The Bema Seat Judgement

A/ "What is the Great White Throne Judgement?"

If a person is not saved (unbeliever) and dies in their sin, they will be judged at the "Great White Throne judgement" and this takes place after the rapture, the judgement seat of Christ, tribulation, millennial reign of Christ, and the battle of Armageddon. It evaluates the deeds of those who never accepted Jesus’ offer of a new life in Him.

In what two ways are the lost evaluated (Rev. 20:13, 15)?

Notice how similar the apostle John’s description is to the judgement in Daniel 7:9-10. This scene, which is reminiscent of a human courtroom, is composed of a judge, the accused, and a written document listing the transgressions of those waiting to be judged (Rev. 20:12).

Throughout history, the deeds of many have been recorded in heaven indicating the awesomeness of God.

Matthew Henry’s “Commentary” explains the unusual terminology of verse 13: “The grave [or earth] shall surrender the bodies of men, hell shall surrender the souls of the wicked, [and] the sea shall surrender the many who seemed to have been lost in it.”

The “first death” describes separation of the soul from the body until judgement. At the second death, from whom are the lost separated (v. 14)?

The lake of fire is the place of eternal punishment commonly known as hell. What is the only way that people escape it (v. 15)?

Answer: The great white throne judgement is described in Revelation 20:11-15 and is the final judgement prior to the lost being cast into the lake of fire. This judgement will take place after the millennium and after Satan, the beast, and the false prophet are thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:7-10).

The books that are opened (Revelation 20:12) contain records of everyone’s deeds, whether they are good or evil, because God knows everything that has ever been said, done, or even thought, and He will reward or punish each one accordingly (Psalm 28:4; 62:12; Romans 2:6; Revelation 2:23; 18:6; 22:12).

B/ "What is the Bema Seat Judgment?"

The "Bema Seat" was an elevated seat located in Corinth. At this seat in the square, Roman magistrates would sit and administer justice. Athletes may also have appeared here and received rewards for having distinguished themselves.

In other words, the king sat in the Bema Seat at the stadium in Corinth to present the winning athletes their crowns, judging them victorious. So it is with the judgment of Christians. It’s more like an awards ceremony for the Christian. Since we aren’t saved by our works, but by our faith, this judgment is not related to salvation, but to the things the Christian has done since becoming saved that have furthered the work of the Kingdom.

A. The Judgement Seat of Christ

Scripture is clear that entrance into eternal life is already settled for those who have placed their trust in Jesus (John 3:16). However, at the judgment seat of Christ, He will determine the degree of eternal rewards believers deserve, based on their deeds.

This judgement will take place either after our death or following the rapture of believers, whichever comes first. We know that we will appear with Christ in our glorified bodies at the second coming (Rev. 19:14), which means we will face judgment before that time. (Jesus’ return to earth as a conquering king marks the end of tribulation and the beginning of His thousand-year reign.)

2 Corinthians 5:10
• Imagine facing the Lord to give an account of your life.
• In light of the judgment seat of Christ, what renewed perspective do you have on your worries, goals, and frustrations?
• Describe the result of the evaluation, according to verse 10.
• Receive the things done in our body, according to that we have done, whether it be good or bad.

Romans 14:10-12
• What point does Paul make about how the coming judgement should affect our interactions with fellow believer
• We shall all stand before the judgement seat of Christ each accountable

Rom. 8:1; 1 John 2:2 At this judgment, believers will not be condemned, though they may feel ashamed or remorseful over their foolishness