Dr. David Jeremiah Presents
Living inthe Ageof Signs
Online Destination
Living in the Age of Signs
Online Destination
What to Expect at the Great Award Ceremony
The Bible tells us that one day, after the Rapture, individual Christians will stand before Jesus Christ at His Judgment Seat (sometimes referred to as the Bema Seat), where the Lord will judge us for our conduct and work as believers.
So then each of us [believers] shall give account of himself to God. Romans 14:12
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10
Each one's work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one's work, of what sort it is. If anyone's work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 1 Corinthians 3:13–14
On that day we will receive rewards for what we have accomplished as believers between the moment of our salvation and the day that we ultimately stand before Him.
Is the Judgment Seat of Christ a final exam for heaven?
While the Judgment Seat of Christ does evaluate our works, it is not an entrance exam for heaven. Our sins have been paid in full by Christ at Calvary, so any works of man do not qualify us for acceptance to that eternal resting place (2 Corinthians 5:9–11; Ephesians 2:8–10). The Judgment Seat of Christ is where we will be rewarded for our Christian service as a believer after we have entered into heaven.
What is the ultimate goal of any rewards we may receive in heaven?
With all the rewards that we will be eligible to receive in heaven, this question remains: What are we going to do with them?
After receiving our rewards, we are going to see Jesus. In response, we're going to take the crowns that He has given us, fall down at His feet, and cast them before the throne as a gift of love. We will join heaven's elders in proclaiming "You are worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created" (Revelation 4:10–11). At that glorious moment, we will have the opportunity to give to Christ the only thing we have to offer Him in heaven other than ourselves. And take my word for it—we won't want to be empty–handed!
Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror;
then we shall see face to face. 1 Corinthians 13:12, NIV