The passage in 2 Cor. 5 has been one of much consideration..... I do not doubt the saints will be the subjects of that judgment-seat. They will be manifested before it; but that their persons will be called in question, that could not be. They are justified. They rise, not to judgment, but to life; so that the question of their persons, i.e., of themselves, is settled.
But in happy family order the discovery of wrong tempers or hidden breaches is a most welcome process. Far better to have such things manifested than smothered. The discovery or confession of them is the best kind of healing.
All work of this kind should be conducted and concluded by the light of the Spirit in us; but, by reason of flesh, this is not so. This process is hindered and left imperfect; but the light of the judgment-seat of Christ will not be so hindered. There will be no flesh, to contend with it as a rival energy: it will manifest all; and that light and that operation will be a needed work to make the saints happy in their social eternity.
But observe this, as was once remarked, the thought of this judgment-seat gives the apostle no uneasiness about himself: it rather makes him think of others; for he says, “Knowing the terror of the Lord, we persuade men. This is a very happy thought. He was not disturbed about himself when he thought about judgment.