behaved properly to those under their care. Was it the first time that I had read that verse or was it for the very first time that I knew that all, that is, none would be able to avoid the jurisdiction of this court? All, each and every one of us will have to give an account of the way he has led his life, of one’s own actions, and not of another’s actions. The only answer I got in my spirit was: Do your duty according to my Word! Do not be afraid there is no injustice in Me! You will see that ‘I will be found just when I speak and blameless when I judge’! (Ps.51:4 and Job 34:10-12). Yes, on the basis of His spiritual law – the Scriptures – the touchstone by which the hearts and lives of men will be tried! And I asked my Lord reverently: Which are, my Lord and Savior, my works that are written in Your books? (Dan.7:10). I, I, I “… must appear before the judgment seat of Christ” to give an account of myself, of what I have done in life, whether good or bad, whether secretly or openly? Give an account, even for an idle word (Mt.12:36)? Is there a man righteous in His sight? How careful, then, should I be to shun sin and act uprightly! Yes, I will be judged according to my works, by the things which were written in the books… What books? The books of my omniscient God – who is greater than my conscience – where my acts, good and bad, even my discussions, are written (Mal.3:16). “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ…” (2Cor.5:10)Īs I was reading the Word of God, my soul was seized by a deep and reverent fear when I read the verse: “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2Cor.5:10).

We shall all stand before the judgment seat of christ