The Bema seat is the judgment seat of Christ where believers receive rewards for their works, not a judgment for sin or salvation.
Les Feldick teaches that the Bema seat, from the Greek word for 'judgment seat,' comes from the Olympic games where judges awarded winners. For believers, it is a time after the Rapture when Christ examines our works as believers to determine rewards. Sin is not an issue because it was paid for on the cross; salvation is complete at belief.
2 Corinthians 5:10 — This verse is directly quoted by Les Feldick as the key Scripture on appearing before the Bema seat.
The Bible, in 2 Corinthians 5:10, states: '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.' This is the primary verse that mentions the judgment seat (Bema). Additionally, 1 Corinthians 3:9 and surrounding verses speak of believers as laborers whose work will be tested by fire, indicating a reward for enduring work (1 Corinthians 3:9-15).
Les Feldick explains that the Bema seat is a term derived from the Greek word for 'judgment seat' and is often misunderstood as a judgment for sin. He clarifies that it is a seat of rewards, not a great white throne judgment. Using the analogy of the Olympic Games, where judges at the finish line determine winners, he teaches that believers will appear before Christ to have their works evaluated for rewards. He emphasizes that salvation is not on the line—it is a once-for-all transaction—but rather that believers will be rewarded for what they have done with their lives. He also notes that no believer's sin will be brought up at the Bema seat because sins were paid for on the cross. The reward outcomes are compared to ruling over cities in the kingdom, with varying levels of responsibility.
Les Feldick traces the term 'Bema' to the Olympic Games, where judges sat on a raised platform to determine the winners of races (first, second, third, etc.). He also notes that in Corinth, the Bema was a raised platform where authorities made decrees. This historical context helps illustrate that the Bema seat of Christ is a place for awarding rewards, not a place of punishment.
No. Les Feldick is emphatic that no believer's sin will be presented at the Bema seat. He explains that all sin was judged on Christ at the cross, so believers will never give an account for sin. Instead, the Bema seat is strictly a review of works done as a believer, to determine rewards.
Rewards as Levels of Responsibility
Les uses the parable of talents to illustrate that rewards at the Bema seat will result in levels of responsibility in ruling with Christ, highlighting the importance of faithful service.
Bema Seat as Seat of Rewards in Olympics
Les explains that the Bema seat in the Olympic Games was where judges decided the winners, and in heaven it is the seat of rewards for believers, not a judgment for sin.
Bema as Greek Word for Judgment Seat
Les clarifies that Bema is simply the Greek word for judgment seat, and it is a place for reward, not for determining heaven or hell.
Bema Seat in Ancient Corinth
Les provides historical context, noting that in Corinth the Bema seat was a raised platform for judgments, similar to the Olympic judges' seat.
Believers Appear Before Bema for Works
Les quotes 2 Corinthians 5:10, emphasizing that believers appear before the Bema seat to receive for deeds done in the body, and that this is strictly for reward, not salvation.
No Sin at the Bema Seat
Les stresses that no believer's sin will be mentioned at the Bema seat because sins were paid for at the cross; it is only a review of our works.
Distinction from Great White Throne
Les contrasts the Bema seat with the Great White Throne judgment, clarifying that the latter is for the lost, while the Bema seat is for believers.
Salvation Complete at Belief
Les reminds that salvation is complete the moment we believe, and the Bema seat is not about salvation but about receiving rewards for our works.
2 Corinthians 5:10: 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.
This is the foundational verse that mentions the judgment seat (Bema) and is directly cited by Les.
1 Corinthians 3:9: For we are labourers together with God: ye are God's husbandry, ye are God's building.
Les references this verse to show that believers are laborers, and their work will be tested for rewards.
1 Corinthians 3:11-15: For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.
These verses describe the testing of believers' works, resulting in reward or loss, but salvation is secure.
No. Les Feldick makes a clear distinction: the Bema seat is for believers to receive rewards, while the Great White Throne is for the lost who rejected salvation.
No. Les emphasizes that all sin was paid for on the cross, so believers will not have their sins mentioned at the Bema seat. It is strictly a review of works as believers.
Rewards are based on what a believer has done with their life after salvation, whether their work was gold, silver, precious stones (valuable) or wood, hay, stubble (worthless). It results in levels of responsibility in ruling with Christ.
Watch the Teaching: What Happens When Christians Stand Before Jesus? 1 Corinthians 3 Explained