The Judgement Seat of the Messiah

We will all stand before the Judgement Seat of the Messiah and all of our works will be judged.  Luke 21:34-36.  Works that are wood, hay or stubble will burned up and amount to nothing, works that are gold silver or precious stones will be refined by fire and be purified, for these we will receive rewards.  Those with rewards in the millennial Kingdom will be given authority to rule and reign with Christ.  Those whose works have been burned, if that’s all they have done, will be saved, but they will not receive authority in the Millennial Kingdom and therefore will have nothing to show for their spiritual lives which will last for 1000 years.

Our sins will not be judged, we have been redeemed because we have repented of our sin and believed the gospel. 

This judgement will take place after the rapture of the church.  The ‘works’ that will be judged are the works that we have done since becoming a believer.  We will be judged on how we built on the foundation which has already been laid by Jesus.  Have we been faithful in accordance with the Spirit?  Have we followed God's Will?  Are we obedient to  HIM and His teachings?  Are we abiding In Him? 

This is not a judgement to receive Salvation, we are already saved.

This judgement will not be based on quantity (how many works we did), but QUALITY.  We will be judged on whether or not we followed what God’s will was (is) for our lives.

Even though we will not be judged according to sin because we are believers, sin plays an indirect role because if we are disobedient or walking according to the flesh that is sin.   The Millennial Kingdom will last for 1000 years, therefore consequences will last for 1000 years.

There are two types of crowns taught in scripture.

• Diadem Crown- This is a King’s crown. It is for Sovereignty/ Royalty.  Jesus wears this crown (Praise God).
• Stephanos Crown- This is a crown given to an overcomer, a victor, to one who has won the race. This is available to us as believers for overcoming Spiritual Warfare.

There are 5 crowns which are referred to in scripture.  The purpose of the crowns is to determine the degree of authority in the Messianic Kingdom.  This is not for the Eternal order.  In eternity all believers will be equal.  In parabolic form this can be found in Luke 19:11-27.

The crowns or rewards we will receive, outlined in scripture are as follows:

• The Incorruptible Crown-Found in 1 Cor 9:24-25. Given to those who exercise self control and gain mastery and victory in their spiritual life.  They have gained victory over the old man sin nature and have learned how to live a Spirit controlled life.
• The Crown of rejoicing- Found in 1 Thess 2:19.  This crown is given to those who win souls for Jesus our Lord.  Available to all who do the work of evangelism.
• The Crown of Righteousness- Found in 2 Tim 4:7,8. This crown is for those who have kept the faith both doctrinally and morally in spite of adverse circumstances.  It is also given to those who are longing for His return.
• The Crown of Life- Found in James 1:12 and Rev 2:10. This Crown is given to those who suffer martyrdom for their faith, endure trials and are persecuted.
• The Crown of Glory-Found in 1 Peter 5:2-4. This is a crown for faithfully feeding God’s flock.  Pastors, teachers and others.

There may be more crowns than this, but these are the ones which are outlined in scripture.

Knowing that the quality of our works are more important that quantity, how does this new insight affect your relationship with the Lord?

Knowing that the purpose of the Judgement is ‘Did you follow God’s will for your life?’ how important is it now to be more of a doer of the word rather than only a hearer?

What are the works which are gold, silver and precious stones? 

How do we avoid works of wood, hay and stubble?

Jesus is Saviour.  Let Him also become Lord.