The Bible speaks of two Judgment seats. The Great Throne Judgment (Revelation 20) is for unbelievers – every person who rejected Christ. This will happen shortly after the Tribulation and Jesus will be the Judge presiding. At this judgment, the Judge will look into the Book of Life and if their name is not found, they will face off with eternal condemnation. Books will be opened and their lives laid bare. They will be confronted with their sin and their rejection of Jesus. They WILL bow to Jesus and confess that He is Lord. A sad and scary day for any who refused the free gift of salvation offered to them when they were on earth.
The Judgment Seat of Christ, as this verse talks about, is for believers. This will happen shortly after the Rapture and its for handing out crowns (or rewards) for the works we did on the earth. Our sins we committed will NOT be brought up because Jesus paid for those sins. But the things we did with the resources we were given will be unveiled.
The Greek word for “judgment seat” is “bema.” A bema was a raised platform on which judges sat to view athletic games. Their job was to make sure contestants followed the rules and to present awards to the victors. It was a place of testing and reward. This is a picture of the Judgment Seat of Christ.
The apostle Paul gives further details in 1 Corinthians 3. He says that it’s important what materials we build with because there will be a fire. The materials we use will go through the fire and only those with eternal value will make it through. And If the work survives the fire, that builder will receive a reward. I believe that if we are careful to follow God’s mandates, stay on mission with Him, walking in obedience, we will be building with materials that will survive that great fire. It’s important we use the resources given to us for His glory.
So, let me ask you… what materials are you using today? Could it be Love? Kindness? Patience? Mercy? Forgiveness? Faithfulness? Thankfulness? Let these words encourage you today to take a deeper look at the materials you are building with. Because we definitely want those rewards.