The Judgment Seat of Christ
I. JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST: THE PLACE OF REWARD AND INTIMACY
10 We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ…12 Each of us shall give account of himself to God. (Rom. 14:10-12)
A. The Judgment Seat of Christ is the place every believer will stand after this life to give an account of himself to God.
We will all give an account for what we did with all God gave us.
B. God gave each of us time, money and energy along with a mind to think and emotions to feel. He gave us specific
talents and opportunities to love and serve Him. In addition, every day Jesus did not fail to give mercy (to those who
repent) so we could have a “new start”. We are accountable to answer for daily receiving such great faithfulness.
22 Through the LORD's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. 23 They are new every
morning; great is Your faithfulness. (Lam. 3:22-23)
C. The Judgment Seat of Christ is a place we receive reward not penalties or condemnation. We “receive the things”
according to the deeds that we have done in our bodies. To “receive things” is to receive the rewards of our actions. We
will differ in the measure of glory that we will have in our bodies, clothing, dwellings, position of responsibility and
relationship with God.
10 We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body…
(2 Cor. 5:10)
D. The Judgment Seat in the Greek is the “bema seat”. The bema seat was a raised platform where a judge sat to
evaluate a legal case or an athletic contest as in the Olympic games (Mt. 27:19; Jn. 19:13; Acts 18:12). This familiar term
described the platform where the judge gave the victors their rewards. It was a place of rewarding not punishing. The
judges were on the field during the contest to act as referees. At the end of the contest, they went to a raised platform
to put a wreath or garland on the winner’s head or shoulders that they wore during the rest of the games.
E. These rewards include gold, silver and precious stones and a varying measure of God’s glory in our resurrected
bodies, clothing, dwelling, position of responsibility and relationship with God.
12 If anyone builds…with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw…14 If anyone's work which he has built on it
endures, he will receive a reward.. (1 Cor. 3:12-14)
F. Gold, silver and precious stones are usually found in small quantities, but are of great value. They are not
diminished by fire but purified. Wood, hay and straw are found in large quantities, but are of very little value. They
are easily, quickly and totally destroyed by fire.
G. God keeps detailed records of all that happens on earth in His books (Dan 7:10; Ps 139:16; 87:6; Ex 32:32;
Dan 12:1; Luke 10:20). They contain detailed accounts our lives. The Book of Life records the deeds of believers
(Phil 4:3; Rev 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12, 15; 21:27).
II. WE WILL ALL STAND BEFORE THE JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST
11 No other foundation can anyone lay than…Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious
stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by
fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will
receive a reward. 15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
(1 Cor. 3:11-15)
A. The foundation of our life in God is our relationship with Jesus as born again believers who possess the free gift
of righteousness (2 Cor. 5:17-21). Paul as a good architect built a good foundation on truth. On this foundation, we can
use the wrong building materials. Therefore, we must be careful and discerning to protect ourselves from building in a
unwise and wrong way.
B. Jesus’ pure and all knowing eyes of fire will test our works. The work that is done with precious stones will not be
hurt but will shine more brightly in God’s glory. Wood, hay, and straw speak of dead works done in the flesh without the
Spirit’s approval.
18 These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire…19 "I know your works, love, service, faith,
and your patience (perseverance)…" (Rev. 2:18-19)
C. Our works follow us but not all of them. We must not put off “seeking to understand” our work until the future.
I pray, “Lord, shock me now, do not wait until then”.
13 Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord..."Yes," says the Spirit, "that they may rest from their labors, and their
works follow them." (Rev. 14:13)
D. Some who are sincere and zealous are not careful to build God’s work in God’s way. God’s fire will reveal the truth of
our works and will remove the impurity that cannot enter God’s presence. In this life, we can do that which Jesus esteems
and remembers. This is what defines greatness.
E. In Oct. 78, I had a supernatural encounter in which I was on my knees before Jesus. He said to me, “You are
saved but your life was wasted”. I protested, “You have the wrong person.” The thought came strongly to me that it is
impossible to manipulate the Man Christ Jesus. I cried, “Can I have another chance?” The next thought came strongly
to me was that it is appointed unto a person to die once then comes the judgment (Heb. 9:27). I wept with a profound
sense of loss and regret. Suddenly I was awake on my knees by my bed. What matters most about our life is what Jesus
thinks when our eyes meet. I fear “regret” more than anything else in my life.
F. Some believers are saved, yet as through fire. This speaks of being like one who is “pulled out” of the fire just
in the nick of time. In other words, as one escaping through the flames. This is an OT phrase taken from "a firebrand
plucked from the burning" (Amos 4:11; Zech. 3:2; Jude 23). Being saved by fire also includes the idea of being saved
by means of God’s fire which removes all that cannot enter God’s holy presence. In a similar way, Noah was saved
“through water” or by water which delivered him from the wickedness around him (1 Pet. 3:20).
