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BEMA JUDGMENT - REWARDS (CROWNS)
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WARNING... YOU WILL FACE JUDGMENT! The Bible clearly warns that every person will be judged (Hebrews 9:27): And as it is appointed for men to die once, and then the judgment.

Although there are other judgments, you and I need to be concerned only about either the Bema Judgment OR the Great White Throne Judgment. The outcome is established before the judgment. People at the Bema Judgment will go to Heaven, people at the Great White Throne Judgment will go to Hell. Each person decides before death (or the Rapture) which judgement he/she will face. God sentences no one to Heaven or Hell. Each person decides for him-/her-self whether to spend eternity in Heaven or Hell, depending upon whether he/she accepts God's grace through the sacrificial death of Jesus Christ.

BEMA JUDGMENT-- THE JUDGMENT FOR BELIEVERS. "Bema" comes from a Greek word pronounced bay'-ma, which means "step," "rostrum," or "judgment seat." In the ancient Olympics, a judge sat on a bema placed directly across from the finish line. As racers crossed the finish line, a judge determined the order of the racers as they finished the race in order that prizes could be awarded. The judge did not determine whether the racers finished the race-- all finished because they crossed the finish line in front of him. Similarly, Jesus will not use the bema judgment to determine if a person can enter Heaven. Each person determines that for him-/her-self by acceptance of God's grace. Rather, Jesus will judge how well each believer completed the "race" (life's works). Believers may be awarded two sets of rewards-- (1) authorities and responsibilities in the Millennial Kingdom and (2) rewards in Heaven.

Paul wrote of this judgment seat (2 Corinthians 5:10): 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.

Every believer will stand before Jesus Christ and account for what he/she has or has not done for Jesus' Kingdom on Earth (whether he/she has performed righteous works).

The bema judgment will occur soon after the Rapture/ Resurrection and probably before the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, while the unredeemed are still in the world suffering the seven-year Tribulation.

Paul told us more about this judgment (1 Corinthians 3:11-15): 11For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood hay, straw, 13each one's work will become manifest; 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. 14If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

Note John's description of Jesus Christ at His revelation (glorious appearance) to the world– His Second Coming (Revelation 19:11-12a): 11 Then I saw heaven opened, ...and He who... was called Faithful and True [Jesus Christ], and in righteousness He judges.... 12His eyes were like a flame of fire.... I believe Jesus views our earthly works through His eyes of flaming fire.

To reiterate features of this judgment:

  • Jesus Christ, the carpenter from Galilee, has laid a foundation for each follower's "house," upon which that follower must build.
  • A follower can build upon this foundation by his/her good works accomplished for others in Jesus' name. There may be good works, and the "house" will be built of precious materials-- gold, silver, and jewels. When Jesus assesses this "house" (with the eyes of fire John described), these precious materials will survive. If anything, they will be refined and made even more precious in the fire of His judgment (as dross is now removed in refining precious metals).
  • A follower can build upon this foundation by his/her few, poor, or no works, and the "house" will be of straw, hay, and twigs. When Jesus assesses this "house," it is burned to ashes.
  • Paul does not say that this judgment determines whether a person goes to Heaven or Hell. All persons at the bema judgment will spend eternity in Heaven. The judgment determines what rewards are given or taken away in Heaven.
  • Paul warns that the person who has only ashes to show for his/her life's work will be ashamed. He paints a picture we are accustomed to seeing. Recall newscasts where a family has lost a home to a fire. The soot-covered family huddles together, thankful they are alive (similar to being in Heaven), but sad that they have lost their home and possessions (similar to losing heavenly rewards).

Concerning rewards at the Bema Judgment, there appear to be at least two types of rewards available to us-- service in the Millennial Kingdom and eternal rewards in Heaven (New Jerusalem).

SERVICE IN THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM– Work Now to Become a Future Leader: We should strive to become a leader with responsibilities in Jesus Christ's Millennial Kingdom:

  • Jesus will rule as King of kings from Jerusalem (Revelation 19:16): And He [Jesus] has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.
  • The resurrected King David will serve as Jesus' regent– His assistant ruler or governor (Isaiah 55:3-4): 3[Says the LORD] "Incline your ear and come to Me. Hear and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you-- the sure mercies of David. 4 Indeed I have given him as a witness to the people, a leader and commander for the people." AND (Jeremiah 30:9): [Says the LORD] But they shall serve the LORD their God, and David their king, whom I will raise up for them." AND (Ezekiel 34:23-24): 23[Says the LORD God] "I will establish one shepherd over them, and he shall feed them-- My servant David. He shall feed them and be their shepherd. 24 And I, the LORD, will be their God, and My servant David a prince among them...." AND (Hosea 3:5): Afterward the children of Israel shall return, seek the LORD their God and David their king, and fear the LORD and His goodness in the latter days. AND (Amos 9:11): [Says the LORD] "On that day I will raise up the tabernacle of David, which has fallen down, and repair its damages; I will raise up its ruins, and rebuild it as in the days of old."
  • The twelve disciples will rule the twelve tribes of Israel (Matthew 19:28): So Jesus said to [the disciples], "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel."
  • Many believers will rule cities throughout the Earth (Zechariah 40:7): "Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘If you will walk in My ways, and if you will keep My command, then you shall also judge My house, and likewise have charge of My courts; I will give you places to walk among those who stand here.'" AND (Luke 19:12-28): Summary of the text-- the Parable of the Ten Minas-- which is too long to print in this section: A rich man gave ten servants each a mina (approximately $64,000), commanding them to engage in business until he returned. When he returned, one servant had increased his mina to ten. The master commended him, and made him ruler over ten cities. The second had increased his mina to five, and the master made him ruler over five cities. Another servant feared the master, and hid his mina in a cloth, with no yield. The angry master ordered the mina to be taken from the lazy, unproductive servant and to be given to the one who had ten. Jesus said (verse 26): "For I say to you, that to everyone who has will be given; and from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him."

