The Reward of Saints: Sitting in Judgment With Christ
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The concept of the saints sitting in judgment with Christ is a profound theme found within the New Testament, reflecting the ultimate reward and authority granted to believers in the eschatological future. This theme is deeply rooted in the promises of Christ and the apostolic teachings, highlighting the honor and responsibility bestowed upon the faithful.

Biblical Foundation

The idea of saints participating in judgment is primarily drawn from several key passages in the New Testament. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus promises His disciples a role in judgment: "Truly I tell you, in the renewal of all things, when the Son of Man sits on His glorious throne, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel" (Matthew 19:28). This promise underscores the special position of the apostles, yet it also extends to all faithful believers as seen in other scriptures.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this theme in his first letter to the Corinthians. Addressing the church, he writes, "Do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if you are to judge the world, are you not competent to judge trivial cases?" (1 Corinthians 6:2). Paul emphasizes the future authority of the saints, suggesting that their role in judgment is part of their divine inheritance and calling.

Theological Implications

The participation of the saints in judgment with Christ signifies their union with Him and their share in His kingly authority. This is not merely a symbolic gesture but a real participation in the divine governance of the new creation. The saints, having been redeemed and sanctified, are entrusted with this responsibility as a testament to their faithfulness and transformation in Christ.

The Book of Revelation also provides insight into this eschatological role. In Revelation 20:4, John describes a vision where he sees thrones and those seated on them given authority to judge: "Then I saw thrones, and those seated on them had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years" (Revelation 20:4). This passage highlights the reward for those who have remained steadfast in their witness to Christ, even unto death.

Practical Considerations

The promise of sitting in judgment with Christ serves as both an encouragement and a call to holiness for believers. It reminds the faithful of their future hope and the ultimate vindication of their faith. This future role also calls for a present life of discernment, justice, and righteousness, reflecting the character of Christ whom they will serve alongside in the age to come.

Moreover, this theme reinforces the communal aspect of the Christian faith, as the saints collectively participate in the divine judgment. It underscores the unity and shared destiny of the body of Christ, as they are called to reign with Him in His eternal kingdom.

In summary, the reward of sitting in judgment with Christ is a profound testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the ultimate destiny of the saints. It is a promise that inspires hope, demands faithfulness, and calls believers to live in anticipation of the coming kingdom where they will share in Christ's glory and authority.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Daniel 7:22
Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom.
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Matthew 19:28
And Jesus said to them, Truly I say to you, That you which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of man shall sit in the throne of his glory, you also shall sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 22:30
That you may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel.
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1 Corinthians 6:2
Do you not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
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Library

In this Passage all Room for Doubt is Removed. In the Former ...
... the mere opinion, not the mature judgment, of another ... the kingdom of God to receive
the second reward. ... when they have Christ and the saints sitting on thrones ...
/.../32 in this passage all.htm

Whether any Men Will Judge Together with Christ?
... or the repayment of punishment and reward (which is ... to make "judging" something
additional to "sitting." Hence there ... reason why some of the saints should not ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether any men will judge.htm

Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death ...
... than others, so shall their glory and reward be greater ... and all the many thousands
of his saints and angels ... bright than so many suns in glory, sitting about him ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/3 meditations of the blessed.htm

The Last Judgment. By the Rev. John Welch, AD 1570-1622.
... as a Judge, convoyed with all his angels and saints in heaven ... again calling; and
he shall come with his reward in his ... in time of need." Now he is sitting on a ...
/.../knox/the pulpit of the reformation nos 1 2 and 3 /the last judgment by the.htm

Coming Judgment of the Secrets of Men
... then see the truth of things, and the saints shall judge ... and he that shall then be
grit with glory, sitting on a ... this high office not only as a reward for all ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/coming judgment of the secrets.htm

Wishing to Answer the Above-Stated Objection Somewhat More Fully.. ...
... said: "I saw the Lord God of Israel sitting on His ... He knew them, but He did predestinate
the reward of those ... had adjudged to be given to the saints; and that ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter vi wishing to answer.htm

Recognitions of Clement.
... Chapter LII.--The Saints Before Christ's Coming. ... Chapter XXXVIII.--Reward of Chastity.
Book VIII. ... Chapter LVIII.--Sitting in Judgment Upon God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/recognitions of clement /

The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment:
... to his word; wherefore as truly as God will given a reward to his saints and children ...
and bad: and when both are manifest by the righteous judgment of Christ ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the resurrection of the dead.htm

Psalm CX.
... are made His footstool, while He is sitting on the ... season, when the Saints have received
their reward, and the ... speaketh of that power when the saints shall be ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm cx.htm

The Necessity of Diligently Seeking the Saints' Rest.
... What rising early and sitting up late, and laboring ... sweeter employment, greater
encouragements, and a better reward? ... The saints have a real happiness, and the ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter vii the necessity of.htm

Resources
What did Jesus mean when He said the first will be last and the last will be first? | GotQuestions.org

Is there anything I can do to guarantee myself a long life? | GotQuestions.org

What is the purpose of there being rewards in heaven? | GotQuestions.org

Reward: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Reward

Reward: A Motive to Faithfulness

The Reward of Saints is from God

The Reward of Saints is Full

The Reward of Saints is Great

The Reward of Saints is Inestimable

The Reward of Saints is of God's Good Pleasure

The Reward of Saints is of Grace, Through Faith Alone

The Reward of Saints is Satisfying

The Reward of Saints is Sure

The Reward of Saints: A City Which had Foundation

The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Glory

The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Life

The Reward of Saints: A Crown of Righteousness

The Reward of Saints: A House Eternal in the Heavens

The Reward of Saints: A Kingdom

The Reward of Saints: A Kingdom Immovable

The Reward of Saints: An Enduring Substance

The Reward of Saints: An Eternal Weight of Glory

The Reward of Saints: An Incorruptible Crown

The Reward of Saints: As Servants of Christ

The Reward of Saints: Be Careful not to Lose

The Reward of Saints: Beholding the Face of God

The Reward of Saints: Beholding the Glory of Christ

The Reward of Saints: Being Glorified With Christ

The Reward of Saints: Being With Christ

The Reward of Saints: Entering Into the Joy of the Lord

The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Life

The Reward of Saints: Everlasting Light

The Reward of Saints: Fulness of Joy

The Reward of Saints: Hope of, a Cause of Rejoicing

The Reward of Saints: Inheritance Eternal

The Reward of Saints: Inheritance Incorruptible

The Reward of Saints: Inheritance of all Things

The Reward of Saints: Inheritance With Saints in Light

The Reward of Saints: Joint Heirship With Christ

The Reward of Saints: Not on Account of Their Merits

The Reward of Saints: Prepared by Christ

The Reward of Saints: Prepared by God

The Reward of Saints: Present Afflictions not to be Compared With

The Reward of Saints: Reigning for Ever and Ever

The Reward of Saints: Reigning With Christ

The Reward of Saints: Rest

The Reward of Saints: Saints May Feel Confident of

The Reward of Saints: Shall be Given at the Second Coming of Christ

The Reward of Saints: Shining As the Stars

The Reward of Saints: Sitting in Judgment With Christ

The Reward of Saints: The Prize of the High Calling of God in Christ

The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Diligence

The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Enduring Suffering for Christ

The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Faithfulness to Death

The Reward of Saints: The Prospect of, should Lead to Pressing Forward

The Reward of Saints: Treasure in Heaven

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The Reward of Saints: Shining As the Stars
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