Bible Study

The Believer’s Judgment

In part 1 of our Bible studies in this series, we learned about the two primary end-time judgments. Let’s take closer look at one of those—the judgment seat of Christ, where believers’ lives are assessed. This important event is mentioned by name in Paul’s letters to the Romans and the Corinthians:

Why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you regard your brother with contempt? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God (Rom. 14:10).

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad (2 Cor. 5:10). Note: In this second verse, the Greek word that is translated into English as “bad” is probably better understood as “worthless” or “useless to God’s kingdom.” See 1 Corinthians 3:10-15.

A. What type of judgment is this?

Sometimes the judgment seat of Christ is called “the bema seat.” Where do scholars get this term? In the verses above, the phrase “judgment seat” is taken from one Greek word, bema. During the time of Christ, this word could refer to the platform on which a ruler or judge decided if a person was guilty of a crime. But in light of Paul’s many references to athletic competition elsewhere in the New Testament (2 Tim. 4:7-8), he was likely using the term as it applied to Greek sports: if the winner of a particular contest had followed the rules of competition, he was honored at the bema. There he was crowned with a laurel wreath, a symbol of victory.

Elsewhere, the New Testament confirms that children of God are covered by grace and will not be punished for sins (1 Thess. 5:9-11). The judgment seat of Christ focuses primarily on rewards, not punishment. However, we will feel remorse and regret due to the poor choices we made in life and the rewards we forfeited.

• How can a person escape being judged and condemned at the end of time (John 5:24)?

   

• What makes a believer in Christ justified or righteous in God’s sight (Rom. 5:1)?

   

• How does God view us spiritually if we are in Christ (Col. 2:10; Heb. 10:14)?

In summary, the bema seat is not concerned with the problem of sin. For Christians, that problem was dealt with at the cross.

B. What is the basis of judgment?

We will be honored according to our obedience in serving Christ and doing God’s will. In Revelation, Jesus says, “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done” (22:12 NIV).

Below are some scriptures that represent areas of our lives that probably will be judged. Write a brief description of each. (Note: This list is not exhaustive.)

• Acts 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:7-8
  
• Romans 6:11-13
  
• Galatians 5:22-23
  
• Ephesians 4:2, 25, 32
  
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11-13
  
• 1 Timothy 6:17-19
  

• What other areas of service or obedience do you think Christ will assess?

In the next study, we will look further into what the rewards at the judgment seat will entail.

C. How can we prepare for the bema?

Although the judgment seat of Christ is focused on rewards rather than punishment, we will regret having spent time on foolish priorities and worthless deeds. Our hearts will break when we realize we’ve squandered our lives after all our Savior did for us. We will lament that we have so little to offer Him in return for His supreme sacrifice at the cross and faithfulness to us throughout our lives.

The following questions will help you evaluate how prepared you are to stand before the judgment seat of Christ. Be sure to invite the Lord to help you do this assessment. He will lovingly address any problems with just the right mix of firmness and gentleness.

• First Corinthians 10:31 instructs believers to do everything for glory of God. Does this describe your life? Why or why not?

   

• Reflect on your life. Do you obey out of love for God and gratitude for what Christ has done for you? If not, what other motivations do you have?

   

• To align our lives with God’s will, we usually have to repent of a worthless action or begin a righteous one. What can you do this week to return to living in light of eternity?

Closing: As believers, we can be assured that our judgment will ultimately result in rewards for the right choices we have made, not condemnation for our sins. Praise God that because Christ took our penalty by dying on the cross, we don’t face a judgment of punishment.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for placing on Jesus the penalty that we deserve. Help us change, by grace, the areas of our lives that aren’t pleasing to You. May we be ready to stand before Christ on the day of judgment. We pray this in His powerful name. Amen.