The Day of Judgment

“…in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel” (Romans 2:16).

“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works” (Revelation 20:12).

In these passages we have a depicted sobering reality.  To some it is nothing more than a figment of one’s imagination, others claim an inability to know, but, to the Bible believer it is a sobering, thought provoking and anticipated reality.  Most of the people in Noah’s day did not believe in the coming flood, but it did not change the facts (Genesis 6 – 8).

What can be learned from the previous mentioned passages regarding the great Day of Judgment?

First, we learn there has been a day appointed for judgement.  “Because He hath appointed a day, in the which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom He hath ordained; whereof He hath given assurance unto all men, in that He hath raised him from the dead.” (Acts 17:11).  No one knows which day of what year, but one thing we can know it has been appointed, and it will surely come.

Secondly, we learn that men will be judged.  The word men indicates mankind.  Acts 17:3 says He will judge the world.  Matthew 25:32 depicts the judgment as all nations standing before the righteous judge of all men.  No one will be exempt, no one can hide, it cannot be postponed, nor can it be escaped.  It is an appointment all must keep (Hebrews 9:27).

Thirdly, God will judge the world through Jesus Christ (Romans 2:16).  “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (1 John 5:22).  “I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at His appearing and His kingdom…” (2 Timothy 4:1).  The sacred scriptures clearly revealed that we shall all appear before the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:10).

Fourthly, judgment will be according to the gospel.  James admonishes, “So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty” (James 1:12).  The Lord himself revealed “he that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48).

Fifthly, the judgment will be in view of our conduct (works).  “For we must all appear the judgment seat of Christ:  that everyone may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (1 Corinthians 5:10).  “And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man’s work, pass the time of our sojourning here in fear” (1 Peter 1:17).

Realizing that the judgment of God will be according to His word in light of our deeds, we should take careful heed that our lives are in harmony with the gospel by which we are saved and wherein ye stand (Philippians 1:27).  As Christians we are bought with a price, we are to in our lives glorify God (1 Corinthians 6:19, 20).

Bill Cantrell