2 Corinthians / Question
Paul says "we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ." He states the purpose as receiving what is due for what has been done in the body, whether good or evil. See 2 Corinthians 5:10.
In 2 Corinthians 5:8–10, Paul says he is confident and would even prefer leaving bodily life to be “at home with the Lord.” Because of that hope, his driving goal is to please the Lord whether still living in the body or away from it. These verses continue a larger stretch where Paul explains why he keeps going despite weakness and suffering (4:7–5:10). He has been contrasting what is temporary and seen with what is lasting and unseen, and he has described present life as fragile while pointing to a future, more permanent “dwelling” (5:1–5).
Paul ties two things closely together: confidence about being “with the Lord” beyond present bodily life (verse 8), and a steady goal of pleasing the Lord in every condition (verse 9). He then grounds that goal in a coming, unavoidable appearing before Christ’s judgment seat (verse 10).
A careful answer keeps the immediate passage, the book's argument, and the whole-Bible storyline together, so the question is answered in context instead of as a detached idea.
Start with 2 Corinthians 5:10, then read the surrounding section so the answer stays connected to the passage's flow.
10For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.