Study Results: 2 Corinthians 5:10

Here is the NASB95 translation of our verse:
2 Corinthians 5:10, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for [fn]his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."
Footnote: "the things done through the body"

1. The first question is to ask to whom do the pronouns specifically refer. Does "we, each one, his and he" refer to all humanity, or just to the lost, or just to the saved? Looking back at the prior verses, the pronouns refer to born anew believers indwelt with the Holy Spirit. Thus this verse has no application for the lost or for humanity in general.

2. Second, does the verse only refer to born anew male believers, or to all believers, male and female? All believers as both males and females are indwelt.

3. Third, do we appear voluntarily, or are we made to appear by the action of God? We are made to appear as the verb (translated appear) is passive, we are being acted upon. If we consider this further, this might refer to our being born anew as the action causing us to appear, or simply our being taken to the place by God.

4. Forth, "judgment seat" translates the Greek word "bematos" (G968) which refers an area of prominence, like a raised platform where the active participants are located. For example judges, or a tribunal of those who decide and determine.

5. Fifth, each born anew person will be "recompensed" referring to our rewards for effective ministry, and a lack of rewards to ineffective or non-ministry. As we are forgiven, we will receive no recompense for our sins in the way of wrath.

6. Sixth, "deeds in the body" does not refer to our actions while physically alive, but rather our actions while operating as a member of the body of Christ with Christ as our head, thus "through the body."

 

Paul also addresses this topic in his first letter, 1 Corinthians 3:5-15.

 

Romans 14:10
But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God.

First those "You" references are to one or more of the "we" which includes born anew Paul. Therefore this verse too refers only to those born anew and indwelt. "Judgment seat" again is "bemati" which seems better translated as "rewards judgment"

Apparently there is a variant reading where instead of "judgment seat of God" (CT) is found "judgment seat of Christ" (MT & TR).

The next verse (11) references Isaiah 45:23 and therefore raises the question of whether the lost are in view. Isaiah 45:25 seems (to me) to once again only point to the saved who will glory in Yahweh. And being put to shame is not the same thing.