Is The Bema Seat Judgement Biblical

Frequently Asked Questions About Christianity, Answered Honestly!

Is the "Bema Seat Judgement" Biblical?
-by Tony Warren

One of the more frequently asked questions is of the 'Bema Seat Judgement' of Christians. This phrase has generally come to refer to the doctrine which teaches that Christians must stand before God and be judged, not for their sins, but in order to determine the nature of the rewards for their works. The proponents of this theology call this the 'Bema Seat Judgement' to distinguish it from what they term the, 'White Throne Judgement.' The latter they believe to be the judgement which God reserves for judicial verdict against the transgressions of the wicked.

The truth, however, is a lot less complicated and convoluted. The Greek word [bema], which is translated seat, is from a root which means 'base' or the foot (and by implication, step). It is therefore used to designate a stepped seating area for judgement. Bema simply means the raised seating of a judge or a king. For example, the throne of a King is usually stepped seating. In other words, seating which is raised above the level of the surrounding area. Much the same as our courts today established for judgments. One must approach the raised judgement area called the bench. Likewise, the Bema seat is simply the raised seating of someone who is to judge.

The problem is not really one of misunderstanding the Greek, it is an exegetical problem where some theologians are reading their own presuppositions 'into' the text. These people have formulated a doctrine which teaches that their is a judgment which is specifically to judge the value of the Christian's service to the Lord, and so they attempt to make the word 'Bema' conform to fit their doctrine. While this certainly cannot be proven Biblically, many of these theologians (using secular testimony) have gone to great lengths to justify the belief, even though it contradicts the Bible text itself. They claim that this particular seat was only used to reward, and was never used to punish. However, these secular ideas are not only contrary to all other doctrines of scripture concerning God's rewarding us for our work, but they are contradictory to the way the word [bema] itself is used in the scriptures. God's Word does not lend itself in support of such an Biblically indefensible conclusion. In fact, God clearly illustrates just the opposite. For example, Pilate sat on the judgement seat [bema] when Jesus was being accused of wrong doing. Clearly this makes these theories about it's purpose being for rewards, null and void.

Matthew 27:19

"When he was set down on the judgment seat, his wife sent unto him, saying, Have thou nothing to do with that just man: for I have suffered many things this day in a dream because of him."

John 19:13

"When Pilate therefore heard that saying, he brought Jesus forth, and sat down in the judgment seat in a place that is called the Pavement, but in the Hebrew, Gabbatha."

Gabbatha means the knoll, a vernacular term for the Roman tribunal. And why would his wife be warning him not to have anything to do with this 'just' man, if all Pilate was there for, was to hand out rewards? The whole idea is absurd. In both Biblical accounts of this episode, the word translated seat there, is the same Greek word [bema], and we note very clearly that far from being a seat to hand out rewards, it is a seat of judgement in tribunal for crimes (perceived or otherwise). Pilate sits upon this judgement seat and he makes a judgement to set Barabbas free, while he makes the judgement to have the the Lord Jesus Christ scourged, and handed over to be crucified. Quite clearly, that this was a judgement seat for law. And this is not only illustrated by the context, but also by the content. In both passages, Pilate sits on this Bema seat and delivers a judicial verdict against Christ (beating and handing over to be crucified) which has absolutely nothing to do with rewards. Again, in Acts we find the same scenario present with this judgement seat.

Acts 25:5-7

"Let them therefore, said he, which among you are able, go down with me, and accuse this man, if there be any wickedness in him.
And when he had tarried among them more than ten days, he went down unto Caesarea; and the next day sitting on the judgment seat commanded Paul to be brought.
And when he was come, the Jews which came down from Jerusalem stood round about, and laid many and grievous complaints against Paul, which they could not prove."

Clearly we see from the context that this word 'Bema' is used in the sense of judgement in a trial, where Paul is accused of the Jews of some crime which they ultimately could not prove. We can say without fear of 'rational' contradiction, that this was a seat where a judgment of law was to be pronounced against or for Paul. It was most certainly not a judgement for rewards, nor an award ceremony. And for these theologians to make such claims about the phrase 'Bema judgement' is pure fabrication. A personal or private interpretation which most certainly is not evidenced by the scripture. As stated, the scriptures themselves testify 'against' such an understanding of it. Explicitly we learn that the Bema seat was not used merely to hand out rewards, but as a place for judgement in a tribunal.

