The Bema Judgement

Revelation Lesson 8

The 7th Seal -- Rev. 8:1-5

"When He (Jesus) had opened the 7th seal

there was silence in heaven for about half an hour."

Rev. 8:1

Hmmmmm. What does this mean? Why is there silence when the 7th Seal is opened?

Well, as you might imagine, there are many opinions as to what this verse means. I will list 5 of the more popular ones for you.

Some people say this means that now that the final seal has been broken, the scroll can be and is opened, and what the scroll contains is so awesome that there is a collective gasp of awe and silence and anticipation.

Others say this is a time when God is waiting for more people to repent before beginning the wrath (orge) of the 7 Trumpets and 7 Bowls (vials).

Some say this silence represents a time of mourning over what is about to take place in the 7 Trumpets and 7 Bowls which will be blown and poured out during the 7 years, the time of Jacob's trouble. Indeed, the number 30 in the Old Testament is often associated with mourning. For example, after the deaths of Aaron (Numbers 20:29) and Moses (Deut. 34:8), the Israelites mourned for 30 days.

Still others believe this time of silence is when the Lawless One (the Antichrist) is revealed, the 7 year Covenant is signed, and this is the brief time of peace on earth that accompanies those events.

But, still others say that the "silence in heaven for about half an hour" is when the Bema Judgment of Christians occurs!

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WHAT ????? JUDGMENT!? OF CHRISTIANS!? What do you mean? I thought that Christians had been forgiven of all of their sins and that judgement is only for the lost, the ungodly, the unsaved! What do you mean, Judgment? And, what is the Bema?

Yes, you are correct. Christians (those who are believers in and are trusting Jesus for their salvation and redemption) HAVE been forgiven of all their sins and will NEVER again have to face the death penalty for their sins because Jesus PAID our sin debt penalty for us when He died on the cross.

Read the following verses which confirm that fact. And, as you read these few (of the MANY) verses which we could have listed here, UNDERLINE in RED the proof or assurance that each verse gives that you, as a Christian, have been forgiven of your sins and will not have to pay the death penalty for them and will not have to go to hell because of them. Also underline in green any condition that must be met on our part for this to be true.

1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, He (Jesus) is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

John 3:16-18 For God (the Father) so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because he has not believed in the name of God's one and only Son.

Isaiah 44:22 I have swept away your offenses like a cloud, your sins like the morning mist. Return to me, for I have redeemed you.

Psalm 103:12 ...as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.

What do these verses tell you, as a Christian, about your sins? Have they been forgiven? Will they come back to 'haunt' you IF you have sincerely confessed them to God and asked Him to forgive you and have accepted His gift of forgiveness and salvation?..........YES..........NO

Explain your answer: _________________________________________________

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So, a Christian, a true believer in Jesus, is NOT being judged for their sins at the Bema Judgment. They are Gone! Forever! And the Bema is NOT a judgment to decide if we are saved or lost. That has already been decided. When we chose to serve God and confessed our sins and accepted the gift of salvation, then our salvation was assured and we can know with confidence that we will not be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment, where those who are NOT saved will be judged for their sins.

Bema? Great White Throne? How many judgments are there?

Well, since we are on the subject of Judgment, perhaps now IS a good time to clarify, lest you be confused, that there are 3 different and distinctive Judgments in the future. They are:

1. The BEMA JUDGMENT of the Believers. This takes place after the rapture of the Believers. We will look at this judgment in some detail in this lesson.

2. The JUDGMENT OF THE NATIONS which takes place at the end of the 7 years and before the 1000 year (Millennium) reign of Jesus on earth begins. We will study about this judgment later in this course when we get to that point in our study.

3. The GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT! This is THE Judgment of the lost, the unsaved, the ungodly, the unrepentant, of those who did NOT choose to serve and obey God! Trust me. You do NOT want to be a participant in this judgement! It occurs at the end of the 1000 year Millennial reign of Jesus and just before eternity begins. All of those who had previously chosen to serve and obey God will MISS this judgement (they will NOT be judged in it) and will spend eternity in Heaven with God the Father, Jesus, the Holy Spirit and with all the other believers in and followers of God. HOWEVER, those who did NOT choose to serve God WILL be judged at the GWT Judgment and will spend eternity in Hell. This Judgment is described in Revelation 20 and we will study it when we get to that point in our course.

