“For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” 2 Corinthians 5:10

If scripture is clear about one thing, it is the reality of judgement. God will Judge this world. The justice so lacking here and now will one day come. The Bible says that God has perfect knowledge including our most secret intentions. We can hide from everyone, but nothing is hidden from God.

What this reality implies is that He does not need a judgement for Himself to know the life of each individual. God’s judgements are, indeed, a divine accommodation carried on for the sake of His creatures. This process is of a cosmic-historical nature because Lucifer began his rebellion in heaven and then spread it to this world.

For many, the idea of judgement means condemnation. And though that’s part of the process, we must not forget that the idea of judgement has a positive side, in that judgement also involves the vindication of the righteous. Actually, the book of Daniel refers to an end-time judgement _“in favor of the saints of the Most-High” (Daniel 7:22)_.

Our destiny is determined in our present life. Those in Christ have their vindication at the judgement already assured and those who are not in Christ, remain under condemnation. Describing the judgement, Christ mentioned the presence not only of the goats (wicked) but also of the sheep (righteous). And the apostle Paul stated explicitly, _“For all of us must appear before the judgement seat of Christ, so that each may receive recompense for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil” 2 Corinthians 5:20_.

While reflecting on the judgement, we should keep in mind that we are saved by grace, justified by faith and judged by works. The basis of the judgement process is God’s moral law as summarized in the ten commandments. Our works are the external evidences of the genuineness of our saving experience and consequently, the elements to be appraised during judgement.

Remember, there is no arbitrary decree from God electing some to be saved and others to be lost. Each one is morally responsible for his or her own destiny.

In the end, the judgement is not the time when God decides to accept or reject us, _but the time when God finalizes our choice as to whether or not we have accepted Him_ – a choice made manifest by our works.