✨20: The Two Judgments — The Bema Seat and The Great White Throne
Introduction: Every Soul Will Stand Before the Judge
Judgment is not a symbolic event. It is the most certain appointment every human soul will keep. Every breath, thought, word, motive, and deed — both visible and hidden — will be measured. In God’s eternal courtroom, there are two main judgments revealed in Scripture:
The Bema Seat of Christ — for believers
The Great White Throne Judgment — for the unredeemed
These are not the same events. The destinies, purposes, and outcomes are vastly different. Yet both are part of God's holy justice.
“And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” — Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV)
Let us rightly divide the Word and prepare our hearts.
Part 1: The Bema Seat of Christ — Judgment for the Redeemed
1.1 What Is It?
The word “Bema” comes from the Greek bēma, meaning a platform used in athletic contests or legal proceedings. In Paul’s context, it signifies a place where rewards are given — not punishments.
“For we must all appear before the judgment seat (Bema) of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body...” — 2 Corinthians 5:10
This judgment is for born-again believers — not to determine salvation, but to assess faithfulness.
1.2 Who Will Be There?
All who are in Christ — saved by grace through faith
Includes prophets, pastors, new converts, and quiet intercessors alike
“Each one’s work will become clear... because it will be revealed by fire...” — 1 Corinthians 3:13
1.3 What Is Judged?
Motives (1 Corinthians 4:5)
Obedience to divine calling
Use of time, resources, talents
Words and attitudes (Matthew 12:36)
“If anyone’s work... endures, he will receive a reward.” — 1 Corinthians 3:14
1.4 Rewards at the Bema Seat
Crown of Life — for enduring trials (James 1:12)
Crown of Righteousness — for loving His appearing (2 Timothy 4:8)
Crown of Glory — for faithful shepherds (1 Peter 5:4)
Crown Incorruptible — for mastering the flesh (1 Corinthians 9:25)
Crown of Rejoicing — for winning souls (1 Thessalonians 2:19)
These are not earthly medals, but eternal honors — badges of love, sacrifice, and yieldedness.
Part 2: The Great White Throne — Judgment for the Unredeemed
2.1 What Is It?
This is the final judgment for all who rejected salvation in Christ. It is the most sobering passage in all of Scripture.
“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it... And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened...” — Revelation 20:11-12
This is not a judgment of reward — but of eternal separation.
2.2 Who Will Be There?
All unbelievers from all generations
Those who rejected Christ, denied the gospel, or lived for self
The dead who were not found in the Book of Life (Revelation 20:15)
“And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” — Revelation 20:15
2.3 What Is Judged?
Every deed and thought outside of Christ
Rejection of God’s grace
The condition of the heart — pride, rebellion, lawlessness
There is no reward here. No second chance. No appeal.
2.4 The Books
The Book of Life — names of the redeemed
Books of Works — every action recorded (Psalm 56:8, Daniel 7:10)
God remembers everything.
Part 3: The Eternal Destinies
3.1 For the Redeemed
Enter into the Marriage Supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:9)
Receive crowns, assignments, resurrected bodies
Rule and reign with Christ (Revelation 20:6)
Dwell in the New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21:1-4)
3.2 For the Lost
Eternal separation from God (2 Thessalonians 1:9)
The lake of fire was not created for man, but for the devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41)
But those who follow him share his destiny
“These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord...” — 2 Thessalonians 1:9
Part 4: Justice and Mercy Perfectly Balanced
God is not unjust. He has provided the Way, the Truth, and the Life in Jesus.
Every soul will be judged righteously.
No one will be able to say, “I didn’t know.”
Even those who never heard the gospel will be judged by the light they were given (Romans 2:12-16).
“Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” — Genesis 18:25
Conclusion: Live Ready
The Bema Seat is not to be feared — it’s an opportunity to cast our crowns before the One we love.
But the Great White Throne must be feared — for it is final.
Now is the time of salvation. Now is the day of obedience. Now is the chance to invest in eternity.
Let us live so that:
Our works endure the fire
Our hearts burn for Jesus
And our names are found in the Book of Life
“Watch therefore, for you do not know what hour your Lord is coming.” — Matthew 24:42
May we be found faithful.
Comments
Post a Comment