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So, what is the BEMA JUDGMENT of Believers? And who or what is being judged? And by Whom and why? And what are the results of this judgment? And when is it? And... and... and..... ? Well, this is what we will be mainly studying in this lesson. So, let's begin!

THE BEMA (# 968) --- JUDGEMENT SEAT OF BELIEVERS

But, you ask, "Is there REALLY a judgment of believers? OR are you just making this up to scare me?"

Well, read these verses which should confirm to you that there IS a Judgment for Believers. And as you read these verses, circle, in PURPLE (or a color of your choice), every occurrence of the words, Judgment Seat (Bema), or words used in place of those words. Also, underline, in the same color, what happens at the judgment or what is judged. Put a GREEN circle around WHO is judged and put a RED circle around the name of Who will be the Judge or will be doing the Judging.

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2 Cor 5:7-10 We live by faith, not by sight. We are confident, I (Paul) say, and would prefer to be away from the body and at home with the Lord. So we make it our goal to please Him (Jesus), whether we are at home in the body or away from it. For we must all appear before the judgment seat (968 BEMA) of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.

Romans 14:10b-12 ...For we (believers) will all stand before God's judgment seat (968 BEMA). It is written: "`As surely as I live,' says the Lord, `every knee will bow before me; every tongue will confess to God.'" (Isaiah 45:23) So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God.

1 Cor. 4:1-5 So then, men ought to regard us as servants of Christ and as those entrusted with the secret things of God. Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful. I (Paul) care very little if I am judged by you or by any human court; indeed, I do not even judge myself. My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

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Hmmmmm. Is there going to be a Bema Judgment Seat Judgement?..........YES...........NO

Who will be judged at the Bema?..........ALL Believers.........Some Believers..........Lost People

Who is the Judge? ______________________________________________

What is judged? ______________________________________________________

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Yes, it is obvious that there IS going to be a Judgment of Believers at what is often called the Bema Judgement (to distinguish it from the GWT judgment). And God (Jesus) will be our Judge. He will judge ALL believers for "the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." Yes, we have been forgiven of our sins BUT Each of us will still have to give an account of himself to God, for many things including how we have used our time and the things (trust) God has given us. And at the Bema judgment, God will bring to light what we have done that we thought was hidden in darkness and He will expose the motives of our hearts.

Oh NO!.....Oh YES!

So, WHEN is this going to happen? (Hint: Re read I Cor 4:1-5).______________________

Yes, the Bema occurs after the Lord comes. Now the next question, then, is WHEN is the Lord coming? What coming is being referred to here? Well, let's look for our answer in

1 Thess 4:16-17 For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

Hmmm. So what event is being prophesied here? Is it The Rapture of the Church?...YES....NO

Yes, you are correct. It is at the Rapture when the Lord Jesus comes and gathers the Church from the earth and takes them to Heaven. And then, AFTER the rapture, is the Bema.

Hmmmm. Now this is very interesting. What did we see at the 6th seal? Was that Great Multitude the Church? And is the Silence for about 30 minutes that occurs at the breaking of the 7th seal, is that when the Bema Judgment occurs? Hmmmmmm? Hmmmmmm!

Ok, so it looks like there IS going to be a Judgment of Believers. So, tell me more. Why is it called the BEMA? What does Bema mean?

Well, The Greek word for Judgment seat is Bema (Strongs # 986) and in New Testament times it was the raised platform on which an official would be seated as he gave judgments on various legal matters and cases.

BDB/Thayers Lexicon defines Bema as: ...

