Standing Before the Judgment Seat

I believe the day is fast approaching when all believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. 

(2 Corinthians 5:10)

The Greek word for judgment seat is bema, which is a platform, or a raised place mounted by steps.  It was the official seat of a judge.  In Matthew 27:19, we read that Jesus was placed upon a judgment seat when He was brought before Pilate.  Paul also sat upon a judgment seat in Acts 18:22 after testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ when Gallio was the deputy of Achaia. 

Aside from 2 Corinthians 5:10, the only other reference to the judgment seat of Christ is Romans 14:10:

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

I heard nothing about the judgment seat of Christ from the pulpit in the years I attended a visible church.  I did hear about living a purpose-driven life, nurturing my ransomed heart, and unchaining the bonds that held me.  The shame, however, is all mine for relying on man’s words and not reading God’s.

Today I know that the true focus of the race that believers are running is preparing for that day when we will stand before Christ and learn that we have built upon His foundation with gold, silver and precious stones  — and not wood, hay, and stubble that will not withstand the test of fire.  There is no greater purpose. 

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations: That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ: Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory: Receiving the end of your faith, even the salvation of your souls.

(1 Peter 1:3-9)