![]() At the end of the Tribulation, Jesus Christ will return to earth accompanied by the Church to set up His Kingdom on the earth. With the Church in Heaven following the Rapture, the earth will undergo an unprecedented time of divine judgment known as the Tribulation, which will last for seven years. The nature of this event, whether it includes the bestowal of positive rewards and/or negative punishments, is largely the focus of this book. This event is called the Judgment Seat of Christ or Bema (the Greek word for this seat). While in Heaven, each believer who comprises Christ’s Church will stand individually before Jesus Christ to have his or her post-justification life and good works evaluated in order to determine the believer’s eternal reward. When it happens it will be instantaneous and will involve every member of Christ’s body, the Church (whether deceased or still living), being bodily resurrected to meet Christ in the air and then being taken back to Heaven to be with the Lord forever. This event is imminent, meaning that it could happen at any moment. The next event on God’s prophetic calendar is the Rapture of the Church. ![]() Since these events are discussed frequently throughout this book, a basic understanding of the order and terminology of these events will be helpful. Perhaps you are reading this book and you are not familiar with key future prophetic events such as the Rapture, Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema), Tribulation, Second Coming, Wedding Feast, Millennium, Kingdom, and so on. ![]() But before explaining each view, it is important to lay a little groundwork. Like you would expect, there are several views in answer to this important, multifaceted question, though they ultimately boil down to either “Yes” or “No”! This chapter will introduce you to each view with representative quotes from supporters of each position. Should unfaithful Christians (not unbelievers) fear punitive damages (not just a lack of reward) at the future Judgment Seat of Christ (when Jesus Christ comes back and the believer’s post-justification life is examined), that include being cast into outer darkness (whether actual or figurative) and experiencing wailing and gnashing of teeth (resulting from deep regret or remorse)? The main question this book 1 seeks to ask and answer may be summarized below:
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