I was just wondering, when we are taken away in the Rapture how do y'all think we will be judged? I know we have to stand before the lord but if we are taken in the Rapture doesn't that mean we are already accepted into the kingdom. Please forgive my ignorance as I am a very young Christan and still learning.

Email: bjaksc@hotmail.com

It's the Bema Seat Judgment we'll go through, once we've been raptured, BrendaR. Read 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 5:10.

I'd be surprised if I win any crowns once we go through this BSJ. Wonder if that Soulwinner's Crown also lands in the Seed Planting category as well? Because that's all I've managed to do, as far as my non-Believer loved ones are concerned. I that God sends one of those 144,000 to my non-Believing loved ones, to try to win them to Christ during the Trib. Period.

Hi BrendaR, Our judgement is more for rewards! We are not going to be punished, although we could suffer loss from maybe missed opportunities to obey our Lord! That is about all I know. The great white throne judgement in the end of the bible is for those people that were not saved.

First of all, Brenda, WELCOME TO THE RITA FAMILY!!!

Secondly, we as believers are judged by our works which we did on the earth. Our salvation is not judged, because our sins are washed away by the blood of Jesus.

Here is a scripture that might clarify this for you:

12 Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw,

13 Each man's work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man's work.

14 If any man's work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.

15 If any man's work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.

1 Corinthians 3:12-15

The wood, hay, and stubble represents the works that we do that are not done with a pure motive, like greed, selfishness, vainglory, etc. Those works are going to be burned up. But the works we do for Christ with a pure heart are compared to gold, silver, and precious stones, and those are the works that are going to be rewarded.

I hope that helps.

Jack Van Impe, from his Prophesy Bible, lists the five crowns...

Here they are:

At the Judgment Seat of Christ, the Lord Jesus will present a number of "crowns" for specific service:

The Watcher's Crown (a Crown of Righteousness), given to all who longingly and desiringly watch for Christ's return (2 Timothy 4:8).

The Runner's Crown (an Incorruptible Crown), for all who strive for the mastery by keeping bodily appetites under control and being temperate in all things (1 Corinthians 9:24-27).

The Shepherd's Crown (a Crown of Glory), reserved for faithful ministers (1 Peter 5:1-4).

The Soulwinner's Crown (a Crown of Rejoicing), for those who bring others to the Saviour (1 Thessalonians 2:19; Psalm 126:5,6; Luke 15:5,6,7,10).

The Sufferer's Crown (a Crown of Life), for those who have suffered for the sake of Christ and the gospel (James 1:12; Matthew 5:10-12). It is also given to those who are faithful unto the end (Revelation 2:10).

There you go, SisterNChrist! You have at least the Watcher's Crown to look forward to.

True, TN Dove, and also the Runner's Crown too.

Which Crowns do you think you might win?

Brenda, I look at the Word like this.. Our sins are removed as far as west is from the east.. (Ps 103:12) Thrown into the deepest part of the sea.. (Micah 7:19)

These 2 verses are actually for the whole House of Israel, but I look at them a shadow to the Christians that repent as well..

Anyway here's the way I see the Bema Seat.. To me this is an Award Ceremony as we Christians are given rewards for what we have done here on earth.

There will be "Crowns" given for certain things.. One crown is for the "watcher" those looking for the coming of the Lord.. I think most of here on RITA will get that crown..

Then there's the "Pastor's Crown" for those faithful preachers that feeds the sheep and keep the flock together..

In total there's 5 crowns.. There are other rewards as well.. It will be something very glorious and OUT OF THIS WORLD....


Edited:

LOL... I thought I was going to be the first to post a response.. There's 6 ahead of me....



