For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. Knowing, therefore, the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are well known to God, and I also trust are well known in your consciences. (2 Corinthians 5:10-11)

We Need Some Terror

Webster defines ‘terror’ as “a state of intense fear, a frightening aspect.” The Greek word for terror is PHOBOS, from which the word “phobia” comes. It means to be afraid, exceedingly fearful, and terror. It is not a pleasant word and comes with exceeding alarm and dread. The context of Paul using this phrase is found in two things. First, the apprehension personally felt by Paul to be found wanting before the Lord. Second, understanding the plight of most people in the world who do not fear God. It was Paul’s mission to save those who were lost, and there were many, many souls to save.

Fear is a productive and strong motivator. Paul does not dismiss the love of God and His grace but is fully aware of the consequences of ignoring the judgment seat of Christ. His warning is crystal clear. Anyone who dismisses eternal judgment will find themselves in a most unpleasant place with God. Sadly, the world is so busy seeking after the trappings of life no time is given to consider what happens after death. Unbelievers falsely claim that death ends all things. They suggest life is all there is, and death obliterates the life of the person, denying eternity. Paul is arguing for what happens after death in the eternal realm.

If life on earth was all there was, what kind of guardrails would there be? There would be no boundaries or inhibitions because life is one free exercise of personal choice. If death ends everything and there is nothing after death, a person should live their life as wild, free, immoral, and degrading as they can. What difference would it make? What is an amazing experience for the human factor is the deep-seated need for moral choice. Morality demands reckoning and accountability. Humanity struggles with morality because, whether they understand the mechanics of judgment or not, they believe life has no consequence. Paul calls it the “judgment seat of Christ.”

When law is removed, a lawless state exists. This means that anything a person does is not accountable. If murder were lawful, the world would fall into chaos. When sexuality is delegated to personal choice without accountability, adultery, fornication, homosexuality, bestiality, pedophilia, and free sex are accepted without judgment. The law of man is established to maintain order and civility. God has a law that was established to determine what is right and wrong. Disregarding the law of God will bring eternal consequences – the judgment seat of Christ.

Paul looked at life with the view that whatever a person does in this life (in the body) will be brought before the judgment seat of Christ to receive the blessings of God or the wrath of God. There are consequences to what a person does in life. Everyone will appear before Christ’s judgment seat with no respect for persons. If a person has done good, he will be blessed; if he has done bad, he will be punished. Fear should grip the heart, knowing that life will be judged and there is the reality of eternal condemnation. The terror of the Lord must live in the heart to convince the soul of God’s wrath.

Understanding the wrath of God will help convince a rebellious soul to change. If the terror of the Lord cannot change the heart, there is no hope. There will be a day of judgment. It will be a strict and impartial accounting for every person. The wrath of God will be brought upon the guilty. It will be an awful day of wailing and terror for those who ignore the warnings. Jesus said most will be lost because the world does not fear God. They will one day, and it will be too late. Albert Barnes writes, “Who can fancy the horrors of the hosts of the guilty and the wretched who shall then hear that their doom is to be fixed forever in a world of unspeakable woe?” What the world needs is some terror to fill their hearts.