Scripture Reading: Revelation 20:11-15
On Judgment Day
Intro.
1. Wild speculations and false predictions have always swirled around the truth about the Lord’s return and the day of judgment, cf. 2 Ths 2:1-2; 2 Tim 2:18.
2. Christians have been fully armed with the truth about “the times and the seasons” (occasion and eternity, i.e., the coming of Jesus) so we are prepared when the Lord comes. 1 Ths 5:1-2
I. THE EVENTS OF THE DAY OF JUDGMENT.
A. Resurrection of all the Dead, Jno 5:28-29 (Acts 24:15).
B. The Judge Will Appear, Matt 25:31.
1. The Lord Himself, with angels, 1 Ths 4:16; 2 Ths 1:7-8.
2. Deity, glory and power of God, 1 Tim 1:17; 6:16.
3. Sitting on the throne of His glory, Rev 20:11.
4. The judgment seat of Christ, 2 Cor 5:10.
C. All People will be Gathered and Stand before God, Matt 25:31; Rev 20:12 (2 Cor 5:10).
D. The Earth and its Works Burned Up, 2 Pet 3:7, 10.
E. Books will be Opened, Rev 20:12.
1. The word of God, Jno 12:48-50.
2. The divine record of the faithful will be opened, Rev 20:12, 15; cf. Mal 3:16.
F. Each Person will be Judged by the Divine Standard, Rev 20:12.
1. Stand before the Lord, 2 Cor 5:10.
2. Reckoning, Matt 25:19. Settling of an account; inquire into their faithfulness; a business term (cf. audit).
3. Give an account to God, Rom 14:11-12; 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).
G. Each Person will Receive their Just Reward, Rom 2:5-11.
-Righteous and impartial, 2 Cor 5:10; (Rev 20:15). There will be no mistakes!
H. Eternal Sentence will be Pronounced and Executed, Matt 25:31-34, 41, 46.
1. Eternal life. Matt 25:46 (21); Rev 21-22; 2 Ths 1:10; Matt 13:43.
2. Eternal punishment. Matt 25:46 (30); Rev 21:8; 2 Ths 1:8-9; Matt 13:42 (Mk 9:43-48).
II. HOW THIS MUST AFFECT US.
A. Repent and Obey God Now! Acts 17:30-31
1. Do not try to hide or deny your sin, 1 Tim 5:24.
2. All is laid bare before God; now and at judgment! Heb 4:13
B. Live a Godly Life of Faith, 2 Pet 3:14 (11-12).
1. Do not live hypocritically, Rom 2:1-3 (Lk 12:1-2).
2. Not negligent or apathetic, Heb 4:1, 11; 3:14.
3. Serve the Master’s will with whole heart, Matt 24:45-51; 25:19-30; 2 Cor 5:9-11.
a. Not our own, Gal 2:20 (Lk 9:23).
b. His will is revealed in Scripture: Diligent in them, 2 Tim 2:15.
C. Be Patient: Wait on the Lord, Jas 5:7-11.
1. Vengeance belongs to the Lord and He will fully repay, Rom 12:17-21; 2 Ths 1:4-8.
2. Wait for the blessing that will certainly come, 1 Pet 1:3-5
3. Keep being faithful, 1 Pet 1:7-9; Rev 14:12-13.
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 and obey the gospel now. If you do not, on the Day of Judgment you fall into the hands of the living God! Matt 10:28; Heb 10:31; 12:29