Yes, believers receive rewards beyond salvation based on their works and motives at the Bema Seat of Christ.
While salvation is a free gift received by faith, believers will stand before the Bema Seat to receive rewards for their works done for God's glory. These rewards are distinct from salvation and will be enjoyed for all eternity, but they are not guaranteed for every believer. Those whose works are wood, hay, and stubble will suffer loss of reward, yet they will still be saved.
1 Corinthians 3:12-15 — This passage directly addresses the testing of believers' works by fire and the resulting reward or loss.
The Bible teaches that believers will be rewarded at the judgment seat of Christ. 2 Corinthians 5:10 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 is distinct from salvation, as the works are tested by fire. 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 states, '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.' The result is either a reward for enduring works or loss of reward while still being saved.
Les Feldick teaches that believers are saved by faith plus nothing, but after salvation they are expected to work and serve for God's glory. This work results in rewards that are waiting in heaven and will be enjoyed for all eternity. At the Bema Seat of Christ, believers will have their works examined by the Lord Jesus. Works done with the right motive—for God's honor and glory—are like gold, silver, and precious stones, and will receive reward. Works done with wrong motives are wood, hay, and stubble, and will be burned up, resulting in loss of reward but not loss of salvation. Les emphasizes that many believers will have no reward to show, yet they will still be in glory.
The Bema Seat is the judgment seat of Christ where believers will appear to receive rewards for their deeds done in the body. It is not a judgment for sin, as sins are already paid for, but a place to give an account of what believers have done for God's glory.
Rewards are determined by the quality and motive of a believer's works. Works done for God's honor and glory are like gold, silver, and precious stones that withstand the fire. Works done for pleasing the flesh or others are like wood, hay, and stubble that burn up. The reward is based on motive, not just the act itself.
No, a believer cannot lose their salvation at the Bema Seat. Even if all their works are burned, they will suffer loss of reward but will themselves be saved, yet so as by fire. Salvation is based on faith, not works.
Examination of Works
Les teaches that every believer's work will be examined by Christ's fiery eyes, testing whether it is gold, silver, and precious stones or wood, hay, and stubble, based on motive.
Reward as Motivation
Les explains that the expectation of reward should drive believers to live fruitful lives, comparing it to Olympic athletes who strive for a prize.
Rewards Piling Up
Les says that believers who work for God's glory are sending rewards ahead to heaven, where they will be cashed in.
Bema Seat Purpose
Les clarifies that at the Bema Seat believers receive rewards, not punishment for sin, and that we are to prepare for that day.
Loss of Reward Not Salvation
Les emphasizes that if a believer's work is burned, they suffer loss of reward but are still saved, because salvation is by faith.
Bema Seat vs. Great White Throne
Les distinguishes the Bema Seat for believers as a reward experience, not a judgment for sin.
Saved Yet So as by Fire
Les explains that believers with only wood, hay, and stubble will be saved but have nothing to show for their lives.
Post-Salvation Expectations
Les notes that while God expects believers to withdraw from the world, this is not a qualification for salvation but follows salvation and relates to reward.
1 Corinthians 3:12-15: 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.
This is the key passage on rewards for believers, showing that works will be tested and result in reward or loss of reward.
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 establishes that all believers will appear before Christ to receive what is due for their deeds.
Ephesians 4:10: He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
While Les quotes this verse, it is used to lead into the Bema Seat discussion, showing that Christ's ascension is linked to His authority.
Believers will appear before Christ to receive rewards for their works done in the body. This is not a judgment for sin, but an evaluation of their service and motives.
No, only those whose works are done with the right motive for God's glory will receive rewards. Those whose works are wood, hay, and stubble will suffer loss of reward but still be saved.
No, salvation is a free gift received by faith, while reward is based on works after salvation. Believers are saved by faith plus nothing, but rewards are earned through faithful service.
Watch the Teaching: What Happens When a Believer Dies? 2 Corinthians 5 Explained