FROM ME PASTOR AUGUSTINE SMART TO YOU. (The Bema Seat) Romans 14 versus 10 to 12 reads, But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God. Bema is a Greek term meaning judgment seat. In the city of Corinth, a stone platform was constructed to support the Bema seat (judgment seat) of the local officials. The seat was used to give out awards to athletes for their competitive performances. And the awards were usually a crown wreath of leaves. The seat was also to address legal charges brought against individuals. Apostle Paul was quite familiar with this seat. Because here, he was brought before Gallio, who was the proconsul of Achaia at the Bema seat And when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia, the Jews made insurrection with one accord against Paul, and brought him to the judgment seat, (Acts 18 versus 12). This seat was what Paul referred to in 2 Corinthians 5 versus 9 to 11 as the judgment seat of Christ. In this context, Paul explains to us that this is where the Christian will receive an evaluation for works done in the body, whether good or bad. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. (2 Corinthians 5 versus 9 to 11). The Judgment Seat of Christ, is reserved for the judgment of Christians only. Born again believers in Christ Jesus. If a person is unsaved and dies in sin, he will be judged at the great white throne judgment, following Christs millennial reign on earth. So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God. According to the Scriptures, it is clear that those judged at the Bema seat are Christians, not unbelievers. The Judgment Seat of Christ, therefore, involves believers giving an account of their lives to Christ. TIME OF THE JUDGEMENT OF BELIEVERS. The Judgment of believers will occur immediately following the rapture. The rapture is a future event, an imminent event, when all born again believers will be caught up in the air by Jesus and taken home, by Him, to Heaven. WHY JUDGEMENT OF THE SAVED. John 5 versus 22 states, the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son. When we also consider that Christ Jesus is God, we must conclude there is no conflict between this passage and other biblical scriptures which say that Christ will judge believers at His Appearing. Although it is tremendously serious with eternal ramifications, the judgment seat of Christ is not a place or time when the Lord will mete out punishment for sins committed by the child of God. Rather, it is a place where rewards will be given, or lost, depending on how one has conducted his life for the Lord. It is important to emphasize that the Judgment Seat of Christ does not determine salvation; that was determined by Christs sacrifice on behalf of the blood bought believer And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2 versus 2). All confessed sins are forgiven and believers will never be condemned for them There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8 versus 1). To say otherwise would deny the efficacy of the death of Jesus Christ, and nullify Gods promise that their sins and iniquities will I remember no more (Hebrews 10 versus 17). Instead, the purpose of this bema seat judgment by Jesus is to reward believers based on how faithfully they served Him (1 Corinthians 9 versus 4 to 27 and 2 Timothy 2 versus 5). Even so, this judgment will also deal with a loss of rewards. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. The Greek word translated as bad in this phrase, is Phaulos. According to Strongs dictionary (#5337), the primary definition of Phaulos is easy, slight, ordinary, mean, worthless, of no account. Therefore, the purpose of the bema judgment is not to determine the moral goodness or evil of our earthly deeds, but whether each deed is acceptable or worthless to the Kingdom and Glory of God. That is why 1 Corinthians 3 versus 13 says that: Every mans work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every mans work of what sort it is. What is deemed worthless by Jesus will be burned up in that fire. The works that survive the fire are the deeds for which believers will be rewarded. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every mans work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every mans work of what sort it is. If any mans work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any mans work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. I Corinthians 3 versus 12 to 15. DEEDS TO BE JUDGED. More specifically, the earthly deeds of believers which will be judged at the judgment seat of Christ will include the following actions: How well one obeyed the Great Commission (Matthew 28 versus 18 to 20) How well one was victorious over sin (Romans 6 versus 1 to 4) How well one controlled his tongue and behavior towards others. (James 3 versus 1 to 9). Doctrines and the degree of intellectual honesty exhibited by a person when deciding their doctrinal beliefs. (Romans 2 versus 14 to 16;). Conduct, behavior, and attitude toward other people. (Matthew chapter 18 and Romans Chapter 14). Carnal traits. (Colossians chapter 3 and Romans Chapter 1 to chapter 2 and chapter 8 versus 1 to 13 and chapter 14 versus 1 to 23). Every word that is spoken. (Matthew chapter 12 versus 32 to 37). Behavior traits that affect others, such as slander, quarrels, idle words, foolishness, dishonesty, broken promises, wrong dealings, and so on. (Romans chapter 1 versus 29 to 32 and chapter 12 versus 1 to 21 and chapter 14 versus 1 to 23 and I Corinthians chapter 6 versus 9 to 11 and Galatians chapter 5 versus 19 to 21 and Colossians chapter 3 and Ephesians chapter 4 versus 1 to 32 and chapter 5 versus 1 to 33). Personal characteristics, including lost or neglected opportunities, wasted talents, loose living, and lack of spirituality. (Romans chapter 2 versus 14 to 16 and Hebrews chapter 2 versus 1 to 4 and Galatians chapter 5 versus 1 to 26, also chapter 6 versus1 to 10 and Colossians chapter 3). Spiritual traits and proclivities such as disobedience, rejection, failure to cooperate and yield to the Spirit, and spiritual attitude. (I Corinthians chapter 12 and Romans chapter 12). The bema seat judgment is specifically a time due for the reward of believers.. The day of reckoning approaches.
Posted on: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 06:36:27 +0000
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