1) a step, pace, the space which a foot covers, a foot-breath

2) a raised place mounted by steps

2a) a platform, tribune

2a1) of the official seat of a judge

2a2) of the judgment seat of Christ

2a3) Herod built a structure resembling a throne at Caesarea, from which he viewed the games and made speeches to the people

And Vines Expository Dictionary of Biblical Words adds this information ... "primarily a step... was used to denote a raised place or platform, reached by steps, originally that at Athens in the Pnyx Hill, where was the place of assembly; from the platform orations were made. The word became used for a tribune, two of which were provided in the law courts of Greece, one for the accuser and one for the defendant; it was applied to the tribunal of a Roman magistrate or ruler ... it... is used of the divine tribunal before which all believers are hereafter to stand ... at this Bema believers are to be made manifest, that each may 'receive the things done in (or through) the body,' according to what he has done, 'whether it be good or bad.' There they will receive rewards for their faithfulness to the Lord. For all that has been contrary in their lives to His will they will suffer loss. This judgment seat is to be distinguished from the premillennial earthly throne of Christ (Judgment of Nations) and the postmillennial Great White Throne... at which only 'the dead' (the unsaved) will appear. The judgment seat of Christ will be a tribunal held 'in His Parousia,' ie, His presence with His saints after His return to receive them to Himself."

So, the Bema Judgement for Believers is NOT the place where our salvation is to be determined. That has already been determined. Rather, it is at the Bema that our WORKS and MOTIVES will be judged!

Ephesians 2:8-10 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

When we were saved, we were SAVED TO DO WORKS.

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The Bema judges thoseWORKS

and

our MOTIVES for doing them!!!.

Therefore, we are NOT saved BY good works but we are saved to DO good works.

This IS a significant and major difference!!!

So, you ask, what are some examples of Good Works? In the following passages, underline or highlight (in yellow or a color of your choice) the various things that a person is or does that is considered by God to be 'good works.'

Matthew 5:13-16 "You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

Matthew 26:7-10 a woman came to him (Jesus) with an alabaster jar of very expensive perfume, which she poured on his head as he was reclining at the table. When the disciples saw this, they were indignant. "Why this waste?" they asked. "This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor." Aware of this, Jesus said to them, "Why are you bothering this woman? She has done a beautiful thing to me.

1 Tim 6:17-19 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Matthew 10:40-42 "He who receives you receives Me (Jesus), and he who receives Me receives the One who sent Me. Anyone who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and anyone who receives a righteous man because he is a righteous man will receive a righteous man's reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is My disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."

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Reward? What Reward? I thought you said this was a Judgement.

Well, yes the Bema Judgement IS a judgment but its PURPOSE is to determine the rewards that each believer will receive for faithful service. Jesus gave several illustrations about the necessity of being a faithful servant. Let's look at 2 of these, which were given in the form of Parables, and, as you read each of these passages, underline in PURPLE the Rewards that were given for faithful service. And Underline in BLACK what happened to those who were unfaithful.

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PARABLE OF THE TALENTS..... Matthew 25:14-30

"Again, it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted his property to them. To one he gave five talents { A talent was worth more than a thousand dollars.}of money, to another two talents, and to another one talent, each according to his ability. Then he went on his journey. The man who had received the five talents went at once and put his money to work and gained five more. So also, the one with the two talents gained two more. But the man who had received the one talent went off, dug a hole in the ground and hid his master's money. "After a long time the master of those servants returned and settled accounts with them. The man who had received the five talents brought the other five. `Master,' he said, `you entrusted me with five talents. See, I have gained five more.' "His master replied, `Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' "The man with the two talents also came. `Master,' he said, `you entrusted me with two talents; see, I have gained two more.' "His master replied, `Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!' "Then the man who had received the one talent came. `Master,' he said, `I knew that you are a hard man, harvesting where you have not sown and gathering where you have not scattered seed. So I was afraid and went out and hid your talent in the ground. See, here is what belongs to you.' "His master replied, `You wicked, lazy servant! So you knew that I harvest where I have not sown and gather where I have not scattered seed? Well then, you should have put my money on deposit with the bankers, so that when I returned I would have received it back with interest. "`Take the talent from him and give it to the one who has the ten talents. For everyone who has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. And throw that worthless servant outside,

