2 Corinthians 5:9-11 (KJV)

"9 Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him.
10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat 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.
11 Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences."

These words given by Paul appears to put emphasis upon doing work or labour and ultimately this activity will lead to the judgement seat of Christ, with reference to a persons labour or work being involved.
There is a similar reference to this in Romans 14:10-12 (KJV)

"10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
11 For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.
12 So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."

It therefore appears that there will be two judgements by God, according to the Scriptures, the Judgement seat of Christ and the Great white throne of judgement. God however, makes a clear distinction between the two judgements, one will be for the True Believers and the second one for those who have rejected the gift of salvation through Jesus.
Ephesians 2:7-10 (KJV)

"7 That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus.
8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:
9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.
10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."

So, what is this Judgement Seat of Christ?
In verses 8,9 above we find that God offers a covenant or agreement of salvation as a gift, there is no requirement for "work" or some sort of "achievement" to be achieved other than to believe and accept the gift. Verse 9 now explains the second part of this covenant where "works" is involved. Salvation is of grace a gift, but following "grace" comes the "works," and this is pointing to the kind of life a believer follows after acceptance of the gift of salvation.

As believers, we will be rewarded according to the level that we let Christ control and use us for Himself as we live out our time on the earth.

So a believer will be subject to two judgements, but one has already been covered by the Blood of Christ, 2 Corinthians 5:21 (KJV)

"21 For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. "

John 5:24 (KJV)

"24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life. "

1 Peter 2:21-24 (KJV)

"21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
22 Who did no sin, neither was guile found in his mouth:
23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously:
24 Who his own self bare our sins in his own body on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed. "

The first judgement was taken by Christ, God judged Him for our sins and took all the past, present and future penalties for our sins. So a believer will never have to face any judgement for sin, Romans 8:1-2 (KJV)

"1 There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.
2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. "

A Believer will never be judged for their sins twice, we are sealed by the Holy Spirit into His family. The Judgement Seat of Christ is a place of rewards, according to a persons "works," it is not a place of condemnation.

How should I live then?

"11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble;
13 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.
14 If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.
15 If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. "

Two basic distinctions referring to living and the foundations are made. First the foundation has to be built upon Jesus Christ. You cannot build upon Christ unless you have been "born again," John 3:3 Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. Remade and suitable for a life for God .It does not matter how good or gifted we are the natural man cannot enter the Holy kingdom of God. There is no way a natural person will be able to obey, understand, or please God, we need to be recreated into the spiritual kingdom of God.

The offer of salvation has been offered to all the people of the world, John 3:16-18. (KJV)

"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.
For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God."

But the rewards are only being offered to those who are True Believers and will not be given until Jesus Christ returns to earth to "Rapture" those who have received the gift of Salvation.
1 Corinthians 3:8. (KJV)

"Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
For we are labourers together with God: ye are God÷’s husbandry, ye are God’s building.
According to the grace of God which is given unto me, as a wise master builder, I have laid the foundation, and another buildeth thereon. But let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon."

Rewards are based upon our works.

There is another contrast between salvation and rewards, salvation is not just for now but for eternity.
John 10:27-29. (KJV)

" My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me:
And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand. "

"3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

Rewards, however, can be lost. Jesus sent His own warning.
Revelation 3:11. (KJV)

"11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."

2 John 1:7-9 (KJV)

"7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist.
8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward.
9 Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son."

There is another difference between salvation and reward, Salvation is the same for all believers,
Romans 8:14-16. (KJV)

"14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.
15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father.
16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:"

Rewards will be given on the basis of a person faithfulness and services to the Lord. Therefore there will be different degrees of rewards. What these rewards will be we are not told but the scriptures do refer to five different crowns, see later thoughts.
Revelation 22:12 (KJV)

"12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be."

Note that in the earlier reading found in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (KJV) we are told that some work or labour will not earn a reward, each will be examined by "fires" at the Judgement Seat of Christ, and only those which survive will be rewarded. This examination is to find how much the believer has given their life to Christ as we were purchased by His blood so now belong to Him. Some may have accepted salvation because they were afraid of eternity in hell and did nothing more, while others have given their total commitment to the Lord. So any rewards will be dependant upon that commitment to the Lord.
There are many of the Lord’s people who do not have the ability or opportunity to preach a sermon or tell the world about Jesus, but may have worked faithfully as "helps," just taken for granted by church leaders, never praised, but God knows all things.

Unfortunately, there may be a believer who is very active, preaching and travelling many miles, but all according to their own desires and will, Jesus was not in charge of their life. This is the straw to be burnt. God will know all things and make adjustments.

When and where will the Judgement Seat of Christ take place?

1 Thessalonians 4:16,17 (KJV).

"16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord."

It must occur after the Rapture which will allow the Tribulation period on earth to start, but before the Marriage of the Lamb with His Bride, the Church. Because the bride has been prepared for the Bridegroom.
Revelation 19:7 (KJV).

"7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints."

Where will the Judgement seat of Christ take place? It cannot be upon the earth, this is under the time of tribulation. Neither can it take place before the Throne of Christ’s Glory,
See Matthew 25:31 (KJV)

"31 When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: "

As that will be after the Tribulation period. It must therefore have to take place somewhere in the air, in the heavens above the earth.

What future rewards can I earn?

Mankind has one major aim in life, "what can I get out of it?" There are major industries like acting or films or music, the entertainment industries, which are continually congratulating themselves on their productions, yet there are many more industries in which only the monthly salary is the reward for all their hard work. All awards, trophies and honours have very little long term value, just a statue, or object like a dish may sit on your shelf, but you cannot take it with you when you die.
Romans 13:7 (KJV)

"7 Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honour to whom honour. "

While it may be nice to congratulate someone on their work, our chief concern should be to obtain approval and reward for our work from God. What really counts is the rewards given by God in heaven, they are eternal.

