![]() ![]() For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. "Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. This seat was also what Paul referred to in 2 Corinthians 5:9-11 as the "judgment seat of Christ." In this context, Paul explains to us that this is where the Christian will receive an evaluation for works done in the body, whether good or bad. This is where he was brought before Gallio, who was the proconsul of Achaia at the Bema seat (Acts 18:12). The great Apostle Paul was quite familiar with this seat. The seat was used to give out awards to athletes for their competitive performances (usually a crown wreath of leaves), but also to address legal charges brought against individuals. ![]() Knowing we all give account to God, we should live each day to His honor and glory.Bema is a Greek term meaning "judgment seat." In the city of Corinth, a stone platform was constructed to support the Bema seat (judgment seat) of the local officials. Every day gives the opportunity to honor God and do things that matter for eternity. Knowing we will face the judgment seat of Christ adds importance to everything we do. If this is the case, we should let God deal with our brother. The point in Romans 14 is emphasized with the quotation from Isaiah 45:23, explaining that we all must appear before God in humility, and give account of himself before God. This judgment is only concerned with the believer’s reward and responsibility in the age to come, not with salvation. Paul also reminded believers of this judgment seat in 2 Corinthians 5:10. ![]() When a race or competition was over, the winners came to the judgment seat to receive their reward. Paul used the idea of the judgment seat, sometimes called the bema seat, where the judges sat in the ancient Olympic Games. We shall all do this every Christian will stand before Jesus. Those who did those things forgot that they themselves would stand before the judgment seat of Christ. It wasn’t right to show contempt for their brother. In these matters, it wasn’t right for believers to judge their brother. He may say “Yes” to one and “No” to another for His reasons and as He pleases. Yet there are many things about which the Holy Spirit deals with believers individually. What the Bible says is sin is certainly sin. You have enough to answer for before Jesus.”Īll this does not apply to things that are clearly right or wrong according to the Scriptures. Essentially, Paul’s answer was “In these matters, stop worrying about your brother. The freeChristian found it easy to show contempt against his brother, regarding him as an uptight-legalistic do-gooder. The strict Christian found it easy to judge his brother, regarding him as an unspiritual compromiser. The Holy Spirit had the liberty to deal with individual believers as He pleased. Perhaps some felt they could eat meat, even if it wasn’t kosher others were convinced they should not eat meat at all. ![]() Perhaps some Christians worshipped on the Jewish Sabbath, others on Sunday. It wasn’t that there was no right or wrong in these matters, but there was no clear command or universal right or wrong applying to every believer. It could be over what they ate, what days to observe as special, or several other things. There were several potential issues that could divide Christians of that time. In Romans 14, Paul dealt with the problem of Christians judging each another. So then each of us shall give account of himself to God. But why do you judge your brother? Or why do you show contempt for your brother? For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. ![]()
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