The Judgement Seat of Christ
The Judgement Seat of Christ
“Judgement Seat” is bema in Greek. At the Olympic Games in ancient Greece, the arena contained a raised stone or wooden platform, ie, a bema, on which the judge would sit and award the prizes to the victorious competitors. Paul applies that picture to the Christians being rewarded for their faithful service to their Lord after they have been raptured to Heaven. In 2 Timothy 4.8 He is described as the “righteous Judge” , that is, He is impartial and fair in His assessment. There will be no consolation prizes in Heaven.
There are several key passages in the New Testament which mention the Bema.
In 1 Corinthians 3.10-15. afterJ M Davies in his book The Epistles to the Corinthians, pages 34-35, gives a clearer picture of the imagery. The local church is seen as a building. “As the foundation is the doctrine concerning the Person and redemptive work of Christ, so by analogy, the materials represent ministry, that which is intended to edify, to build up the assembly. That which corresponds to the first three (gold, silver, precious stones), is costly, sacrificial and time-absorbing in its preparation, whereas that which corresponds to the second group (hay, wood, stubble) is not costly and fails to build that which is permanent and abiding.” The latter are combustible. Therefore, unprofitable ministry in a local church will not be rewarded. It will be “burnt up”. Believers’ service, NOT their salvation, is in view.
1 Corinthians 4.1-5.Paul deals with his critics telling them that everything he did for the Lord was sincere and had no ulterior motives. He was not concerned about their accusations because he knew that it was only to the Lord he was accountable. God’s servants must be consistent in their motives and methods.
2 Corinthians 5.9-10 is in the context of Paul’s sufferings as a servant of God. He continues regardless of the persecution and bodily weaknesses. It will all be worth it when he stands before the Judgement Seat of Christ. All believers will stand before it fully manifested.
Romans 14.10-12 is in the context of toleration. There were issues over diets and days. Jewish converts had scruples about these matters in contrast to the Gentiles who never had been subject to the Law of Moses. There are doctrines which we should never compromise on. However, there are certain matters which are relative or “grey areas” such as cultural differences. These matters must be dealt with through prayer and discretion.
The rewards are seen figuratively as crowns:
Crown of life, James 1.12; Revelation 2 – martyrs.
Crown of glory 1 Peter 5.4 – elders/shepherds.
Crown of righteousness 2 Timothy 4.8
Crown of rejoicing, 1 Thessalonians 2.19.
Imperishable crown, 1 Cor. 9.25.
The crowns referred to are wreaths which were placed around the neck of a successful athlete. They were made of plants and were therefore perishable.