The Bema Seat is the believers' examination for rewards in heaven, not judgment for sin.
According to Les Feldick, the Bema Seat is where every believer appears before Christ to receive rewards for what they have done as believers. It is distinct from the great white throne, which is only for the lost. At the Bema Seat, sin is not an issue because sins are under the blood and have already been paid for at the cross. Instead, it is a seat of rewards, patterned after the judges' seat at the Olympic Games.
2 Corinthians 5:10 — This verse is central to the question as it directly speaks of believers appearing before the judgment seat of Christ.
The Bible speaks of a judgment seat of Christ where believers must appear. In 2 Corinthians 5:10, it says, "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 indicates that believers will receive rewards based on their deeds after salvation. In 1 Corinthians 3, the Bible discusses the building process on the foundation of Christ, where each believer's work will be tested by fire. Verses 13-15 describe this testing and the possibility of suffering loss yet being saved "yet so as by fire." This supports the concept of rewards based on works. Scripture also distinguishes between the judgment seat of Christ for believers and the great white throne judgment for the lost. Revelation 20:11-15 describes the great white throne judgment where the dead are judged according to their works, but this is for those not found in the book of life, not for believers.
Les Feldick teaches that the Bema Seat is a seat of rewards, not a judgment for sin. He emphasizes that the term "Bema" comes from the Greek and refers to the judges' seat at the Olympic Games, where judges determined the order of finishers. Similarly, Christ will determine believers' rewards at the Bema Seat. He clarifies that no believer's sin will be presented at the Bema Seat because all sin was judged on Christ at the cross. Instead, it is strictly a review of the believer's works and deeds done in the body after salvation. The Bema Seat is only for believers, not the unsaved, and it is not about eternal destiny, which is already settled. Les also encourages believers to work for rewards, not sit idle, using the illustration of athletes who train and compete for a perishable crown. Believers are running for an incorruptible crown.
Les explains that the word "Bema" is the Greek word for "judgment seat," and it comes from the Olympics. In the Olympic Games, the bema seat was the raised place where judges sat at the finish line to determine who came in first, second, third, and so on. Therefore, the judgment seat of Christ is not about punishment but about declaring rewards for how believers have run the race.
No. Les emphasizes that no believer's sin will be presented at the Bema Seat. He states, "No believer's sin will be presented to him at the Bema seat. This will be strictly a review of our works as believers, and there will be no dealing with our sin. Now remember that, because they were paid for at the cross." Believers will never face their sins because they are under the blood and already judged.
Les distinguishes the Bema seat from the great white throne judgment. He says the great white throne is only for the lost, from Cain onward, and is a judgment connected with sin. The Bema seat is only for believers and concerns rewards, not eternal destiny.
Bema vs. Great White Throne
Les clarifies that the great white throne is only for the lost, and the Bema seat is not a judgment for sin.
Meaning of Bema
Les explains that Bema is the Greek word for judgment seat and comes from the Olympics, implying rewards not punishment.
Purpose of Bema
Les uses the Olympic analogy to show that the Bema determines rewards, not eternal destiny.
Bible Verse Support
Les quotes 2 Corinthians 5:10 to show believers appear before the Bema to receive things done in the body.
Historical Context
Les describes the bema seat in Corinth as a raised platform, illustrating its function.
No Sin at Bema
Les emphasizes that no believer's sin will be presented at the Bema; it's only a review of works.
Reward Not Salvation
Les explains that the Bema is about reward, not salvation, and cites 2 Corinthians 5:10.
No Sin Reappears
Les reinforces that believers won't face sin at the judgment seat, as it's already judged at the cross.
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 verse directly describes believers appearing before Christ's judgment seat for deeds done in the body.
1 Corinthians 3:13-15: 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.
This passage describes the testing of believers' works, indicating rewards but not salvation at stake.
No. Les Feldick teaches that no believer's sin will be presented at the Bema seat. All sin has been paid for at the cross and is under the blood. The Bema seat is strictly a review of the believer's works and reward.
The Bema seat is for believers only and concerns rewards, not punishment. The great white throne is for the lost, where they will be judged for their sin. Believers will never appear at the great white throne.
No. Les clarifies that salvation is settled at the moment of belief. The Bema seat is about rewards for faithful service. It determines how much reward, not eternal destiny.
Watch the Teaching: Will Your Works Burn? The Judgment Seat of Christ