What does 2 Corinthians 5:10 say about appearing before the bema seat?
Second Corinthians 5:10 says that we must all appear before the bema seat. The Greek word bema refers to a raised platform or judgment seat, not a judgment for sin. For believers, it concerns reward for faithful service, not salvation.
Les teaches that II Corinthians 5:10 parallels Matthew 19:27-28, where the Twelve were promised thrones for serving Jesus during His earthly ministry—a reward, not salvation. For members of the Body of Christ, Paul writes we must all appear before the bema seat. The Greek word bema means a raised platform; in ancient Corinth it was a judgment seat, and it was also used in the Olympic games for judges deciding first, second, and third. Les explains that believers appear there not to be judged for sin but for reward. Paul is not dealing with salvation but reward.
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.