Reflection: Look back over the last several weeks of lessons. What has stood out in your mind? What is God impressing on you through the study?

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1 lesson six eternal rewards Background: Salvation is the gift of God. We are saved by grace through faith in Christ, not of our works so that no one may boast (Ephesians 2:8 10). However, the Scriptures tell us that there will be a day when each believer will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and give an account of his or her life on earth. Reflection: Look back over the last several weeks of lessons. What has stood out in your mind? What is God impressing on you through the study? The Marriage of the Lamb Marriage was instituted by God in the beginning, and its importance and literal intent was confirmed by Christ: Have you not read that He Who created them from the beginning made them male and female, and said, For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh? So they are no longer two, but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together let no man separate. (Matthew 19:4 6; Mark 10:6 12; Hebrews 13:4). Marriage is a gift from God and is to be monogamous, heterosexual, permanent, and honored. Jehovah s relationship with Israel [The Wife of Jehovah] in the Old Testament also pictures the wedding relationship, with a formal marriage contract (Deut 7:6-11; Ezekiel 16:1 14). Israel broke the contract by committing adultery (Ezekiel 16:15 34; Hosea 2:2 5; Jeremiah 3:1 5, 20; 31:32), followed by separation (Isaiah 50:1; Deuteronomy 24:1), divorce (Jeremiah 3:6 10; Isaiah 50:1), and punishment (Deuteronomy 28 30; Ezekiel 16:35 52; Hosea 2:6 13) during the exilic period, church age, and Tribulation. Yet Jehovah will remarry Israel and restore her blessings and joy in the future Millennial Kingdom (Jeremiah 31:31 34; Ezekiel 16:60 63; Isaiah 54:1 8; Hosea 2:14 23; Romans 11:25 32). Christ s relationship with the Church [The Bride of Christ] in the New Testament also depicts the wedding relationship with the father [God] of the groom [Christ] selecting the bride [Church] and making the covenant arrangements. Christ paid the dowry to purchase His Bride and is presently preparing a dwelling place or mansion in heaven while the Bride prepares herself with a gown of white linen [the righteous acts of the saints] and jewels of adornment [crowns] (Isaiah 61:10; Revelation 19:8). Soon the Groom will suddenly come from heaven for His Bride, snatch her up to heaven for the marriage ceremony and marriage feast at the Groom s home. These events beautifully illustrate biblical doctrine, as well as the love of God for His Bride. The Marriage of the Lamb Christ and His Church Event Doctrine Reference Father of Groom made arrangements, selects the Bride Election 2 Corinthians 11:2 Bridegroom pays the dowry Cross; Redemption; Justification Romans 5:8 Period of time the Bride prepares herself Church Age; Sanctification Ephesians 5:25 26 Groom suddenly comes for His Bride Rapture 1 Thessalonians 4:13 18 Marriage at the Groom s home In Heaven; Glorification Revelation 19:6 8 Marriage feast, usually lasted a week Millennial Kingdom Revelation The marriage feast was a prominent social event, with lavish hospitality, joy, and honor for the participants (Isaiah 62:5; Jeremiah 33:11; John 2:11). However, weddings require preparation! Bridal preparation, faithfulness, and productivity [Matthew 25:1 30] are essential to wearing white robes and receiving crowns [Greek stephanos wreath, crown, badge of royalty, prize in games, symbol of honor] for mastering the flesh (1 Corinthians 9:25), for winning souls (1 Thessalonians 2:19; Philippians 4:1), for enduring trials (James 1:12; Revelation 2:10), for loving Christ s appearing (2 Timothy 4:8), and for feeding the flock of God (1 Peter 5:4). These crowns will be laid at Christ s feet in praise, honor, worship, and thanksgiving (Revelation 4:10). Jesus alone wears the crown [Greek diadema] of a king. * Are you preparing today to be the Bride of the King? 46

2 days one and two The Bema Seat The Greek word for judgment in the judgment seat of Christ is bema. In the ancient Greek athletic games, the bema was a raised platform where judges awarded the champions. 1. What do the following verses say about the judgment (bema) seat of Christ? a. Romans 14:10 b. 2 Corinthians 5:10 2. How does God examine our works according to the following passages? a. 1 Corinthians 3:3 15 b. 1 Corinthians 4: Give some examples of lasting works. What do worthless works look like in our everyday lives? 4. How can knowing the truth about eternal rewards motivate you to live for and serve Christ? 47

3 5. In 1 Corinthians 9:24 27, Paul compares the Christian life to a race. How is this reflected in our lives? What does he say about works and rewards? 6. Sharing: Paul talks about being disciplined. How can discipline influence the way we live our lives for Christ? 7. Compare the judgment (bema) seat of Christ to the great white throne judgment (Revelation 20:11 15). Bema Great White Throne Who is the judge? Who is being judged? When will this occur? What is the basis of the judgment? What are the results of the judgment? 48

4 day three Crowns The New Testament identifies five different crowns that are awarded to fruitful believers. The word used for a believer s crown in Greek is stephanos. In the ancient Greek athletic games, this was a wreath given to victorious athletes before a judge at the bema. 1. In the chart below, list the five crowns and how you may earn them. Scripture reference Name of crown How can you earn this crown? 1 Corinthians 9: Thessalonians 2:19 2 Timothy 4:7 8 James 1:12 Revelation 2:10 1 Peter 5: Read Revelation 4: What will we do with these crowns? What thoughts and emotions does this provoke in you? 49

5 days four and five Marriage of the Lamb 1. How do the following passages describe the relationship between Christ and the Church? What imagery does Paul use to describe the relationship? a. Ephesians 5:25 27 b. 2 Corinthians 11:2 2. Read Revelation 19:6 8 and the following verses. Then, summarize the marriage of the Lamb by answering the questions below. a. Who is the groom (John 1:29)? b. Who is the bride (Ephesians 5:23)? c. Where does the marriage take place? d. When does the marriage take place (John 14:2 3, 1 Thessalonians 4:17)? e. What is the mood? 3. What do you think is the significance of the following phrases that describe the bride s garment in 19:8? a. It was given to her to clothe herself b. Fine linen c. Bright and clean d. The fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints 50

6 4. How does the bride make herself ready (Ephesians 5:25 27; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 John 3:3)? 5. Sharing: In light of Christ s imminent return, how can you make yourself ready? 6. Read through the word box on the Marriage of the Lamb at the beginning of this lesson. What struck you? What new insights have you gained? 7. In what ways should marriages on earth reflect the heavenly marriage? personal response to God Close your eyes. Imagine you are standing before the judgment seat of Christ giving an account of your life. Christ examines the quality of your life, including your works and the motives behind them. What comes to your mind as you think about this future event? 51