Dear Gordon.

The Word of God (the Perfect) does not replace the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit abides in ever born again believer, and it is the Holy that illuminates script for the believer to understand.

Hi Gordon. What did Jesus mean when He said, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.” (John 14:12). What are the works that are the greater ones than those Jesus performed? Once you have answered me this question, we can elaborate some more on your post.

There are mainly two things you need to do.

I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. (Romans 12:1-2)

It means that you should go to the Lord in prayer and say to Him. “Lord, I am wholly and completely – spirit, soul and body – your possession. Let your will be done in my life. Use me whenever and wherever it pleases you.

And then, daily live a holy life unto the Lord by not being conformed to the rudiments of this world. Study God’s word and let it renew your mind to teach you the good, acceptable, and perfect will of God. Remember, when you give something to the Lord, He WILL take it and use it to his glory.

Indeed, Jesus has dealt permanently with our sins on the cross. It is finished (Tetekestai). He will deal with our works at the Bema throne judgment with his consuming fire (Deut 4:24; Hebr 12:29).

Dear Bic

The BEMA seat of Christ or Judgement Seat of Christ takes place in heaven, and the judge at the BEMA seat is Jesus Christ Himself and this happens immediately following the rapture of the Bride of Christ See (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17; 1 Corinthians 15:51-52).

Note, that those who deny the rapture of the bride of Christ also deny the Judgement Seat of Christ and henceforth believe they are actually unsaved and will be judged at the resurrection to the Great White Throne Judgment (John 5:29; Romans 14:10-12; Revelation 20:11-151).

At this BEMA seat or tribunal which is Jesus Christ Himself (2 Corinthians 5:10; John 5:22; Romans 14:10) believers works will be made manifest; each believer will receive rewards according to what works he has done, whether it be good or bad while on earth. There they will receive rewards for their faithfulness to the Lord, but for everything done by, or though, the flesh contrary to God’s will they will suffer loss of rewards. (1 Corinthians 3:15).

The purpose of the BEMA seat is to make a public manifestation of the motives of the each born again Christian. “Every man’s work shall be made manifest” (1 Corinthians 3:13-15). The believer’s works are brought into judgment or into question; these are called “the things done in his body” (2 Corinthians 5:10), in order that it may be determined whether they are good or bad.

This judgment is not to determine what is good or evil, but rather that which is acceptable and that which is worthless/unprofitable to the work of Jesus Christ.

The results of the BEMA seat judgment are too determined 2 things:
1) a reward received or
2) a reward lost.

All our works will be tested by fire. If a believer’s work remains undamaged by the fire, he receives rewards. If a believer’s work does not endure the fire, and is consumed in the fire, then he shall suffer loss of a reward.

1 Corinthians 3:13-15 “13 Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.”

Everything a believer has devoted himself to in this life (those things done in his own strength and for his own glory) shall be burnt up suddenly. “If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire.” (1 Corinthians 3:15).

It is important to notice that such a man does not suffer the loss of his salvation, nor is this a judgement of his sin, but the loss of reward for his works. The stress is not on a man’s relationship to Christ, but upon service to Jesus Christ.

— Recourse: Liberty Bible Commentary, Volume II, pp. 421-422.

The main reason for this is very simple, no man can enter heaven on or through his own works of the flesh, but on the Will of God alone.

Do not be afraid, it will be a glorious day :yahoo:

Danielle Woodard

According to the Bible there are five crowns you may win.

1) The crown of life for those who endure suffering and temptation (Revelation 2:10; James 1:12).
2) The crown of glory for the shepherds (pastors and elders) who are faithful in giving their flocks the right food (and not a load of heresies and lies) (1 Peter 5:4).
3) The crown of righteousness for those who love and wait for his appearing at the Rapture (2 Timothy 4:8).
4) The crown of rejoicing for winning souls to Christ (1 Thessalonians 2:19).
5) An incorruptible crown for those who gain victory over their carnal nature (1 Corinthians 9:25).