Knowing The Word in 2 Corinthians 5:10, The Judgment Seat

10 For 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.

At the end of time it will be Christ seated on the judgment seat who will requite believers according to their deeds. At that time Paul’s ministry will be vindicated and found authentic, as will the faith of the true believers in Corinth. Present-day actions will have eternal consequences, even though the consequence remain somewhat mysterious. However, as 4:16-5:10 makes clear, Paul strongly affirms and longs for resurrection, not merely life in heaven. We have an incomplete view of eternal life if we picture angels sitting on clouds or think that we become angels. We don’t. Instead, we will receive resurrection bodies and serve God eternally.

May God the Father, who loved the world so much that he sent his

only Son, give you grace to prepare for eternal life.

May God the Son, who comes to us as Redeemer and Judge, reveal

to you the path from darkness to light.

May God the Holy Spirit, by whose working the Virgin Mary

conceived the Christ, help you bear the fruits of holiness.

Michael Perham