Podcast Summary: Grace in Focus

Episode Title: What Is the Judgment Seat of Christ and How Should We Live in Light of it?
Date: December 29, 2025
Hosts: Bob Wilkin (B), Philippe Sterling (C)
Duration: 13 minutes
Theme: An exploration of the Judgment Seat of Christ (the Bema) in Christian eschatology, what it means for believers, scriptural foundations, and how this doctrine should shape Christian living.

Overview

This episode of Grace in Focus dives deep into the doctrine of the Judgment Seat of Christ (the Bema), a critical event in Christian eschatology where believers' lives and works will be evaluated by Christ for rewards, not for eternal salvation. Bob Wilkin and Philippe Sterling draw on New Testament references, theological implications, and practical applications, emphasizing how this future judgment ought to motivate Christians today.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Scriptural Foundations of the Judgment Seat of Christ

• Terminology & References (01:01–01:52):

  • The term “Judgment Seat of Christ” (Greek: bema) appears explicitly in 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 and Romans 14:10-12.

  • Other scriptural terms and phrases refer to this event: “the day”, “the day of Christ”, “the day of Lord Jesus”.

  • The word bema originally referred to ancient judicial platforms used for rendering judgments.

    “Judgment seat isn’t just a term related to Jesus judging Christians after this age is over. It was a term used throughout the New Testament to refer to a place where judgment took place.”
    —Bob Wilkin (01:52)

2. Nature and Purpose of the Judgment Seat (03:11–06:39)

• Purpose: Evaluation of a Christian’s works, words, and motives—not a judgment of sin, but of faithfulness for the purpose of reward and rulership with Christ.

• Key Texts:

  • Romans 14:10 — “We shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.”
  • 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 — “Each one may receive the things done in the body, whether good or bad.”

• Misconception Addressed: Some translations render “bad” as “worthless”, suggesting only “neutral” works are judged—not sinful ones. The hosts argue for the traditional “good or bad,” noting the Greek context.

  “Our works are going to be judged at the judgment seat of Christ, not as sins, but as works. And so if they're bad works, then they’re going to be part of the judgment. That means even though we’re forgiven, our bad works will come into play.”
  —Bob Wilkin (05:33)

• Words and Motives: Not just actions, but words (Matthew 12:37) and even hidden motives will be brought to light and evaluated.

  “Everything that is hidden will be brought to light, including our motives.”
  —Philippe Sterling (06:39)

3. How Will This Judgment Affect Believers? (07:20–10:40)

• Salvation vs. Reward: Eternal security is assured for all believers (e.g., John 3:16), but approval and levels of responsibility (i.e., rulership in the Kingdom) are not.

• Illustrative Parables:

  • Matthew 24: The fate of the just and unjust servants—faithful believers are rewarded, the unfaithful are rebuked.

  • Luke 19: Parable of the minas—distribution of rulership based on faithfulness.

  • The case of Demas (2 Timothy 4:9-10)—example of a believer losing reward through worldliness.

    “It's not going to just be an awards ceremony... Not everybody is going to rule and reign. Not everybody is going to be told, ‘Well done.’”
    —Bob Wilkin (08:25)

• Performance Review Analogy: The Bema functions like an end-of-life performance review—results can be reward, promotion, or missed opportunities, but not loss of salvation.

  “The bema in essence is a performance review for reward, for rulership, and also for spiritual health.”
  —Philippe Sterling (10:09)

4. Motivations for Christian Living in Light of the Bema (10:40–12:17)

• Possible Outcomes: Both commendation (“Well done, good and faithful servant”) and rebuke/shame are possible outcomes.

  • 1 John 2:28—believers can “shrink back in shame” at Christ’s coming.

• Five Motivations for Faithfulness:

  1. Love and gratitude—service as a thankful response to Christ.
  2. Sense of duty—serving the Creator is right.
  3. Desire for reward now—God also blesses faithfulness in this life.
  4. Fear of chastisement—avoiding God’s corrective discipline.
  5. Anticipation of the Bema—desire for praise, approval, and reward.

  “We want praise and approval and reward at the judgment seat of Christ. We don’t want shame and a rebuke.”
  —Bob Wilkin (11:26)

• Duration of Shame: Negative emotions at the Bema are temporary—believers will ultimately be joyful and content forever in glorified bodies, although some will experience greater reward.

  “It’s not like we’re going to be bummed out forever. ...We’ll be perfectly joyful and contented forever. But some people are going to have more abundant lives than others, right?”
  —Bob Wilkin (11:50)

5. When Will the Bema Occur? (12:17–12:36)

• Timing: The Judgment Seat of Christ takes place before Christ’s Millennial Kingdom.

• Possible Chronology: Some think it is during the seven-year Tribulation period (in heaven), others on earth just before the Kingdom.

  “Either way, we're going to appear before Christ and we're going to long to hear Him say, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’ Wouldn't that be great?”
  —Bob Wilkin (12:36)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “Judgment seat isn’t just a term related to Jesus judging Christians after this age is over. It was a term used throughout the New Testament to refer to a place where judgment took place.”
  —Bob Wilkin (01:52)

• “Our works are going to be judged at the judgment seat of Christ, not as sins, but as works. And so if they're bad works, then they’re going to be part of the judgment.”
  —Bob Wilkin (05:33)

• “Everything that is hidden will be brought to light, including our motives.”
  —Philippe Sterling (06:39)

• “The bema in essence is a performance review for reward, for rulership, and also for spiritual health.”
  —Philippe Sterling (10:09)

• “It’s not going to just be an awards ceremony... Not everybody is going to rule and reign. Not everybody is going to be told, ‘Well done.'”
  —Bob Wilkin (08:25)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 00:00–01:00 – Episode intro, seminary and conference info
• 01:01–03:11 – What is the Judgment Seat of Christ? Scriptural background
• 03:11–06:39 – How believers will be evaluated: works, words, and motives
• 07:20–10:40 – Rewards, rulership, and loss; parables and performance review analogy
• 10:40–12:17 – What motivates faithful Christian living and potential for temporary rebuke/shame
• 12:17–12:45 – Timing of the Bema and encouragement to live in anticipation

Conclusion

Bob Wilkin and Philippe Sterling clearly distinguish between justification (eternal salvation) and sanctification (Christian living), urging believers to live in anticipation of the Bema. This future evaluation by Christ is not a threat to salvation, but a call to faithfulness, spiritual growth, and preparation for reward and meaningful service in the life to come.

Final Charge:

“Live in light of Christ’s soon return.”
—Philippe Sterling (12:17)

For further study and resources, visit faithalone.org.