Joseph

NOTES ON REWARDS



By Brad Doskocil

Long Beach, CA

Definition: A reward is a prize, payment or recompense for merit, service or achievement. God rewards believers in recognition of faithful service. Rewards from God are conditional to the extent that they are based upon human merit, faithfulness and obedience. However, God is not obligated, in a legal sense, to reward believers for their work on his behalf because all believers, as members of the body of Christ, have a function or duty they ought to fulfill. There is no precise correlation between the believer’s works and rewards as in a labor contract. Rather, the idea of legal merit is excluded and mercy is emphasized. God gives rewards to believers who have been faithful servants not because he is obligated, but because he is free to award believers for meritorious and faithful service. Thus, rewards are an expression of God’s grace and are dispensed on a grace basis. God gives every church age believer the means to accomplish his called upon duty by means of the filling of the Holy Spirit. Just as military heroes are awarded medals and decorations for meritorious service and devotion to duty, so too are believers by God for similar devotion and service.

2. Greek etymology and words used to signify reward:

MISTHOS - wages, hire, payment for work done, reward for service, and hence, the reward God bestows for faithful service and good deeds.

THESAUROS- the place where good and precious things are collected and stored, a treasure chest, treasury, that which is stored up, treasure, that which is of exceptional value and kept safe.

EPAINOS- praise, approval, recognition, commendation. Kittel states that the word has the idea of vindication instead of reward.

BRABEION- the award given to the victor in the games, a prize, reward for endurance or achievement, the prize earned by an athlete in a contest.

STEPHANOS- wreath or victor’s crown awarded for triumph in the games or other contests. A wreath of exaltation, it was a reward or prize and a token of public honor for distinguished service, military prowess, etc. It was awarded for achievement in war, and for victory in the games. Thus, it was given on the basis of merit. It was usually woven as a garland of oak, ivy, parsley, myrtle, or olive. The winner of such a prize was often entitled to financial remuneration and other benefits. It was a sign of accomplishment.

ANTAPODOSIS- repayment, recompense, or reward that is given in exchange for what has been done.

MISTHAPODOSIA- recompense, payment of wages, and hence reward.

MISTHAPODOTES- one who rewards or pays wages.

KLERONOMIA- an inheritance, property received by inheritance.

Rewards are always described in Scripture as a future attainment. Hence, there are future judgments for believers of each dispensation. Only works will be judged as sin was judged already at the Cross.

Church age believers are judged at the judgment seat of Christ, which occurs after the rapture; Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20; Revelation 4:4.

Old Testament believers are judged and rewarded at the 2nd Advent of Christ; Daniel 12:3; Daniel 12:13; Matthew 16:27.

Salvation and rewards must be distinguished.

Salvation from the penalty of sin and the gift of eternal life are a free gift to all who simply believe in Jesus Christ; John 3:16; John 4:10; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:8-9.

Salvation is a present possession; Luke 7:50; John 3:36; John 5:24; John 6:47.

Rewards are earned by works and meritorious service; Matthew 10:42; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 20:1-16; Matthew 25:14-30; Matthew 25:34-40; Mark 10:21; Luke 19:11-27; Luke 22:24-30; John 12:26; 1 Corinthians 3:8-15; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Ephesians 6:7-8; Colossians 3:23-25; Revelation 22:12.

Rewards are a future attainment; Matthew 16:27; Mark 10:21; Luke 14:14; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 22:12.

Jesus Christ will execute the judgment of the believer’s works; Matthew 16:27; Luke 12:8-9; John 5:22; John 5:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:8; Revelation 22:12.

Conditions of receiving rewards and criteria of Christ’s judgment of every believer.

Every believer’s works or deeds, whether good or bad, will be judged; Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:8-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 2:23.

Good works are those which are done in accordance with scripture and under the control of the Holy Spirit; Galatians 5:21-23; c.f. 1 Corinthians 9:24; 2 Timothy 2:5.

Christ will judge to determine whether the believer’s works were done with pure motivation; Matthew 6:1-4; 1 Corinthians 4:5; Hebrews 4:12-13; Revelation 2:23.

