The Christian - The Judgement Seat Of Christ – Part 2 Of 3 Series

THE CHRISTIAN - THE JUDGEMENT SEAT OF CHRIST – PART 2 OF 3

In the last study we opened up this subject to see both the joy and seriousness of it. This time we will consider more aspects of The Judgement Seat of Christ including what brings reward and the quality of deeds done for Christ. I will say again most emphatically, “Do not go trying to do Christian things so you get a reward one day.” That is not how it works. Motive is most important. We serve our Lord because He saved us and we must please Him in return.

Let us proceed -

[D]. THE QUALITY OF THE WORKS WILL BE EXAMINED

There is a vital passage that does enlighten the road for us. This is THE passage for the study of The Judgement seat. Some call this the BEMA and here is a note from Bible Hub:-

[[The ß?µa, or ‘judgment seat’ (trone, Wycliffe), is in Classical Greek the pulpit from which the orators addressed the assemblies. In the New Testament it is used of the judge’s seat, which in the Roman basilica or judgment hall was “a lofty seat, raised on an elevated platform, so that the figure of the judge must have been seen towering above the crowd which thronged the long nave of the building.” Stanley. This, he adds, was “the most august representation of justice which the world at that time, or perhaps ever, exhibited.”]]

This is the vital passage:- {{1 Corinthians 3:10-15 “According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building upon it, but let each man be careful how he builds upon it, 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.”}}

This is a somber passage for the careless Christian as he will watch his failing efforts for Christ get all burnt up. He will be saved because at some time in his life he became a born again Christian (otherwise he would not be there) but he has no reward and I think that means has nothing with which to please the Lord.

Paul is saying that a foundation has been laid and we build upon it. There are several foundations mentioned in the New Testament but the one here Paul is speaking of, is the foundation of the work of Christ in salvation, and our part is to build on that, and the idea is service and profitability and fruitfulness.

[E]. THE FIRE WILL TEST OUR WORKS

There is a graphic picture given here relating to the judgment seat of Christ. “For the day will show it,” means the examination of our work in the day of judgment. Our work upon the foundation already laid, will be set on fire. When the flames have ceased, only what remains will indicate what was genuine and correct in service for the Lord. In the flames the straw will flare up and be gone. Straw (“stubble” AV) burns with catchy brilliance, but has no endurance. So much Christian work is superficial and without substance, looking good with a flashy brilliance, and with the Hollywood touch, but it is worthless, done in human strength and for the praise of man.

Hay burns well too but endures a bit longer, but alas, the flames consume it also. Are we making hay for the Lord while the sun shines? That will be of no benefit. All we will have to offer the Lord is ashes. My patio is made of belian wood that comes from southeast Asia. It is about as hard and durable as any wood can get. It makes saws go blunt. The Australian kauri and jarrah eucalypts are really, really tough. When subjected to the flames these hard woods take quite some time to ignite and last for a long time, much longer than pine as they have endurance, but alas, in the fire of judgment, they will be eventually consumed. Some of us will be surprised that our works of wood actually will become ashes. They seemed so good and so hard at the time. Wood, hay, straw, all will be lost; all will end as ashes.

[F]. WHAT GAINS THE REWARD?