C R P
Development
of Thesis 105 to >94.0 pts
Advanced
Paper demonstrates advanced
research skills; interacts critically
with ref. works, primary, and
scholarly sources; demonstrates
substantial exegetical analysis of
pertinent biblical texts; consists of
3,000–3,500 words; begins with a
precise claim that is developed
cogently, and climaxes with a
strong persuasive conclusion.
94 to >83.0 pts
Proficient
Paper demonstrates
proficient research skills;
interacts critically with
primary and scholarly
sources; demonstrates
some exegetical analysis
of pertinent biblical texts;
consists of a minimal of
3,000 words; climaxes
with a strong conclusion.
83 to >0.0 pts
Developing
Paper lacks
substantial
research,
exegetical analysis
of key biblical
texts, and critical
interaction with
scholarly sources.
Body of paper
consists of less
than 3,000 words.
0 pts
Not
Present
105
pts
Grammar 15 to >13.0 pts
Advanced
Contains no major or minor
grammatical errors. • Shows an
awareness of subject-verb
agreement, tense agreement, and
all other nuances of good English
grammar. • Sentences are
coherent, complete, fluent, unified,
and varied.
13 to >11.0 pts
Proficient
Contains a few minor
grammatical errors. • In
most cases, shows an
awareness of
subject-verb agreement,
tense agreement, and all
other nuances of good
English grammar.
11 to >0.0 pts
Developing
Contains several
major and minor
grammatical errors.
• In several cases,
lacks an
awareness of
subject-verb
agreement, tense
agreement, and
other nuances of
good English
grammar.
0 pts
Not
Present
15 pts
Spelling 15 to >13.0 pts
Advanced
Spelling is correct and consistent.
13 to >11.0 pts
Proficient
Contains a few spelling
errors.
11 to >0.0 pts
Developing
Contains several
spelling errors.
0 pts
Not
Present
15 pts
Formatting 15 to >13.0 pts
Advanced
Completely conforms to the
Research Paper Instructions and
Turabian Style Guide. No
formatting errors.
13 to >11.0 pts
Proficient
Conforms to the
Research Paper
Instructions but contains
a few Turabian-related
formatting errors
11 to >0.0 pts
Developing
Does not
completely
conform to the
Research Paper
Instructions and
contains several
Turabian-related
formatting errors.
0 pts
Not
Present
15 pts
Research Paper: Final Submission Grading Rubric |
THEO313_B01_202220
C R P
Total Points: 150
Research Paper: Final Submission Grading Rubric |
THEO313_B01_202220
THEO 313
Page 1 of 2
RESEARCH PAPER: FINAL SUBMISSION ASSIGNMENT INSTRUCTIONS
TOPIC JUDGMENT SEATS OF CHRIST
OVERVIEW
The final submission of your research paper should demonstrate the systematic research of a
topic related to the Person and Work of Jesus Christ. Keep in mind the following important
reminders about this research paper. First, research is the objective, systematic search for suitable
authoritative information about a precisely specified topic. Second, the findings of this research
will be presented as a paper that brings the information together and answers the research
question in a clear, persuasive, and systematic manner.
INSTRUCTIONS
Specific Instructions for the Research Paper are as follows:
You will write a 3,000–3,500-word research paper on an approved topic. In addition to
thoroughly analyzing the topic,
The specified page and word count refers to the main body of the paper only (it does not
include the title page, contents/outline, bibliography, or appendices). While you may
include an outline page, it is not required.
The paper must be typed in Times New Roman 12-point font, be double spaced with 1-
inch margins, and include a title page, footnotes, and a bibliography per current Turabian
format.
Include at least 10 scholarly sources (excluding Bible and textbooks).
The style must follow current Turabian format.
Criteria for Evaluation:
The research paper will be evaluated according to—but not limited to—the following criteria:
1. Structure/Organization: The paper is well-organized, using subheadings to indicate
major topics. The paper is built on coherent topical paragraphs that lead to the overall
cohesiveness of the paper and culminates with a strong/persuasive conclusion. The paper
is formatted according to current Turabian format.
