Part II Misinterpretation of the two judgments Two Events — One Misreading — Two Thousand Years of Confusion These chapters examine why two distinct divine judgments have so often been collapsed into one — with grave doctrinal consequences — and how the original Greek word bema , carved in stone on an Athenian hillside, unlocks Paul's precise and deliberate meaning. I The Core Confusion: Two Distinct Events Collapsed Into One The mixing of the Bema Seat (for believers) and the Great White Throne / Sheep & Goats judgment (for all nations / unbelievers) is not a minor hermeneutical slip. It has profound doctrinal consequences . When these two events are blended together, the result is almost always a corruption of the gospel itself. What Gets Lost The finished work of Christ is subtly undermined — salvation begins to feel conditional on performance. Assurance of salvation is stol...
Part I Jesus' Judgment Seats Judgement - for Whom? — A Study in Three Passages These three passages form a powerful trio on the theme of divine judgment. Together they affirm that every person — believer or unbeliever — will one day stand before the Lord Jesus Christ and give account of their life. They call us to live wisely, humbly, and compassionately in the light of eternity. 2 Cor 5:10 The Bema Seat of Christ "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." — 2 Corinthians 5:10 What is the "Judgment Seat"? In the Greek, the word for "judgment seat" is “Bema” — a raised platform in the Greco-Roman world where a judge or official would sit to discuss decisions and form opinions on municipal and civil matters, or even revie...
From Reuben A. Torrey's book: "How to pray" From the Chapter: Praying and Obeying Psalm 145:18 throws a great deal of light on the question of how to pray. The Lord is near unto all those that call upon him, to all that call upon him in truth. That little expression "in truth" is worthy of study. If you will take your concordance and go through the Bible, you will find that this expression means “in reality” or “in sincerity.” The prayer that God answers is the prayer that is real — the prayer that asks for something that is sincerely desired. Much prayer is insincere. People ask for things that they do not want. Many women are praying for the conversion of their husbands who do not really want their husbands to be converted. They think they do, but if they knew what would be involved in the conversion of their husbands, how it would necessitate an entire change in their manner of doing business, and how consequently it would reduce th...