Every believer’s faithfulness or devotion to duty will be judged; Matthew 20:1-16; Matthew 25:14-30; Mark 10:35-45; Luke 19:11-27; Luke 22:24-30; John 12:26; 1 Corinthians 3:8-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Colossians 3:23-25; Hebrews 11:6-10.

Every believer’s words will be judged; Matthew 12:36-37; Luke 12:2-3.

Specific actions or attitudes that will be rewarded.

Acknowledging Christ before others; Matthew 10:32; Luke 12:8-9.

Good deeds; Matthew 10:42; Matthew 25:34-40; Luke 6:35; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Ephesians 6:7-8; James 2:21-24.

Leaving families and livelihoods to follow Christ as a disciple; Matthew 19:27-29; Mark 10:21.

Faithful service; see above.

Love for others; Luke 6:35; John 15:14.

Self-control (Filling of the Holy Spirit); 1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 2 Timothy 2:5; 1 Peter 3:8-9.

Endurance; 2 Timothy 2:12.

Love for Christ; 2 Timothy 4:7-8.

Faith and patience; Hebrews 6:12.

Confidence; Hebrews 10:35.

Believer’s who seek Christ; Hebrews 11:6.

Reproach and suffering; Hebrews 11:24-26; James 1:12; Revelation 2:10.

Believer’s who overcome; Revelation 2:7; Revelation 2:11; Revelation 2:17; Revelation 2:25-29; Revelation 3:5-6; Revelation 3:11-12; Revelation 3:21; Revelation 21:7.

Description of rewards that will be dispensed to faithful servants.

Many scriptures attest that God will recompense, remunerate, reward, or pay wages for the faithful service of his followers; Matthew 10:42; Matthew 16:27; Matthew 20:1-16; Luke 6:35; Luke 14:14; 1 Corinthians 3:8; 1 Corinthians 3:14; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Ephesians 6:7-8; Hebrews 11:26; 2 John 8; Revelation 22:12.

Believers are promised an inheritance. They become co-heirs with Christ and inherit the kingdom. Such inheritance undoubtedly, includes many facets some of which are a richer experience of life in the millenium and eternity; ruling with Christ and participation at his wedding feast; and possession of their promised rewards. See notes on inheritance and Matthew 5:5; Matthew 19:27-30; Matthew 25:34; Acts 20:32; Romans 8:16-17; Colossians 3:24-25; Hebrews 6:12; Hebrews 6:17; Hebrews 11:6-9; James 2:5; 1 Peter 3:8-9; Revelation 21:7.

Rewarded believers will reign with Christ; Matthew 19:27-29; Luke 19:17-19; Luke 22:29-30; Romans 8:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:1-3; 2 Timothy 2:12; Revelation 2:25-29; Revelation 3:21; Revelation 3:10; Revelation 20:4.

God will offer commendation and praise as a reward; Matthew 25:21; Matthew 25:23; Luke 12:8-9; Luke 19:17; John 12:26; 1 Corinthians 4:5; James 2:23; 1 Peter 1:7; 2 Peter 1:10-11; Revelation 3:5-6; Revelation 3:11-12.

Believers can store up Treasure in heaven; Matthew 6:19-21; Mark 10:21; Luke 12:32-33; 1 Timothy 6:17-19.

Those who overcome are promised special intimacy with Christ; Revelation 2:7; Revelation 2:17; see notes on manna.

Victor’s crowns or wreaths (stephanos), the prize (brabeion), awarded for victory in the games or military achievement will be awarded to believers for specific acts.

The imperishable wreath; 1 Corinthians 9:24-27. This wreath will be awarded for self-discipline and self-control or victory in fighting the battle with the flesh. It will apparently be awarded to those who fulfill Romans 8:4; Galatians 5:16; Galatians 5:25; and Ephesians 5:18. God honors those who labor according to his standards; 2 Timothy 2:5.

The wreath of rejoicing; Philippians 4:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:19. It appears that God will honor those who have faithfully labored at bringing people to Christ.

