Scripture Reading: Revelation 20:11-21:4

The Gathering Beyond the Grave

Intro.

1. Fact: One day it will be my turn, and yours, to leave our families and friends to keep our appointment with death, Heb. 9:27; Psa. 90:10.

2. Day of gathering: Greatest assembly ever to be gathered, Matt. 25:31-32; Rev. 20:11-15; 1 Ths. 4:13-18.

3. This day of gathering will be...

I. A SUDDEN GATHERING, 1 Cor. 15:51-52.

A. For the Saint:

1. On schedule, Jno. 14:1-3; cf. Phil. 3:20-21.

2. To safety, 1 Ths. 4:17; cf. Heb. 13:5.

B. For the Sinner:

1. By surprise, 1 Ths. 5:1-6; Matt. 24:42-44.

2. Unto destruction, 2 Ths. 1:7-9.

II. A SERIOUS GATHERING, Rom. 14:11-12.

A. For the Saint:

1. Confess to God, Rom. 14:11.

2. To have his life reviewed (give account), 14:12; Matt. 25:34-40.

3. To receive his life's reward, Heb. 2:2 (just recompense); Rom. 2:7, 10.

B. For the Sinner:

1. Confess to God, Rom. 14:11.

2. To have his life reviewed (give account of self), 1 Pet. 4:5; Matt. 25:41-45.

3. To receive his life's reward, Rom. 2:5-6, 8-9.

III. A SEPARATING GATHERING, Matt. 25:32-33; Rev. 20:12 (Judgment: decision and separating).

A. For the Saint:

1. From all sin, Rev. 21:27; 2 Pet. 3:13.

2. From all sorrow, Rev. 21:3-5.

B. For the Sinner:

1. From those loved, cf. Lk. 16:26; Rev. 20:15.

2. From the Lord, Matt. 7:21-23; 2 Ths. 1:9.

IV. A SENTENCING GATHERING.

A. For the Saint:

1. To heaven, Jno. 14:2-3; Matt. 25:21, 34; 2 Pet. 1:11.

2. To happiness/eternal joy, Rev. 21:4; 22:1-5 (Glorious, eternal day!).

B. For the Sinner:

1. To hell, Matt. 25:29-30; Rev. 20:14-15; 21:8.

2. To horror, Rev. 14:10-11 (dreadful, eternal night!).

Conclusion

1. Hear the warning! Rev. 14:6-7

2. Prepare for the gathering:

a. Those who do not know God & do not obey the gospel will be properly punished, 2 Ths. 1:8.

b. Those who do will be readily rewarded, 2 Tim. 4:7-8.

3. “Are you ready for the judgment day?”