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The Bema: A Story About The Judgment Seat Of Christ
This is the book that inspired the life-changing drama that has been presented in churches across America. In the tradition of Jerry Jenkins' and Tim La Haye's Left Behind series, The Bema describes what Left Behind left what happens to Christians who are caught up in the rapture. Based solidly on biblical and theological research, this fictional account imagines what it will be like to experience the rapture of the church, see what heaven is like, meet your guardian angel, and appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ to receive your eternal reward for the way you have lived your life. If you have read non fiction books about the Judgment Seat of Christ like Your Eternal Reward by Erwin Lutzer or This Was Your Life by Rick Howard and Jamie Lash, you will especially appreciate seeing this Bible doctrine dramatized in your mind when you read The Bema . Most people who have seen the drama or read the book are profoundly affected by its message and give more thought to spiritual growth and Christian service. When THE DAY finally comes and you stand in the presence of the resurrected Christ to see with His eyes a review of your life, nothing that you thought was important will matter then. Only what you did that was pleasing to Christ will determine how you will be rewarded in eternity. On THE DAY you will wish you had done more to serve Christ and less to gratify your own selfish desires. By identifying with the experience of the main character, Daniel Matthewson, you will see how much more you could have had in eternity if you had been more serious about living the Christian life.
The good news is that it is not too late. You still have time to live for Christ, to earn heavenly rewards that will last for eternity. Identifying with the main character will help take your eyes off the cares, pleasures and distractions of the world and re-orient your life around service to Christ and being pleasing to Him. Also, it is a great read. The story is so riveting you will not want to put the book down until you have read to its startling end.
The good news is that it is not too late. You still have time to live for Christ, to earn heavenly rewards that will last for eternity. Identifying with the main character will help take your eyes off the cares, pleasures and distractions of the world and re-orient your life around service to Christ and being pleasing to Him. Also, it is a great read. The story is so riveting you will not want to put the book down until you have read to its startling end.
260 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2000
37 people are currently reading
157 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 31, 2026
“To be united with him was the purpose of existence. To be reunited with him was the purpose of redemption.”
After watching the video interpretation of this piece, I was enthralled. My thinking had shifted significantly to have a greater understanding of eternal significance and the impact of my small acts of obedience. Now having read this book, I can say that it paints such a beautiful picture on the importance of stewardship AND the purest joys to come when we are face to face with our Lord!!
C.S. Lewis wrote in The Screwtape Letters that “the safest road to hell is the gradual one,” and I was reminded of this in watching the way Mathewson slowly lost his zeal for God and caved to his flesh over the course of his life. I really felt his pain and regret over how he had dishonored the Lord and disrespected others, longing for another chance to serve the One who had mercifully saved him.
While this is an account is shared as a dream-like experience of the Bema, and is supported with a lot of the Biblical imagery presented in Revelation, we cannot be sure that this fully aligns with what we will experience at the Day of our judgment. However, a greater point still stands - we have today and every day until The Day, so our response should be love and faithfulness to the Lord in everything we do. Our investment in the kingdom will be rewarded, and I strive all the more to hear my Lord someday say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
“This is what I was made for.”
After watching the video interpretation of this piece, I was enthralled. My thinking had shifted significantly to have a greater understanding of eternal significance and the impact of my small acts of obedience. Now having read this book, I can say that it paints such a beautiful picture on the importance of stewardship AND the purest joys to come when we are face to face with our Lord!!
C.S. Lewis wrote in The Screwtape Letters that “the safest road to hell is the gradual one,” and I was reminded of this in watching the way Mathewson slowly lost his zeal for God and caved to his flesh over the course of his life. I really felt his pain and regret over how he had dishonored the Lord and disrespected others, longing for another chance to serve the One who had mercifully saved him.
While this is an account is shared as a dream-like experience of the Bema, and is supported with a lot of the Biblical imagery presented in Revelation, we cannot be sure that this fully aligns with what we will experience at the Day of our judgment. However, a greater point still stands - we have today and every day until The Day, so our response should be love and faithfulness to the Lord in everything we do. Our investment in the kingdom will be rewarded, and I strive all the more to hear my Lord someday say, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”
“This is what I was made for.”
October 11, 2021
Everyone should read this book. I appreciate this book. One of my all time favorite reads.
March 6, 2017
Well, the writing was amateurish and the story was corny, but for all that it made me think. The author's doctrine was heavily favored (anti-Catholic, no mention of baptism, once saved always saved mentality) but that was a surprisingly small portion of the plot.