2. Content: The body of the paper is within the criteria of 3,000–3,500 words. The length
does not include the title page, contents/outline, bibliography, or appendices. The paper
contains an appropriately placed, precise thesis statement; demonstrates serious and
critical interaction with at least 10 sources (to include primary and scholarly sources);
clearly focuses on the topic; and demonstrates an acute understanding of the topic. Each
premise is substantially supported by salient biblical texts, primary sources, secondary
sources, and essential reference works.
3. Grammar/Mechanics: The paper contains no major or minor grammatical errors. It
shows an awareness of subject-verb agreement, tense agreement, and all other nuances of
good English grammar. Spelling, punctuation, and grammar are correct and consistent.
Sentences are coherent, complete, fluent, unified, and varied. The paper conforms to
THEO 313
Page 2 of 2
current Turabian format in all matters related to formatting, use of subheadings, footnote
citations, and bibliography entries.
The Right Methodology:
Depending on the topic you select your research paper may take one of the following
approaches:
1. Biblical Exegesis and Interpretation: In this case, your paper will consist of an
exegetical analysis of a particular biblical text. The biblical text must be manageable so
as to be adequately treated within the specified word count. For instance, you may want
to interpret Phil 2:5–11 or John 1:1–3 in order to discover some aspect of the Person of
Christ. You would conduct an exegetical analysis of the biblical passage and related
biblical texts. The Biblical Exegesis and Interpretation approach must follow the
prescribed steps in the exegetical process. This would be an inductive approach to Bible
study (i.e., Inductive Bible Study).
2. Biblical Theology: You may want to approach your topic inductively by exploring its
major theological development within the canon of Scripture. For instance, you may trace
the development of the concept of the Trinity throughout the Old and New Testaments.
Furthermore, you may concentrate on either Old Testament theology or New Testament
theology.
3. Historical Theology: You may want to explore a given topic such as the hypostatic
union of the two natures of Christ or the Nicene Creed. In this case, you would set the
limits of your inquiry so as to be manageable within the confine of the paper. You would
also delimit your objects of inquiry.
Note: Your assignment will be checked for originality via the Turnitin plagiarism tool.
1
Judgment Seat of Christ
Students Name:
Institution:
Course:
Instructor:
Date:
2
Introduction
The judgment seat of Christ is also known as the Bema, and it occurs after the rapture before the
second coming. Apostle Paul introduced the seat of Christ or Bema in two different passages of
his letters to Corinthians and the Romans, i.e., 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Romans 14:10, 12. Bema
was a place where a judge would hand out rewards or losses. The same as the seat of Christ,
Apostle Paul says that everyone will appear in front of the seat of Christ and receive a reward or
suffer a loss according to their deeds, whether good or bad. “We must all appear before the
judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10), and there we shall receive a reward! (1 Corinthians
3:14), or we shall “suffer loss” (1 Corinthians 3:15) according to the kind of Christians we have
been.” Romans 14:10 also states, “You, then, why do you judge your brother or sister? Or why do
you treat them with contempt? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat…So then, each
of us will give an account of himself to God. The judgment seat of Christ is meant for those who
believe in the Lord (the believers or Christians), and it is not meant to judge those who go to heaven
or not since, after salvation, everyone is forgiven according to Psalm 103:10-12. The reward is
based on the believer's deed of being Christ's ambassador. This paper entails a comprehensive
discussion of the Judgment Seats of Christ adopting an exegetical approach.
Judgment Seat of Christ is a New Testament doctrine that is very popular; however, it is highly
misinterpreted. The term judgment is translated from the Greek text, which makes people relate
the judgment seat of Christ with the general judgment that decides those that go to heaven or not.
