It is my understanding that the Bema seat judgement differs from the great white throne judgement that we see in Revelations. The great white throne judgement is for non believers related to salvation and eternal destiny. The Bema seat judgement is for believers related to stewardship of time, talents, treasure. In other words how did you live your life. Did you invest your life in the kingdom of this world or the kingdom of God. Most of us will leave the Bema seat and will wish we had invested more of our lives in eternal things.
Moody Handbook of Theology describes it this way. Since Paul has provided significant new teaching concerning the nature of the church, it is appropriate that Paul should bring that teaching to a consummation, describing the future of the church. Paul refers to the translation of the church in which some living believers will not die but be transformed more quickly than an eye can cast a glance (1 Cor. 15:51–57). At that time, departed church age believers will rise to receive resurrection bodies (1 Thess. 4:16) and the living, transformed believers will be suddenly snatched up to be with Christ (1 Thess. 4:13–18). Paul emphasizes the practical nature of this doctrine: “comfort one another with these words” (1 Thess. 4:18). Following the rapture of the church believers will stand before the bema, the judgment seat of Christ, to be recompensed for deeds done in the body, whether good or worthless. Salvation is not the issue; rather, it is the works of the believer. One whose works were done in the flesh will be burned up; there will be no reward, but the believer will be saved—with no works to show for it (1 Cor. 3:15). One whose works are acceptable by the Lord will be rewarded—not in terms of salvation, for that has been established. Rewards are spoken of in terms of crowns (1 Thess. 2:19; 2 Tim. 4:8).
Life and times of the howitzers 