The Judgment Seat of Christ (1)

Another topic I have been studying more intensely over the past few months concerns what the bible says about "the day of judgment." I have been studying this subject of course for 47 years, but more deeply of late. Let me again share some of my thoughts on this; And, let me begin by citing one of today's leading young Hardshell apologist ministers, from Elder Ronnie Loudermilk, whose theological errors we have pointed out before.

The Bema Judgment

"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." (II Cor. 5: 9-10)

Commenting upon verse 9 Loudermilk wrote (see HERE for pdf - highlighting mine):

"The Bible teaches with clarity of a day, the last day, when all will be gathered before the Lord and separated one from another as a shepherd would divide His sheep from the goats (Matt 25:31-46). That final day of judgment and separation is one which will include the declarative judgment of God for His people (Matt 25:34, "Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world'), and the executive judgment upon the wicked (Matt 25:41, "Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels").

The Bible also teaches the reader about the temporal judgment seat of Christ. This judgment seat is one from which the Lord judges His children, who live in this world, by the works that they commit, "whether it be good or bad." The temporal judgment seat of Christ does not have eternal consequences, as He has already paid for all His people's sins on the Cross of Calvary by the offering of His precious life in their room and stead. This judgment seat is one that has temporal (intime) consequences for the child of grace.

Since 2 Corinthians 5:9-11 is dealing with "labour"; "things done" (works); and the works done which are "good and bad", we are able to conclude that this portion of scripture is referencing a temporal context of judgment and not an eternal.

We reap what we sow ("receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done")! Without question, the Lord is merciful to His little children. If we all received the judgment we deserve, in a temporal context, it would be beyond every fear of us all. But the Apostle made it clear in Galatians 6:7, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." When we sow tomatoes, we reap and gather tomatoes. When we sow potatoes, we reap and gather potatoes. And so it is, when we sow evil, we reap and gather such. When we sow good works, we reap and gather such."

This interpretation (or misinterpretation) of this passage, dealing with the "judgment seat of Christ" (Greek "bema" of Christ), is a "clear" (a favorite word of Loudermilk) example of eisegesis.

He "twists" the above scripture, and the warning against doing such is "destruction." (II Peter 3: 16). If he wants to take mental comfort in believing that his twisting of scripture will only bring him temporal destruction, and in thinking that this destruction does not have eternal consequences, then he is in a dangerous state and will likely be less careful in how he "handles" the word of God. Heretics might be more careful in how they "handle the word of God" (II Cor. 4: 2) if they believe that the consequences of their heresy extend to the coming day of judgment.

Loudermilk summarizes Paul's teaching by saying "This judgment seat is one that has temporal (intime) consequences for the child of grace." Of course, this is a gross perversion.

He bases his interpretation of the passage because he applies the Hardshell proposition to it. That proposition says - "nothing that the elect do in this life is either a condition for eternal salvation or for rewards after death and in the judgment."  Of course, this proposition is thoroughly taught against in the holy scriptures, the text under consideration being one of them. Yet, in spite of this, the Hardshells still believe that the above proposition is inspired truth! They see all scripture through this self created lens. This is their plumline to which they force scripture to square.

The judgment clearly occurs when a man has exited this life, who is no longer in the body. That is "clear" from the context.

It is a novel view that makes the judgment to be continuously occurring in the life of a person. All commentators to my knowledge (and I have examined many) see the judgment as taking place after one has died and who is no longer "in the body."  Why is it that all commentators have not taught the view of Loudermilk and the Hardshells? Are we to believe that the Hardshells of today are the only ones to properly understand this text (and others like it)? But, this is what we expect from cults.

Contextually, Paul has been talking about being "in the body," as opposed to being "absent" from the body. He does not say that all must give account of deeds done while still in the body, but rather "clearly" indicates that the judgment takes place after one's life has ended and when he is no longer in the body. How in the world can we be judged for what we have done in life, or in the body, if that life is not yet ended? Further, how can we make this judgment linear in the life of believer while in the body?

Loudermilk says that we can "conclude" that his proposition (in red above) is true. But "conclude" from what premise? (A conclusion implies one or more premises) One from the context? Or, one that originated with modern day Hardshells? That proposition says - "nothing a child of God does in time has eternal consequences." But, this proposition, so fervently held to by the Hardshells, is "clearly" against scripture.

Afraid Of What?

Daniel Webster, a great American statesman and orator, once said, “The greatest thought that has ever entered my mind is that I will have to stand before a holy God and give an account of my life.”

It was in view of this coming judgment that Paul "concluded" by saying "knowing therefore the terror of the Lord we persuade men."

There is something frightful about this judgment and anyone who does not fear at the thought of it is "stupidly secure" and "settled on their lees" theologically and spiritually speaking. Does Loudermilk's Hardshell interpretation of the passage evoke fear of God and of future judgment? Or, does it diminish it?

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” (Heb. 10:31)

"And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell." (Matt. 10: 28)

Scripture often appeals to the reality of that day as an incentive to godliness and growth and as a warning against carelessness and spiritual sloth.

Said the great Spurgeon (see HERE):

"Sit down, dear reader, if you are as yet unsaved, and take an hour for this solemn exercise: it may prove the turning-point of your history. In a few years you will be one of that vast assembly, and have to answer for every deed and word of your life. Think of it long; picture it vividly; let it work upon your mind. Though at the first it fill you with fear and trembling, it may conduct you to the Savior's feet, and then, looking up to him with penitential faith, you may hear how to "have boldness in the day of judgment." If you fly to Jesus as your Savior you will not fear to face him as your King. It has been well said, "Thou wilt meet the Great Day well if thou get the Great judge to judge thee every day."

The prisoner who will not even think of his trial is in his conscience assured of a verdict of condemnation. Would he not be far wiser to seek for a Counselor to plead his cause? Will you not seek One? Jesus, the faithful Counselor, asks no fee. Commit your cause into his hand, and you need not fear the Last Assize."

After all, if Loudermilk is right, I may well "conclude" the following:

1) Well, if every day I live I "appear" before "the judgment seat of Christ" and daily give account of my deeds, good and bad, I can see that it is not so fearful a judgment after all! The judgments I have received for sin have not been so bad thus far!

2) There is no literal appearing before the courtroom of Jesus! There is no literal trial! There is no literal prosecution or rewarding (recompensing).

The Judgment Is Future
(After death)

Here is why:

1. There is only one "appearing" before the bema. Yet, if this is a daily judgment that takes place while still alive and in the body, then each day we "appear" for trial. That is simply ridiculous and so contrary to the syntax of the passage.

2. The fact that the trial involves a person "giving account" of deeds "done while in the body" (or done while alive in body on earth) indicates that the judgment takes place after death, or after the life has been lived. How can a trial concerning a person's life be held until that life has been lived?

3. The trial is public, or before all, angels and men. Yet, the daily Hardshell judgment seat appearing is not public! Who else knows of Loudermilks good and bad deeds via his daily appearing before this court?

We will continue this study in the next posting in this series.