This month I would like to consider the judgment associated with the Church of Grace. There are several judgments recorded in Gods' Word. Listed below are a few …
* The judgment associated with the Bema.* The judgment associated with the Millennial Kingdom for Israel.* The judgment associated with the Millennial Kingdom for the Gentiles or the "sheep and goat" judgment.* The judgment associated with the first resurrection. * The judgments on Satan and his host in the book of Revelation. * The judgment associated with the second resurrection or the "white throne judgment."
Chronologically, the first judgment that will take place is the judgment associated with the rapture of Christians.
Revelation 19:11-14 11And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
This is when we will return to the Earth with the Lord. This will be at the end of the tribulation that will last approximately seven years. The last half of this tribulation is known as the Great Tribulation.
There are no dates given in the Bible that pinpoint the time between the rapture of the Christian church, and the return of Christ to the earth.
We have pieces of the puzzle in Revelation however, what no one knows is the time that will elapse between the rapture and when the seven years will begin in the book of Revelation.
Now when we are in heaven with Christ; each person will appear before the bema seat of Christ to be judged for their works done in their lifetime on earth.
If their works were godly they will be rewarded accordingly. If not, they will suffer loss (and all of what that entails) but they will remain a child of the most high and continue to live forever.
1 Corinthians 3:13-15 13Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
If you want to know more regarding this topic see the five part teaching series entitled, "The judgment seat of Christ" (CD# 363-367).
Here you will learn about the Christians rewards, and the crowns associated with the bema.
1. The incorruptible crown in 1 Corinthians 9:25.
This crown is given to Christians who not only avoid sin but who aggressively endeavor to constantly improve their personal relationship and walk with God and our Lord Jesus.
2. The crown of rejoicing in 1 Thessalonians 2:19.
This crown is given to those who win others to Christ.
3. The crown of righteousness in 2 Timothy 4:8.
This crown is given to those who love and look for the appearing of the Lord Jesus. Some Christians are so comfortable they really don't look for or think about Christ until they are old and ready to die...
4. The crown of life in James 1:12.
This crown is given to Christians who endure trials and tribulation and stand faithfully through them.
5. The crown of glory in 1 Peter 5:4.
This crown is given to those who willingly shepherd God's people out of a pure heart and motive not because they are paid or because they want to lord themselves over some one.
These five crowns are available to Christians who serve and love the Lord.
1. The incorruptible crown.2. The crown of rejoicing.3. The crown of righteousness.4. The crown of life.5. The crown of glory
Now according to the scriptures Christians will be in heaven for a relatively short period of time before returning to the earth with Christ.
When we return we will be involved in the responsibilities and positions given to us at the Bema. We will receive what is due us and we will function therein. ÿ