Moreover, is the doctrine of a 'Bema Seat' judgement to be the believer's motivation to work? Are we motivated by future rewards (above and beyond the Children's inheritance of Salvation in Christ) in the kingdom of heaven? The answer is no. And to have a doctrine which postulates our possible loss of rewards if our works on earth are not up to standards, is downright bridging on the heretical. Rather than have the Christian be motivated to persevere, this doctrine actually seems to threaten his future reward at the Bema seat based upon good, or not so good works. Despite objections, this is a doctrine which promotes 'merit' rather than 'grace,' and it makes a total mockery of the passages (divinely inspired of God) which clearly demonstrate that 'our work' cannot be both by Grace of God, and by our own merit. Our labor is gracious only as it is by the work of Christ. For there is agreement in God's Grace and of human responsibility, but there is no agreement in personal merit of reward based upon 'our own' works, apart from Christ. Neither should our responsibility be confused with human merit. But that is exactly what these theologians have done. Responsibility does not mean that Christians must in any way cooperate in their own perseverance in works. Nor does God motivate us to work through diverse crowns or rewards based on effort. Those who misinterpret the scriptures exhorting work do not truly understand why the Christian wills or does. For a scripture out of context, is a pretext.

Hebrews 10:23

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;)"

The exhortation to, 'Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering,' is not a proof of our indispensable cooperation, but the illustration of necessary evidence of true Salvation, the compulsory results inevitable when Christ is truly working within us. We are motivated by the Spirit, not by rewards. And we of ourselves merit no rewards, it is Christ's work in us that merits us reward for our labors. Why then a Bema seat judgement when we merit nothing of ourselves? It is only by Grace of God we merit the reward. For our own works are unprofitable, and merit us no payment (translated, reward). The only reward we get is for the Work Christ did on our behalf.

Luke 17:10

"So likewise ye, when ye shall have done all those things which are commanded you, say, We are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do."

It is by the sovereignty of God that Christians are good servants to do the works of Christ. It is by 'His Work' within us (not our own) that we both have the will to do, and are 'moved' that we will do it. What then is this Bema seat a test of, or a judgement of? God's own work in us? If that be the case, we shall 'all' receive a full reward, for Christ's work is perfect in us. All credit goes to Him, and we thus merit nothing of our own. And God is not silent on the matter.

Philippians 2:13

"For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure."

Hebrews 13:20-21

"Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
Make you perfect in every good work to do his will, working in you that which is wellpleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ; to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen."

Ephesians 2:10

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

1st Corinthians 3:9

"For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building."

2nd Corinthians 4:7

"But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."

1st Corinthians 15:10

"But by the grace of God I am what I am: and his grace which was bestowed upon me was not in vain; but I laboured more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me."

How then are we standing before the Bema seat being judged for doing good things which we cannot 'honestly' take credit for? Because Christ moved us to do that which we in our 'sinful nature' would never do? There is none that seeks after God, there is none that doeth good, no not one (Romans 3:12). We have to be moved of God to do good. Thus we find that we do accomplish good after we are Saved. But it is 'only' because the Spirit of God is now dwelling in us, making us His habitation, making us perfect in every good work. What reward does a perfect man receive? How many rewards shall he lose for imperfection? Obviously, none. Each good man shall receive a good man's reward. A full reward.

Ruth 2:12

"The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust."

It is Biblically absurd to argue for additional personal rewards for the good that we do, or loss of them as judgement for any imperfection (which is sin), while all the while arguing it is not a judgement for sin. If we are not perfect in our works, we are in sin. It was for this reason that Christ went to the cross. That we 'could' appear before Him blameless, perfect, and without fault in all our works. That we 'could' appear before the Bema seat and be judged according to the work of Christ.

