The Bema Judgment Seat of Christ - Our Final HurdleSample

This study will connect some Biblical dots concerning an extremely important event that is a promised part of the continuum of our lives as Christ followers. It is certain and promised to every believer but is under-taught and generally poorly understood in our contemporary culture. The event is the judgement of the works of the believer at The Judgement Seat of Christ or The Bema. 

There is a general mis-understanding that because our salvation is sure in Jesus that the whole of our eternal destiny is fixed and too many are unaware that how we live on earth as Christians will have an impact on what we experience in heaven. “By faith” is how we are saved and step onto the track of the race of life (Ephesians 2:8,9) (Hebrews 12:1) and we cannot be saved by works, but the very next verse in the book of Ephesians (v.10) tells that we are “His workmanship created in Christ Jesus to DO good works that God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” We are not saved by works but we are saved to do works. So, what are they? What are the “good works” that we are to do? And what difference will it make whether we understand this concept and seek God’s plan for us or not? 

Is all of life on earth merely reactionary or optional for us, sort of “love God and do as you please?” Or is there an intentional plan and opportunity for each believer’s participation in God’s plan and eternal consequences that will be affected by our understanding and actions? We will explore these questions looking to the scriptures for guidance and the understanding that we will offer no legalistic, “hang on the fridge” answers but many clues. And we will discuss them hoping that we can gain insight and perhaps direction and focus as we run towards the Bema, our final hurdle.

“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 ESV) As you read these words what does the word “beforehand” bring to your mind? Since God is eternal, and our world is not, how and when can “beforehand” be applied to God? What, if any, are the implications of your understanding?