The wreath of righteousness; 2 Timothy 4:7-8. This wreath will be awarded to those who have loved Christ’s appearing. It is apparently for those who long for Christ’s return at the rapture and live their lives in view of that event. It also speaks of any believer wanting to meet the Lord face to face after having finished his life and having kept the faith.

The wreath of life; James 1:12; Revelation 2:10. This wreath will be awarded to those believers who persevere in suffering and trial, even to the point of death, and who love Christ. Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends; John 15:13.

The wreath of glory; 1 Peter 5:4. This wreath is awarded to those pastors and elders who are good shepherds and examples to their flocks. This is a reward for faithful service in discipling others.

Believers can lose their rewards and suffer loss at the judgment seat; 1 Corinthians 3:15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Colossians 3:23-25; 2 John 8. Believers can be disinherited because of disobedience; Hebrews 12:16-17.

Commendation and praise are denied to those who deny Christ; Matthew 10:32-33; Luke 12:8-9.

Rebellious, lazy and disobedient servants will not reign with Christ; Matthew 25:14-30; Luke 19:11-27; 2 Timothy 2:12.

Believers who remain carnal and out of fellowship will lose reward and suffer loss; John 15:6; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:21; Ephesians 5:5-6.

Believers who suffer loss of reward at the judgment seat will experience shame; 1 John 2:28.

There are numerous warnings in the New Testament regarding the loss of rewards; Hebrews 2:1-2; Hebrews 6:4-12; Hebrews 10:26-27; James 2:12-13; 2 John 8; Revelation 3:11. Believers are also warned to abstain from practicing certain sins in order not to lose their rewards; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:21; Ephesians 5:5-6; 2 Timothy 2:12.

While a believer may lose his reward through disobedience, energy of the flesh, and persistent carnality or reversionism, he can never lose his salvation; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15. The believer will not be condemned for sin as all sin was judged on the Cross; John 3:18; John 5:24; John 6:37; Romans 5:1; Romans 8:1; 1 Corinthians 11:32.

Thank you all sooo much I understand now. I was actually thinking about this question for a while but was shy to ask. Once again thank I appreciate you all so much.

Email: bjaksc@hotmail.com

I forgot to welcome you Brenda, on my first post..

I apologize dear sister, I'm getting old.. I think I'm in my 2nd childhood stage..




Joseph

Wow, Joyful Susan!!

Really good article! It went into a lot of detail, which blessed me.

P.S. I just came up with a dumb joke for you, but thought better of it! You were too young to remember it anyway!!

Excellent post! Thank you for all of this information. This is very comprehensive and explains it better than anything I've ever seen. Thx again!!!

Lisa I love you You made me LOL...which is an amazing thing for anyone to do right now ...thank you.

tell me your joke I am sure it is not dumb...but wait you re blonde right???

I just found that list!! I put something in google not even looking for anything that had to do with rewards...I do not even know how that list came up from what I was searching.... and I read it and could not move....all I could do was weep.....I have been weeping this whole time.....

heee heee Okay, here was the blonde joke....

I said that you should rename your article,
"Everything You Wanted to Know About Rewards But Were Afraid to Ask". (Remember that book title from the 70's????)

You see, I said that because it was so comprehensive.

Gee, come to think of it, it really wasn't that funny after all...

Love you too, sis!!

Ha!!! Yes I get it...I think a friend of mines mom had that book and we snuck it into her room one night to read it :)and yes it was the 70's and very comprehensive.... oh goodness the 70's is a time I was not storing up treasures in heaven!

Of course I am talking about the reward book.....

that list is something else huh? I am glad I found it.... I need it to remind me to stay in line :) no seriously reading it touched me deep inside...I thought I would share it....

& a big WELCOME, Brenda R.!

Here's a gold star & a purple jelly bean for coming out of the shadows:

Wow, so you're heard of that book! The comprehensiveness of your article reminded me of that title...

It really blessed me, too! (Your article, not the book!)

hahahaha!!! I am glad it blessed you....Thank You Jesus for blessing Lisa....

