Emotions Experienced at the Judgment Seat of Christ
The New Testament describes a future judgment where individuals will stand before Christ. This event, often referred to as the Judgment Seat of Christ, is distinct from the final judgment of all humanity [3]. While the Bible does not explicitly detail the emotions experienced by believers at this judgment, it provides insights into the nature of the event and the human emotions Christ himself experienced, which can inform our understanding.
The judge at this event is Jesus Christ, who, as mediator, will complete and publicly manifest the salvation of his people [3]. Scripture indicates that Christ, in his earthly life, experienced a full range of human emotions, including sorrow, anguish, and fear [6, 8]. He wept [2], was deeply troubled [8], and endured persecution, scorn, and mocking [4, 5]. This capacity for human emotion suggests a judge who understands the human condition.
For believers, the Judgment Seat of Christ (sometimes called the bema seat) is generally understood as an evaluation of their works and faithfulness after salvation, rather than a judgment for sin, which was atoned for by Christ's sacrifice [3]. one tradition writes that "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Corinthians 5:10). While this implies accountability, the focus for believers is often on rewards and the purification of works.
The concept of judgment can evoke fear or anxiety. However, for those who are "in Christ," the outcome is not condemnation but rather an assessment of their service. The "joy lying before him" motivated Jesus to endure the cross [1], suggesting that the ultimate outcome of his work, including this judgment, is one of joy. Similarly, early disciples, even when facing suffering, were "filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost" [7]. This suggests that while there may be a solemn reckoning, the overarching emotion for believers at Christ's judgment seat could be one of joy and vindication, as their works are revealed in light of Christ's perfect work.
Sources
- Hebrews “Hebrews 12:2 (Rotherham) — Looking away unto our faith’s Princely-leader and perfecter, Jesus,—who, in consideration of the joy lying before him, endured a cross, shame, despising! And, on the right hand of the throne of God, hath taken his seat.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Human Nature of Christ, The — Was necessary to his mediatorial office -- 1Ti 2:5; Heb 2:17; Ga 4:4,5; 1Co 15:21; Ro 6:15,19. Is proved by his Conception in the Virgin's womb. -- Mt 1:18; Lu 1:31. Birth. -- Mt 1:16,25; 2:2; Lu 2:7,11. Partaking of flesh and blood. -- Joh 1:14; Heb 2:14. Having a human soul. -- Mt 26:38; Lu 23:46; Ac 2:31. Circumcision. -- Lu 2:21. Increase in wisdom and stature. -- Lu 2:52. Weeping. -- Lu 19:41; Joh 11:35. Hungering. -- Mt 4:2; 21:18. Thirsting. -- Joh 4:7; 19:28. Sleeping. -- Mt 8:24; Mr 4:38. Being subject to weariness. -- Joh 4:6. ”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Judgment, The final — The sentence that will be passed on our actions at the last day (Matt. 25; Rom. 14:10, 11; 2 Cor. 5:10; 2 Thess. 1:7-10). The judge is Jesus Christ, as mediator. All judgment is committed to him (Acts 17:31; John 5:22, 27; Rev. 1:7). "It pertains to him as mediator to complete and publicly manifest the salvation of his people and the overthrow of his enemies, together with the glorious righteousness of his work in both respects." The persons to be judged are, (1) the whole race of Adam without a single exception (Matt. 25:31-46; 1 Cor. 15:51, 52”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Persecution — Christ suffered -- Ps 69:26; Joh 5:16. Christ voluntarily submitted to -- Isa 50:6. Christ was patient under -- Isa 53:7. Saints may expect -- Mr 10:30; Lu 21:12; Joh 15:20. Saints suffer, for the sake of God -- Jer 15:15. Of saints, is a persecution of Christ -- Zec 2:8; Ac 9:4,5. All that live godly in Christ, shall suffer -- 2Ti 3:12. Originates Ignorance of God and Christ. -- Joh 16:3. Hated to God and Christ. -- Joh 15:20,24. Hatred to the gospel. -- Mt 13:21. Pride. -- Ps 10:2. Mistaken zeal. -- Ac 13:50; 26:9-11. Is inconsistent with the spirit o”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Scorning and Mocking — The sufferings of Christ by, predicted -- Ps 22:6-8; Isa 53:3; Lu 18:32. Christ endured -- Mt 9:24; 27:29. Saints endure, on account of Being children of God. -- Ge 21:9; Ga 4:29. Their uprightness. -- Job 12:4. Their faith. -- Heb 11:36. Their faithfulness in declaring the word of God. -- Jer 20:7,8. Their zeal for God's house. -- Ne 2:19. The wicked indulge in, against The second coming of Christ. -- 2Pe 3:3,4. The gifts of the Spirit. -- Ac 2:13. God's threatening. -- Isa 5:19; Jer 17:15. God's ministers. -- 2Ch 36:16. God's ordinances. -- L”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 22:42: 22:42 please take this cup of suffering away: A cup is a metaphor for experiencing either judgment or blessing (see, e.g., Pss 23:5; 75:8; 116:13; Isa 51:17). Jesus felt all the emotions of his humanity, including fear and anxiety.”
- Acts (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Acts 13:52: the disciples--who, though not themselves expelled, had to endure sufferings for the Gospel, as we learn from Act 14:22. were filled with joy and with the Holy Ghost--who not only raised them above shame and fear, as professed disciples of the Lord Jesus, but filled them with holy and elevated emotions. Next: Acts Chapter 14”
- John (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on John 12:27: 12:27 my soul is deeply troubled: John used the same term (Greek tarassō) to describe Jesus’ strong emotion of agony before Lazarus’ tomb (11:33; also 13:21). When Jesus stood before death, he could not be impassive. Jesus experienced genuine anguish, yet he remained strong in obedience to the Father’s will (5:19-23; 6:37; 8:29, 38; 14:31).”