Topical Studies

The Day of Judgment

Intro.

1.  There will be a day of judgment – Heb. 9:27; 2 Cor. 5:10.

2.  Some object to the day of judgment since, at death, one either receives torment or comfort – Lk. 16:22-23.

3.  Things that will occur on the day of judgment which ought to cause each of us to prepare for that day.

I. THERE WILL BE A DAY OF JUDGMENT.

  A.  Jesus – Matt. 10:15; 11:22, 24; 12:41-42.

  B.  Apostles & Prophets of Christ:

        1.     Paul – Acts 17:31; 24:25; Rom. 14:10.

        2.     Peter – 1 Pet. 4:5; 2 Pet. 3:7.

        3.     John – 1 Jno. 4:17.

        4.     Jude – Jude 6.

  C.  It Will be the “Last” Day – Jno. 12:48.

        1.     Judgment is not at the moment of one’s death – 2 Pet. 2:9.

        2.     Following the resurrection – Rev. 20:13.

  D.  Assured of its Approach by the Judge’s Resurrection – Acts 17:31.

II.    THE JUDGE & THE STANDARD.

  A.  Judge:  Jesus Christ – Acts 17:31; 2 Tim. 4:1.

  B.  Standard:  Word of God (Divine Truth) – Rev. 20:12 (Rom. 2:2).

    1.  Gentiles before cross:  Truth revealed to them – Rom. 2:12.

    2.  Jews until the cross:  Law of Moses – Rom. 2:12.

    3.  All men since the cross:  Gospel – Rom. 2:16; Jno. 12:48; Heb. 1:1.

III.  EVENTS OF THE DAY OF JUDGMENT.

  A.  All Humanity Will Stand Before God (Judgment Seat of Christ) – Rev. 20:12; 2 Cor. 5:10.

  B.  The Divine Standard of Judgment Will be Opened – Rev. 20:12.

  C.  The Divine Record of the Faithful Will be Opened – Rev. 20:12, 15.

  D.  Each Person Will be Judged by the Divine Standard – Rev. 20:12.

    1.  Give account of ourselves to God – Rom. 14:12 (cf. Matt. 7:22-23).

      a.  Our heart (motives) – 1 Cor. 4:5 (Rom. 2:16).

      b.  Our words – Matt. 12:36-37.

      c.  Our deeds – 2 Cor. 5:10 (Rev. 20:12-13).

  E. Each Person Will Receive Their Just Reward – Rom. 2:5-11 (righteous & impartial); 2 Cor. 5:10; 2 Ths. 1:8-10 (Rev. 20:15).

IV.  WHY A FUTURE DAY OF JUDGMENT?

  A.  The Glory & Honor of Christ Will Be Recognized – Phil. 2:9-11; 2 Ths. 1:10.

  B.  The Justice of God Will Be Served & Acknowledged – 2 Ths. 1:4-8.

    1.  Ungodly will be convicted of their sins – Jude 15.

      a.  Sinners will have their sins fully exposed –1 Tim. 5:24 (cf. Matt. 7:22-23; 25:44-45)

      b.  The proof (evidence) of their sin will be clearly set forth.

      c.  Convinced & brought to shame over their sins.

    2.  Righteous will have their good works made obvious – 1 Tim. 5:25 (cf. Matt. 25:38-40).  Obtain eternal rest (2 Ths. 1:7; Rev. 14:13).

    3.  Thus, the justice of God’s judgments will be fully vindicated!

      -(cf. Rev. 16:5-7 – True concerning ancient judgments – True of final judgment!)

  C.  The Victory of Righteousness & the Defeat of Evil Will be Complete – cf. 1 Cor. 15:25-26; Rev. 20:14.

    1.  Rev. 19:1-2 – Since it was true of the overthrow of the ancient persecutors of the saints, so it shall be on that Great Day!

    2.  Rev. 14:1-13 – Triumph scene of the redeemed & defeat of foes (persecutors of that day) foretells the FINAL GREAT DAY!

      -14:12-13 – Our incentive to remain faithful!

  D.  Eternal Sentence Will be Pronounced – Matt. 25:31-34, 41, 46.

Conclusion

1.  Judgment delayed is not judgment escaped! – 2 Pet. 3:7-9

2.  Will you tremble yet remain lost in your sin (like Felix)?  Or will you heed to call to repent (like the men of Nineveh)?

3.  Repent & obey the gospel lest, on the day of judgment, you fall into the hands of the living God! – Matt. 10:28; Heb. 10:31; 12:29