Reflections from August 26, 2010

Paul tells us in 2 Corinthians 5:10 that we will have a judgement time before Christ and sit in the judgement seat. Paul says, "For we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."

In Paul's day, the judgement seat was called the bema. This was something that readers of Paul's letters were familiar with as it generally stood in the middle of the marketplace at Corinth. It was used by the officials for purposes of public proclamations, commendations, and condemnations.

Our time at the Bema seat will be a cause for joy and hope even more that it might be a time of fear. It will allow Jesus Christ to proclaim our good works that we have done in proclaiming His name to all the nations, and living a righteous life. Have no doubt however, that Christ will also examine the weaknesses in our lives.

One thing is for certain, the judgement rendered at the bema will be fair, for Christ will be the judge, and He Himself once stood before Pilate's bema. He knows what if feels like to have one's life weighed in the balance. However, the Lord will not be deciding the eternal fate of believers as He sits on His bema, that was settled at the moment of salvation. Instead, the bema of Christ will be our chance as believers to look at our lives according to Christ's perfect assessment. It will be the ultimate opportunity to experience honest evaluation and true justice as we stand before Him.

Thinking about this shouldn't cause anxiety; on the contrary, we should look at this as a great opportunity to be able to do all we can now with respect to deeds done in the body. We should strive everyday to earn the Lord's praise in every area of life.

Blessings to all