[175]. A Message From A Poem – Bema – The Judgement Seat Of Christ

[175]. A MESSAGE FROM A POEM – BEMA – THE JUDGEMENT SEAT OF CHRIST

What do Christians think of the judgement that is coming for Christians that is outlined in these very telling verses? – {{1 Corinthians 3:11-15 “for no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man builds upon the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident, for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. IF ANY MAN’S WORK WHICH HE HAS BUILT UPON IT REMAINS, HE SHALL RECEIVE A REWARD. If any man’s work is BURNED UP, he shall suffer loss, but he himself shall be saved, yet so as through fire.”}}

Also don’t miss this fact that is written to Christians – {{2 Corinthians 5:10 “for WE MUST ALL APPEAR before the JUDGMENT SEAT OF CHRIST, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether.”}} I believe the bad here is not penalty but loss of reward.

Some may feel apprehension to stand personally before the Lord Jesus Christ. It is an awesome thing and so many of us feel inadequate in daunting situations. Some may feel contented. Some may be feeling very guilty about what’s coming. Some may be scared.

(a). What is the purpose of the judgement seat for Christians? Well one thing is sure – the Lord will not be seated there with a big stick to belt the unproductive Christians around. I can not see that in the slightest. These are His redeemed ones now in heaven, for that is where the judgement takes place, and all are sinless, so I just can not see any chastising stick being wielded by Jesus even though some are saved yet so as through fire.

The judgement seat is for the purpose of rewards. The Lord will delight in rewarding His saved people. This Corinthians passage outlines degrees of rewards I believe. The gold, silver, and gems indicate that. If that is not so, then the quality of the work is considered.

(b). What is my basis for being there in a future day? It is nothing less than the redemptive work of the Saviour.

(c). Will I feel shame at all my failures and sin and desert patches in my life? I can’t be definitive but also I am not too sure what this verse means – {{1 John 2:28 “Now, little children, abide in Him so that when He appears, we may have confidence and NOT SHRINK AWAY FROM HIM IN SHAME AT HIS COMING.”}} I am not sure if some of us will be ashamed at the poor result of the rewards because we have been lazy and self-indulgent. However I do know there will be no sadness in heaven but only joy. I leave this one with you.

(d). What do we do with the rewards? Frankly I do not know, but this I do know. These rewards are not rightfully ours for we were servants serving the Lord and King. They all honestly belong to Jesus! In a future event in heaven where the whole Church and all the redeemed are worshipping we read the elders threw their crowns at the Lord’s feet. Maybe the rewards are given back to Jesus the ONLY worthy One. {{Revelation 4:10-11 the twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will CAST THEIR CROWNS BEFORE THE THRONE, saying, “WORTHY ARE YOU, our Lord and our God, to receive glory and honour and power, for You created all things, and because of Your will they existed and were created.”}}

(e). What does the word “Bema” mean? I take this from the AI statement from the Internet – [[Bema refers to an elevated platform used as an orator's podium, often found in synagogues for reading the Torah or in churches for delivering sermons. The term originates from Ancient Greek, meaning both 'platform' and 'step' and has historical significance in various religious contexts.]]

This is not the place to open this subject right up. I did a 3 part series on this in Sermon Central found in the series dealing with the great white throne and the judgement seat.

What is evident in all this is that the Lord Jesus is looking for two things – FAITHFULNESS and COMMITMENT.

TO CLOSE -

(a). The Lord wants to reward His own. He will delight to do so. Don’t you think this verse suggests that? {{Matthew 10:42 “Whoever in the name of a disciple gives to one of these little ones EVEN A CUP OF COLD WATER to drink, truly I say to you, he SHALL NOT LOSE HIS REWARD.”}}

(b). The Lord comes with His reward, both bad and good. The bad is for the unrighteous and the good is for His saved people. {{Revelation 22:12 “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.”}}

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BEMA – THE JUDGEMENT SEAT OF CHRIST

Let us not sin for sin’s a disgrace;

Clouds our communion and hides the Lord’s face.

Sin’s an affront to Jesus our Lord,

And it breaks the link of fellowship’s cord.

His hand can’t be seen; his voice not heard;

Peace is disrupted, and distant His word.

This is not what God desires for you –

A life controlled by sin that is not true.

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Blessed is the Lord and on Him we wait.

Praise the LORD God whose compassions are great.

The path back to Him by sin confessed,

Is forgiveness for all, and by Him, blessed.

Majestic love wrought our salvation,

And gave to us eternal elation.

Saved we are, but an account is there,

Maintained by our Lord whose judgement is fair.

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The Judgement Seat of Christ – joy or fear:

Fear of failure as each Christian draws near.

The loving Lord will not dispense grief

But gives to each joy, and their hearts, relief.

No condemnation is present there,

As the Lord studies service, and will share

Rewards for His children through His grace:

Joys freely given and not one disgrace.

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The fire is lit and will burn until

All is consumed, like the coals in a grill.

Wood, hay and straw flare up and they’re burnt,

Gone forever, wasted, as if they weren’t.

But to God’s glory, gold will remain,

With silver and gems wherein is no shame.

Blessed is the one who receives rewards;

To his Lord, His faith always looked towards.

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What is examined before Christ’s throne?

Commitment and faithfulness from His own!

What of your service? Has it been true?

Have your efforts for Christ been only few?

Take stock now and turn that right around.

Work for your Lord with a mind that is sound,

Else at His throne you will be ashamed,

For on earth you left Christ’s honour unnamed.

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Glorious Christ on the rewards’ throne

Scrutinising all that His saints have sown.

His precious rewards He wants to give,

Undeserved, with love, and supportive.

Not for rewards do you serve that Name,

But with gratitude. He removed your blame.

Work for the Lord’s approval, who’ll say,

“Well done, good and faithful servant,” one day.

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26 May 2025 Ron Ferguson AABB etc. 9-10 throughout