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The Bible declares that the church is different in many ways from the world that surrounds it.

One of the most significant differences is in its destiny. Most of us are familiar with the fact that those who have not placed their faith in Christ will experience the wrath of God in what is known as the Great White Throne Judgment.

Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. . . . And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:11-12, 15 NKJV)

This will be the ultimate time of torment and travail for those who find themselves outside of the body of believers. But did you know that the church will also experience God's judgment?

For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. (Romans 14:10 NKJV)

Understand that this judgment seat isn't the Great White Throne Judgment. In the original Greek, the words here for judgment seat are bema seat, which in the ancient world was the place where judges rewarded victors who competed in the Olympic games. 1 Corinthians 3:12-14 tells us that these rewards will be determined by the motivations behind our actions. Those motives and acts that are worthless will be consumed by God's refining fire, but that which was done in a sincere spirit of sacrifice will be richly rewarded. How amazing that we who deserved the lake of fire for sinners are given heavenly rewards as saints!

Believers have been given a glorious destiny that is far different from those who are outside of the church. Our right response is to act differently by exercising God's Spirit so that we can rise above the ways of the world and truly be set apart.

What's the difference between the Great White Throne Judgment and the Judgment Seat of Christ?

How is the church's destiny different from the world's?

What can you do in your daily life to demonstrate that your destiny is different?