The Judgment Seat of Christ (The Bema)

When I first became a Christian, I was aware that God will one day judge the world and unbelievers will be separated from God for all of eternity. This is called The Great White Throne Judgment (Revelations 20: 11-15, Daniel 12:2).

However, it was some time later, that I learned of The Bema, or Judgment Seat of Christ for Believers (Romans 14:10-12, 2 Corinthians 5:10). This is not a judgment that will change a born-again Christian's assurance of salvation, but rather, a judgment of how we lived our lives as Christians -- and the receipt or loss of eternal rewards. For me, this helps put the Christian life and free-will in the choices we make into perspective; this lifetime is a season in preparation for all of eternity with God. When we choose to surrender our will/desires/dreams, trust God and persevere through the storms, live lives that are Holy and pleasing to the Lord, it has eternal impact and rewards. If we choose to accept God's plan for salvation, but do little to grow in our relationship with and faith in Jesus, and to live a life that is pleasing to us, vs. pleasing to God, we forfeit eternal rewards.

Like the Olympians, Paul compares finishing our Christian life to finishing strong in a race. An Olympian dedicates many focused hours to developing, body, mind, heart, and spirit to be the best they can be. We can learn a lot about going for the gold of our faith by creating a single focus of spirit, mind, heart, and body to growing in personal relationship with Jesus, surrendering to the will of God, and being empowered by the Holy Spirit. With Christ as our example, we can learn to live a life that reflects Jesus to the world and is pleasing to our God. To live for the eternal gold that will not one day burn away. To live for The Day, instead of today.

For Reflection:

"Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life."
Proverbs 4:23

"All a man's ways seem innocent to him, but motives are weighed by the Lord"
Proverbs 16:2

"The crucible for silver and the furnace for the gold, but the Lord tests the heart."
Proverbs 17:3

"Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting."
Psalm 140

Psalm 51, especially verse 10 "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me."

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path."
Psalm 119:105

Paul says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day?and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing."
2 Timothy 4:7-8