The Bible teaches “… we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ” (Romans 14:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10) However, it is the church (Jesus’ faithful followers) who are being judged at the present time, while the general world of mankind will be judged at the close of the Millennium after they have been instructed in righteousness, or “learned righteousness” (Isaiah 26:9). Then the great throne scene takes place in heaven: “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is [the book] of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works” (Revelation 20:12). “…Which show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness… God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ…” (Romans 2:16).

What are those works and secrets recorded in that book of life? If we judge ourselves (1 Corinthians 11:31-32), we might determine if we are meeting the goal of pleasing God through our prayers, works and personal conduct.

While not complete, the following list offers some suggestions for those who are part of Christ’s church: Did we manifest the Lord’s spirit? (1 Corinthians 12, Romans 12, Ephesians 4:1-32, 5:1-33). Did we endure temptation? (James 1:12) Did we spread the gospel? (Matthew 28:18-20) Did we demonstrate humility? (1 Peter 5:2-5) Did we control our tongues? (James 3:1-9) Did we use opportunities wisely? (Romans 2, Hebrews 2:1-4, Galatians 5:1-26, 6:1-10, Colossians 3) Did we remain “steadfast and immoveable; abounding in the work of the Lord”? (1 Corinthians 15:58) Did we labor in love? (Hebrews 6:10) Did we demonstrate victory over sin? (Romans 6:1-4) Did we honestly seek the truth and reject evil? (Romans 2) Did we follow the Golden Rule? (Luke 6:31; Matthew 18) Did we demonstrate faith as overcomers? (I John 5:4) Did we cultivate the disposition of love? (1 Corinthians 13)

“… For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is. If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire” (1 Corinthians 3:9-15).

We are judged according to our diligence in building on Christ’s foundation. “And now, little children, abide in Him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming” (1 John 2:28).

Additional Resources:
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1074: “Does God Judge Everyone the Same Way?”
The complexity, equity and utility of God’s eternal judgments
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Episode #1227: “Where Do the Human Soul and Spirit Go When We Die? (Part I)”
Defining what the human soul is and is not, and its destiny at death
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes

Episode #934: “Will Sinners Be Happy on Judgment Day?”
Understanding the events and purposes of Judgment Day
CQ Rewind Show Notes

PDF Booklet: The Day of Judgment
PDF Booklet: God’s Grand Plan of the Ages