FINAL JUDGEMENT

ICE-BREAKER QUESTIONS

1. What will you do if there are no consequences to your actions?

2. To the best of your ability, explain what happens when Jesus returns.

3. Do you think we will be judged when Jesus returns?

4. What happens during the Final Judgement? Do you think that will be a positive or negative experience for you?

THE DAY OF THE LORD

The NT idea of the final judgement arises out of the OT concept of the Day of the Lord, which we studied in our last study.

Q1. What can you recall about the Day of the Lord?

The Day of the Lord is when God will judge every person, with blessing for the faithful and destruction for the wicked.

Q2. Why do you think it is important for God to judge?

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE JUDGEMENT?

1. Revelation 20:11

Jesus will sit

2. Revelation 20:12, Romans 14:10

We will stand

3. Revelation 20:12, Malachi 3:16

The books will be opened

4. Matthew 10:26; Luke 12:2-3; 8:17

All unconfessed sin will be exposed, those note saved will face afresh the way they have lived their lives

5. Matthew 7:21ff

They may argue their case, but those not covered by the blood of Christ will have no means of appeal

6. John 3:16

At some stage all Christians will be judged

Q3. What do you think of the judgement?

Q4. Does it change how you will live your life?

Q5. How can we be happy in heaven if our loved ones are eternally lost?

Revelation 21:4 ESV

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”

So far, the judgement determines each person’s eternal address – Enjoying God’s presence in heaven or eternal suffering in hell. This judgement is based upon each person’s trust in Jesus as Saviour – we can accept or reject Him.

Another judgement that is often discussed is the judgement of our works. This is purely reserved for Christians. Just to clarify before we move on, salvation is because we believe that Jesus is our saviour.

READ John 3:16; Eph 2:8-9; 1 Cor 3:11; Rom 14:10

2. JUDGEMENT OF OUR WORKS

What will be judged?

Eccl 12:14

Matt 12: 36, 37

2 Cor 5:10

Rev 20:12

1 Cor 3:12-15

Q6. What do you think of these judgements?

Q7. What is the purpose of the judgement of our works and words?

Q8. What is the difference between this judgement and the one we just discussed? – some Christians will go to heaven without a reward

Q9. How will it change the way you live your Christian life?

Q10. Why do you think we should deal with this subject?

This is the way God made us

- We are created with the view to being motivated

- All obedience in the Scripture is set in the context of what it will mean for us if we do obey – and if we don’t

- It changes the way we live our lives

- It inspires us to be more godly

- This subject is also very important to Paul (1 Cor 9:27)

The NT words used to describe this reward:

Reward, Prize, Crown, Inheritance

To reiterate, there’s a difference between salvation and reward. Salvation is given to us through our faith in Jesus, no one can boast about it. Our reward, however, is based on the quality of the superstructure of our lives.

1 Cor 3:12-15 says that our works will be tested by fire.

HOW DO WE KNOW IF WE HAVE BUILT OUR LIVES ON GOLD, SILVER AND COSTLY STONES, OR WOOD, HAY AND STRAW?

1. James 1:22-25

2. “Not neglecting” verses: Matt 23:23; Hebrews 2:3; 10:25; 13:2; 13:16

3. Matt 12:36-37

4. 1 Peter 4:12; James 1:2-4

Q11. Does it sound scary or rewarding to you?

Q12. What are we expecting at the end of the judgement?

THE MOTIVE OF JUDGEMENT IS FOR REWARD

John 5:24

Rev 22:12

1 Thess 2:19,20

2 Tim 4:7,8

James 1:2; Rev 2:10

It could sound scary, if you neglect it. but to those who are trying our best to do God’s work, there’s a lot of confidence. It is as easy as praying, giving, and fasting.

Matt 6:3-4

Matt 6:6

Matt 6:18

Matt 6:19-20

FINAL QUESTIONS

1. What character of God is highlighted in the Final Judgement? Both to the unbelievers and believers?

2. How does it change the way you live your life?