FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Todd Gaddis

For years, I viewed final justice as a single event. Deeper study, however, helped me realize that the Bible speaks of two distinct end time judgments. Here, we’ll explore what’s in store for believers following the first resurrection (Revelation 20:4). This time is referred to as the Judgment Seat of Christ, which will take place once the Lord returns. The next chapter deals with the horror that awaits those who reject Jesus Christ as savior. The Bible says: “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). The word in the original language translated “judgment seat” is bema, which “Refers to a raised platform on which a ruler or judge would sit to pronounce his decree.” 2 On trial for his faith in Corinth, Paul was brought before the judgment seat (Acts 18:12). Likewise, at the Second Coming, believers will appear on a much grander stage before their Savior. But before we explore what the Judgment Seat of Christ is , understand what it is not . This judgment does not determine whether a person gains entrance into heaven. That issue has already been resolved, and is based on whether the person accepted Christ while alive on earth. Also, this will not be a time of punishment for sins. Christ bore punishment for our sins on Calvary’s cross two thousand years ago. “As far as the east is from the west, So far has he removed our transgressions from us” (Psalm 103:12). God will never dig up and hold sins against us that He’s already forgiven and forgotten. What He will do, however, on this critical occasion is recognize and react to our lifetime attitudes and actions.

“NOTHING IS HIDDEN”

See first, this will be a time of exposure. Jesus said, “For nothing is hidden, except to be revealed; nor has anything been secret, but that it would come to light” (Mark 4:22), a claim that I believe makes specific

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