The Bema Seat-Reward, not Retribution

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 2^nd Corinthians 5:10

Today's verse was always one of the most troubling verses for me in the Bible. It pertains to the Judgment Seat of Christ where all believers that have ever believed on Him, from Pentecost to the Rapture, will be judged according to their works, not their sins.

Being judged for the good I've done isn't the issue. Being judged for the evil [or bad] things I have done filled me with the greatest dread and shame. That all changed when I learned the Bema Seat's dual purpose.

The 'judgment seat' is taken from the Greek word Bema. The Bema Seat was used at times to condemn the guilty, but was also used in athletic competitions to bestow rewards. The winner would come before the Bema and receive his reward. This is the meaning Paul was using, and it's significant to our understanding. This judgment will take place after Christ raptures His Bride [the Church].

As believers we have nothing to fear. Rewards will be based on all we have done. Some will receive more and some less, but whatever is received from His gracious hand will be enough. We will never be judged for any evil we have done, for Christ's work on the cross settled that, justifying us through His redemption. In ancient athletic events the losers were never beaten. Nether will we be. Fear not. Judgment or Justification? Justification always wins that race.

Ken