There are also numerous ambiguities on the nature and purpose of judgment in Bema. This
ambiguity results in confusion and misconception regarding the judgment seat of Christ. The
common misconception regarding the doctrine is that the judgment might result in believers
receiving retribution for their unfaithfulness or their sins committed in their lifetime. However, the
actual intention of the judgment seat of Christ does not involve offering retribution; rather, it is
3
focused on rewarding and eternal ramifications. There is no punishment in the judgment seat of
Christ. Instead of getting punished, the believers will get rewarded or lose some rewards depending
on their conduct in their lifetime. This has been ascertained in the book of revelation on the return
of the lord "Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man
according to what he has done” Rev 22:12
People who have accepted the Lord (the believers or Christians) are promised to be gifted with
salvation. Apart from the promised salvation, the believers reap other rewards regarding how they
left their Christian lives. It is of great importance to understand the nature of these rewards to avoid
the great misconception that has been highly circulated. The Bible states that believers should
serve the Lord out of love and for HIS glory, which raises concerns that the rewards of being a
faithful Christian would reap the rewards in terms of merit only rather than grace.
1
. Despite the
misconceptions, believers serve God out of love and for His glory. Understanding the nature of
the rewards serves to help as serve HIM diligently. God provides believers with the means of doing
HIM as stated in Colossians 1:29 "And for this purpose also I labor, striving according to His
power, which mightily works within me."
The two judges in the Bible
The scriptures have described two different judgments, namely the judgment seat of Christ and the
great white throne judgment. The judgment seat of Christ is where believers in Christ the Lord
will be judged regarding how they have lived their Christian life. They have to appear before the
Lord and be judged on good and bad. However, this judgment on believers does not condemn any
1
Walton, Frank. “Battle Creek Church Of Christ,” 2020. https://battlecreekcoc.org/wp-
content/uploads/2020/05/Battle-Creek-Bulletin-3-22-20.pdf.
4
of them into eternal punishment. The judgment is based on rewarding the deeds according to goods
done or reducing the reward regarding their deeds. Jesus will pass the judgment as the right to
judge has been granted to him by his father GOD (John 5:27). The judgment will be for both the
living and the dead, where the dead will be resurrected and given incorruptible bodies, and the
living will be given other bodies for eternal life after judgment.
2
.
On the other hand, the Great White Throne Judgment is intended for those that do not believe in
(trust) Jesus Christ. According to john 3:18, non-believers have already been condemned for not
believing in the Lord. Non-believers are regarded as unsaved as they do not benefit from having
their sins forgiven from the death of Jesus of the cross. The great white throne judgment is
described as brilliant. The judgment will be passed on by the Lord God Almighty himself on the
entire history of unsaved people.
3
. The judgment will be passed according to what they have done.
Despite the unsaved being non-believers, the people whose actions advocate the good, glory, and
honor, God will grant them eternal life. Those who do evil and are self-seeking will inherit God’s
wrath and anger (Romans 2:6-10, 13, 16). The judgment is carried on all the dead, the living the
small and old and they are judged depending on their actions during lifetime "And I saw the dead,
great and small, standing before the throne…The dead were judged according to what they had
done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead …and each person was judged according
to what they had done” Revelation 20:12-13.
2
Chitwood, Arlen L. Judgment Seat of Christ. Lamp Broadcast, Incorporated, 1986.
3
Wilkin, Robert N. "The day" is the judgment seat of Christ." Journal of the Grace Evangelical
Society 20, no. 39 (2007): 3-15.
5
The Meaning of the Judgment (Bema) Seat of christ
The word judgment is translated from the Greek word Bema. Bema was a platform where the
roman magistrate of Judge would sit and pass sentences or rewards during the Greek athletics
contests (the isthmian games). The participants, mainly the victors who competed somewhat,
observing all the stipulated rules, were rewarded with a laurel wreath. Since those contestants taken
to Bema were all victors, they were merited according to their faithfulness in following the
stipulated rule or demerited according to their use of crooked means to win. They were not
punished; however, they were not rewarded. The judgment seat of Christ works in a similar manner
where Bema was meant for athletes’ judgment seat of Christ is intended for specific people, i.e.,
the believers.
4
.
The believers are rewarded according to their deeds, and they are not punished for their sins but
instead their loss some of the privileges/rewards “And with you, Lord, is unfailing love”; and,
“You reward everyone according to what they have done” Psalm 62:12. The main reason behind
not punishing believers is the analogy where Christ died on the cross, which totally paid for all the
sins of the believers. Various writings in the Bible teach that those who believe in the Lord shall
not be condemned or judged. They are saved from eternal condemnation. John 3:18 teaches that
“The one who believes in him is not condemned. The one who does not believe has been
condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the one and only Son of God.”