into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

PARABLE OF THE POUNDS.... Luke 19:11-27

While they were listening to this, he went on to tell them a parable, because he was near Jerusalem and the people thought that the kingdom of God was going to appear at once. He said: "A man of noble birth went to a distant country to have himself appointed king and then to return. So he called ten of his servants and gave them ten minas. {A mina was about three months' wages.}`Put this money to work,' he said, `until I come back.' "But his subjects hated him and sent a delegation after him to say, `We don't want this man to be our king.' "He was made king, however, and returned home. Then he sent for the servants to whom he had given the money, in order to find out what they had gained with it. "The first one came and said, `Sir, your mina has earned ten more.' "`Well done, my good servant!' his master replied. `Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.' "The second came and said, `Sir, your mina has earned five more.' "His master answered, `You take charge of five cities.' "Then another servant came and said, `Sir, here is your mina; I have kept it laid away in a piece of cloth. I was afraid of you, because you are a hard man. You take out what you did not put in and reap what you did not sow.' "His master replied, `I will judge you by your own words, you wicked servant! You knew, did you, that I am a hard man, taking out what I did not put in, and reaping what I did not sow? Why then didn't you put my money on deposit, so that when I came back, I could have collected it with interest?' "Then he said to those standing by, `Take his mina away from him and give it to the one who has ten minas.' "`Sir,' they said, `he already has ten!' "He replied, `I tell you that to everyone who has, more will be given, but as for the one who has nothing, even what he has will be taken away. But those enemies of mine who did not want me to be king over them--bring them here and kill them in front of me.'"

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Hmmmmm. So yes, we see that some people were faithful and they received rewards when their master came back and judged their works and motives and deeds. But, we also see that some people were not faithful and, therefore, LOST the opportunity for a reward and, even worse, what they had was taken from them! ARG!

Is there a message for us, for Christians, in these 2 parables? What? __________________

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Well, we know that we are to do Good Works. And these works are NOT to EARN us salvation. Rather, these works are to be evidence of our salvation and to show our obedience to Christ.

As Ephesians 2:8-10 reminds us: "For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God--not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

So, God saved us. Then God gives us assignments of various things that He wants us to do. And, He gives us all of the abilities, opportunities, gifts, and resources that we need to carry out the assignments. What a God!

But, it is our responsibility to obey Him and to DO what He has asked and equipped us to Do.

Then, based on our obedience, at the Bema Judgment, our obedience, attitudes, motives, etc. will be known to God and Judged by Him. Then our rewards or lack of rewards will be determined! In the following verses, underline in PURPLE (or a color of your choice), the words or phrases that affirm that God knows and judges our hearts and motives and etc.

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1 Cor. 4:4b-5 It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.

Psalm 139:23-24 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Matthew 6:1-6 "Be careful not to do your `acts of righteousness' before men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. "So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. "And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men. I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

Hebrews 4:12-13 For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart. Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.

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Yes, God gives us works to do while we are here on earth in our lifetimes.

God also gives us the where-with-all to do them.

Then, at the Bema, He examines ALL of our works and their 'materials' (ie, the underlying actions, thoughts, deeds, attitudes, etc.) and gives us Rewards IF we have been faithful in fulfilling His assignments by using the correct 'materials' (attitudes, reasons, etc.)

God Examines and Judges our works by TESTING them to see if they were done with the right motives, attitudes, reasons, etc.

In the following passage, circle or highlight in GREEN the various materials (works) we use and underline or highlight in RED how God judges our works to see if they were able to survive the test so that we may receive a reward for doing them.

1 Cor 3:9-15 For we are God's fellow workers; you are God's field, God's building. By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as an expert builder, and someone else is building on it. But each one should be careful how he builds. For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames

Based on what you have read in these verses, Who does the judging? ______________

Who is judged? ___________________________________________________

What is judged? __________________________________________________

What kind of materials are used? _____________________________________

How are these materials tested? _____________________________________

Are gold, silver, & costly stones burned up & destroyed when tested by fire?....YES....NO

What kinds of works would be represented by gold, silver, and costly stones?_________

___________________________________________________________________

Do wood, hay, or straw (stubble) burn up when put into a fire?........YES.........NO

What kinds of work would be represented by wood, hay or straw? _________________

____________________________________________________________________

What was WRONG with these works that caused them to be burned up?_____________

____________________________________________________________________

Do attitudes have anything to do with causing a work to pass or fail the fire test?....YES....NO

