.By Aaron Ukodie
I am currently reading a book in which the author, an American pastor, confessed that many pastors in America have never preached on the Judgment Seat of Christ.
If that observation is accurate, it is a matter of concern because the doctrine of judgment occupies an important place in the teachings of Christ and His apostles.
The writer of Hebrews listed “eternal judgment” among the foundational principles of the doctrine of Christ:
“Therefore leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on unto perfection; not laying again the foundation of repentance from dead works, and of faith toward God, of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment.” (Hebrews 6:1–2, KJV)
The New Testament clearly teaches both the judgment of unbelievers and the judgment of believers. Jesus Himself repeatedly warned about coming judgment and the accountability of every person before God:
“And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.” (Matthew 25:46)
Paul taught that believers will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ:
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)
Likewise, he wrote:
“So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12)
The apostles did not shy away from proclaiming the whole counsel of God. Paul could testify:
“For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God.” (Acts 20:27)
The Church is called to preach the full doctrine of Christ, not merely the portions that are popular, comforting, or less controversial. Alongside God’s love, grace, mercy, and promises, believers must also hear the biblical teachings on holiness, accountability, reward, discipline, resurrection, and judgment. A balanced proclamation of the gospel presents the whole truth of God’s Word and prepares people to stand before Him with confidence on the Day of Christ.
“Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men…” (2 Corinthians 5:11)
“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27)
I suspect that one reason many pastors avoid preaching on such subjects is that these messages are not popular and can make congregations uncomfortable. In an age when many people prefer messages that inspire, encourage, and affirm, there may be a temptation to avoid doctrines that confront, warn, or call for self-examination. Scripture itself foretold such a tendency:
“For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears; And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables.” (2 Timothy 4:3–4, KJV)
Whether the neglect arises from a desire to keep people comfortable, from theological blind spots, or from other reasons, the result is the same: believers are deprived of an important part of the counsel of God. The warnings and judgments recorded in Scripture are not intended merely to produce fear, but to encourage repentance, holy living, faithfulness, spiritual vigilance, and readiness for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Jesus preached about judgment. The apostles preached about judgment. The early Church understood judgment to be a foundational doctrine. Therefore, the Church today should not be silent where Scripture speaks so plainly.
A ministry that emphasizes only God’s blessings while neglecting His righteous judgment presents an incomplete picture of the gospel. God’s grace and God’s justice, His mercy and His holiness, His promises and His warnings, all belong to the full doctrine of Christ. By failing to teach these truths, pastors may unintentionally do their congregations a great disservice, leaving many believers insufficiently prepared for the accountability that awaits every person before God.
The emphasis on judgment is not intended to produce fear alone, but to encourage repentance, holy living, faithfulness, and readiness for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. As Peter exhorted:
“And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear.” (1 Peter 1:17, KJV)
And as Paul warned believers:
“Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.” (2 Corinthians 5:9)
The full doctrine of Christ ought to be preached, for only the whole truth can fully prepare God’s people for the coming Kingdom and the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
