Answer
There are two separate judgments, one for believers and one for unbelievers. One is a judgment that does not lead to condemnation (Romans 8:1); the other judgment will result in eternal condemnation (Revelation 20:15).
Believers are judged at the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10–12). We believe that this judgment will probably occur in heaven during the seven-year tribulation on earth. Every believer will give an account of himself before the Lord. This judgment does not determine salvation, which is by faith alone (Ephesians 2:8–9); rather, it determines the rewards believers will receive.
First Corinthians 3:11 pictures Christ as our “foundation,” and the surrounding verses liken the Christian life to building on that foundation. We can build with “gold, silver, costly stones,” or we can build with “wood, hay or straw” (verse 12). What we construct will be tested, as it were, by fire. Our worthless, shallow activity will not survive God’s refining fire; only what is done for God’s glory will last. The judgment seat of Christ will reveal this.
Believers will be rewarded based on their good works in Christ’s service and their faithfulness to the Lord (cf. 1 Corinthians 9:24–27). We will give an account of our actions, inactions, words, thoughts, and motives. Were they truly indicative of our position in Christ? “So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God” (Romans 14:12 ).
The second judgment is that of unbelievers. This will occur at the end of time, after the millennium and the final rebellion of Satan on earth. This judgment of the wicked is called the great white throne judgment (Revelation 20:11–15). This judgment does not determine salvation, either. Everyone at the great white throne is an unbeliever who has rejected Christ in life, and his fate is already sealed. Revelation 20:12 says that unbelievers will be “judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.” Those who have rejected Christ as Lord and Savior will be judged based on their works alone, and no human work can atone for sin or earn salvation: “By the works of the law no one will be justified” (Galatians 2:16). All their thoughts, words, and actions will be measured against God’s perfect standard, and they will be found wanting. There will be no reward for the unbelieving, only eternal condemnation and punishment.
In summary, after death (or the rapture), believers in Christ will stand before the Lord to give an account. They will be judged on the basis of Christ’s perfect, praiseworthy work on their behalf. After death, unbelievers will also stand before the Lord, who will examine their records. They will be judged on the basis of their own imperfect, unworthy work and their rejection of Christ’s word (John 12:48).