Explain your answer. ______________________________________________

If a person does a great work but with a bad attitude or for a selfish or prideful reason, what will be the result of the TESTING of that work? Will it be burned up?..........YES..........NO

Why? _____________________________________________________________

Does the person who has his works burned up at the time of the Bema Judgment loose their salvation and get sent to hell?..............YES............NO

Explain your answer. _______________________________________________

What does it mean to suffer loss, ....but himself be saved ... but only as one escaping through the flames? ____________________________________________________________

Does this mean that the person looses rewards?..........YES.............NO

Does this mean that you can still live in Heaven forever but without the rewards?...YES.....NO

Does this mean that the person can NOT live in heaven but must go to hell? ....YES......NO

Explain your answer. __________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

Does this mean that we can loose or destroy our rewards by the way we live?....YES......NO

What are 3 things that can cause us to loose our rewards?

1. 1 John 1:8-10 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

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2. Matthew 6:1-6 ______________________________________________

3. 1 Cor. 4:1-5 _____________________________________________

Specifically how can we destroy our rewards by the way we live? Give some examples.

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Yes, we can loose our rewards IF we do deeds and works while we have:

1. unconfessed sin
2 we are doing things with wrong or evil or selfish or prideful or etc. motives.
3. we have hidden motives and thoughts in our heart that are displeasing to God

Why must our materials be tested by God ? _________________________________

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Could it be that our building materials must be tested because even though they might 'look good' to us and to others and might appear as if they were gold, silver, and precious jewels, in reality were fake (like paste diamonds) and were really made of wood, hay, and straw (stubble)?

.........................................................YES....................NO

Are ANY of your works 'fake'?.........YES....................NO

Will your works will survive God's fire of Judgment?.....YES..........NO........? SOME WILL

Will ANY of your works burn up?.......YES..................NO

Why?

What are you going to do about this?

__________________________________________________________________

Hmmmmm. This is all very important and significant. There IS going to be a reckoning one day for everything that we do or don't do. Christ will Judge us concerning how we used our talents, money, time, gifts, opportunities, relationships, etc. You and I will answer to God at the Bema judgment for everything we ever did, every penny we spent, every action, word, thought, attitude, ... well, you get the idea.

Jesus will judge us, not so that we will loose our salvation, but so that we will receive rewards for any of our works which pass through the fire and emerge as Gold, Silver, and Precious stones -- ie. unharmed by the fire as suitable building materials.

If, however, any of our works were done with the wrong motives, or attitudes or with a prideful spirit or for self advancement or gain or whatever other ungodly motive, then they will be like wood, hay, and stubble and will burn up! We will be saved and will experience the joys of heaven and eternity with God but without the rewards that God would have desired that we have.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE REWARDS

WHICH WILL BE AWARDED AT THE BEMA?

Well, there are the many rewards that we have already been told will be given to the overcomers. We studied about them as we read the letters to the 7 churches. You might want to go back and reread Rev. Chapters 2 and 3 or look at the list of the Rewards for the overcomers that you made in a previous lesson. Those Rewards will be given at the Bema Judgment.

And other rewards which will be given at the Bema will include the following: As you read these verses, underline or highlight in GREEN,or a color of your choice, the promised Rewards. Then, write, in the space provided, what the reward is or to whom it is given.

2 Tim 2:12-13 if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Reward = ________________________________

Rewards for Faithful Service given to:

Daniel 12:3 Those who are wise {Or who impart wisdom} will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who lead many to righteousness, like the stars for ever and ever.

Given to _____________________________

Matt 10:42 And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward."

Given to ______________________________

Matt 25:23 "His master replied, `Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'

Given to ______________________________

Matt 25:34 "Then the King will say to those on his right, `Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.

Given to _______________________________

Mark 9:41 I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward.

Given to _______________________________

Luke 6:35 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked

Given to _______________________________

John 4:36-38 Even now the reaper draws his wages, even now he harvests the crop for eternal life, so that the sower and the reaper may be glad together. Thus the saying `One sows and another reaps' is true. I sent you to reap what you have not worked for. Others have done the hard work, and you have reaped the benefits of their labor."

