NEW REALM BAPTIST CHURCH, LAGOS2015 DOCTRINAL TEACHING

THEME: ESCHATOLOGY: THE BEMA SEAT OF CHRIST

TEXTS: Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:10--4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 and Revelation 20:11-15; Revelation 21:7-8,

27.

INTRODUCTION

• Appreciation• Concern about the type of Christianity we profess

today• Many Christians today live like any other person

without the consciousness of heaven and eternity• We have increase in the number of churches and

Christians• The society is becoming more corrupt and

ungodly.

Are we conscious of final judgment ?

• Unfortunately, those who belong to the church and presumably who profess Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour have not been able to stand out in many aspects of life.

• Are people conscious of eternity and the fact that everyone will be judged for actions performed on earth? It seems many people are not conscious of this fact.

The World has entered the church

• Today, it is seemingly becoming difficult to differentiate believers from unbelievers in many matters of life.

• The world has inadvertently entered the church and subtly is turning away the so called believers from the truths they have received at the point of conversion and regeneration.

• Can you assess your stand in the Lord?

Importance of this study

• This year’s study is important for two reasons: • first, it is to help those who are living right to keep

going and never become discouraged as if their commitment and service to Christ is a waste and two, the study is to wake those who are in slumber to redeem the time because the days are evil.

• The opportunity to go through this study becomes very important because it will help all who have the opportunity to make the necessary amendments now before it will be too late.

Will you be ready…?

• “Will you be ready when the Lord shall come…” 2x; I will be ready, I will be ready… I will be ready when the Lord shall come… This teaching therefore is preparing all of us for the second coming of Jesus Christ. It would be absurd if we are not fully aware of what to meet or experience at His return.

His first and second coming…

• Many are aware that Jesus Christ came as a loving Saviour at His birth and His second coming is not going to be a child’s play.

• It is going to be a time of reckoning, accountability, judgment and eventually reward according to what each person has done in the flesh.

An Athlete and Training• An athlete is not expecting to win without vigorous

prior practice but his winning or losing is dependent on the discipline that he has given to himself/ herself.

• The period of training is always rigorous and sometimes unpalatable but the joy of winning overrides all the rigours of practice.

• In the same manner, those who endure the discipline of serving and honouring God faithfully will not only smile but laugh and jubilate when they shall receive well done, enter into the kingdom of God prepared for the saints.

The Bema Seat of Christ

The goal of this study therefore is to examine the Bema Seat of Christ which is a part of the teaching on eschatology. My prayer is that this would not be just another study but a teaching that will raise in all of us the consciousness of eternity and the rewards we stand to gain when we appear before the judgment seat of Jesus Christ.

The Meaning of Eschatology

• Eschatology is a branch of theology concerned with the final events in the history of the world or of humankind; it is a belief concerning death, the end of the world, or the ultimate destiny of humankind; specifically, it is about any of the various Christian doctrines concerning the second Coming, the resurrection of the dead or the Last judgment. Its Greek word is eschatos first used in 1844.1

Eschatology is an important doctrine

• Contemporary N.T scholars having studied the entire N.T conclude that eschatology is an important doctrine and is profoundly related to all theology which lies at the heart of Jesus’ message and indeed at the heart of all the N.T.”2

Teachings about the last things

• Allison’s description of eschatology as teachings about the last things and specifically about the consummation of events and history. Jesus during His earthly ministry referred severally to matters regarding the end of ages in His teachings, messages and other activities.

Jesus’ Teaching on Eschatology

• He also taught and spoke about eschatological events that will still occur such as the resurrection of the dead, Mk 12: 18-27; a great judgment Lk 10:13-15; 11:31-32; reward for the righteous Lk 6:20-23; recompense for the wicked Lk 6:46-49.4

This teaching is to get us prepared

• All of these teachings as revealed in the four gospels have become part of the doctrinal teachings that the Christian faith hold to tenaciously and will continue to teach to generations until Jesus Christ returns the second time. The essence is to get the Saints prepared and ready to meet Christ with expectations of reward instead of damnation.

