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NASB | 1 Corinthians 15:42 ¶ So also is the resurrection of the dead. It is sown a perishable body, it is raised an imperishable body; |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 15:42 ¶ So it is with the resurrection of the dead. The [human] body that is sown is perishable and mortal, it is raised imperishable and immortal. [Dan 12:3] |
Bible Question: So then we are ushered into heaven without being judged? I believe we were judged at the cross. Some of my friends say we will all sleep until the rapture and then we will be judged at the Bema Seat of Christ. I believe the moment we die we see Jesus. (saved people) |
Bible Answer: You are correct that we were judged at the cross. The idea of the soul "sleeping" until the rapture might be a comfort to those who are not sure they will be going to heaven. But the fact is that our conciousness never is annihilated nor does it sleep. Many examples can be given to support this. First, the theif on the cross with Christ. Luke 23:42 Then he said, "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom." 43 Jesus answered him, "I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise." He didn't say, "today you will go to sleep until I come again!" Also examine the story of St. Stephen (the first martyr to die for the faith) in Acts 6-8. 7:59 "While they were stoning him, Stephen prayed, "Lord Jesus, receive my spirit." The judgement to come at the time of the rapture is a judgement of our works. We have already been guarenteed a seat in heaven by accepting Christ as our Savior. Christ will examine your obedience and your service while on earth at the rapture and we will be given crowns according to our works. However, we will cast our crowns at the feet of Christ in adoration and worship of him. 1 Corinithians 4:5 Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God. 2 Timothy 4:7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 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. We have no need to be judged according to whether we are Christians or not a second time because the blood of Christ is sufficent for us. I am sure you have heard the worship song that goes, "oh, precious is the flow/that washes white as snow." In addition, "Bema Seat" is not even in the Bible. It sounds like your friends might be Jehovah's Witnesses? Do they also have a problem with the Trinity? There are some great resources out there to help you in witnessing or at least having a discourse with them. I reccomend "The Bible Answer Man" radio program and the associated website, www.equip.org they have a ton of free and for sale resources about this exact topic. It's worth checking out. Good luck to you! Love- Amber_G |