2 Corinthians 5:9-11 (WEL) So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are present or absent. 10 For all of us must appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, in order that everyone may be rewarded according to what they did through this body, whether good or bad. 11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade people, but we are transparent to God, and I hope are also transparent to your consciences.
V9 So we make it our goal to please Him, whether we are present or absent.
The Greek word for goal is (G5389) (Mounce’s Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words) φιλοτιμέομαι philotimeomai, which means to exert ourselves, do some to the best of our ability, and our aim.
Pleasing God is important:
- He is our Father (by adoption)
- He is our savior
- He is glorious and worthy of praise
- We want to be a good witness so that others will trust in Him, too.
This applies to us when on earth or in heaven.
V10 For all of us must appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ, in order that everyone may be rewarded according to what they did through this body, whether good or bad.
The Judgment Seat of Christ is one of a number of judgments. It is not for salvation. It is only for believers from Pentecost to the Rapture and will occur just after the Rapture. It is for rewards and awards for our spiritual service to God.
Bema Seat:
Verses: Romans 14:10-12, 1 Corinthians 3:10–4:5, and 2 Corinthians 5:1-10.
This is a judgment. Every person has a judgment. See Hebrews 9:27. For unbelievers, it is jail (Hades with torment) until sentencing at the Great White Throne. See Luke 16:23 and Revelation 21:11-15. For those believers before Abraham, it is Paradise (the comfort compartment in Hades). Hades has two compartments. The comfort compartment is Paradise; the tormenting compartment is Paradise. See Luke 16:22-26. For Jewish believers, it is at the end of the Tribulation when Jesus returns to Jerusalem. See Daniel 12:1-2. For Christian believers (Pentecost to Rapture), it is the Bema Seat judgment for rewards, not salvation, which happens just after the Rapture. See (1 Corinthians 15:50-51, John 14:3, and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18). For Tribulation saints, it is at the end of the Tribulation when Jesus returns to Jerusalem. See Revelation 20:4. For Millennium saints, it is at the end of the Millennium. Many understand that during the Millennium, believers do not die, only those who are inwardly and outwardly rebellious towards the rule of King Jesus. See Isaiah 65:20.
V11 Therefore, knowing the fear of the Lord, we persuade people, but we are transparent to God, and I hope are also transparent to your consciences.
The “fear of the Lord” relates to God’s judgment. He is the judge.
Believers fear God because there is accountability regarding our Christian life (Romans 14:12, Hebrews 4:13, and Hebrews 13:17). Those who fear God and believe and trust in Jesus Christ alone are the saved. The Gospel is the same from the Garden of Eden until the New Heavens and Earth.
Unbelievers do not fear God until impending death, death, and the final judgment (the Great White Throne Judgment—Revelation 20:11-15), where they are cast into the Lake of Fire.
We warn believers to seek to please and glorify God, and we warn nonbelievers to repent and trust in Jesus Christ alone for salvation.
We learn:
- We have responsibilities to God our Father.
- We have a judgment for rewards.
Questions:
- Are you living a Christian life?
- Are you encouraging others to do so?