Ángel
Manuel Rodríguez
The Bible says that we will appear
before the "judgment seat of God." What does that mean?
Very often the meaning of expressions
can be elucidated by studying the biblical passages in which they are
used. In this case we are dealing with a legal
practice in Roman society employed by Paul to
embody important theological truths. Knowing the ancient practice is
useful, but the biblical text itself helps explain its meaning and doctrinal
significance.
1. Origin of the Phrase: "Judgment
seat" is the English rendering of the Greek term bēma.
The literal meaning of the word is "step," (used as a measure to designate
approximately a meter; "a foot of ground"; literally, "a foot [length]
of a step"). From that basic meaning bēma came to designate a platform raised
at least a step above the ground. Such
platforms were usually built in or near the marketplace and used
by Roman officials to deliver speeches (e.g., Acts 12:21) and to
make judicial decisions. The magistrate sat on a seat placed on it
to address those present. The term bēma was
by extension applied to the seat of the magistrate. The "judgment
seat" was a judicial bench.
2. Legal Procedure: In front of
the Roman magistrate stood the accused and the accusers. During
Jesus' trial Pilate sat on the "judge's seat" while Jesus stood
before him (Matt. 27:11, 19; cf. John 19:13).* The accusers
presented
the charges, Pilate allowed Jesus to defend
Himself, and a legal decision was
rendered (Matt. 27:13, 14, 24-26).
We find a similar situation in Acts.
While in
Corinth
, the Jews brought Paul to the "court" (bēma) of Gallio,
proconsul of Achaia (Acts 18:12). He listened to the charges
against Paul but determined that according to Roman law
they had no legal basis. He had the Jews "ejected from
the court" (verse 16). Jewish leaders also pressed charges against
Paul in
Caesarea
, before Festus. "He convened the court and ordered that
Paul be brought before him" (Acts 25:6). The accusers stood
and presented their charges against Paul, and an opportunity was given for him to
defend himself (verses 7, 8).
So the judgment seat was a public tribunal,
a place where alleged criminals were brought before a Roman
officer who functioned as a judge. The accused and the
accusers stood before him, presented their arguments and
evidence, and he listened to the defense. After an evaluation
of the evidence
the Roman magistrate pronounced his legal
decision for or against the accused.
3. Theological Usage: This
legal practice was employed by Paul to illustrate proceedings in the heavenly
tribunal. In Romans 14:10 he referred to the bēma as "God's
judgment seat," while in 2 Corinthians 5:10 he called
it "the judgment seat of Christ." These two passages
contain several important ideas. First, they affirm
that there is a divine court in which God, through
Christ, functions as our judge. The reference is to
the eschatological judgment.
Second, Christian believers will appear
before the judgment seat of God to give an account
of themselves (
Rom.
14:12). At the end of the eschatological proceedings
all "will bow before me [God]; every tongue will
confess to God" (verse 11) to acknowledge the
justice of God.
Third, God's people will also appear
before His judgment seat to receive what is due
them "for the things done while in the body,
whether good or bad"
(2 Cor. 5:10).
Fourth, 2 Corinthians 5:10 reveals that
in the judgment evidence is analyzed and
a verdict is pronounced by God on the basis
of that evidence.
Finally, we should notice that Paul did
not say who the accuser is. Second Corinthians
5:10 suggests that in the heavenly realm
the record of our deeds could speak against
us, but other biblical evidence indicates
that the ultimate accuser of God's people
is the enemy (Zech. 3:1). Other passages
specify that the defense is presented by
our advocate, Jesus (1 John 2:1; Heb. 7:25).
Since we confessed Him here on earth, He
will confess in the heavenly tribunal that
we belong to Him (Matt. 10:32; Luke 12:8,
9).
There is no need for us to physically
appear before God's judgment seat, because
Christ will represent us there. That
is good news!
*Bible texts in this
column are quoted from the New International Version.
3/10/05
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