April 2000 Issue

SOME FACTS ABOUT THE JUDGMENT

by Mike Johnson

What does the Bible teach about the judgment day? It is very important for us to understand certain facts about the judgment. The judgment is frequently mentioned in God's Word and was often preached (Acts 24:25; 10:42). Consider some facts in God's Word about the judgment.

IT IS CERTAIN

There are few things in life that are absolutely certain. The judgment, however, is something that we know 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 that we absolutely have to do. Just as the judgment is certain, it is also an event which ALL must face. We cannot bribe our way out of it or hide from it. II Corinthians 5:10 says that 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: a) our earthly possessions (Lk. 16:19-23); b) our own claims of righteousness (Mt. 7:21-23, Lk. 18:10-14); c) our color, race, or sex (Gal. 3:28); d) our own feelings (Lk. 18:10-11); e) what our parents have done (Rom. 14:12). We will be judged by God's Word. In John 12:48 Christ said, "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the words which I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day." Romans 2:16 tells us, "In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel." Our life must correspond to God's Word. II Corinthians 5:10 also points out, in speaking of the judgment day, ". . . that every one may receive the things done in the body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad."

IT WILL BE FINAL

There are many things that we can get a second chance on today. A student might fail a grade in school and yet have a chance to repeat the grade later. A criminal might be taken from society because of his crimes but may serve his time and get a second chance to live in society. The judgment, however, is quite different. It is final! There will be no second chance! Matthew 25:46, in describing the judgment 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 dwelling eternally in heaven is joyous.

It is very important for us to consider the facts about the judgment. Toward what eternal
destination are you now headed?

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[Editor’s Note: Thanks to Mike Johnson for the article! Mike can be reached at: Mike Johnson, 2137 Penhall Drive NE, Huntsville, AL 35811, mkacjohn@aol.com]

Email the Editor at markjward@yahoo.com