The Bema Seat of Christ

• The Bema seat of Christ is therefore an aspect of eschatology. Bema which means a step, a pace similar to baino, “to go” as recorded in Acts 7:5 means to set foot on. It describes a raised place or platform from where orators or speakers make their speeches. This word later found its way into tribune in the law courts of a Roman magistrate or ruler, “Matt 27:19; John 19:13; Acts 12:21 which was translated “throne” in Acts 18:12, 16, 17; 25:6, 10, 17.

Bema as Divine Tribunal

• Bema is used to describe the divine tribunal where all believers in Christ will stand before Jesus Christ. Rom.14:10 referred to it as the judgement seat of God or of Christ. It is further affirmed that the Father has given Him all power to judge at the appointed time (John 5:22, 27). Vine proposes there are two seats of judgment: the Great White Throne as in Revelation 20:11 where the dead will appear to be judged and the bema seat of Christ where believers in Christ will be judged either for good or bad as seen in 2 Cor. 5:10.5

Issues of judgment

• We are all familiar with the issues of judgment in the contemporary world in the court of law. The Bible established it that there will be final judgment and eternal punishment and the question we may ask is, who will be judged? Both unbelievers and believers in Christ will be judged. However, the judgment differs according to the scriptures.

We shall all appear before Christ

• Both unbelievers and believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ in resurrected bodies to receive their final eternal destiny.

• Passages which confirm judgment include: Revelation 20: 11-15, Acts 17: 30-31, Romans 2:5, Matt. 10:15, 11:22,24; 12:36; 25:31-46; I Corinthians 4:5; Hebrews 6:2; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6 and many others where God has plan to reward righteousness and punish all forms of unrighteousness.

Final Judgement is Sure

• The judgment in the human race for disobedience do not erase the final judgement.6

• There are different opinions on the types of judgment that will be at the close of the age. The dispensational view hold that there is more than one judgment: judgment of the nations where Matt 25:31-46 is used to determine who enters the millennium;

Judgment of believers’ work

• Judgment of believers’ work called the bema as seen in 2Cor. 5:10 wherein believers in Christ will receive degrees of rewards and a great white throne of judgment at the end of the millennium where unbelievers will be judged and condemned to eternal punishments as recorded in Revelation 20:11-15.

You will be judged for your own sin

• This assertion confirms the fact that the soul that sins shall die in Ezekiel 18:4 but sometimes a person may be affected by the misdeeds of the family or a member of the family on earth but not for final judgement. Revelation 20 describes the timing of the judgement and affirm Christ as the judge of all.

What therefore will be the nature of the final judgement?

• Jesus Christ will be the judge 2 Tim. 4:1; Acts 10:42; John 5:26-27.

• Unbelievers will be judged Revelation 20:12ff; Romans 2: 5-7; Luke 12:47-48; Matt.11:22; Luke 20:47 and this shall be in degrees.

• Every secret of people’s heart will be revealed and judged Rom. 2:16; Luke 8:17 and Luke 12:2-3.

We shall all stand before the judgement seat

• Believers will be judged, Paul reiterates that we shall all stand before the judgement seat of God… and give account of himself/herself to God ( Romans 14:10,12. In Corinthians, Paul writes, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad.” (2 Cor. 5:10; cf Rom 2:6-11; Rev.30:12, 15. 8

The World will come to an end one day

• The fact that believers will stand before the judgment seat of God negate false teaching and concept that the world has no beginning and so would not come to an end as seen in some teachings.9

• Do not be deceived by false teachings…

Loyalty and Commitment will be rewarded

• The promise of rewards for following Jesus Christ informs more loyalty and commitment to the cause of Christ. Matthew 19:28-29 reads … And everyone that hath forsaken house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name’s sake, shall receive a hundredfold. Many believers in Christ await this most glorious promises.10

THE PURPOSES AND ACTIVITIES AT THE BEMA SEAT OF CHRIST

• Its main purpose is evaluate what each believer in Christ has done while in the body.• It is not a judgement to condemn to

hell but to bestow degrees of awards/ rewards.

No more condemnation

• It is not a period of condemnation because once a person has accepted Jesus Christ as Lord and has confessed his sins, he is no more condemned; for there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Romans 8:1.

Hidden things will be revealed

• However, every hidden thing unknown to many people would be exposed that day

I Cor.4:5; Coll.3:25.• Believers are rewarded at the

bema seat of Christ Rev.11:18.

What patience and endurance do believers need to put up to?

• The question we may ask ourselves is, what patience and endurance do believers need to put up to qualify for reward at the bema seat of Christ? The Christian journey is not rosy, there are challenges, contours and invariably some sort of pains based on life experiences.

Do you see the need to endure?

• It is only those who see it as a need and necessity to endure that will have hope of appearing blameless at the bema seat of Christ and more importantly to receive eternal rewards.

• Enduring to the level of appearing before the judgment seat of Christ is required for every believer in Jesus Christ where we are more secure because we stand before the righteous and holy judge.

We must live for God

• We must live for God and not only for ourselves to enjoy a rewarding applause at the bema set of Christ.

• Sharing an experience of an encounter with God in a revelation when he was taken through the heavens and the throne of God, Joyner expressed that if we all know the joy that await our love and service for God, we would do better than what we are doing now.12

Conform to what Christ expects

• The angel told Joyner that the revelation he has was for him to gain understanding and change his ways of life in complete conformity to what Christ expects.

• How are you living your Christian life? Do you live it anyhow? Do you believe every word in the scriptures will come to pass? How do you feel now? If Christ should appear now, are you ready? I hope your concerns are not for here alone, I hope you have eternity in focus? Think on these for a moment….

The parousia• The “Parousia”, the Greek word for Christ’s

second coming explains Christ coming as the Bridegroom to take His bride, the church to Himself. Those who will be part of that experience are those who have yielded themselves completely to God through Jesus Christ. They have been fully possessed by Jesus Christ. Therefore, His second coming has the following purposes:

Who is Jesus Christ coming for?

• He will come for only believers in Jesus Christ; they will be united with Him either by resurrection or by instantaneous change in their bodies while still alive. John 14:3.• He will come for the national salvation of

Isreal; the reminant of Isreal will be saved Romans 11: 26-27.

Christ will judge others also

• He will come to overcome the anti-Christ and Satan himself II Thess 2:8.

• Christ will come for the judgement of the Gentile nations Matthew 25:31-32

• Christ will come for the establishment of His millennial kingdom upon the earth. Isaiah 24:23; Revelation 20:4.

Believers will appear before the bema seat of Jesus Christ

• God’s judgment is going to be on everyone; unbelievers and the believers alike but while believers will appear before the bema seat of Jesus Christ based on how they used their gifts, talents, opportunities, ministry, witness and services which Christ has entrusted into their hands;

Three scenes of the judgement

• There are three scenes of the judgement as Prince enumerated: the judgement seat of Christ where only Christ’s followers will be judged; the second is the throne of Christ’s glory where the remaining Gentiles on earth at the close of the great tribulation before setting up Christ’s millennial kingdom on earth will appear and…

Unbelievers will appear before the great white throne

• The unbelievers will appear before the great white throne for their judgment and condemnation.15 The joy that believers stand to gain at the bema seat of Christ is that God’s grace still abound and rewards are part of the son’s inheritance.

Christians will appear at the bema seat of Christ

• True, faithful and committed Christians will appear at the bema seat of Christ. This may sound very surprising but it conforms with I Peter 4:17-18 which reiterates that judgment will begin in God’s house and among God’s people.

Final declaration on any believer is of Christ

• Romans 14: 10, 12 warn that we should avoid judging others because we would all be judged as well. Christians therefore should not pass final judgement on other brethren because final declaration on any believer is of Christ.

Our actions and activities here on earth will be judged

• Invariably, all our actions and activities here on earth as individual Christians will be brought up for judgement. Actions of Christians can either be good or bad; no neutrality according to Prince. “Every act of a Christian has definite value of some kind- either positive or negative; every act that is not performed in faith and obedience, for the glory of God, is unacceptable to God, and therefore bad.

Judgement of faithful and committed Christians will not be for hell

• In judgment cases, some people are condemned while others are discharged and acquitted; the judgement of faithful and committed Christians will not be for condemnation to hell once they have declared the Lordship of Jesus Christ and confessed all sins. (John 3:18; John 5: 24; Romans 8: 1).

Believers in Jesus Christ will be rewarded for faithful service

• What will happen at the judgement seat of Christ for believers is that believers in Jesus Christ who have served faithfully will be rewarded for all services rendered to and for Christ. I Corinthians 3:11-15 read in part: “For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Christ Jesus….”

Quality of work and not quantity

• The quality of work and not quantity will also affect the determination of the rewards. All works of Christians will be tested by fire as each Christian will appear before Christ to be tried based on works done in the flesh. Jesus Christ will sit on His judgement sit; the bema seat of Christ; the glorified Christ is described in Revelation 1: 14-15.

He will purify all that is base

• His purifying power will consume all that is base, insincere and valueless in believer’s works while the ones that are true and enduring will survive, purified and refined by fire. This confirms the experience of Joyner in his encounter with Christ in the heavens.19

Principles for Reward

• What therefore are the principles on which believer’s services will be rewarded? Prince from two parables of Jesus Christ on the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14-30 and the Parable of the Pounds in Luke 19: 11-27 presented such principles.

We will account for whatever is committed into our hands

• Most believers who belong to the church are very familiar with the two parables which showed that we will account for whatever is committed into our hands and the ways such talents, gifts are handled will determine the final reward.

The Lord will assess each person not on the strength or ability of the other

• The principles involved imply talents are given or distributed by God by His own standard and discretion based on each person’s ability and God will not judge the other on what has not been committed into his/her hands. The Lord will assess each person not on the strength or ability of the other. In the parable, “each of these servants was considered equally faithful because each had achieved the same proportionate increase of one hundred percent.”20

Rewards will differ from here till eternity

• The implication of the parable revealed that rewards will differ from here till eternity while those who do not perform satisfactorily will be without reward and at the same time be rejected from the Lord’s presence. We become guilty not only of wickedness but of negligence as in James 4:17; Malachi 3:18 because Faith without work is dead as James 2: 26 explains.

No hypocrites shall appear before Christ

• The passage revealed an hypocritical believer is nothing but an unbeliever and no hypocrites shall appear before Christ. Further studies made us learn that “all hypocrites and false Christians will first be separated out from amongst God’s believing people, and will receive the judgement due to them for their hypocrisy and falsehood.”

False Christians will be cast outside and then the righteous will appear before the Father to receive their rewards.

• This is confirmed by the parable of the wheat and tares in Matthew 13:37-43. In the passage, the angels will first separate all false Christians and cast them outside and then the righteous will appear before the Father to receive their rewards. In line with the above is the parable of the dragnet in Matthew 13: 47-50 which complements Psalm 1: 4-5

Believers should examine their level of obedience

• Believers in Christ should examine the level of their obedience which are to be in line with His principles and methods in the Word of God and not otherwise. We should not as believers do God’s work with human strength but with dependence on His might (Coll.1: 29; I Corin. 4:20).

A day of reckoning is coming…

• How do you feel now knowing that a day of reckoning is coming but that your faithful services will not go unnoticed or unrewarded? Many faithful believers have been paid evil for doing good while the unfaithful but deceptive people have been rewarded falsely. Hun! That day reveals Jesus Christ the righteous judge will never make mistakes like earthly judges who are limited in their knowledge. Therefore, stand firm in the truth that you know.

WHAT DO YOU STAND TO GAIN OR LOSE AT THE BEMA SEAT OF CHRIST?

• Joyner met with angels and heavenly beings who guided him in the journey through the heavens and made him realize that what we value here on earth are worthless in heaven.

• Activities of help and mercy, training and discipleship would have made many become queen and kings in heaven. Refusal to do the Father’s business will make many great men of God become servants in heaven.

There will be regret that day…

• Recounting, Joyner met with many people sharing their stories of how they have not done God’s perfect will and are regretting such great mistakes because these have limited their positions, rewards and opportunities in heaven. There are many instances of deceit among brethren, couples and co-workers in God’s vineyard which have marred and hindered many from sitting closer to the king on the throne.

Ask for the grace to finish your course.

• Overwhelmed by the revelation, Joyner shouted, “I ask for the grace to finish my course. I ask for the grace to love you…” and the Lord said to him…

• You are but one of many who have been prepared for this hour. Preach and write about all that you seen here. What I have said to you say to My brethren. Go and call My captains to the last battle…. I had a similiar revelation in 2005.

There will be sorting at the bema• On that glorious day before the bema seat of

Christ after necessary sorting as learnt in the parable of the wheat and tares in Matthew 13:37-43 above, there will be “at least seven privileges and five crowns that can be earned by His children. These rewards will be awarded to those Christians that overcome in this life. These crowns and privileges will be awarded at the Bema (Judgment) Seat of Christ based on a chart below developed from the teachings in the scriptures by Walter D. Huyck.

The Incorruptible Crown

• The Incorruptible Crown - For Striving for the Mastery of the Christian life as an athlete disciplines himself to master his sport (1 Cor 9.25-27). This calls for complete conformity to the image of Jesus Christ as in Rom 8:29. What is the reward for those that master the Christian life? The Incorruptible Crown.

The Crown of Life

• The Crown of Life - For Enduring Persecution (Revelation 2.10). “This crown is the one that will be awarded to those who overcome the trials of persecution.” It calls for living a godly lifestyle and not necessarily looking for trouble.

The Crown of Glory that will never fade

• The Crown of Glory that will never fade - For Feeding the Flock (1 Pet 5.2-4). This is for those in leadership positions who have done well in shepherding and feeding the church of Jesus Christ. “The key here is persistent, committed care. Developing spiritual maturity is not easy or natural. It is described in scripture as a struggle with an aggressive adversary.

The Crown of Righteousness

• The Crown of Righteousness - For Those Who Love His Appearing (2 Tim 4.8). Today, many do not want to hear sound doctrine; rather they “want to hear those things that will sound reasonable to them and will help them achieve their personal goals.” Those who persevere to the end like Brother Paul who kept the faith despite all odds will receive The Crown of Righteousness by striving to please the Lord

The Crown of Rejoicing

• The Crown of Rejoicing - The Soul-Winners Crown (1 Thes 2.19-20). “Therefore, the only ones that will earn this Crown of rejoicing will be those who decide to seek the lost with the purpose of leading them to Jesus Christ. It's not all that hard to do, but it does take purpose and resolve .What will you set aside for yourself in heaven”? Many make good plans for their future but do not plan for eternal investments.26

A Crowning day for Christians

• The Judgment Seat of Christ will be a crowning day for those Christians who will receive rewards for their works. (1 Corinthians 9:4-27; 2 Timothy 2:5). Unlike the laurel and ivy crowns received from officials at the Bema seat of the Olympics in Corinth, the child of God will receive eternal crowns from the Lord Jesus Himself.

Jesus Christ is coming back and would judge righteous and the unrighteous

• There are many passages of the scriptures as enumerated in this work, though few overlaps that attest to the fact that Jesus Christ is coming back and would judge both the righteous and the unrighteous; the believers and the unbelievers. Revelation 22:12 -- And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.28

NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES AT THE BEMA

• There will be NEGATIVE CONSEQUENCES AT THE BEMA - The fact that is already established is that both good and bad deeds will be rewarded at the bema seat of Christ. Therefore, there will be shame at the Bema.