How are you feeling????

Well, definitely NOT the Runner's Crown for me. For that, I'll be getting the Faller's Crown, for sure. Or, I might get crowned. J/K.

But, likely the Watcher’s Crown. I've been watching since 1970.

I’m hoping our Lord does something special for PK's. That’s been it's own special "blessing".

Well, at least I get to watch my parents get the Shepherd's Crown. That will be great.

I've always wondered about the Soulwinner's Crown — whether just a few count, or it is a large amount.

My music & web work have been seen & heard around the world for years, so who KNOWS the effects of that?! Looking forward to finding out.

Thanks for asking, sis...I have my good days and bad days. I didn't feel up to going to work today...but I feel pretty good right now, praise God!!

Maybe yuo are a night owl and should get a job at night :)

have you seen the doctor yet? sorry If I have lost track of time..... I am entering into finals at school....

Don't mean to butt in, but we're still for you every time we see your name, Leenie. Hang in there!

p.s. I thought your joke was hilarious.

Actually, Joyful Susan, I'm a morning person. I used to have a night job as a nurse, and I was a walking zombie!!

I saw the doctor last Thursday, and he took some blood tests, checking for anemia, hormonal imbalance, and thyroid. I should get the results this Friday.

TN Dove, thank you so much for your prayers! And I'm glad you liked my blonde joke!!

Did he give any expert advise to help you until friday?

I apppreciate you and TN Dove's prayers and encouragement!!

No, my doctor didn't give me any advice until the test results come in, but the doctor in Critical Care told me to get some natural hormones, so that's what I've been taking.

P.S. Good luck on your finals!!

oh good are they helping? Pray over them when you take them..I remember that being in Charles capps book the power of positive confession :)

I just know that God is going to take care of you Lisa.... hang in there and fight the good fight of faith.... I think that comprehensive list says there is a reward for suffering and enduring...yay.....

are you able to take these days off? I will pray favor at work for you...

oh goodness I hope you are ok talking about this.... I am working on a project for school and toggling back and forth and I jsut thought about how you just like to have fun and no serious stuff right now.....

Thanks, Susan!! I think they're helping! It never occured to me to pray over them, but that's a pretty good idea!

Oh, my goodness...Charles Capps!! I hadn't thought about him in years! That's a blast from the past!

No, I like serious, too. I appreciate people expressing concern. I also love to joke around as well..laughing helps me to forget my troubles!

OOOOOOhhhhhh A reward for suffering and enduring???? I've done that all my life!! Dust off my crown, Lord!

Oh good I am so glad.....I am getting frustrated now with this project!! I could not type on the form I was trying to design.... hmmm I thought my keybord was not working or something....

I better concentrate on that so I can go to sleep.....

you sound (read) soooo much better...I just know you are almost there....dont give up... Your miracle is just right there....and you can do it I know you can....

I will have to check on you this friday :) be sure to let us know how it goes..... you have soooo many people praying for you right now and the angels are on assignment fighting off the enemy right now.... thats how special you are :)

Good night sweet sleep to you :)

Wow, what you said just blessed me, thanks, sis!! Your encourament just made my day!!

Have a good night's sleep!!

You're not going to be popping in later now, are you?? You remind me of a kid peeking in the living room on Christmas Eve after her parents put her to sleep...

you got me :) I could of had this project done at 8pm if I had stayed off of here...ok going back and deleting it and starting over again!!!

I am so glad that blessed you.... I am not feeling very annointed right now....lol

maybe in a week or so we can have a picnic in heaven.... wouldnt that be nice..

Hi BrendaR, the ladies have given you alot of excellent input, and welcome !

Dewey

Email: jmcdudes@hotmail.com

bttt I wanted to be sure Brenda R saw her big WELCOME!

Oh and welcome Brenda...I am so glad you came to RITA.... this thread was used to change me....Thank You Jesus...Who was and is and is to come...

Welcome Brenda- hugs.