2 Corinthians 5:10
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Study Note
Study Note
The assertion 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' grounds ethical urgency in eschatological accountability. The 'judgment seat' (bema) was a raised platform in Greco-Roman city squares where magistrates rendered verdicts, a familiar image to Paul's urban audience. The scope — 'we all,' including Paul and his co-workers — prevents any reading that exempts believers from scrutiny at Christ's judgment. The verse integrates with Paul's teaching on grace (each receives what is due to what was done in the body) without resolving the tension into either pure merit or pure grace, but holding both within a single eschatological horizon.
Other Translations
For we must all be made manifest before the judgment-seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
for all of us it behoveth to be manifested before the tribunal of the Christ, that each one may receive the things <FI>done<Fi> through the body, in reference to the things that he did, whether good or evil;
For we all have to come before Christ to be judged; so that every one of us may get his reward for the things done in the body, good or bad.
Cross References
Woe unto the wicked! it shall be ill with him: for the reward of his hands shall be given him.
Say ye to the righteous, that it shall be well with him: for they shall eat the fruit of their …
Who shall give account to him that is ready to judge the quick and the dead.
And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall …
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the …
And I will kill her children with death; and all the churches shall know that I am he which searcheth …
For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be …
Rejoice, O young man, in thy youth; and let thy heart cheer thee in the days of thy youth, and …
And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.