DM#26: The results and reward of the Judgement Seat of Christ

Doctrine of the Mysteries #26

The results and reward of the Judgement Seat of Christ

In the previous article we learned about the Judgement Seat of Christ and what we will be judged for. In this article, I’d like to draw attention to what the results of this judgement is and its subsequent reward.

Let us understand again that this judgement, for members of the Body of Christ, is not for sins or damnation, since our sins have already been judged at the cross of Christ, and through imputation of Christ’s righteousness, we stand justified and completely atoned before God, Rom 5.

Thus, the judgement we will face is to determine the degree of responsibility and commission we will be given, based on our knowledge and understanding of our Father’s will and purpose in the ages to come. The accompanying reward is a measure of the glory and authority of Christ that one will hold in the ranks and positions of the hierarchy of heaven.

To relate to this more easily, let’s apply an analogy concerning a father [re: God], who is a carpenter, and his son [re: you], who is being groomed to inherit the father’s carpentry business [re: heavenly reward].

ANALOGY

The Corinthian babes phase: The father’s business is thriving when a son is born in his house. As ignorant and clueless the baby is of his father’s business, he is still his father’s son and is an heir of all the father can give him. However, the father cannot give his son responsibilities, authority, shares, or anything else of this business while the son is still a baby. All that the heir can do is to soil his diaper, sleep, and cry for a bottle of milk.

The Galatian children under law phase: As the baby grows, the father can start to hone the child for his future purpose. He can tell him stories; he can give him a plastic carpentry toys and tools set; he can enthuse him with excitement to help his dad. Yet, even as a child, the father cannot give him actual participation in the business, but he can assign tutors and governors to educate the child slowly and systematically in a carpenter’s curriculum of sorts. The boy is easily distracted with other things. There are many rules and regulations that are implemented to keep him focused and responsible. He has an important future ahead of him. His father is relying on his education so that he can place him in a significant position of trust and honour later within the business.

The Ephesians to Colossians phase: Things start to take a turn as the child grows up into a young adult. At this point the father is expecting the young man to have matured in knowledge and understanding of the business. The young man ought to be in relative harmony with the father’s will, desires, and hopes for the business. He ought to be reasonably skilled, not only in the craft of carpentry, but also be savvy regarding the general running of the business; in the ability to make decisions, order material, and contribute to the production. He should be growing comfortable in the execution of the will of his father in times where decisions are placed upon him.

The Thessalonian ensample phase: Maturity continues to increase within the heir. The father can trust his decisions and his work, and can assign increasing authority and executive power upon his son. The son is capable of running the business in the areas he is assigned. The knowledge and understanding of his years of tuition and practical development brings his father comfort and joy. The heir becomes an example for all others around him and gains the respect and accolades due him.

The MORAL of the ANALOGY

Let’s talk reward. First, we must understand that the WHOLE inheritance and reward goes to Christ. It is Him alone that deserves all praise and honour and glory. However, it is Jesus Himself that will measure out portions of His reward to us at the judgement seat. The measure we get is in proportion to how much we know of the ‘business’. How can God place us in areas of responsibility if we know little to nothing of the business? How can God trust our judgements and the proper execution of His will if we do not know how He thinks, what He wants, and in what direction He is driving His business? It all comes down to knowledge of God’s plans and knowledge of His will and ways. It has nothing to do with what we did as children. The little plastic toys were for our education, but the works we did with those toys means nothing to the true business.

In the heavenly realm which the Body of Christ will fill, there are thrones, dominions, principalities, and powers. There is a great abundance of positions to fill, some with the highest glory and responsibility, others with lesser glory and esteem. These are the vocations that the Body of Christ will fill. Those with knowledge of Paul’s doctrine will fill various positions of honour and glory. Those with little to no knowledge of Paul’s doctrine will suffer loss within the hierarchy of honour, esteem, and glory.

2Ti 2:20-21  But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.  (21)  If a man therefore purge himself from these, he shall be a vessel unto honour, sanctified, and meet for the master's use, and prepared unto every good work.

With all that is said above, let me end with the following key passage, and in particular, verses, 40-42. I’m sure you will find more insight and clarity in this passage with what we have learned in this article. Remember, this passage provides insights into the measure of reward (or glory) that one will receive according to the results of the Judgement Seat of Christ, evaluated by the knowledge and understanding of Paul’s doctrine, Rom 2:16. It will determine the form of your resurrection body, suited for your purpose, and it will determine your position in the heavenly hierarchy and the authority of Christ that you will execute within your rank and vocation.

1Co 15:35-45  But some man will say, How are the dead raised up? and with what body do they come?  (36)  Thou fool, that which thou sowest is not quickened, except it die:  (37)  And that which thou sowest, thou sowest not that body that shall be, but bare grain, it may chance of wheat, or of some other grain:  (38)  But God giveth it a body as it hath pleased him, and to every seed his own body.  (39)  All flesh is not the same flesh: but there is one kind of flesh of men, another flesh of beasts, another of fishes, and another of birds.  (40)  There are also celestial bodies, and bodies terrestrial: but the glory of the celestial is one, and the glory of the terrestrial is another.  (41)  There is one glory of the sun, and another glory of the moon, and another glory of the stars: for one star differeth from another star in glory.  (42)  So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised in incorruption:  (43)  It is sown in dishonour; it is raised in glory: it is sown in weakness; it is raised in power:  (44)  It is sown a natural body; it is raised a spiritual body. There is a natural body, and there is a spiritual body.  (45)  And so it is written, The first man Adam was made a living soul; the last Adam was made a quickening spirit.

This is by no means a complete theology of the resurrection and judgement seat. It is simply meant to draw your attention to what the written Word says about this topic and the probable interpretation of these future events. If anything, may it inspire you to dive into Paul’s epistles and start to learn what God has destined for you by means of the revelation of the mystery doctrine and your curriculum.