John 5:24 asserts that “… the one who hears my message and believes the one who sent me has
4
Hoyt, Samuel L. "The judgment seat of Christ and unconfessed sins: the judgment seat of Christ
in theological perspective; part 1." Bibliotheca Sacra 137, no. 545 (1980): 32-40.
6
eternal life and will not be condemned.” John 6:37 asserts that “Everyone whom the Father gives
me will come to me, and the one who comes to me I will never send away.”
Apostle Paul asserts that all the believers shall appear before the front judgment seat of Christ
account for their life and be judged in that account during the judgment. The judgment will be
passed in regard to the good or bad the person has done in their Christian life (2 Corinthians 5:10
and Romans 14:10). The same judgment in relation to one's deeds is ascertained by Mathew, who
says that "For the Son of Man is going to come in His Father's glory with His angels, and then He
will reward each person according to what He has done" (Matthew 16:27).
Occurrence of the judgment
According to various scriptures, the judgment seat of Christ will take place immediately after the
resurrection of the church. The resurrection or the rapture is the process that involves the
resurrection of the dead as Jesus resurrected on the third day after his death on the cross. The
resurrection will be commanded by the Lord using God's trumpet. The sound of the trumpet will
raise the dead, and the living will be raised in the air to meet him and descend to heaven.
5
.
“For the Lord himself will come down from heaven with a shout of command, with the
voice of the archangel, and with the trumpet of God, and the dead in Christ will rise
first. 17 Then we who are alive, who are left, will be suddenly caught up together with
them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air” 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18.
5
Aune, David Edward, Janice Capel Anderson, Claudia Setzer, Philip Harl Sellew, and Calvin J.
Roetzel. "The judgement seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5.10)." Pauline conversations in
context (2002): 68-86.
7
After the resurrection, the believers will ascend to heaven with the Lord, and it will be after this
that the examination before the seat of Christ will happen. After the judgment, rewarding will
follow accordingly. Various scriptures have given a hint that the occurrence of judgment will
follow these steps; for instance, in Luke 14:12-14, it states that when one has a banquet, instead of
inviting the rich that can repay by inviting you back, invite the poor for this will paid at the
resurrection "invite the poor, the disabled, the lame, and the blind. Then you will be blessed
because they cannot repay you, for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
The reward is associated with the day of resurrection. In second Timothy 4:8, it states that the
crown is reserved for those who believe in him and walk the path of righteousness. And the crown
will be granted on that day of resurrection. According to 1 Corinthians 4:5, the Lord will come and
reveal the motives of the hearts, and each will be rewarded. This rewarding is associated with the
coming of Jesus, which is during the resurrection. For the judgment to be passed, people will have
to be resurrected first, then judgment, and finally, rewarding follows. The judgment will occur in
heaven since everyone will be salved from eternal condemnation and enjoy everlasting salvation.
6
.
Participants and Purpose
The judgment seat of Christ is preserved for those who believe in Christ and his teachings. These
people were promised salvation from condemnation when God sent his only son Jesus and allowed
him to die on the cross for the sins of the world's people. Therefore those who believe in Jesus
have their sins forgiven and will be gifted with salvation, i.e., eternal life in heaven, while the non-
believers are condemned. For this reason, the Lord Jesus Christ is the one who will come for them
6
Wilkin, Robert N. "The day" is the judgment seat of Christ." Journal of the Grace Evangelical
Society 20, no. 39 (2007): 3-15.
8
during the day of resurrection where he sounds the God's trumpet that will raise the dead and the
living who believed in him and head to heaven before facing judgment.
7
. 1 Thessalonians 5:9-11
teaches that “For God did not destine us for wrath but for gaining salvation through our Lord Jesus
Christ. 10 He died for us so that whether we are alert or asleep, we will come to life together with
him.”
