Will You Stand Before Christ?
Not to be condemned—but to be rewarded.
The Bema Seat Judgment is not about heaven or hell. It’s about eternity’s rewards for believers who lived for the glory of Jesus Christ.
“We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due…”
—2 Corinthians 5:10
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What Is the Bema Seat?
The word “Bēma” (βῆμα) means a raised platform—used in ancient Greece and Rome to award athletes or issue legal verdicts. Paul uses it to describe a moment when Christ will evaluate every believer’s faithfulness.
Audience: Church-age believers only
Timing: After the Rapture, before the Second Coming
Purpose: To evaluate works, motives, and faithfulness
Result: Rewards or loss of rewards, but never loss of salvation (1 Cor 3:15)
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What Will Be Judged?
“The fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If it survives, he will receive a reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss…”
—1 Corinthians 3:13–15
Gold, Silver, Precious Stones = Eternal impact, Spirit-led obedience
Wood, Hay, Stubble = Selfish motives, fleshly efforts
“He will bring to light what is hidden… and disclose the motives of the heart.”
—1 Corinthians 4:5
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Eternal Rewards Await
Crowns may be literal or symbolic of position, authority, or honor in the coming Kingdom.
1.Crown of Righteousness – for loving His appearing (2 Tim 4:8)
2.Incorruptible Crown – for disciplined living (1 Cor 9:25)
3.Crown of Life – for enduring trials (James 1:12, Rev 2:10)
4.Crown of Glory – for faithful shepherds (1 Pet 5:4)
5.Crown of Rejoicing – for soul-winners (1 Thess 2:19)
“Those who lead many to righteousness will shine like the stars forever…” —Daniel 12:3
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Every Hidden Sacrifice Counts
“God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love you showed for His name…”
—Hebrews 6:10
That prayer no one heard
That forgiveness no one saw
That act of love no one applauded
Christ remembers all of it.
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You Will Stand Alone
“Each of us will give an account of himself to God.”
—Romans 14:12
No group evaluations
No excuses
No hiding in the crowd
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And Then… We Cast Our Crowns
“…they cast their crowns before the throne, saying, ‘Worthy are You, our Lord…’”
—Revelation 4:10–11
Everything we receive—we’ll lay it at His feet in worship.
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Challenge: Are You Living for Applause or for Eternity?
“Whatever you do, work heartily… knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward.”
—Colossians 3:23–24
This judgment is coming.
Not to decide if you’re saved.
But to reveal what you lived for.