December 13, 2024
Change of Heart
A pastor recommended The Bema to the large group who attended a funeral service for a loved one. Knowing how I love to read spiritual books, I had to ask for further information about it after the service was closing. It seemed to be one of his favorites and how it was an eye opener and revives the heart. I implore you to get this book! It made me look deep inside my heart and soul and made me a better person and brought me closer to my Lord.
A pastor recommended The Bema to the large group who attended a funeral service for a loved one. Knowing how I love to read spiritual books, I had to ask for further information about it after the service was closing. It seemed to be one of his favorites and how it was an eye opener and revives the heart. I implore you to get this book! It made me look deep inside my heart and soul and made me a better person and brought me closer to my Lord.
September 19, 2025
The prayer I kept repeating as I read this book, “Lord, all I desire is to live a life worthy of hearing you say the words “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”” Although this book is fiction, it lined up with what scripture says which helped create a picture in my head I could never fully grasp before.. It was eye opening, convicting, and lit a fire in my heart to be more intentional about how I live my daily life.. Moved me to tears multiple times!!
July 7, 2021
I am not a reader by any means. But, I was with a friend while she was reading and she happened to have an extra book with her so I picked it up and couldn't put it back down. This book has changed my life and how I perceive God and what it means to have a relationship with him. I will be reading this book over and over again for the rest of my life.
May 14, 2022
Just finished this book. Truly incredible piece of work. It’s a Christian Fiction story of a man who is a Christian but is lost in the world and isn’t living his life for Christ. Insanely convicting and beautiful picture of what it will be like for us before the judgement seat of Christ. Please give it a read.
I cried like 6 or 7 times. Cannot speak highly enough of this book.
I cried like 6 or 7 times. Cannot speak highly enough of this book.
April 13, 2019
I really enjoyed Tim Stevenson’s book and the way that he describes the judgement seat of Christ. It’s a wonderful read that made me think and ponder over my own life and choices. I felt very encouraged at the end of this book.
November 6, 2022
I don’t give this one 5 stars because of it being well written or some great work of literature, but because the message is so compelling. Despite it being a little cheesy, this story hits home for me, to live for The Day and not today.
September 12, 2022
This is a book that will stay with me for a very long time. It made me take a good look at my life and what truly matters.
September 13, 2023
I loved this book. A very encouraging and, at times, convicting read. This picture of heaven gave me a lot of peace and a lot to reflect on.
January 12, 2025
SO GOOD. SO CONVICTING. an amazing perspective of the eternality of every day life and the Lord’s providence. i cried so many times🥲
March 21, 2023
Wow...what an incredible book. I found that this story was hard to put down . In fact it sit on my bookshelf for a while. I wish I had gotten into it when I got it about 1 year ago. The story could be made into a movie. I really can not understand why this book has not been reprinted. Now for some the religious content will be a put off... but I highly suggest everyone read it regardless . It will cause you to think about your life so beware if you decide to read it. I have decided to reread this book next year... it is just that good. Just because I said it has a religious content should not make you stay away from it... because if you love a good story then you have found it in this one this year. Now the book is out of print, but Amazon, Ebay, or other recycled book stores may have it. It will be worth the you searching for it. Good Luck, Good Reading. IT IS JUST THAT GOOD!
July 24, 2023
Convicting. Sure made me re-evaluate how I live my earthly life now. This is my 2nd or 3rd time reading this; I've lost track. Im sure drawn back to this. Between this reading & re-studying the Book of Revelation, I sure have a created desire that longs to live for "The Day" (not just for each day).
August 14, 2013
Excellent book for believers. Although it is fiction it gives a good representation to Tim's perception on what it may be like when we face the judgement seat of Christ! Enjoyable reading and relatable!
February 1, 2014
A unique story of a man who appears before the Bema Seat of Christ and learns that every decision made here on Earth makes an eternal impact.
Makes you think of what you do now!
This saying is still true:
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.
Makes you think of what you do now!
This saying is still true:
Only one life, 'twill soon be past,
Only what's done for Christ will last.
June 16, 2010
One of the best book on testimony and story (of someone) visited heaven I've ever read . . .
October 15, 2012
One word... incredible.
July 23, 2014
Really makes you stop and think about how you are living your life.
June 16, 2016
A little cheesy, but surprisingly enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews