The Judgment Seat of Christ and the Great White Throne Judgment
Notes
Transcript
The Judgment Seat of Christ and the Great White Throne Judgment
The Judgment Seat of Christ and the Great White Throne Judgment
Wednesday Night Bible Study – Session 6
Date: February 19, 2025
Topic: The Judgment Seat of Christ and the Great White Throne Judgment
Introduction
Introduction
1. Recap of Previous Session
• We studied the final victory of Christ, His Millennial Reign, and the New Heaven and Earth (Daniel 7 & Revelation 19-22).
• We learned that all earthly kingdoms will fall, the Antichrist will be destroyed, and Christ will reign forever in righteousness.
• The unrighteous will face judgment, while the redeemed will dwell with God eternally.
2. Overview of Today’s Session
• What happens after we die?
• What is the Judgment Seat of Christ? (2 Corinthians 5:10)
• What is the Great White Throne Judgment? (Revelation 20:11-15)
• What is the difference between the two?
• How can we prepare for eternity?
Part I: The Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema Seat)
Part I: The Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema Seat)
1. Who is Judged?
• The Judgment Seat of Christ is for believers only—those who are saved by faith in Jesus Christ.
• 2 Corinthians 5:10 (KJV): “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.”
2. What is Judged?
• Not salvation—this judgment is for rewards, not punishment.
• Works and motives will be tested by fire.
• 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 (KJV): “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.”
• Gold, silver, and precious stones = Works done for Christ with pure motives.
• Wood, hay, and stubble = Works done for selfish gain or with impure motives.
3. Rewards Given to Faithful Believers
• Crowns in Heaven (Five Specific Crowns Mentioned in Scripture):
1. The Incorruptible Crown – For self-discipline in the faith (1 Corinthians 9:25).
2. The Crown of Rejoicing – For soul-winners (1 Thessalonians 2:19).
3. The Crown of Righteousness – For those who long for Christ’s return (2 Timothy 4:8).
4. The Crown of Life – For those who endure trials faithfully (James 1:12).
5. The Crown of Glory – For faithful pastors and teachers (1 Peter 5:4).
Application:
• How we live now will determine our eternal rewards.
• Even believers can “suffer loss” (1 Corinthians 3:15) if their works are burned up—but they will still be saved.
• We must strive to serve Christ faithfully, not for temporary rewards but for eternal ones.
Part II: The Great White Throne Judgment
Part II: The Great White Throne Judgment
1. Who is Judged?
• All unbelievers—those who rejected Christ.
• Revelation 20:11-12 (KJV): “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.”
• This is the final judgment before eternity begins.
2. The Books Are Opened
• Revelation 20:12 (KJV): “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.”
• Two sets of books:
1. The Book of Works – Records every sin and action of unbelievers.
2. The Book of Life – Contains the names of those who have received eternal life through Jesus Christ.
3. The Sentence: Eternal Separation from God
• Revelation 20:14-15 (KJV): “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”
• The Lake of Fire = The final, eternal place of punishment for Satan, the Antichrist, and all unbelievers.
Application:
• Hell is a real place of eternal torment.
• There are no second chances after this judgment.
• The time for repentance is NOW.
Part III: The Contrast Between the Two Judgments
Part III: The Contrast Between the Two Judgments
Judgment Seat of Christ Great White Throne Judgment
For believers only /For unbelievers only
Judged for rewards, not salvation /Judged for their sins
Salvation is already secured /Eternal condemnation
Works tested, but believers remain saved /Names not found in the Book of Life are cast into the Lake of Fire
Leads to eternal rewards /Leads to eternal separation from
God
Part IV: How Should We Live in Light of These Judgments?
Part IV: How Should We Live in Light of These Judgments?
1. For Believers: Live with Eternal Purpose
• Colossians 3:2 (KJV): “Set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.”
• Live faithfully, using our time, talents, and resources for Christ.
2. For Unbelievers: Urgent Need for Repentance
• John 3:36 (KJV): “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”
• There is no hope after the Great White Throne Judgment.
• Now is the day of salvation! (2 Corinthians 6:2)
3. For the Church: Proclaim the Gospel Boldly
• Ezekiel 33:8 (KJV): “When I say unto the wicked, O wicked man, thou shalt surely die; if thou dost not speak to warn the wicked from his way, that wicked man shall die in his iniquity; but his blood will I require at thine hand.”
• We must warn people about eternal judgment and lead them to salvation in Christ.
Conclusion
Conclusion
1. Summary of Key Truths
• Believers will be judged for rewards at the Judgment Seat of Christ.
• Unbelievers will face eternal separation at the Great White Throne Judgment.
• Now is the time to prepare for eternity!
2. Final Call to Action
• Are you ready for the Judgment Seat of Christ?
• If you are not saved, are you ready to stand before God?
3. Closing Prayer
• Ask for God’s strength to live faithfully, share the Gospel boldly, and prepare for eternity.
Preview of Next Session: “The New Jerusalem: Our Eternal Home”
Preview of Next Session: “The New Jerusalem: Our Eternal Home”
• Revelation 21-22: What will eternity look like for believers?
• The beauty, glory, and purpose of the New Heaven and New Earth.
🔥 Join us next week as we explore our final destination—God’s glorious, eternal kingdom! 🙌 #EternalLife #BibleStudy #JudgmentDay
