The Judgment Seat of Christ

1. What is the judgment seat of Christ?

after the rapture of the church () all believers will be brought before the judgment seat of Christ

A.

2 Corinthians 5:10 ESV

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.

A. A seat of reward: athletic events held in ancient times would be conducted before the judgment seat (bema). At the end of the event the athletes would stand before the judge. Those who had won would receive a crown of victory (stephanos) those who didn’t do well suffered loss. They won nothing.

There is no general judgment. Only believers will go to the Judgment seat of Christ (Bema). We are not going to the judgment to see if we are saved we are going there because we ARE saved. This judgment is not to judge sin that was dealt with on the cross.

John 5:24 ESV

Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.

the bema for the believer - we will all go there

the great white throne judgment is for the unsaved

Revelation 20:11 ESV

Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.

2. What is the purpose of the judgment seat?

1 Corinthians 3:11-15

1 Corinthians 3:11–15 ESV

For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

A. To reveal all things

there will be no secrets

Mark 4:22 ESV

For nothing is hidden except to be made manifest; nor is anything secret except to come to light.

Mark 4:22

1 Corinthians 3:13 ESV

each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.

1 Corinthians 3:

our lives will be made known

our (work) will be tested by fire

B. To reveal what building materials we used

1 Corinthians 3:12 ESV

Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—

Gold, Silver, Precious stones - these are imperishable works

Wood, Hay, Straw - these are perishable works

C. To show how Christ will judge our lives by fire

fire purifies

fire destroys

fire tests

fire

D. To be rewarded or to suffer loss

What will you have after your life is tried by the fire of judgment?

1 Corinthians 3:14–15 ESV

If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

3. What are the details of the judgment seat of Christ

what are the areas of our lives that will be examined as we stand at the judgment seat?

A. He will judge our stewardship

1 Corinthians 4:2 ESV

Moreover, it is required of stewards that they be found faithful.

Stewardship of our time

Stewardship of our money

Stewardship of our gifts and talents

B. He will judge our Purity

Stewardship of our

of heart

of thoughts

of deeds

C. He will judge our Attitude

D. He will judge our Words

Matthew 12:36 ESV

I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak,

E. He will judge our ministry

Mark 16:

Mark 16:15 ESV

And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.

4. What are the rewards at the judgment seat?

In the New Testament there are five crowns that are mentioned

1 Corinthians 9:27 ESV

But I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others I myself should be disqualified.

1 Corinthians

1 Corinthians 9:25 ESV

Every athlete exercises self-control in all things. They do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable.

The Imperishable Crown

a. it is given to those who practice self denial and perseverance

The Crown of Rejoicing

1 Thessalonians 2:19 ESV

For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?

1 Thess

a. it is given to those who win souls and practice evangelism

The Crown of Life

James 1:12 ESV

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

a. this crown is given to those who are persecuted and have been tried and have remained faithful in there trials

Crown of Righteousness

The Crown of Righteousness

2 Timothy 4:8 ESV

Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day, and not only to me but also to all who have loved his appearing.

The Crown of Glory

1 Peter 5:4 ESV

And when the chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory.