One of the most pivotal moments of eternity will take place when all humans face Jesus as their Judge at the end of time. This is commonly called “Judgment Day”. Questions and confused feelings about this day (even for Christians) are quite common.

a day to be feared, but to rejoice in! If we truly trust in the good and just nature of God, as well as in our saving relationship with Him through Jesus… Judgment Day need not be a day to be feared, but to rejoice in!

While the Apostle John described the judgment of our deeds as being a part of “The Great White Throne Judgment” in Revelation 20: 11-15, the Apostle Paul uses the metaphor of the “bema” (or Judgment Seat) that was mainly used in Corinth for judging athletic contests.

In Acts 18, Paul was brought before the bema in Corinth due to his religious beliefs, but was acquitted of wrongdoing. The marble platform, table, & bema must have made an impression on Paul as a way to understand our future judgment.

2 Corinthians 5:10 “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.”

9 “For we are co-workers in 1 Corinthians 3: 9-11 9  “For we are co-workers in God’s service; you are God’s field, God’s building. 10 By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should build with care.11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.”

1 Corinthians 3: 12-14 12 “If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their 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. 14 If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.”

escaping through the flames.” 1 Corinthians 3:15 “If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved —even though only as one escaping through the flames.”

What works will endure at The Bema? 1.) Enduring works are done in God’s love. * Luke 6:35 (Love leads to great reward) 2.) Enduring works are done in God’s power. * John 15:5 (Abiding is our power source) 3.) Enduring works are done for God’s glory. * Matt. 6: 1-6, 16-18 / “Audience of One” 4.) “ “ “ done according to God’s Will. * John 5:30 (Jesus sought God’s Will)

What is NOT Tested at The Bema 1.) You 2.) Your Beliefs 3.) Your Sins

Paul did not fear losing his salvation “If our salvation won’t be tested at the bema and our sins won’t be revisited, how could we “suffer loss”? Paul did not fear losing his salvation (which is a gift), but the Lord’s commendation (which is a reward). - Bruce Wilkinson

Revelation 14:13 I heard a voice from Heaven say, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord  from now on.” “Yes,” says the Spirit,  “they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.”