Given to _______________________________

Romans 2:6 -11 God "will give to each person according to what he has done." {Psalm 62:12; Prov. 24:12} To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.

Given to ________________________________

1 Cor 3:8 The man who plants and the man who waters have one purpose, and each will be rewarded according to his own labor.

Given to ________________________________

Ephes 6:8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

Given to ________________________________

Col 3:23-24 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Given to ________________________________

REWARDS = 5 CROWNS

And there are the Rewards of CROWNS !!!! There are at least 5 Crowns which will be Awarded. As you read about these crowns, circle in GREEN the name of the crown and underline, in BLUE, what the person does to receive it.

1. Crown of Righteousness... 2 Tim 4:8

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Given to ______________________________________________________

2. Incorruptible Crown (Crown that will last forever)....1 Cor. 9:24-27

Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last; but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air. No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

Given to ________________________________________________________

3. Crown of Life....James 1:12

Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.

Given to _______________________________________________________

4. Crown of Rejoicing (Soul-Winner's Crown) ... 1 Thess 2:19-20

For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy.

Given to ___________________________________________

5. Crown of Glory ...1 Peter 5:1-4

To the elders among you, I appeal as a fellow elder, a witness of Christ's sufferings and one who also will share in the glory to be revealed: Be shepherds of God's flock that is under your care, serving as overseers--not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be; not greedy for money, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.

Given to ____________________________________________________

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What are we told to do with our Rewards and Crowns? (underline the answers in the verses below.)

2 John 8 Watch out that you do not lose what you have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully

Rev. 3:11 I am coming soon. Hold on to what you have, so that no one will take your crown

Yes, we are told to hold on to our crowns. And What else are we to do? Matthew 6 gives us some very wise investment advice! Underline it in the verse below.

Matthew 6:19-21 "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also

So where is our focus in this life supposed to be? Circle your answer from the choices below:

On the here and now..................On our future in Heaven.

Why? _________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

How can we lay up treasures in heaven? Give some specific examples: _________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Now, before we close, let's look at a few more verses which explain more about WORKS and why we should do them, what their purpose is, etc. After you read each scripture, fill in the answer to the question for each .

Who is glorified? ________________________

Colossians 3:17 And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

How should good works be done ? _____________________________________

Colossians 3:23-25 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for his wrong, and there is no favoritism.

What should we know about our Labor in doing these works: __________________

1 Cor 15:58 Therefore, my dear brothers, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain

Who will be rewarded and for what? ______________________________________

Ephes 6:8 because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.

When we do good works, for whom are we really working?____________________

How will our works be judged? _______________________________________

1 Peter 1:17 Since you call on a Father who judges each man's work impartially, live your lives as strangers here in reverent fear.

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Wow! What awesome information about the Bema Judgment for Believers!

The Bema occurs AFTER the Church is raptured to heaven and before we begin to rule and reign with Jesus. Everything we do in our lifetimes now will be measured, judged, and approved or disapproved! And, our assignments when we rule and reign will be determined largely by the outcome of what happens when our deeds and works and motives are judged by God's fire of testing at the Bema Seat Judgment. What an awesome thought.

Do you understand now why there might be 'silence in heaven for about a half an hour' when Jesus opened the 7th seal?

If this is when the Bema occurs, it sure would surely silence me! How about you?

Next week we will look at what happens when the Golden Censer is thrown down to earth and the Seven Trumpets begin to be sounded.

But, for now, let's end our time of study by spending some time alone with God. Surely the Holy Spirit has spoken to you, as He did to me, as we learned about the coming Bema Judgment for Believers! Perhaps you need to ask forgiveness from God for failing to be building with gold, silver, and precious jewels. Perhaps you need to do some changing of your motives, your priorities, your lifestyle, your relationships, ..... Well, you get the idea.

So we will end this lesson here so all of us can spend time with the Lord in prayer, confession, and in preparation for the coming Bema Judgment.

So, until next week........

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Scriptures unless otherwise indicated are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright C

1973,1978,1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishers.

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