The Judgment Seat of Christ

Judgment. No one wants to be judged for their actions, good or bad. As Christians we know that we will not have to be judged for our sins, through our belief in Christ we know that we are forgiven. That does not mean that we will not continue to sin, we are not perfect, but because we put our trust in Jesus our sins are forgiven. Many people will say, "I am a good person", but because they reject Christ, they are actually committing the worst sin. 
⁸ “I tell you, whoever publicly acknowledges me before others, the Son of Man will also acknowledge before the angels of God. ⁹ But whoever disowns me before others will be disowned before the angels of God. ¹⁰ And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. Luke 12:8-10

The unpardonable sin that is being spoken of in this verse is rejecting Jesus and His gift of eternal life. When someone does this they are telling Jesus that they don't need Him to forgive their sins, they choose to be judged for the sins they commit. 

Jesus offers everyone this free gift of salvation, it is up to us whether we accept or reject it. 

There are three judgments that are talked about in the Bible. They each happen at different times. The first will be for the raptured church, this is not an actual judgment but we will be rewarded for our deeds. The second happens at the second coming of Christ, this is a judgment for those in the tribulation period. The final judgment is a judgment of the wicked dead, all those that have died in unbelief since the beginning of time.

Lets start with the first judgment, this is called the Judgment Seat of Christ, or Bema Seat of Christ. Those believers that have been raptured into heaven and have received their resurrection bodies will be judged and receive rewards according to their deeds on earth. These believers will not be judged on their sins, those have been forgiven by their belief and acceptance of Jesus. Believers will give an account of their lives to Jesus and will receive crowns according to what they have done. 

¹⁰ For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

There are five crowns that are mentioned in the New Testament as rewards for the faithful believers. 

First is the Incorruptible crown, this crown is promised to Christians that are focused on doing God's will. They do not let external things distract them from the work they are doing to bring others into God's kingdom.

²⁴ Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only one gets the prize? Run in such a way as to get the prize. ²⁵ Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. They do it to get a crown that will not last, but we do it to get a crown that will last forever. 1 Corinthians 9:24-25

The apostle Paul compares the training and endurance and focus of a person running a race to get a prize to the Christian that is focused on doing God's will in their lives to receive the Incorruptible crown.

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The second crown is the Crown of Life, also called the martyrs crown. This crown is for the believers that endure testing and tribulation and are ultimately martyred for their steadfast belief in Jesus Christ. They hold firm to their beliefs in Jesus even if it means their death.

¹² Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.  James 1:12

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The third crown is the Crown of Rejoicing, or the Soul Winner's Crown. This crown is for those that have been witnesses to other people and have brought others to belief in Christ by this witness. God is not going to judge you by the number of people that you have brought to belief, He will reward you for your willingness to be used by Him to tell others about Him. 

¹⁹ For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? 1 Thessalonians 2:19

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The fourth crown is the Crown of Righteousness. This crown will be given to all those who long for Christ's return. Those who read the prophecy in the Bible and believe it, and wait expectantly for its fulfillment.

⁸ Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8

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The fifth crown is the Crown of Glory, this is the Pastor's crown. This crown will be given to all those that preach and teach the word of God. Those who teach and preach are held to a higher standard, they are judged not only for what they have done, but for what they taught their congregations. They have a responsibility to teach the Biblical truth and to live a life that reflects those teachings.

⁴ and when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that does not fade away. 1 Peter 5:4

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