Romans 14:8-12 For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living. But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why do thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, said the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.
‘Christ both died, and rose, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living.’ Another proof that Christ died and arose physically (1Cor. 15:1-23).
‘For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ …’ this the 3rd New Testament prophecy in Romans unfulfilled. This refers to the judgment seat of Christ where all the saints will be judged after the rapture for the deeds done in the body, whether they be good or bad (2:12-16; 14:10-12; 1Cor. 3:11-15; 2Cor. 5:10; Gal. 6:8; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24; Luke 14:14; 2Tim. 4:14; Rev. 2:23; 22:12).
In 1 Corinthians 3:12-15, we read of the judgment of believers’ works that will take place after the rapture. Here our works are compared to gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay and stubble – some become more pure in the fire and others are completely burned up by fire. Fire will try every man’s works. If it is gold, silver and precious stones they will abide the fire and we will receive a reward for our works. If they are wood, hay, and stubble our works will be burned up, yet we will be saved from loss of our souls. The subjects: believers (14:1-23; Gal. 6:8; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24; 2Cor. 5:10). The time: between the rapture and the second coming (Luke 14:14). The place of judgment: in heaven (14:10; 1Cor. 9:24-27; 2Cor. 5:10). The basis of judgment: works, both good and bad (2:6; 14:1-23; 1Cor. 3:11-15; 2Cor. 5:10; Col. 3:1-25; Matt. 16:27; 2Tim. 4:14). The result: reward or loss of reward, but never the loss of one’s soul for any wrongdoings properly confessed and forgiven (1Cor. 3:11-15). This judgment deals with the believer as a servant (14:1-23; 2Cor. 5:10, 11). Believers will be judged concerning: Doctrines (2:14-16; 14:1-23); conduct to others (14:1-23; Matt. 18:1-35); carnal traits (Romans 1-2; 8:1-13; 14:1-23; Col. 3:1-25) and words (14:1-23; Matt. 12:32-37). Things that affect others: slander, quarrels, idle words, foolishness (folly), dishonesty, broken promises, wrong dealings, etc. (1:29-32; 12:1-21; 14:1-23; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3:1-25; Eph. 4:1-32; 5:1-33;). Things that affect themselves: neglected opportunities, talents wasted, loose living, lack of spirituality, etc. (2:14-16; Heb. 2:1-4; Gal. 5:1-26; 6:1-10; Col. 3:1-25). Things that affect God: refusal to walk in the light, disobedience, rejection, failure to cooperate and yield to the Spirit, etc. (12:1-21; 1Cor. 12:1-31; Eph. 4:1-32; 5:1-33).
‘As I live, said the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God’ this was quoted from Isaiah 45:23.
Living the Word 