The rapture is focused on the church; therefore, the judgment seat of Christ will only involve
people since the time of Jesus on earth. The people of the Old Testament will not be included in
this resurrection. It is stated that after the judgment and rewarding of the church with crowns and
linen garments, they will return on earth together with the Lord Gad almighty to pass judgment on
the others.
8
. The second judgment will comprise the non-believers, including the saints of the Old
Testament.
The rapture will comprise all believers of Jesus Christ regardless of the state of their spirituality.
There are some beliefs and theories that there might be partial beliefs where some people may be
left out as a form of punishment, and only those in fellowship with the Lord will rapture. Such is
not stated in the scriptures, and therefore it is not valid. The rapture will involve all believers since
Jesus paid for their sins which he died on the cross (1 Thessalonians 5:9-11). This means that all
their sins are forgiven; however, during rewarding, they will have their rewards increased or
reduced according to their deeds in their Christian life.
7
Ravenhill, Leonard. The Judgment Seat of Christ. Last Days Ministries, 1983.
https://www.iteenchallenge.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/The-Judgment-Seat-Of-Christ.pdf
8
Altizer, John R. "Living for the Day: A Case for Interpreting Select'ΗΜ'ΕΡΑ Phrases as
References to the Judgment Seat of Christ." Ph.D. diss., Clarks Summit University, and
Baptist Bible Seminary, 2019
9
In a letter to Thessalonians, Apostle Paul states that the purpose of the resurrection is the
deliverance of the believers of Christ from the Wrath of God. He says that the resurrection will
involve those who are asleep or those that are awake. This statement is regarding spiritual and
moral awakening. The Greek words used in this statement mean physical sleep rather than physical
death. The term is also linked to spiritual apathy or carnal indifference to spiritual matters.
Therefore from this analogy, it can be concluded that Apostle Paul meant that the resurrection
would be for those who are spiritually awake or asleep yet are believers of Christ. However, they
will face judgment regarding their dealings on earth.
9
.
The purpose of the judgment seat of Christ is not punishing us since they are already paid for
through the death of Jesus on the cross. Instead, it serves to evaluate the quality of work done by
every believer while on earth on matters concerning Jesus’ teachings and leading a faithful life.
This work is assessed on issues, whether good or bad, to ascertain whether they are acceptable,
meaning they deserve to be rewarded or unacceptable and do not deserve to be rewarded.
The other purpose of removal of unacceptable sinful traits, which in the scriptures are portrayed
as stable, hay, and wood. These sinful traits that are unworthy of reward are consumed by fire.
This is in the preparation of the resurrected believers to be worthy of walking with Christ in heaven.
9
Skorupski, Jeffrey W., and BBTS Fall Lecture Series. "The Judgment Seat of Christ." (2011).
http://www.bbc-cromwell.org/Lectures/2011/FALL/3-
The%20Judgment%20Seat%20of%20Christ.pdf
10
Finally, the other purpose is rewarding believers for their good deeds done during their lifetime as
Christian. The good deeds are portrayed by valuable symbols such as precious stones, gold, and
silver. These valuables can withstand the test of sire without being destroyed.
10
.
The Basis of Judgment
The judgment will require the believers to God before the judgment seat of Christ and give an
account of their lives on earth. Various scriptures have illustrated some of the accountability
questions that each believer should ask themselves.
Have the believer left according to Gods Glory (2 Corinthians 5:15)
How have the believer used their time on earth (John 9:4)
How have the believers used their possessions (Matthew 6:19-21)
Have the believers sought the salvation of the lost (2 Corinthians 5:11)
The believer should account for their faithfulness in prayer (Luke 18:1)
The believers should account for the words spoken (Matthew 12:36)
They should account for their attitude towards others (Romans 12:10)
The believers have to account for their work (1 Corinthians 3:13)
Gifts to be received
The rewards to be granted to the believers according to the good deeds or traits represented by
valuables such as gold, precious stones, and silver are discussed below.
10
Baird, James M. "The Judgment Seat of Christ." (2019).
https://www.thirdmill.org/articles/jim_baird/jam_baird.Missions.03.pdf
11
The crown symbolizes victory, responsibility, and authority. The crown was depicted as a crown
by Timothy when he says, "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the
faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge,
will award to me on that day - and not only to me but also to all who have longed for His appearing"
(2 Timothy 4:7).
