September 1, 2021 @ 9:00 AM

Introduction
Just as there are two resurrections listed in the Bible, so there are also two judgments. The first judgment is called the Bema Seat of Christ. Bema means “court or tribunal” and describes Christ’s review of our works done on earth as believers with an eye toward rewards. Romans 14:10 declares, “. . . For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” Finally, 2 Corinthians 5:10 says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”

The second judgment is called the Great White Throne Judgment. It is mentioned in Revelation 20:11-15. It is a frightening scene! The dead are brought to life to stand before Jesus Christ and to be judged for their deeds done on earth. “And if anyone’s name was not found written the book of life, he was thrown into the Lake of Fire” (Rev. 20:15). Calm your hearts. No believer in Jesus Christ will be in the Great White Throne Judgment. We will talk at length about the Great White Throne Judgment in a later article.

What is happening to believers in Christ who have been raptured while the Great Tribulation is happening on the earth?
In our last newsletter we looked at two of the events taking place in heaven while the Great Tribulation rages on earth. We saw that there is a Royal Wedding and a Fabulous Reception for the Groom, Jesus Christ, and His Bride, the Church. This joyous celebration is in sharp contrast to the misery and despair happening to unbelievers on earth.

The Bema Seat Judgment – Following the two joyful ceremonies of the wedding and the marriage supper, Christ prepares His Bride for the serious task of ruling with Him during the Millennium. Who will get to rule with Jesus? Who will be rewarded for faithful service as a Christian on earth? At the Bema Seat of Christ all believers appear individually before Him to have their works judged (those deeds done while alive upon the earth).  This judgment is called the Bema Seat of Christ and harkens back to the reward seat during the Roman games.  At the Roman games, victors in the contest were awarded the laurel wreath at the Bema seat,.  So at Christ’s Bema Seat, believers will be awarded crowns and accompanying rule with Christ during His Millennium reign.  Christ will mete out positions, extent of rule, crowns and commendations for faithful, selfless service performed for Him.  This Bema Seat judgment is not for salvation or eternal life for those who stand in it are already saved and raptured to heaven because they are in Christ.  It is solely for rewards for deeds performed.  Salvation is a free gift, but rewards are earned.