12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. 14 If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. 15 If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire. 1 Corinthians 3:12–15
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10
I don’t believe in recent years, outside of stumbling upon a sermon by one of the greats online, have I heard a message from the pulpit about the “judgment seat of Christ,” which is sometimes referred to as the “bema seat,” with which Paul and the Corinthians would have been very familiar, for such was in the center of the city.
12 But while Gallio was proconsul of Achaia, the Jews with one accord rose up against Paul and brought him before the judgment seat, 13 saying, “This man persuades men to worship God contrary to the law.” Acts 18:12–13
“The day” referred to in 3:13 is that fateful day alluded to, and it will happen, and it will involve only Christians. Before we settle into heaven for eternity, the Lord will summon us to his “bema seat” for examination. At this time we will encounter him face to face, one on one, and our works will be judged as eternal or “wood, hay,” or as the King James translates it “stubble.” We may receive rewards or “suffer loss.” For the latter, he will wipe away our tears. Revelation 7:17
Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5
Everything we do (or don’t do) in service to the Lord will be weighed in the balance to determine if it can be added to the “eternal weight of glory” that we will carry with us in his daily presence. The more you are moved by the Spirit to action, the more rewards you will receive.
For momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. 2 Corinthians 4:17
Actions spurred on by personal ambition and even the desire to do good works performed out of a duty to comply or fit in could end up in the loss column.
26 Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27 but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified. 1 Corinthians 9:26-27
Paul was especially aware of the need to land all his punches. He wanted to box in such a way so as to “not beat the air.” So too should we in the Lord’s service. Is what I’m engaged in genuine and from the heart? Do I go about my work in the body of Christ as I would in the Rotary Club or in response to the Spirit of God who has tapped me on the shoulder? On “that day” will I hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant” or will I suffer loss? Will I have accumulated crowns that I may toss at his feet?
In the future there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day; and not only to me, but also to all who have loved His appearing. 2 Timothy 4:8
And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 1 Peter 5:4
19 For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy. 1 Thessalonians 2:19–20
The twenty-four elders will fall down before Him who sits on the throne, and will worship Him who lives forever and ever, and will cast their crowns before the throne. Revelation 4:10
Possibly the definitive modern book on this subject is, Your Eternal Reward: Triumph and Tears at the Judgment Seat of Christ, Erwin W. Lutzer, Moody Publishers, 1998.
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