Secrets from Beyond The Grave

Chapter 12 The Bema and the Great White Throne Judgments

There are so many comforting promises for an exciting future for the believer who has received Christ and the redemptive covenant of eternal life. However, there is one aspect of eternity that to this day is rather frightening, and even Paul himself recognized the time as very significant and fearful. Just as it is appointed for every man to die, it is appointed for every man to be judged before God in heaven. I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened. --Daniel 7:9-10, KJV Throughout the Bible the throne room in heaven serves as the center of all heavenly activity. We know that the entire area is patterned as a heavenly temple, with sacred furniture--the menorah (Rev. 1:12), the golden altar (Rev. 8:3-4), and the ark of the covenant (Rev. 11:19). At times the heavenly temple becomes a war counsel room, as seen in 2 Chronicles 18:18 when God and His warring angels secretly counseled together to determine the outcome of a war and discussed the way that a wicked king would be deceived to go into battle where he would perish. In the Book of Revelation we are made aware that the heavenly temple also serves as a heavenly courtroom where judicial decisions regarding men's eternal futures are set. Solomon's Divine Pattern from his father at death and prepare the most magnificent temple in world history. Solomon made a throne of ivory and overlaid it with pure gold (1 Kings 10:18). He made six steps leading up to his throne in Jerusalem (1Kings 10:19). Solomon placed twelve carved lions--six on each side--on the steps going up to his throne (1 Kings 10:20). The top of Solomon's throne was round--just as there is a rainbow in heaven (1 Kings 10:19; Rev. 4:3) Then he made a hall for the throne, the Hall of Judgment, where he might judge; and it was paneled with cedar from floor to ceiling. --1 Kings 7:7 The colors of the heavenly throne change colors as the atmosphere of heaven begins to change. In Ezekiel 1:26 the throne appears as a sapphire. In Daniel 7:9 the throne appears with fiery wheels of fire. Out of the throne proceed lightning, thunder, and voices (Rev. 4:5). Later in Revelation 20:11, at a major judgment, the throne is described as a "great white throne." The Throne Room Is the Courtroom King David desired to build a temple for God but was refused by the Almighty because David was a man of war and blood. The Lord allowed David's son Solomon to take the plans