Definition -The Bema Seat Judgment—Another name for the judgment seat of Christ. All Christians of the Church Age, i.e., all who’ve believed in Jesus’ Name since the Day of Pentecost, will appear before Him at this judgment.
All Christians already have eternal life and a heavenly destiny, but they’ll be judged for their faithfulness and works. And Jesus will reward them accordingly (2 Corinthians 5:10).
When We Believe In Jesus’ Name We are Saved Forever
Our Heavenly Destiny-When we believe in Jesus’ Name, we’re saved forever. He’s paid the total price for our redemption. The author of Hebrews tells us:
“By His (Jesus’) own blood, He entered the Most Holy Place (the presence of God in the heavenly temple) once for all, having obtained eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12). So, believers go to heaven when they die; Jesus settled our destiny.
Since that’s true, someone may ask why every Christian appears before Christ’s judgment seat.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his recompense in the body, according to what he has done, whether it was good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
No Unbelievers Will Appear at the Bema Seat Judgment
Our Church Age – Old Testament believers will have an independent review, and no unbelievers will appear at the Bema Seat Judgment. They will all appear at the end of the age, at the judgment of The Great White Throne.
Our Reward – 2 Corinthians 5:10 tells us why. Jesus judges our works since we became Christians to determine our reward. Many people think heaven is our reward and everyone will receive the same. But there’s more to it than that. The Bible tells us that God feels He’d be unjust if He didn’t reward us:
“For God is not unjust so as to forget your work and labor of love that you have shown for His name, in that you have ministered to the saints and continue ministering…. So that you may (imitate) those who through faith and patience inherit the promises” (Hebrews 6:10, 12).
Our Test– “The Day (the Day of Jesus’ judgment) will declare it (a rewardable work), because … the fire (not literal fire) will test (everyone’s work). If anyone’s work … endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss. But he himself will be saved, still going through the fire” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15).
Jesus Judges By the Word of God
Our Motives – Jesus judges by the word of God. He’ll know the works done with the right motives to advance His Kingdom:
“For the word of God is alive, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword … and able to judge the thoughts and intents of the heart…. All things are bare and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:12-13).
Our Crowns – The Bible tells us about certain rewards the believer can receive (Note: There are probably others the Bible doesn’t mention):
• The crown of rejoicing for those caring over other believers (1 Thessalonians 2:19)
• The crown of righteousness for those who’ve loved Jesus’ appearing (2 Timothy 4:8).
• The crown of life for those who’ve endured temptation (James 1:12).
• The crown of glory for those who shepherd God’s flock (1 Peter 5:4).
• The crown of life for being faithful unto death (Revelation 2:10).
Christians Will Not be Punished at The Judgment Seat of Christ
Our Regret-Jesus won’t punish unworthy works at this judgment. However, we may feel regret losing a potential reward.
Our Mission – The Apostle Paul urges us to seek rewards as a runner in a race seeks their prize (1 Corinthians 9:24).
• He urges us to have “self-control in all things” (1 Corinthians 9:25).
• Because the prize is an incorruptible one (1 Corinthians 9:25).
• So, we must run with a purpose (1 Corinthians 9:26).
• We must run with self-discipline so we don’t get “disqualified” (1 Corinthians 9:27; 2 Timothy 2:5).
Our Compensation – Jesus promised His followers that they’d be reimbursed many times over for any sacrifice they made for Him:
“Jesus answered, “Truly I say to you, there is no one who has left a house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife or children or fields, for My sake and for the gospel’s sake, who shall not receive a hundred times as much now in this age, houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and fields….” (Mark 10:29-30).
Our Faith – We must have faith to make these sacrifices in this life, trusting someone we’ve never seen to make good on His promises. But when we make them, Jesus promises it’ll be worth it.
If you would like to know how to have faith in Jesus Christ, we invite you to watch the video on this page.
Summary
• Everyone who appears at this judgment has believed in Jesus’ Name and is going to heaven.
• Church Age believers appear before Jesus so He can reward their good works.
• The Bible tells us that God would be unjust if He didn’t reward us.
• Jesus will consider the motives for our works.
• The Bible lists several crowns God promises for specific works.
• Lack of rewards will bring regret but not punishment.
• The Apostle Paul urges us to live a life motivated by Jesus’ rewards.
• Jesus will reimburse us many times over for the sacrifices we make for Him.
• It takes faith to live a life Jesus will reward.
If you would like to know how to have faith in Jesus Christ, we invite you to watch the video on this page.