Names of the righteous, the believers that have overcome the tests of life and maintained their
belief in the teachings of Christ will be written in the book of life, be clothed with white garments,
and be acknowledged before GOD. It is written in Revelation 3:4,5 that “He who overcomes shall
be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will
confess his name before My Father and before His angels.”
The position of honor is a reward that every believer will be gifted with as they will possess the
title of the children of God. In the teachings of Jesus, he promised that he would acknowledge all
those that confess Him to others before God his father “Therefore whoever confesses Me before
humanity, I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven (Matthew 10:32).”
The believers who overcome the judgment trials by doing good deeds are promised to get special
blessings and treats such as eating from the fruit of life. “The one who conquers, I will permit him
to eat from the tree of life that is in the paradise of God… will in no way be harmed by the second
death…. I will give him some of the hidden manna, and I will give him a white stone, and on that
stone will be written a new name that no one can understand except the one who receives it….I
will give him authority over the nations” Rev. 2:7; 2:11, 17, 26.
12
Conclusion
The judgment seat of Christ is a doctrine that involves the judgment of the believers according to
the deeds during their lifetime as Christians. It occurs after the rapture before the second coming.
Apostle Paul introduced the seat of Christ or Bema in two different passages of his letters to
Corinthians and the Romans, i.e., 2 Corinthians 5:10 and Romans 14:10, 12. The believers follow
the teachings of Christ, and their sins are forgiven following the death of Christ on the cross. This
had their sins forgiven. The judgment does not involve punishing the wrongdoings. It is based on
the New Testament and involves people who have died during the church age and change the
bodies of those still alive. The judgment will consist of rewards for faithful service. The rewards
include crown, names written in the book of life, honor-issued position, and access to special
blessings and treats.
13
References
Walton, Frank. “Battle Creek Church Of Christ,” 2020. https://battlecreekcoc.org/wp-
content/uploads/2020/05/Battle-Creek-Bulletin-3-22-20.pdf.
Chitwood, Arlen L. Judgment Seat of Christ. Lamp Broadcast, Incorporated, 1986.
Baird, James M. "The Judgment Seat of Christ." (2019).
https://www.thirdmill.org/articles/jim_baird/jam_baird.Missions.03.pdf
Skorupski, Jeffrey W., and BBTS Fall Lecture Series. "The Judgment Seat of Christ." (2011).
http://www.bbc-cromwell.org/Lectures/2011/FALL/3-
The%20Judgment%20Seat%20of%20Christ.pdf
Altizer, John R. "Living for the Day: A Case for Interpreting Select'ΗΜ'ΕΡΑ Phrases as
References to the Judgment Seat of Christ." Ph.D. diss., Clarks Summit University, and
Baptist Bible Seminary, 2019.
Ravenhill, Leonard. The Judgment Seat of Christ. Last Days Ministries, 1983.
https://www.iteenchallenge.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/The-Judgment-Seat-Of-
Christ.pdf
Hoyt, Samuel L. "The judgment seat of Christ and unconfessed sins: the judgment seat of Christ
in theological perspective; part 1." Bibliotheca Sacra 137, no. 545 (1980): 32-40.
Parker, Gary Wayne. "Biblical Change Through Eternal Hope: Implications of the Judgment Seat
of Christ on Biblical Counseling." Ph.D. diss., Master's College, Santa Clarita, Calif., 2010.
Hoyt, Samuel L. "The negative aspects of the Christian's judgment: the judgment seat of Christ in
theological perspective; part 2." Bibliotheca Sacra 137, no. 546 (1980): 125-132.
14
Wilkin, Robert N. "The day" is the judgment seat of Christ." Journal of the Grace Evangelical
Society 20, no. 39 (2007): 3-15.
Aune, David Edward, Janice Capel Anderson, Claudia Setzer, Philip Harl Sellew, and Calvin J.
Roetzel. "The judgement seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5.10)." Pauline conversations in
context (2002): 68-86.
