492 - What Happens at the Bema Seat Judgment of Christ?

Hear Ye, Hear Ye, Court is Now in Session

There are three major judgments in the prophetic timeline of God: the Sheep and Goats Judgment, the Bema Seat Judgment, and the Great White Throne Judgment. Some of these judgments take place on earth and some in heaven. But there is only one that you should be worried about. And that is the Bema Seat Judgment of Christ.

So what is the Bema Seat Judgment of Christ and why is it such a big deal?

The Bema Seat Judgment of Christ takes place after the Rapture of the church and before the Marriage Supper of the Lamb in heaven. This judgment does not determine salvation. At this time, believers are rewarded for how faithfully they served their Lord. Some will receive rewards (and be invited to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, etc.), and others will obviously not receive rewards (or suffer loss). It will be a time of great rejoicing for some. And for others, a time of immense sadness, regret, and shame.

Therefore we make (labor) it our aim (to make our ambition, to aspire to), whether present or absent, to be well pleasing (acceptable, that which one wills, recognizes, and approves) to (who) Him. For (why) we must all appear (to show openly) before the judgment seat of Christ, (for what reason) that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad – 2 Corinthians 5:9-10.

Some will receive a reward. But others will “suffer loss” or not receive a reward and the benefits that come with it. Consider the following.

Now if anyone (what) builds on this foundation (Christ) with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s (what) work will become clear (to shine, to make manifest, become evident); for (when) the Day will declare it (to make known), (how) because it (one’s work) will be revealed (to remove a veil or covering to expose to open view) by fire; and the fire will test (approve as worthy or not) each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s (what) work which he has built on it endures (abide, to remain, dwell, live), he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire – 2 Corinthians 3:12-15.

But what are some things Christ will judge at the Bema Seat Judgment?

Should I Be Concerned About the Bema Seat Judgment?

In a word, absolutely. Consider carefully some of the things we will have to give an account to Jesus on that day.

• How well did I fulfill the Great Commission? – Matthew 28:18-20

• How much did I overcome sin and my flesh? – Romans 6:1-4

• How well did I control my tongue (speech, words)? – James 3:1-9

• Were the fruits of the Spirit clearly manifested in me? – Galatians 5:22-23

• Was I obedient to God and His Word in all things? – Luke 6:46

• Did I long for the Lord’s soon return? – Revelation 22:20

Or, in summary, did I live like Jesus? Did I ask what would Jesus do and then, to the best of my ability, follow His command?

And remember, the reward or loss of reward we will receive on that day is totally something we can control now, in this life. Our future in His Kingdom is determined by our faithfulness right now. So make it your life’s ambition to be well-pleasing to Him (2 Cor. 5:9). Because nothing else really matters, does it?

To download the slides to this message, click – HERE