The Bema seat is not to punish believers I agree, but it is not to reward anyone based on his individual righteousness (meritorious works) either, for we are all worthy of a full reward of inheritance because we are without fault. And if any of our works could be faulted, it is sin, and the wages of sin is death, not loss of rewards. 'All' our punishment was paid for by Christ at the cross, and our reward was secured for us by that very same 'work' of the cross.

Colossians 3:24

"Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."

The inheritance is not diverse crowns handed out at the Bema seat, it is that we were born of God, and have the seed of Christ remain in us that we are Sons of God, and heirs of the promise to the Son. There are scriptures which theologians use in their attempts to undermine this inheritance in Christ's Reward, but once carefully examined, none of them either support these doctrines, nor speak of diverse rewards for believers. One such passage often quoted is Revelation chapter 22:

Revelation 22:12

"And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."

Their belief is that if every man is rewarded according to his own work, then believers shall receive different rewards. The problem with this 'assumption' is that this scripture doesn't say believers. It says every man. In other words, one man will receive reward for Good. And the other the reward for bad. Two different rewards, but for two different men. You see they totally misunderstand and thus misapply this verse. The wicked are rewarded also. What shall their reward be? The word reward [misthos], means payment for work. Thus (as it declares) every man shall be rewarded according to his own work, whether good or bad.

2nd Peter 2:13

"And shall receive the reward of unrighteousness, as they that count it pleasure to riot in the day time. Spots they are and blemishes, sporting themselves with their own deceivings while they feast with you;"

The same word [misthos] meaning payment or reward for our labors. The wicked receive for his work the reward of damnation, and the righteous receive for his work, the reward of everlasting life in the inheritance of the Son. That is how Christ gives to every man according to his own work, whether good or bad. Because when every Christian is rewarded according to his work, then every one of them shall receive the exact same reward, seeing how every work of the man of God is without fault. Every one. God looks upon us all as blameless, and so how could any of us merit less than another? It is impossible.

2nd Timothy 3:17

"That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works."

Revelation 14:4-5

"These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.
And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God."

They stand without fault before the King, and so how could one be faulted that he not receive the same reward that another receives? It is totally unbiblical to believe that one is better than another to be given rewards at the Bema seat. When we are rewarded according to our own works, one (the reprobate) is rewarded according to 'his own' evil work, and the other (the believer) is rewarded according to the Work of Christ on his behalf. He thus receives a full reward. There is no way to escape the obvious implication that our rewards are earned by our own righteousness or good. All we can say to that is, God forbid!

Another passage which is often quoted by the proponents of meritorious rewards, is matthew chapter 6. The idea is that God is saying that we should all labor to heap up rewards in heaven.

Matthew 6:19-21

"Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal:
But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal:
For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also."

Some theologians by this verse teach that not only does this justify individual meritorious rewards at the Bema seat, but it tells us to pursue them. But again, that is a careless reading of the text. This verse first of all does not in any sense teach that believers will receive varying rewards depending upon their own merit, it does not even mention the Bema seat, and it does not tell us to pursue such rewards (payments). Rather, it points out the uselessness of possessing earthly 'treasures,' and the glory of laying up spiritual 'treasures' which are incorruptible. The treasure (not reward, meaning payment) in view is Christ, a spiritual riches which is in us a tree of Life, not a meritorious reward or payment because we have evangelized greatly, or worked harder than the next Christian in the mission field. But the fact that we are rich in Christ.

2nd Corinthians 4:6-7

"For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us."

If this treasure is judged at the Bema seat, all the credit goes to God, for all the treasure laid up is by the power of God. What merit then is of our own righteousness in our work? None. If our treasure be in Christ's work, our reward will be for Christ's Work. Better than anything we 'of ourselves' could dream of meriting by our own labor.

The fact is, there really is no Bema judgement for handing out rewards 'verses' a later white throne judgement to hand out punishments. The Bible is clear that there is one judgement of Christ, and it takes place at the last day. It is then that man will stand before the judgement seat of Christ to give account of what he has done on earth, whether good or bad. And of course, all those who were washed clean in the blood of Christ stand with 'good' works, being without fault before God, while the rest of the dead stand with 'bad' works, being guilty in the works of sins.

