The Judgement Seat Of Christ

Sermon 7.5.26 The Judgement Seat Of Christ There are two seats of judgement for Christ: The Bema Seat and The Great White Throne Judgement. There are two types of people being judged: Christians and non-believers. The Bema Seat The year is 393 BC, nearly 45,000 Greeks gathered for the 293rd Olympic games. In the arena, men from the different Greek city-states lined up and waited for the signal for the race to start. The ready mark is given, the trumpet blows and the men begin their race to the end of the stadia (600 feet or 185 meters). At the end, a council of men sit on a raised step platform. They are the judges of the race and they determine the awards to be given to the racers. Their seat, the bema seat, is a place of judgement and reward. Paul, being a fan of athletics, was familiar with the bema or judgement seat. He uses the word and imagery in his description of Jesus sitting on his judgement seat. 2 Corinthians 5:10 “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” Romans 14:10-12 “For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: “ ‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord, ‘every knee will bow before me; every tongue will acknowledge God.’ ” So then, each of us will give an account of ourselves to God.” Two Seats, Two Judgements Rewards for Believers “...receive what is due…” Not about salvation 1 John 2:2 “He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the world.” Romans 8:1 “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” John 5:24 “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” And You Get A Crown, And You, And You… 1 Corinthians 3:13-15 “[Our] work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work. If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward. If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.” Matthew 10:41-42; 25:40; Hebrews 6:10; Colossians 3:24; Revelation 2-3 - we will receive a reward from Jesus for our deeds here on earth. The Imperishable Crown – (1 Corinthians 9:24-25); The Crown of Rejoicing – (1 Thessalonians 2:19); The Crown of Righteousness – (2 Timothy 4:8); The Crown of Glory – (1 Peter 5:4); The Crown of Life – (Revelation 2:10) *NOTE: “Eye One The Prize” sermons January 12 & 19 2025 A Matter Of Salvation “...we will all stand before God’s Judgment seat…” Great White Throne Revelation 20:11-15 No hiding from God. Everybody will be judged. Books of Deeds and Book Of Life Lake of fire for those NOT in the Book of Life Jesus as judge… Acts 10:42 “And he ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead.” John 5:22 “Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son.” Steps to Have Your Name Recorded Repent and Believe: Turn away from sin, and place your faith in Jesus Christ (Mark 1:15, Acts 3:19) Receive the New Birth: Be born again spiritually, which is essential to see the kingdom of God (John 3:3, 1 Peter 1:23) Confess Jesus as Lord: Acknowledge with your mouth and believe in your heart that Jesus is Lord and that God raised Him from the dead (Romans 10:9–10) Trust God’s Grace, Not Works: Salvation is a gift from God, not earned by deeds, so rely on His grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9, Titus 3:5) .