There are some who find this idea of rewards by God as an unworthy incentive to serve God. The response to this is should you need a reward for serving your Lord and Saviour? No, we serve the Lord because we love Him for what He has done for us.

This idea seems logical and spiritual to serve for no reward, eternal salvation is enough, yet the Bible often points out that there are rewards to be given by God for His people. Scripture often emphasizes the rewards for faithful service, see those listed below.
Ruth 2:12 (KJV)

"12 The LORD recompense thy work, and a full reward be given thee of the LORD God of Israel, under whose wings thou art come to trust. "

2 Chronicles 15:7 (KJV)

"7 Be ye strong therefore, and let not your hands be weak: for your work shall be rewarded. "

Psalm 58:11 (KJV)

"11 So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth. "

Jeremiah 31:16 (KJV)

"16 Thus saith the LORD; Refrain thy voice from weeping, and thine eyes from tears: for thy work shall be rewarded, saith the LORD; and they shall come again from the land of the enemy. "

Matthew 5:11-12 (KJV)

"11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you. "

Matthew 16:27 (KJV)

"27 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. "

Revelation 22:12. (KJV)

"12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. "

The Five Crowns

The Word of God, the Bible, tells us that following the Rapture all true believers will be brought into the presence of Christ who will be seated upon His Judgement Seat, each will be examined and rewarded according to their life on earth as a servant of Christ. This is not a place of condemnation but to assess how the believer served the Lord. As a result the Lord will bestow various levels of reward. The rewards are spoken of as "crowns." A crown is a symbol of royalty, because the saints are to reign with Christ,
1 Corinthians 6:2,3. (KJV)

"2 Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?
3 Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?"

The word used in the original Greek was "Stephanus" which has the meaning at the time of a "circlet," a circular wreath used as a crown.

Revelation 20:6 (KJV)

"6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. "

Matthew 10:32,33. (KJV)

"32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
32 Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven.
33 But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven."

At the Judgement Seat of Christ, we will be pronounced worthy or unworthy of a seat with Christ on His throne. The person will not lose their salvation if found unworthy.

The Crown of Life

Twice this crown is referred too, James 1:12. (KJV)

"12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."

Revelation 2:10. (KJV)

"10 Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."

Some people refer to this crown as "the martyr’s crown" as it could be referring to possible physical death, "faithful unto death. "

The Incorruptible Crown.

1 Corinthians 9:24-25. (KJV)

"24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
25 And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible. "

Paul is talking about service and rewards, to have the joy of behaving as if he was one of many competitors in an olympic games race, to bring people to Christ, not to win, there is no competitor, but to take part in the service for Christ. We all have an incorruptible future.
Only those who are born again can take part in this race to earn this crown because a person needs first to start at the act of salvation through Christ, then just to enter the faithful service "race"

The Crown of Rejoicing.

1 Thessalonians 2:19. (KJV)

"19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
20 For ye are our glory and joy."

"1 Therefore, my brethren dearly beloved and longed for, my joy and crown, so stand fast in the Lord, my dearly beloved."

This crown is a reward for winning souls for Christ, though it is the Holy Spirit who actually does the convicting, a person can be the messenger. It is only God who knows who was involved in soul-winning, it may just be some remark in passing by a believer which can start the work of salvation. Sometimes two or three people may be involved over many years, just living a life which shows the love of God for each may be the seeds which God can grow and harvest. Sunday school teachers, how many seeds have you planted for the Lord to harvest in your classes?

The Crown of Glory.

1 Peter 5:1-4. (KJV)

"1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:
2 Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind;
3 Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being ensamples to the flock.
4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away."

This is the reward given by Jesus for being a faithful shepherd of the Lord’s people. The church leaders are expected to spiritually feed, care for the believer under their care. Unfortunately there are many in a position as church leaders who often forfeit a God given spiritual reward for the earthly rewards of mankind.

The Crown of Righteousness.

2 Timothy 4:6-8. (KJV)

"6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
7 I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
8 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 unto all them also that love his appearing."

Paul was about to end his early life and was now looking and preparing himself for the coming of the Lord. He was longing, yearning for that day of Jesus Christs appearing to collect His Bride, the church.
There are many who scoff at the scriptures which warn of His coming again. 2 Peter 3:3,4. (KJV)

"3 Knowing this first, that there shall come in the last days scoffers, walking after their own lusts, 4 And saying, Where is the promise of his coming? for since the fathers fell asleep, all things continue as they were from the beginning of the creation. "

It could be today - are you ready?

Revelation 22:12. (KJV)

12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.
13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.
14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

Some additional verses which refer to Crowns and Rewards.

Crowns

"4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. "

"3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,
4 To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you,
5 Who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. "

"11 Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown.
12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name. "

"
13 Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before,
14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. "

"1 Wherefore seeing we also are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. "

Rewards

"21 If thine enemy be hungry, give him bread to eat; and if he be thirsty, give him water to drink:
22 For thou shalt heap coals of fire upon his head, and the LORD shall reward thee. "

"10 Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong hand, and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward is with him, and his work before him. "

"6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. "

"35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful."

"7 So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.
8 Now he that planteth and he that watereth are one: and every man shall receive his own reward according to his own labour.
9 For we are labourers together with God: ye are God’s husbandry, ye are God’s building."

"17 Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine.
18 For the scripture saith, Thou shalt not muzzle the ox that treadeth out the corn. And, The labourer is worthy of his reward. "