Slideshow image

The following blog is a summary of a message preached by Pastor Eddie Lawrence.

Watch the Sermon HERE!

As believers, we often focus on the assurance of our salvation through grace, but what happens after we're saved? While our eternal destiny is secure through Christ's finished work, there's still an important truth we need to understand: the Bema, or judgment seat of Christ.

What Does It Mean to Live by Grace?

Before diving into the judgment seat of Christ, it's crucial to understand our foundation. We are not saved by our works - we are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. This is non-negotiable truth. However, once we become children of God, there are works prepared for us to do. These works don't earn our salvation; they flow from our salvation.

The key distinction is this: we don't work FOR our salvation, we work FROM our salvation. When you're born again, you become a new creation. How can someone go from darkness to light, from death to life, and there not be change? It's incomprehensible.

Why Do Our Works Matter If We're Saved by Grace?

Grace doesn't eliminate the importance of our actions as believers. In fact, grace teaches us to live righteously, godly, and soberly in Christ Jesus. We see this principle throughout Scripture, including in Revelation where Jesus addresses seven churches, saying "I know your works" to each one.

Some churches received commendations, others received rebukes, and a few received both. The Lord cares about how His children live and represent Him. This isn't about earning salvation - it's about stewardship of what we've been given as believers.

What Is the Bema Judgment Seat?

The word "bema" refers to a platform where a judge would sit in Roman culture. It was used both for rendering legal judgments and for awarding prizes at athletic competitions, like giving laurel crowns to Olympic winners.

Romans 14:10-12 tells us: "We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ... So then each of us shall give an account of himself to God." This is a personal accounting where every believer will individually stand before Christ.

Who Will Stand Before the Bema?

This judgment is specifically for believers - those who have built their lives on the foundation of Jesus Christ. It's not about determining salvation, but about evaluating how we've stewarded what God gave us as His children.

What Will Be Judged at the Bema?

According to 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, our works will be tested by fire. Paul describes two categories of works:

Works that endure: Gold, silver, precious stones - these represent works done with pure motives, in God's strength, for His glory.

Works that burn up: Wood, hay, straw - these represent works done with wrong motives, in our own strength, or for selfish gain.

The amazing truth is found in verse 15: "If anyone's work is burned, he will suffer loss, but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire." Even if all our works burn up, we're still saved because our salvation isn't based on our works - it's based on Christ's finished work.

What About Rewards and Crowns?

Scripture mentions various crowns and rewards for faithful believers:

  • The crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8)
  • The crown of life (James 1:12)
  • Other crowns mentioned by Peter and James

 

These rewards may include an increased capacity to bear God's glory and represent different levels of responsibility and honor in eternity.

How Should This Truth Change How We Live?

Understanding the Bema should motivate us to:

Live with eternal perspective: Every decision matters because we'll give an account for it.

Examine our motives: Are we serving God out of love and gratitude, or for recognition and reward?

Stay focused on Christ: He's the foundation, and everything must be built on Him.

Maintain our first love: Like the church at Ephesus, we can do many good works but lose our passion for Jesus.

Can We Have Assurance of Salvation?

Absolutely! First John 5:13 says, "These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life." God doesn't want His children living in doubt about their relationship with Him.

When you know you're secure in Christ, you're free to serve Him out of love rather than fear. You can represent Him well because you know you belong to His family.

Life Application

This week, examine your heart and motives. Are you serving God out of love and gratitude for what He's done, or have you fallen into routine? Ask the Holy Spirit to restore your first love and passion for Jesus.

Consider these questions:

  • Am I building with gold, silver, and precious stones, or wood, hay, and straw?
  • What motivates my service to God - love or obligation?
  • Do I have assurance of my salvation, or am I still trying to earn God's approval?
  • How can I live this week with the awareness that I'll give an account to Christ for my actions?

 

Remember, your salvation is secure in Christ, but your service matters. Live each day knowing that Jesus is both your Savior and your coming Judge - not to condemn you, but to reward your faithful stewardship of His grace.