FromNowUntilForeverBook8.5x5.5 REV.indd

Christ returning gloriously and victoriously brings about a mood of celebration. However, the idea of Him coming judi- ciously instills a certain amount of apprehension, as it should. For years, I viewed final justice as a single event. Deep- er 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. A later 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 Cor- inthians 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.” 462 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 or not a person gains entrance into heaven. That issue has already been resolved by this time, 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 on this critical occasion, is recog- nize and respond to our lifetime attitudes and actions.

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