7/2/23 - The Bema Seat and Eternal Crowns - 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 - Pastor Steve Johnson

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them."  (Ephesians 2:10)     You are the crown of God’s creation! He has taken great care in uniquely designing you. And the way in which God has crafted you determines what He intends for you to do. You have been created in Jesus with purpose and significance in His Kingdom, to do good works every day for His glory.   And this Sunday, we will see that Scripture tells us those everyday good works have consequences in the kingdom to come. What we do, how we do it, and why we do it are all going to be considered by God on a day when we, as Christians, will stand before Him.    The New Testament is clear that a day is coming when you and me and all believers must all appear before the “Bema” – what many call the “judgment seat of Christ” (2 Cor 5:10). In New Testament times, the bema was a raised platform used by the judges in the Greek games. Athletes would “appear” before the bema after completing their events, where the judges would ensure they competed according to the rules and then award the prizes for winning.     The issue at the Bema of Christ will not be our eternal destiny. That’s been settled by the death of Jesus on the cross for your sins. As Paul says in Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Again, in Ephesians 1, he makes it clear that, “In him (Jesus) we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace.” This is not a judgment which will determine whether we get into heaven or not.   So, what’s at stake? The good works we have done as Christians. It will be an assessment (not a judgment in the way we normally think) of our stewardship for Jesus. When we stand before the Bema of Christ, our faithful service to Him will be evaluated and rewarded. Jesus will assess our every thought, motive, and action. And then He will reward us for all that we have done for His glory.   Most likely, you’ve never heard of the Bema of Jesus. The thought of being “judged” certainly seems unsettling. On Sunday, we’ll unpack it and see that it’s really more like the celebration at a graduation, complete with rewards.     Until then, be the light so others will see your good works and glorify your Father Who is in heaven!