Some Facts About the Judgment
Mike Johnson
What does the Bible teach about the Judgment Day? It is frequently mentioned in God’s Word and was often preached (Acts 24:25; 10:42). Consider some facts found in the Scriptures about the judgment, which everyone should know.
It Is Certain
Few things in life are absolute. The judgment, however, will happen. Hebrews 9:27 says, “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Paul says in Acts 17:31 that God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world. To say that the judgment will not occur is to deny the Word of God
All Will Be Judged
There are few things we must do in life. Everyone, however, must face the Judgment Day. We cannot bribe our way out of it or hide from it. 2 Corinthians 5:10 says all must appear before the judgment seat of Christ. Romans 2:11 tells us that God is not a respecter of persons. This principle certainly applies to the judgment.
God’s Word Is the Basis
We will not be helped on the judgment day by:
- our earthly possessions (Lk. 16:19-23);
- our claims of righteousness (Mt. 7:21-23, Lk. 18:10-14);
- our color, race, or sex (Gal. 3:28);
- our feelings (Lk. 18:10-11);
- what our parents have done (Rom. 14:12).
Instead, God’s Word will judge us. In John 12:48, Christ said, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him — the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day.” Romans 2:16 tells us, “in the day when God will judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ, according to my gospel.” Our life must correspond to God’s Word. 2 Corinthians 5:10 also points out, in speaking of the judgment day, “. . . that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.”
It Will Be Final
There are many areas where we can get a second chance today. For example, criminals might be taken from society for their crimes but may serve a sentence and get another opportunity to live in society. In contrast, the judgment is final with no second chances. In describing the judgment, Matthew 25:46 says, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment but the righteous into life eternal.” The thought of dwelling eternally in Hell is frightening, while the idea of living forever in Heaven is joyous.
We need to consider the facts about the judgment. Toward what eternal destination are you now headed?