The Bottom Line: What does a correct understanding of 2 Cor. 5:10 mean for each of us in particular, and for the spread of the Good News of the Gospel generally?

Psalm 143:10 (ESV): Let your good Spirit lead me on level ground!

Has the Gospel message over the years been delivered on smooth and level ground? In other words, has the message been simple, understandable, and direct? I would suggest that it has become overly complicated and jumbled, full of unnecessary twists and turns and rough spots. For example, we have raging debates on the role of works in salvation, speculation about what happens between when a believer dies and when Christ returns, and various intricately woven scenarios regarding how the last days will play out. I would suggest that these are distractions that unnecessarily muddle the pure Gospel message of salvation for everyone who believes in Christ as savior. A proper understanding of 2 Cor. 5:10; that is, that the final judgment of believers takes place in this life, not the next, squarely puts the focus back to where it belongs, namely, on the ongoing personal relationship between each believer and Jesus, a relationship that is unique to each person and one that enriches us in this life and prepares us for the life to come.

Simply put, the Gospel message is that everyone who believes in Christ will be saved, and upon death will not undergo further judgment but will immediately be with the Lord for eternity. That is the Good News. That is what we can learn from a proper understanding of 2 Cor. 5:10, which, when correctly translated, reads: 

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive in our bodies what is due us for what we have done, whether good or bad. 

 I would encourage readers who have views on any of this to post their thoughts and questions below, and I will attempt, Lord Willing, to respond as quickly and cogently as I can. 

Photo Credits: “Supreme Court of the United States” by Phil Roeder is licensed under CC BY 2.0.