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Three things are here observable: 1. That Jesus Christ, by virtue of his meritorious passion, and glorious resurrection, was constituted Lord of all things, and has power to judge all persons. To this end Christ died, rose again, and revived, that he might be Lord both of the dead and living: that is, be the judge and rewarder of all mankind.
Observe, 2. That to this supreme and absolute Lord every one of us must give an account of our actions, and from him receive our final doom: We shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ.
Observe, 3. The argument which the apostle draws from hence to dissuade us from censuring and judging one another; and that is drawn from the consideration of the last and final judgment, which we are all hastening apace unto. Why dost thou judge thy brother? We shall all stand before the judgment-seat of Christ.
As if the apostle had said, "Let there be a mutual forbearance among Christians: do not rashly judge and uncharitably censure one another, because in some little things you differ from each other. What though your brother cannot in conscience comply with your opinion or practice; must you presently accuse him of stomach, and condemn him for stubbornness, calling his non-compliance obstinacy and humour, pride and singularity, which he calls conscience towards God? Remember the judge standeth at the door, and you must suddenly stand before the judgment-seat of Christ; where every one of us must give an account of himself to God."
Where note, The universality of the subjects rendering this account: Every one of us. The subject-matter of which the account must be rendered; and that is of ourselves. As also the designation and description of the person unto whom this account must be rendered; and that is, to the all-seeing and heart-searching God; to God the Creator, but especially to Christ the Lord, the Redeemer, who is such a judge as the subtilty of the wisest cannot delude; such a judge as there is no appealing from, no repealing of his sentence: Therefore judge nothing before the time, till the Lord cometh.