When I Stand At The Judgment Seat Of Christ

By J. B. Lemon

Lyrics

1. At the judgment seat of Christ, my Saviour,
All the nations shall be called to stand;
And all people shall appear before Him,
On His left, or on His own right hand.

Chorus:
At the judgment where wilt thou appear?
Will it be on the right hand,
Will it be on the left hand?
At the judgment where wilt thou be found,
When before Him thou shalt stand?

2. He shall separate them like a shepherd,
Oh, what partings in that awful day!
“Come, ye blessed to the heav’nly mansions,
Go, ye cursed, from my throne away."

3. Loved ones on one side, and, on the other,
Weeping, as they part to meet no more,
God shall wipe away the tears of Christians,
As they pass thro' heaven’s open door.

4. At the judgment seat of Christ, my Saviour,
When all nations shall be gathered there,
Wilt thou be upon His right hand, brother,
Evermore the bliss of heav’n to share?

Bible Reference

2 Corinthians 5:10

About This Hymn

“When I Stand at the Judgment Seat of Christ” was written by J. B. Lemon in 1907 and is a hymn that brings solemn reflection upon the eternal realities of accountability before God. It calls believers to consider their lives in light of the coming day when each one will stand before the Lord and give account for deeds done in the body. Rather than being a hymn of despair, it is intended as a hymn of sobering reminder, urging Christians to live faithfully, obediently, and with a sense of stewardship, knowing that nothing in life escapes the eye of Christ.

The verses highlight the seriousness of standing before the Judge of all the earth, balanced with the hope of mercy through the blood of Christ. It reflects the teaching of Scripture that believers are saved by grace, yet still accountable for their works as evidence of their faithfulness. In this way, the hymn functions both as a warning and as an encouragement, reminding the faithful that living for Christ is never in vain.

Sung in revival meetings and personal gatherings, the hymn played a role in urging men and women to make decisions for Christ, to surrender sin, and to live in holiness. It still holds value today as a reminder of the eternal perspective every believer should keep, knowing that life is fleeting and eternity is certain. J. B. Lemon’s hymn continues to speak to the heart with clarity, pressing the urgent truth that one day we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.