15 If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. (1 Cor. 3:15)
G. Paul spoke of being saved through fire, as a qualifier to assure us that the believer is not burned up but rather
their "work" can be. Some translate the Greek: "as it were, only through fire". Someone’s once “cherished ministry” shall
burn like wood yet the person will survive the flames. The ordeal may be shocking and even severe.
H. We can suffer the loss of some of our potential glory and position in the Millennium.
8 Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully (2 Jn. 8; NIV)
11 Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown. (Rev. 3:11)
28 Abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. (1 Jn. 2:28)
I. Jesus remembers our human weakness in His evaluation.
14 For He knows our frame; He remembers that we are dust. (Ps. 103:14)
38 He being full of compassion…39 For He remembered that they were but flesh… (Ps. 78:38)
III. JESUS EVALUATES US ACCORDING TO 3 THINGS: DEEDS, SPEECH AND INTENTIONS
A. Jesus evaluates our life according to our deeds, speech and intentions. Our intentions (motives) speak of more than
fleeting thoughts but sustained thoughts that we make decisions by. Rewards are given according to the work (good
deeds) done or the sinful deeds that were refused.
12 I am coming…My reward is with Me to give to every one according to his work. (Rev. 22:12)
23 I am He who searches the minds and hearts. I will give to each one of you according to your works. (Rev. 2:23)
6 He…will render to each one according to his deeds… 16 In the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus
Christ… (Rom. 2:6, 16)
5 The Lord comes who will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels (intentions) of the hearts.
Then each one's praise will come from God. (1 Cor. 4:5)
B. God will evaluate our words that are empty of worth or truth and that affect nothing good.
36 Every idle word men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. 37 For by your words you will be
justified, and by your words you will be condemned. (Mt. 12:36-37)
C. God pays us so well for all that we do. He even remembers the movements of our heart toward Him along with
every small act of love as giving a simple cup of water to someone.
42 Whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he
shall by no means lose his reward. (Mt. 10:42)
IV. ETERNAL REWARDS: DIFFERENT EXPRESSIONS IN DIFFERENT DEGREES
A. There will be a vast range of degrees of glory and greatness among the redeemed.
41 There is one glory of the sun…and another glory of the stars; for one star differs from another star in glory.
42 So also is the resurrection of the dead. (1 Cor. 15:41-42)
B. God’s glory will be manifest in our resurrected body in varying measures (Dan. 12:2-3).
43 Then the righteous will shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. (Mt. 13:43)
C. Our work assignment and authority (over nations or cities, etc.) will bring us in close proximity to Jesus (Mt. 19:28, 30;
20:16, 27; 25:23; Lk. 19:17-19; 22:29-30; Rev. 2:26-27; 3:21).
17 He said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.'
18 And the second came, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned five minas.' 19 Likewise he said to him, 'You also be
over five cities.' (Lk. 19:17-19)
D. We will receive varying praise from God (Jn. 12:26; 1 Pet. 1:7; Mt. 25:21, 1 Cor. 4:5).
5 The Lord…will both bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. Then each
one's praise will come from God. (1 Cor. 4:5)
E. Those who endure temptation by persistently resisting it are given crowns.
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which
the Lord has promised to those who love Him. (Jas 1:12)
F. Our communion with Jesus will vary according to the degree that we have the spiritual capacity to receive from
Him as the Morningstar (Rev. 2:28; 22:16; Gen. 15:1).
28 I will give him the morning star. (Rev. 2:28)
G. Our garments have varying dimensions of God’s glory (Rev. 3:4-5, 18; 16:15; 19:7-8).
7 His wife has made herself ready. 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen
is the righteous acts of the saints. (Rev. 19:7-8)
H. Treasures and rewards in heaven will include many things (Mt. 5:12; 6:4, 6, 18, 20; 10:41-42; 16:27; 19:21;
Mk. 9:41; 10:21; Lk. 6:23, 35; 12:21, 33; 16:11; 18:22; Rev. 2:9; 3:18; 22:12).
21 One thing you lack: Go your way, sell whatever you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven;
and come, take up the cross, and follow Me. (Mk. 10:21)
I. Our position when gathering before the Lord in times of heavenly celebration will vary.
7 When invited to a wedding feast…10 sit down in the lowest place, so that… he who invited you comes he may say to
you, 'Friend, go up higher.' Then you will have glory in the presence of those at the table with you. 11 Whoever…
humbles himself will be exalted. (Lk. 14:7-11)