WEDNESDAY, MAY 10
1 Corinthians 3:10-15
2 Corinthians 5:10

"For we must all appear before
the judgment seat of Christ…"

THE BEMA OF CHRIST

Every believer will one day be judged by God. 2 Corinthians 5:10 declared, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." This is also known as the judgment seat (or bema) of Christ. It is not a judgment of salvation but of service.

"In the New Testament times, the Bema is a judgement where rewards are given. Athletes who have won a race are crowned with a wreath at the Bema. Likewise, every Christian will one day stand before the judgement seat of Christ to receive ‘the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.’ Those who have served the Lord with pure motives will receive prizes for their faithful work. Those who have served the Lord with impure motives will receive no reward. Thus in heaven, there will be those who have and those who have not. Those who are not rewarded will still have their salvation for that cannot be lost, it is God’s work won for them by Christ.

Although only some will be rewarded, yet the atmosphere will be a joyful one. It may be likened to a graduation ceremony. Those who have studied hard will graduate summa cum laude (with highest praise), or magna cum laude (with high praise), or cum laude (with praise), and there are those who simply graduate without laude, without praise. Those who are not rewarded will regret that they did not serve the Lord as well as they should, but nonetheless there will be no sorrowing for they are grateful to the Lord for saving them from their sins." (Tow and Khoo, Theology for Every Christian)

Dearly beloved, do you look forward to this judgment of reward? If it be so, set your affections on things above and not on things of the earth (Col 3:1-2).

THOUGHT: Have I done my best for the Master?
PRAYER: Lord, how I yearn to hear Thy commendation!