Our study of the end times, Eschatology, continues with a look at the Biblical unfolding of “judgements.” This is probably one of the most questioned events of the second coming. Everyone wants to know, “How will I be judged?”

There are five end time judgements revealed in the scripture. For this column, we will mention all five, but we will focus on two, the Judgement Seat of Christ and the Great White Throne Judgement.

The judgement of the Gentiles and the judgement of the Jews is described in Matthew chapter 25. Old Testament references include Joel 3:2 and Ezekiel 20:34-38. The third judgement I would like to mention is the judgement of Fallen Angels. It is referenced in Jude 1:6 and Revelation 20:2-10. 1 Corinthians 6:3 implies that believers will have a part in executing this judgement. Please research these three judgements on your own.  

The Judgement Seat of Christ, 1 Corinthians 3:9-15, is referenced the most in scripture. Its purpose is not to determine whether a person is saved or lost. Its purpose is to ascertain the reward or loss of reward for the individual believer in Christ. Revelation 11:18 NKJV, “The nations were angry, and Your wrath has come, And the time of the dead, that they should be judged, and that You should reward Your servants the prophets and the saints, and those who fear Your name, small and great, and should destroy those who destroy the earth.”  

I see this as a time of celebration for those who have served Christ faithfully. 

The are two Greek words translated judgement seat in the New Testament. “Citerion” used in James 2:6 and 1 Corinthians 6:2,4. It means the bench of judges or the place where judgement is given. “Bema” means the reward seat. It is associated with the ideas of dignity, authority, honor, prominence, and reward. 

In the Grecian games in Athens, there was a raised platform from which the umpire awarded all the contestants and all the winners. The time of the judgement seat of Christ falls between the rapture and the second coming of Christ. 

According to 1 Thessalonians 4:17 and 2 Corinthians 5:1-8, the “bema” seat of Christ will be in the heavenlies. The Christian is not being judged for sin. Salvation through Jesus Christ has delivered the Christian from the judgement of sin. Romans 8:1 NLT, “So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.” John 5:24, NLT “I tell you the truth, those who listen to my message and believe in God who sent me have eternal life. They will never be condemned for their sins, but they have already passed from death into life.” 1 John 4:17, NLT, “And as we live in God, our love grows more perfect. So, we will not be afraid on the day of judgment, but we can face him with confidence because we live like Jesus here in this world.”

2 Corinthians 5:10 says we will be rewarded according to whether our deeds on earth have been “good” or “bad.” The Greek word used for “bad” is “phaulos” and it means worthless. Our judgement is based on whether our deeds for Christ were good or worthless. These deeds or actions are not to be accomplished by  human strength  or the fruit of man’s glory but on the unction of the Holy Spirit. 

Five crowns are mentioned in the scripture as representing the rewards given at the judgement seat of Christ. They are not exhaustive but representative of the believer’s rewards. 

The “Incorruptible crown” found in 1 Corinthians 9:25 is awarded to those who gain the mastery over their flesh. 

The “Crown of rejoicing” is given to those who introduce many to Christ.  References include 1 Thessalonians 2:19 and Philippians 4:1. 

The “Crown of life” for those enduring hardships and trials as referenced in James 1:12. 

The “Crown of righteousness” for those who expectantly look for the coming of the Lord. 2 Timothy 4:8 mentions this crown for those who are “loving his appearing.” 

The “Crown of glory” found in 1 Peter 5:4 for those being willing to feed the flock of God. 

The rewards and crowns received at the judgment seat of Christ are not to be displayed in our heavenly homes but will be used to cast before the feet of our Lord and Savior as an act of gratitude. Revelation 4:9-11 NLT,  makes this clear. “Whenever the living beings give glory and honor and thanks to the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever), the 24 elders fall down and worship the one sitting on the throne (the one who lives forever and ever). And they lay their crowns before the throne and say, “You are worthy, O Lord our God, to receive glory and honor and power. For you created all things, and they exist because you created what you pleased.”

The “Great White Throne Judgement” will be discussed in next weeks article. Enjoy your study of the “Judgement Seat of Christ.”