The Day of Judgment

Introduction

We have been seeking to understand what will happen when the Lord returns.

Jesus taught that there would be a day — the day of the Lord — when He will return to judge the wicked and the righteous.

The day is a day that has been appointed by God and the Bible exhorts us to be prepared and ready for that day.

The Day God Has Appointed

It is a particular day that God has appointed - Acts 17:31

This day is known only to the Father - Matthew 24:36

Sometimes it is suggested that the judgment occurs immediately after our death.

Hebrews 9:27 speaks of “the judgment” occuring after death. It does not imply immediately after death.

Hebrews 9:27 (NKJV) — 27 And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment,

The passage refers to plural humanity and not individuals.

It is the “last day” - John 6:39-40, 44, 54; 11:24; 12:48

The “last days” have a “last day” - Acts 2:17

The Ultimate Display of Christ’s Authority

Christ’s authority as the Son of Man - John 5:25

Jesus has the authority to save people from their sins - John 5:25-27

Jesus has the authority to raise the dead - John 5:28-29

Jesus has the authority to judge the world - John 5:30

One the day of judgment, Christ’s authority will be demonstrated and displayed for all people to see — the righteous and the wicked.

The Day of Recompense and Affliction

Judgment day is a day of recompense. Recompense is accountability for what you have done. It is receiving back the consequences of your choices - 2 Corinthians 5:10

For the wicked, it is repayment for their sin - 2 Thess 1:5-6

Judgment day is also a day of eternal separation from God - 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9

The affliction that the wicked will endure is everlasting - Matthew 25:46

Some people object to the notion that it is unfair of a loving God to punish people who commit sin for a temporary period of time.

This objection misses the point: sin is not just a temporary choice. It is violation of the commands of an eternal God. The only just and fair punishment for sin would be an eternal punishment.

Also, this objection misses another point: God created us as beings who would not cease to exist. So any punishment for our sins can legitimately be a lifelong punishment (lifelong sentences for felons).

This is why sin is so dangerous! Sin is not just an innocent mistake that is made in the moment. Sin is a matter of eternal rebellion.

A Day of Relief

While the day of judgment is a day of recompense, wrath, and separation for the wicked, for the righteous, it will be a day of relief and reward - 2 Thessalonians 1:7, 10

A day of resurrection and the ultimate defeat of death - John 5:28-29

It will be when we finally get to be with the Lord in His personal presence for eternity - 1 Thessalonians 4:17

The Day of Sentencing

The day of judgment is a day of final sentencing - Revelation 20:11-15

While the devil and his angels are in heaven, they are being reserved for judgment - 2 Peter 2:4

The wicked and unrighteous are being reserved for punishment on the day of judgment - 2 Peter 2:9

Why is there a day of judgment if we know that they are guilty already and will be punished?

Even in our legal system, there are several steps along the way. And it might be quickly evident that someone is guilty, but that does not mean a verdict has been reached. And even after a verdict is reached, final sentencing does not happen at the same time.

Arraignment

Hearings and trial

Verdict

Sentencing

God’s final sentencing will be one of two things:

“Well done, good and faithful servant” - Matthew 25:23

“Depart from me, you who practice lawlessness” - Matthew 7:23

Which sentence will you receive?

Conclusion

Are you ready for the judgment day?

Prepare yourself today — tomorrow may be too late.