With all of this evidence of reward in Christ, one may then ask, 'why is there this belief by some Christians in a multiple judgement?' The answer is twofold. One, man in his pride and vanity wants credit for what he thinks he has done of his own (alleged) free will. And two, premillennial (and particularly dispensational) theologians, of necessity must create more than one judgement because they have Christ returning more than once. If Christ returns only once (at the last day), their need for multiple judgments disappear. Their eschatology of a thousand year reign of Christ on earth necessitates a double judgement. For they have some judged for rewards before the thousand years, and some judged after the thousand years. This is problematic if there is a pretribulation rapture and no Bema seat judgement.

Some will ask, 'Why then does God call where He is seated in Revelation 20, the [thronos] or throne, and in other places say the judgement [bema] or seat.' The answer is actually very simple. God's Word is replete with symbolism, figures and word images or pictures which vary signifying or illustrating some particular spiritual truth. Some chapters and verses may be illustrating one aspect of God (such as, He being the King who rules upon the throne), while others chapters and verses may be illustrating another aspect of God (such as his position seated as Judge to mete out punishment). There really is no mystery in this. No more than the mystery of how God calls Himself in one chapter the Lamb, and in another chapter the Lion. One signifies His meekness and sacrifice, and the other His power and Strength. It doesn't mean it's two different Gods. In one verse Christ is called the Root, and in another the Vine. In one the Bread, and in another the Water. There is no mystery, nor is it curious that God in one verse calls His chair the Judgement seat, and in another the throne of God. They signify different aspects of God's magnificent design. Judgement and Kingship.

Surely, there is only one time of judgement, and that day is spoken of in scripture as 'the last day.' It is the day when judgment will take place for all people. There are no multiple judgement days, although many theologians have gone to great lengths in an effort to prove that there are. One of the most popular scriptures used in support of this teaching is Romans chapter 14. Even though it says nothing about multiple judgments days, nor of this being a judgment of rewards for saints only.

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."

This verse doesn't in any way defend or prove the theory that there are two judgments. The only way that we can see the doctrine of two separate judgment times in this verse is if we 'read it into' these scriptures. Because it was obviously not inspired of God to be written there. Moreover, we have the identical language in 2nd Corinthians, and it is clear from this text that it is a time of judgement 'both' for the good and the bad alike. Not coincidentally, this is totally harmonious with what we've already learned when looking at the 'actual' word Bema in scripture, and it's example uses for judgment for those at a tribunal.

2nd Corinthians 5:9-11

"Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
For we must all appear 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.
Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences."

The terror of the Lord doesn't sound to me like a time of rewards for Christians. This judgement seat [bema] is the same one all mankind must stand before. We know Christians cannot be judged for any bad (as this verse clearly says this judgement is for). And so this passage must be illustrating one judgement of those the Lord will find good (those made righteous), and those whom the Lord will find bad (the unsaved in whom is sin), when they 'All' stand before this judgement seat. Not all believers (as is surmised), but all.

And so knowing all these things, let us go forth with confidence that all our sins (bad works) were made white as snow by Christ at the cross, and so we could never be held accountable for anything less than perfect works when we stand before the judgement seat of Christ. Let us have the confidence to know that while all 'our own' righteous works are as filthy rags before God, the righteous works of Christ in us make us appear before Him perfect. Confidence to know that while our own prayers may be imperfect (as we are finite beings), the burnt offering of the sacrifice of Christ brings them up before the Lord as a sweet incense (Romans 8:26; Revelation 8:3). Let us not get caught up in seeking our own rewards before a Bema seat, but trust in the reward of Christ, the inheritance that the Son secured for us by His own work. Let us not set our eyes upon gain, reigns, or prideful lust for rewards, but upon the riches which cannot be earned by us. The treasures which are received by faith. Let us trust in the work of Christ, and we can never go wrong. For it is then that we will understand that when we stand before the Bema seat, we will stand a 'Righteous Man,' a man perfect in every way before God, having a Saviour who has delivered him a full inheritance, a full reward, by His work.

We pray that the Lord who is Gracious above all, will give us the wisdom to understand His most Holy Word, and discern between the right hand and the left.

Amen!

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Peace,

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Created 12/24/02 / Last Modified 12/29/02
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