Before the saints in heaven will be able to reign in righteousness, our own works during our lifetime will have to come into review and be judged at the judgment seat of Christ, tried with fire, which is God's holy character. Nothing will do but this, because in the place where we shall dwell in heaven, all things will be of God.
Any of our works regarded as gold, silver, and precious stones will pass unscathed through the fire and bring a reward, but the wood, hay, and stubble will suffer complete loss. All saints will be saved, but some so as by fire because of unacceptable works which will be destroyed. 1 Cor. 3:12-16. Our sins are gone; our works will be judged.
Only believers will be at the judgment seat of Christ when our works will be evaluated and when I shall know even as also I am known (1 Cor. 13:12), all pure without and within, not an unwanted thought.
Think of secrets lying deep in the recesses of our hearts, perhaps long forgotten, which will be manifested. Would we like them hidden for eternity? Surely not! "For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; neither hid, that shall not be known." Luke 12:2. All will be brought to light to clear the mind forever of everything that darkens the memory and the heart, out of which are the issues of life. Prov. 4:23. What grace of our Savior!
As a result of the judgment seat for our works, each soul shall be rewarded. 1 Cor. 3:12-15. "Then shall every man have praise of God." 1 Cor. 4:5. Some also shall reign over cities in the millennial kingdom (Luke 19:17-19), others will be given positions in connection with the universe and the administration of it. Heb. 12:22,23. Matt. 19:28. Luke 12:44.
Thus righteous principles of action will be learned so as to reign with Christ in garments pure and bright (Rev. 19:8, 1 Cor. 13:12), the heart enlightened by righteousness in application in our own new life. "We through the Spirit wait for the hope of righteousness by faith." Gal. 5:5.