CROWNS (REWARDS)-- Don't Go to Your Eternal Home Without Them: Believers should work for "crowns" (rewards), which are rewards to enjoy eternally in Heaven. If we go to a birthday party, we take a present. When we get to Heaven and see its glory, we will want to give Jesus something in return for the gift of eternal life we will enjoy there. Heaven will not use money, and we can purchase a gift there. The only gift we can lay at Jesus' feet in adoration and appreciation is the life we lived on Earth and how we used that life in service to Him. We can lay at His feet our life and service to others in His name as a token of our love and appreciation. Do not go to Heaven empty-handed!

I like the following truth, the origin of which is anonymous: "Your life is your gift from God. What you do with your life is your gift to God."

The Bible mentions five crowns that may be awarded, although there could be more as the Bible does not say there are only five crowns. These crowns are:

  • The Crown of Glory for Faithful Servants: Persons who serve Christ as pastors and church elders will be rewarded (1 Peter 5:4):[Speaking to the elders and shepherds of the flock] ...and when the Chief Shepherd [Jesus] appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. It is likely that the greater the service of God's servant has been and the more sacrifice he/she has made for Jesus, the greater will be his/her reward.
  • The Crown of Rejoicing for Soul Winners: A person who has won others to faith in Jesus Christ as Savior will be joyful because these believers will be as though they are their children-- their spiritual children (1 Thessalonians 2:19-20): 19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 20For you are our glory and joy. Heaven will be a family reunion, as spiritual children unite with the persons who shared the Gospel with them and led them to faith in Jesus as Savior.
  • The Crown of Righteousness for Those Who Love His Return: This crown will be for believers who long for the return of Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 4:8): Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. The New Testament repeatedly warns all believers to be watchful for the imminent return of the Lord. We are commanded to do two things after salvation-- to work actively for Him and to await His return with great anticipation. Jesus' Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) is a teaching of the Church (Jesus' bride) waiting for the return of the Bridegroom (Jesus), and Jesus clearly warns in verse 13: "Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming." Christians are expected to lead holy, active lives, anticipating with great hope, assurance, and praise that our Bridegroom Jesus will return for us at any moment.
  • The Incorruptible Crown for Victorious Lives of Purity: In describing this crown, Paul uses the image of an athlete in training, telling us that we must exercise spiritual discipline in our lives if we are to experience victory (1 Corinthians 9:25, 27): 25And everyone who competes for the prize is temperate in all things. Now they [athletes competing in sports] do it to obtain a perishable crown, but we do it for an imperishable crown. | 27But I discipline my body and bring it into subjection, lest, when I preach to others, I myself should become disqualified. Christians who are victorious in daily spiritual struggles will earn this crown.
  • The The Crown of Life for Christian Martyrs: Christians have been persecuted because of their faith, since Stephen was stoned while Saul (Paul) watched (Acts 7:51-60). God will reward Christian martyrs (Revelation 2:10): [Jesus said] "Do not fear any of those things which you are about to suffer. Indeed, the devil is about to throw some of you in prison, that you may be tested, and you will ave tribulation for ten days.* Be faithful until death, and I will give you the crown of life." Many Christians continue to die because of persecution, but they will be rewarded.

BE AS GREEDY AS YOU CAN: The Bible almost always tell us not to be greedy and selfish. There is an exception– an exception in which Jesus implied that we should be as "greedy" as possible (Matthew 6:19-21): 19[Jesus said] "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; 20but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."

Jesus wants us to lay up treasures in Heaven, not on Earth. Any treasure on Earth is temporary and mostly benefits only the person who owns the treasure. A treasure in Heaven can be laid up only under these conditions:

  • The treasure is earned by doing something good for someone in need in Jesus' name, and doing the good deed only because you love the person and Jesus.
  • You do not perform this good work for recognition or pay, but perform it as a sacrifice of your time and/or money. You cannot buy good works. You can only earn them by your unselfish, loving labor and sacrifice.

Jesus was very specific about our performing good works for the right reason (Matthew 6:1-4: 1 [Jesus said] "Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.2 Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.3 But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly."

God will judge our gifts of service based on the amount of sacrifice the gift represents in our lives and whether we did the best we could with the resources and opportunities available to us (Luke 21:1-4): 1Then He [Jesus] saw the rich putting their gifts in the treasury, 2and a poor widow putting in two mites [approximately $1.00]. 3So He said, "Truly I say to you that this poor widow has put in more than all; 4for all these out of their abundance have put in offerings for God, but she out of her poverty has put in all the livelihood she had."

There are other judgments, including the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15) which will be for those persons who will spend an eternity in Hell because they rejected God's grace and the sacrificial death of Jesus.