Definition of bema

2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat [Greek: bema] of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.

The bema judgment is not open to the unsaved. The bema judgment is only for those who have been born again. We will not have our guilt or innocence judged at the bema judgment. The bema judgment is not the place where punishments will be given for sins committed. The bema seat is the place where Jesus will either give or withhold rewards.

Do not confuse the judgment seat of Christ with the bema judgment of sin

 
• What about "whether it be good or bad." Let's look at what those words mean in the original language:
 
 
• Good: Useful, beneficial, excellent, distinguished
 
• Bad: Easy, slight, ordinary, mean, worthless, of no account.
 
 
• These works will be tested by fire. What does the fire do? Revelation 2:18  
 
• The source of the power by which we do our work matters. The most important criteria is who did the work. Was it Christ in us or us who did the work?
 
• We will give an account for every idle word spoken. There are many words spoken that have no value. Only those words that come from the Father and that He speaks through us are of any value. All other words are idle or downright evil.  

1 Corinthians 3:11-17 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 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. If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. Know ye not that ye are the temple of God, and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you? If any man defile the temple of God, him shall God destroy; for the temple of God is holy, which temple ye are.

Only those works that are initiated and completed by the Holy Spirit will survive the fire. Many religious works will be burned up completely. Some were not led by God or else not done by the Holy Spirit working through us. They were by self effort (wood=humanity). Some were just fine until pride came in (hay=pride). Some were done in rebellion to God (stubble=sin). When we listen to the Holy Spirit, faith comes and faith gives us access to God's free gift (grace) including the free gift of righteousness. This righteousness, the Love of God, is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost. It is grace Who does the works in and through us. When we allow it, we are transfigured to be like Him (gold=deity). In the process, we are set free from Satan, and we set others free as well. Redemption is being set free. Set free from sin. Set free from habits. Set free from Satan and from our own sinful flesh. Set free from the influence of the culture. (silver=redemption) Every time we allow God to use us to build up another Christian to come higher in Christ or bring a person to be born again, this is a precious stone. (precious stones=believers).

The bema judgment is not about whether we go to heaven or hell. That is already determined. "For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord." Romans 6:23 "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." John 3:16 "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Ephesians 2:8&9

The bema judgment is about rewards for those who have been born again and who hold the position of son.

And, behold, I come [both come and go] quickly [without delay]; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Revelations 3:11 "And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming." 1 John 2:28 "In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life." 1 Timothy 6:19 "Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." Matthew 5:11&12 "For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works." Matthew 16:27 "Knowing that whatsoever good thing any man doeth, the same shall he receive of the Lord, whether he be bond or free." Ephesians 6:8 "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing." 2 Timothy 4:7-8