Jesus Christ; the Judge
A Sermon on Romans 14:10-12
Originally preached Dec. 1, 1967
Scripture
10But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. 11For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess …
Sermon Description
As the lordship of Christ is universal, so also is the judgment of Christ. Evangelical Protestants rightly champion Scripture’s teaching on the assurance believers have as they face the final judgment seat of God. The Christian rejoices in the assurance that there is no condemnation from God the Father for those in Christ Jesus. However, as Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones reminds in this sermon on Romans 14:10–12 titled “Jesus Christ, the Judge,” Christians often neglect the truth that believers will face another judgment. This is not a final judgment but a judgment of rewards. By bringing out the distinction between Christ’s final judgment and rewards judgment, Dr. Lloyd-Jones protects the church against antinomianism, loose living, and quarreling in the church. As the church at Rome had become factious by judging each other over indifferent matters, the apostle Paul appeals to Christ’s judgment. In doing so, he reminds them who is the true and final judge in all matters. Christians should temper these types of judgments as they are brothers and sisters in Christ. The family of God – those born again by the Holy Spirit and adopted as His children – are not ultimately concerned about proving each other wrong on matters of indifference. Certainly family members are not to denounce and be angry toward a sibling but instead they are called to love, express concern, and help.
Sermon Breakdown
- The apostle Paul is addressing judging and despising one another over indifferent matters in Romans 14:10-12.
- Paul reminds the believers that they are all brothers, so they should not judge or despise each other.
- Paul says that all believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, so no one should judge others.
- Paul quotes Isaiah 45:23, saying that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess to God. So we should not judge others.
- Paul concludes that each person will give an account of themselves to God. So we should focus on ourselves, not judge others.
Sermon Q&A
How Did Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Explain the Judgment Seat of Christ?
What does Romans 14:10-12 teach about judging other Christians?
According to Dr. Lloyd-Jones, Romans 14:10-12 teaches that Christians should not judge one another, particularly on non-essential matters. The passage raises two key points: first, that we are all brothers in Christ, and second, that judgment belongs to Christ alone. As Lloyd-Jones explains, "Brothers don't judge one another. They've got someone above them. They've got the same father, and he's the one who judges." The text reminds believers that we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ, making it inappropriate for Christians to usurp this role by judging each other.
What distinction does Lloyd-Jones make between different types of judgment?
Lloyd-Jones makes a crucial distinction between the judgment concerning salvation and the judgment of rewards for believers. He emphasizes that Christians "have passed through the judgment that decides our eternal destiny" but "still have to pass through a judgment of rewards." This judgment seat of Christ for believers isn't about determining salvation (which is already secure) but about evaluating the quality of our service and works. As Lloyd-Jones states, "Though we are saved, we shall still have to appear before the judgment throne of Christ and give an account of the deeds done in the body, whether good or bad."
How does Lloyd-Jones interpret the phrase "judgment seat of Christ"?
Lloyd-Jones interprets the "judgment seat of Christ" as the place where believers' works will be evaluated. He references 1 Corinthians 3:10-15 where Paul teaches that believers' works will be tested by fire—some works will endure (gold, silver, precious stones) while others will be burned up (wood, hay, stubble). Lloyd-Jones explains, "It is a judgment of rewards. It doesn't determine our destiny." The believer "himself shall be saved, yet so as by fire, but his work is under judgment, and he suffers loss."
What evidence does Lloyd-Jones provide for Christ's deity from this passage?
Lloyd-Jones points out that this passage provides evidence for Christ's deity by showing how attributes assigned to God the Father in the Old Testament are applied to Christ in the New Testament. He notes that in Isaiah 45:23, God declares that every knee shall bow to Him, yet in Philippians 2:10-11, Paul applies this same honor to Jesus. Lloyd-Jones states, "The very thing Isaiah has been saying about the Father is now said about the Son, and that can only carry one meaning, and that is that the Son is co-equal and co-eternal with the Father."
Why does Lloyd-Jones say Christians neglect the doctrine of the judgment seat of Christ?
Lloyd-Jones suggests that Christians, particularly evangelicals, tend to neglect the doctrine of the judgment seat of Christ because they focus primarily on salvation and forgiveness. He observes, "We are interested in salvation, interested in forgiveness of sins, interested in knowing we are not going to hell. And we seem to think that we finished once and forever with all kinds of judgment." Lloyd-Jones warns that neglecting this doctrine can lead to "antinomianism and loose living," as believers fail to realize they will still be accountable for their actions even though their salvation is secure.
The Book of Romans
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones (1899-1981) was a Welsh evangelical minister who preached and taught in the Reformed tradition. His principal ministry was at Westminster Chapel, in central London, from 1939-1968, where he delivered multi-year expositions on books of the bible such as Romans, Ephesians and the Gospel of John. In addition to the MLJ Trust’s collection of 1,600 of these sermons in audio format, most of these great sermon series are available in book form (including a 14 volume collection of the Romans sermons), as are other series such as "Spiritual Depression", "Studies in the Sermon on the Mount" and "Great Biblical Doctrines". He is considered by many evangelical leaders today to be an authority on biblical truth and the sufficiency of Scripture.