Then there were subgroups stemming from that one who always wanted to talk about the Mercy Seat of Christ, but not in the way you'd expect (or the way that they should!). In fact, we even believed that this Judgment Seat of Christ and the "Marriage Supper of the Lamb" both occur in Heaven simultaneously as the so-called 7-year "Great Tribulation" is unfolding here on Earth. This is because when you believe in what's commonly called the "Rapture," then you then have to believe that the Judgment Seat will occur immediately following the so-called "Rapture of the Church." Unlike the Great White Throne judgment, the Judgment Seat of Christ will be a time a great rejoicing for believers, those who have waited patiently for the day when we will hear those precious words from our Savior, "Well done, good and faithful servant" (Matthew 25:21).Back in the day, when I spent much more time talking to people about the last days than I did about the Gospel of Jesus Christ, I remember how a lot of the Christians I associated with who were just like me all had this strange fascination with things like the "Judgment Seat" and the "Mercy Seat" mentioned in the Bible, and it's apparent direct connection to the fulfillment of end times Bible prophecy. Among the crowns we will receive are an "imperishable crown" for faithful endurance through trials (1 Corinthians 9:24-25) a "crown of rejoicing" which Paul speaks of as the presence in heaven of others in whom we have invested ourselves as he did (1 Thessalonians 2:19) a "crown of righteousness" for our faith in Him as our only source of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8) a "crown of glory" with which we will participate in the glory of God (Romans 8:18 2 Corinthians 4:17) and the "crown of life" which is the promise of eternal life through Christ (1 John 2:25 James 1:12). Believers will receive "crowns" for different things based on how faithfully we have served Christ. Have we rejoiced in trials so that our faith is proved genuine to the glory of God (1 Peter 1:6-7)? Have we escaped the "corruption that is in the world" (2 Peter 1:4) or have we succumbed to "the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life" that characterizes the love for this world which is passing away (1 John 2:16-17 NIV)? Have we controlled our tongues (James 3:1-9)? These are the kinds of things that will be exposed at the Bema Seat.Ī second function of the Judgment Seat of Christ is that of God rewarding us for our service and good deeds. Have we built upon the Rock with gold, silver and precious stones-those things that last for eternity-or with wood, hay, and stubble which will be burned up. We make choices throughout our lives as to the kind of things we add to the foundation of our salvation. What kind of account will we have to give? According to 1 Corinthians 3:10-13, we will be judged based on what we have built upon the foundation which is Christ.
First, according to Romans 14:10-12, believers are to "give an account" of ourselves to God. Rather than a judgment of condemnation or a determiner of salvation, there are two purposes for the Bema Seat. We know that believers cannot be punished for sin because Christ bore that punishment on the cross and "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" (Romans 8:1). Unlike the Great White Throne judgment of unbelievers, the Judgment Seat of Christ is not for the purpose of condemnation. In the context, it is clear that in both incidents, Paul is addressing Christians, not unbelievers.
He has a similar message to the believers in Corinth: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Corinthians 5:10).
One such verse is Romans 14:10-12: "For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God … So then each of us will give an account of himself to God." Paul is speaking here to the Roman believers. However, certain Bible verses declare that Christians will indeed be judged at what is called the Judgment Seat or Bema Seat of Christ. Many people believe that Christians are not subject to any kind of judgment because all their sins have been covered by the blood of Christ, which is true. There is a good deal of confusion regarding the judgments that follow death.
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