• There will be disapproval at the Bema.....• There will be rebuke…

WARNING NOT TO SIN

• THIS GIVES WARNING NOT TO SIN BECAUSE THE BEMA IS COMING.

Jesus Christ Appearing

Jesus Christ on judgement seat

Crown

Judgement Seat of Christ

IMPLICATIONS OF THE STUDY FOR TODAY’S CHRISTIANS AND CHURCH

• Bema Seat of Christ has the following implications:• All who profess Jesus Christ as Lord must wait

eagerly for Christ’s second return.• Believers must not be pre-occupied with the

present ALONE without a solid plan for the future when Christ will return the second time.

• Our relationship with Jesus Christ is dynamic and must be sustained by our continuous love and obedience to all His teachings.

Implication contd…

• Our concern is not about how or when but about our preparedness to reign with Him and be rewarded.

• The fact that we would appear before the bema seat of Christ should raise in us the consciousness of eternity.

• This awareness should help us to make it our aim to please God always as in 2 Corinth. 5:9-10.

Implications contd…

• That we are forgiven of our sins as Christians does not exclude accountability of all that we have done in the body; confession of sins does not exclude accountability; there is no promise that confessed sins will never be considered at the bema.

• We have no power over the fact that we must all appear before the bema seat of Christ.

Implications contd…

• Notwithstanding, this should not cause us alarm or fear once all sins have been confessed but if not it is a warning to confess all hidden sins and activities so that grace may abound.

• The degree of rewards expected should motivate our devotedness to Jesus Christ and His cause

Implications contd…

• We should examine the foundation of our faith and what we are building on it as in I Cor.3:12-15 for the purpose of receiving lasting reward and invariably so that our work will not be consumed with fire.

• The joy of making eternity is one and the joy of receiving rewards is another; comparing this to graduation ceremony, all who have fulfilled the requirements will graduate and have the joy of successful completion but some will be full of more joy depending on the number of awards/ applause they receive for being diligent in their studies during the period of study.

Implications contd…

• The assurance that we shall be counted worthy to worship and prostrate before God’s throne Rev.4:10-11.

• This teaching should spur us to do more for God; to be involved more in the service of God; to be dedicated to the service of God.

• It should be an avenue to stir ourselves up unto doing good and encourage the weary Hebrews 10:24-25.

Implications contd…

• Every believer who is conscious of this truth will build up the body of Christ rather than destroy it.

• Our being approved of God will qualify u to serve as His representatives to judge angels (I Cor.6:3); and the world (I Cor. 6:2-3) and others as God may decide (Matt. 19:28; Luke 22:30

• This teaching affirms the necessity of judgment which will not be hidden but public; exposed to all and both the soul and the body will be judged.

• God’s judgment will be fair and just and there will be no room for complaints I Peter 1:17 since God shows no partiality (Rom.2:11; Col. 3:25).

• On that day, every mouth will be stopped from talking and the whole world will be held accountable to God (Rom. 3:19).

Implications contd…

• We would all see in display absolute and pure justice of God Revelation 19:2-2.

• The day of accountability and final judgment informs us of the need for fair justice in the world.

• This teaching enables us to learn to forgive others so that nothing will stand on our way of making heaven and receiving reward since vengeance is of God (Romans 12:19).

Implications contd…

• That we will all appear before the judgment seat of God provides us a motive and an encouragement to pursue holiness and righteousness without which no one can see God (Rom.3:18; I Peter 4:4-5).

• An awareness of final judgment serves as a comfort to us as believers in Christ and a warning to unbelievers not to continue in their evil ways for a day of reckoning will come.

Intensify evangelism to win more souls

• The Christian church must intensify evangelism so that more souls will be won into God’s kingdom since the delay in Christ’s return is so that people who have not known the Lord will not perish ( Ezek.33:11; 2Peter 3:9).

