“…For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad….” (II Corinthians 5:-9-11)
The Greek word for judgment seat is ‘bema’, which refers to a raised step or a platform. Roman Emperors issued judgment or gave speeches or issued rewards for athletes from the bema.
Judgment for believers in Christ is different from judgment for unbelievers. One takes place after the Rapture of His believers and the other called, ‘The White Throne Judgment’, takes place at the end of the Millennial reign of Christ.
Our Heavenly Father has given all judgment to His Son.
“For the Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son…” (John 5:22)
Jesus judges each of us with His Living Word.
“The one who rejects me and does not receive my words has a judge; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day.” (John 12:48)
Jesus said if we believe in Him we will not be judged.
“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, (White Throne Judgment) but has passed from death to life.” (John 5:24)
Believers in Christ have their sins judged already. John teaches us that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (I John 1:9)
If our sins are confessed and Jesus forgives our confessed sins, then they are already judged, and ‘sent forth’ to judgment under the Blood of Christ as our atonement for sin.
“The sins of some people are conspicuous, going before them to judgment, but the sins of others appear later.” (I Timothy 5:24)
As believers in Christ as our Lord, we have no condemnation because He has already paid the judgment penalty of death for our sins. Christ is our High Priest always making intercession for us before His Father. Jesus teaches us to pray, “…forgive our debts as we forgive our debtors…” (Matthew 6:12)
“Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)
Our salvation is based on His grace and not on our works.
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9)
As we read and study the Word and listen to the Word being preached, the Holy Spirit quickens the Living Word (Rhema) to our spirit-heart and convicts us of sin, righteousness and the coming judgment. As we obey His Word, we judge ourselves.
“And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:” (John 16:8)
“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
“But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged (White Throne Judgment).” (I Corinthians 11:31))
