By Sidharth Mohandas
As we move on in this series of Eternal Judgment, we will be dealing with the different scenes of judgment. In this article we will look at one such judgment scene – the judgment of believers.
The Bema
First of all, it is vital to know that the wicked will not stand in judgment along with the righteous (Psalm 1:5). The judgment of the wicked and the judgment of the righteous are two different realities with two different purposes. The first group of people subject to judgment will be the righteous (1 Peter 4:17). This judgment, as discussed in the preceding article, is not for condemnation, but for commendation (Romans 8:1, I Corinthians 4:5).
The term that is used to refer to the judgment of the righteous is “the judgment seat of Christ/God”. This term is never used for any other judgment save the judgment of believers. (The verses quoted below were addressed by Paul to all believers)
· For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10)
· For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ (II Corinthians 5:10)
Note that the Greek word used for “judgment seat” is the word “bema”. This word is very peculiar and different from the other Greek words used in connection with judgment. This word, “bema”, was used in Classical Greek to denote the judge’s seat in an arena of Olympic Games. The bema was the seat where the judge sat – not to punish the contestants, but to reward them. This again establishes the fact that the judgment of believers is primarily for the commendation of the works we have done in our body.
Revealed by Fire
Paul describes in detail, the judgment of believers in I Corinthians 3:11-15:
For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw— each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done. If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.
In the above passage Paul makes it clear that this is a judgment of each believer’s work, and not his soul. Even if his work is totally burnt up, his soul will be saved. (I Corinthians 3:15). Again let me emphasize, this judgment concerns only those who have built their faith upon Jesus Christ (I Corinthians 3:11)
Further, in the above assessment of a believer’s work, Paul brings up two categories: on the one hand there is “gold, silver, and precious stones”; on the other hand there is “wood, hay, and straw”. The basis of this division is their ability to withstand fire. The items in the first category will pass through fire, while those in the second will be consumed by fire. Another implication from this categorization is that quality is of higher regard to God than quantity. You would need more volume of “wood, hay, and straw” to balance an equal mass of “gold, silver, and precious stones”.
Today, we need to examine what we do for the Lord. We aren’t required to make a final evaluation of ourselves, but we are to judge our motives, our obedience and the message we carry. I want you to ask yourselves a few questions:
(1) What are my motives in my works? Do I work for name, fame, and number? Do I work for the Lord for any selfish gain or praise?
(2) Am I seeking to obediently serve God even in the little and unseen things?
(3) Is my lifestyle one that is of power or is it only of words? Am I truly depending on His Spirit to do what He has commissioned me to do? Am I denying the power of the Holy Spirit by my theology?
Your answers to these questions will determine the category that your works will fall into – wood, hay, and straw vs. gold, silver, and precious stones.
Note: the word “bema” has been used referring to Pilates seat of judgment, but remember he was asked to judge so as to free a prisoner. and he freed Barabbas.
Praise be to the Almighty for another beautiful post. I love especially the last three questions, those that each one of us needs to ask ourselves. Thanks Sid.
Indeed Quality matters most in the eyes of our Lord; sadly, a truth which is being neglected by most believers today. May our Father enable us to realize the importance of buiding using gold, silver and precious stones, rather than using wood, hay or straw. Amen!
Challenging but also so encouraging. God is good!
If I say this is my best Imrah post yet I don’t know how you will take it but I do hope to make use of this post later brother Sid
THE HOLY SPIRIT DID BIRTH THIS POST
HALLELUYAH, JESUS IS LORD!!!!
GODBLESS IMRAH
Great questions.
My examining our motives, we can better serve the Lord and rid ourselves of any ¨dross.¨ and move up a level.
Blessings
Hi… i’ve been a silent reader of this site…. But let me honestly tell imrah team …. u all are doing a gr8 job… I don’t prefer to reveal my identity but I would love to respond to ur ministry…..
This post was touching…. as usual like all other posts… the questions did make me realise, about my stand for christ….
Thank you GOD for providing so many around the world for helping each one to remain in the strongholds of Christ….
Thank you, Jem for your comment. Feel free to write to us and get in touch with us using the prayer request column.
At His service
Sidharth and the team
Very excellent post. I like how you emphasized on the two sets of elements. Very convicting questions as well. Thank you for sharing.You have some great points.
It was a pleasure to meet you and visit your site. I will be back to read more. Thank you also for the comment you left. You’re absolutely right about the cliques.
Blessings!
Miss Jocelyn
I think about this often. You should read this incredible book!
http://www.myfaith.com/TheBema.htm
It’s good to know when we are doing what’s right for God without seeking award as well as knowing that we are not scared about our judgement day coming.
Everything G-d does is absolutely righteous and fair. There will be no exception with the Bema Seat judgment. However, on a more simplistic note and one that comes from the Ruach HaKodesh, I believe with every fiber of my being G-d won’t have to chastise us for the hay and stubble that shall burn away because His Footstool is the Ark of the Covenant. And while He judges everything through the Law in that Ark, the Blood covers it. Truly I believe only the blood of Yeshua is what He will see and our greatest judgment will be in knowing what we COULD have been and were not. The absolute love of G-d will reward us for what we did right. Now THAT is a G-d worth serving.