Lessons from the Seven Churches

• Today’s church should learn from the letters to the seven churches as recorded in the book of Revelation: Ephesus- Loveless Church, they had lost their initial love for God (Rev 2:1-7); Smyrna- Persecuted Church, they held to God despite their difficulty because they await the crown of life, they were advised to be faithful till death (Rev 2:8-11);

Pergamos-Compromising Church

• Pergamos-Compromising Church, the church has compromised its faith and was involved in immorality, idolatry and heresies (Rev 2:12-17); Thyatira- Corrupt Church, the church has commendation for being tolerant, patient, loving and of high service to God but is guilty to have tolerated Jezebel’s immorality, occultism and idolatry (Rev 2:18-29);

Sardis-Dead Church

• Sardis-Dead Church, the church is full of criticism and condemnation with few who remain faithful. Sardis was influential and rich but had lost its power and vitality, they are popular but they are dead(Rev 3:1-6);

Philadelphia- Faithful Church

• Philadelphia- Faithful Church, Jesus could boast of this church because despite their little strength, they could stand the wiles of Satan and they had God’s approval and promise of blessings as they wait eagerly for the second coming of Christ (Rev 3:7-13).

Laodicea- Lukewarm Church

• and Laodicea- Lukewarm Church, the church that was full of condemnation despite their self-sufficiency, they were judged as lukewarm, wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked. To be a lukewarm Christian is dangerous (Rev 3:14-22).31

CONCLUSION

• Qualifying for eternal life however should not be the ultimate for believers in Christ but in addition is the aspiration to be rewarded at the bema seat of Christ without shame but with full joy. Reflecting on the revelation Joyner had about his appearance at the judgement seat of Jesus Christ gives believers the assurance that serving Christ is not without its reward,.

CONCLUSION CONTD

• Most importantly, every hidden activities that is not known to man will not only be revealed to all but shall be judged and rewarded. Nothing can be hidden. The thrones of God are for the overcomers who have served God faithfully in every generation. It is only those who endure that will be worthy to sit on these thrones

Personal Reflection

• FOR PERSONAL REFLECTION• Are you actually saved? Can you recount the difference you

have experienced in your life when you professed Christ as Lord and Saviour? Do you have a testimony about your salvation story? Revelation 12:12; I Corin. 15:52-54; I Thess. 4: 14-18.

• The teaching about the end of the age is not a fable; it is going to be a real experience. Mark 13: 34-37; Matthew 25:1-13.

• What is the percentage of those that are prepared for His second coming in your home, church and the Christian community?

•

Personal Reflection contd…

• What would you say about the signs of the last days: as seen in ecological signs (earthquakes, famine and pestilences, distress of nations.. Luke 21: 11, 25-26; Racial signs … Luke 21:10; Antisemitic signs- more people will hate the Jew Luke 21:20; Religious signs and signs of deception in False Religion Luke 21:8; Matthew 24:24; II Timothy 4:3; Sign of Religious Persecution which is evident all over the world now and the Psychological sign as revealed in Luke 21: 34-35; Luke 21: 36.36

Personal Reflection contd…

• Are you preparing to be part of those that will be raptured or left behind?

• Is there any hope after the rapture? Matthew 7:21-23.

• How does the knowledge that there will be final judgement for believers affect your lifestyle now?

• When you will appear before the bema seat of Christ, how would you feel when all your words and actions that you have hidden from people are made public on that glorious day?

Personal Reflection contd…• The teaching revealed we would participate with Jesus Christ

in judging angels and the whole world (I Cor.6:2-3), does this motivate you to live right with God?

• All brethren in Christ and your friends at church will all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, how would you fair compared with others; it is not going to be a secret show; everything shall be made public. How is your relationship with other brethren? Any bitterness? Any unforgiveness? Any strain relationships?

• What is your stand about the final judgment? Both believers and unbelievers will appear before the judgment seat of Christ and shall receive their due reward. What is your expectation that day? 37 When He appears, what will be your reward?