The Judgment (1 of 2)
Introduction
Judgment is for (in favor of) goodness and against evil.
It vindicates and rewards the just.
It unmasks, punishes, and ultimately eliminates the unjust.
Judgment involves two phases
Investigative phase - the evidence is investigated, a just verdict and sentence is determined
Executive phase - the sentence is carried out (executed)
Bible examples (past) - Eden (Ge 3:11-24), Flood (Ge 6:5-8), Sodom (Ge 18:20, Ge 19:12,13), Babylon (Da 5:25-30), Israel (Mt 21:33-41,43)
Bible examples (future) - Modern Babylon (Rev 18:2,4,5,8), Satan (Rev 20:10), Great White Throne Judgment (Rev 20:11-15)
God is Just
God is just. (Ex 34:7, Heb 6:10, Rev 15:3, Rev 19:1-3)
Mercy Accompanies Judgment
Mercy accompanies the judgment. (Eze 33:11, Mt 23:23)
Justice and mercy are inseparable aspects of God's character. (Ex 34:5-7, Isa 28:21,22 compare 1Ch 13:11-16, Eph 2:4,5)
The cross is the ultimate proof of God's justice and mercy.
Mercy triumphs over judgment (Mal 3:5, Ro 5:20,21, Heb 4:14-16, Jas 2:12,13, 1Jn 1:7,9, 1Jn 2:1,2)
The mercy seat was over the ark of the Testimony (Ex 25:17-22)
Mercy is available until the close of probation. (Mt 20:1-15, Rev 14:9-11, Rev 22:10-12)
God is not slow to accomplish justice. (Mal 2:17, 2Th 1:6-9, 2Pe 3:7-9)
Jesus is the Judge
Jesus is the Judge (God has delegated all judgment to Him) (Jn 5:22,23, Ac 17:30,31, 2Co 5:10)
Jesus is the Advocate for Genuine Christians
Jesus is the Advocate (Witness) for genuine Christians (Job 16:19, Heb 7:25, 1Jn 2:1)
With Jesus, a person is saved from condemnation. (Eze 18:21,22,31, Jn 3:36, Ro 8:1,2, Col 1:22, 1Jn 5:12)
Without Jesus, a person's sins result in condemnation. (Da 7:10, Ecc 12:14, Mal 3:5, Mt 7:21-23, Mt 12:36,37, Mt 25:41-46, Jn 3:36, Ro 2:16, Ro 6:23, 1Co 4:5, 2Co 5:10, Gal 6:7,8, 1Jn 5:12, Rev 20:11-15)
The Evidence of Genuine Faith is our Works
The evidence of genuine faith is our works. (Eze 18:30-32, Ecc 12:14, Mt 25:31-46, Jas 2:14-26)
Note that our works do not save us. (Isa 64:6, Eph 2:8,9)
Every secret sin and hidden motive has been recorded. (Ro 2:16, 1Co 4:4,5, Heb 4:13)
The Standard for Behavior is the Law of God
The standard for behavior is the law of God. (Jn 12:48,49, Jas 2:12, 1Jn 3:4)
The law is perfectly exemplified in the life of Christ. (Mt 5:17)
Characteristics of Genuine Faith
Repent from sin (as defined by God's holy law) (Mk 1:15, Lk 13:1-5, 1Jn 3:4-6)
Accept Jesus as Saviour (Lk 9:26, Jn 3:16, Jn 14:6, Ac 4:12, Ro 8:1,2, Eph 2:8,9, 1Jn 1:7, 1Jn 5:12)
Follow Jesus as Lord (Ro 10:9, 1Co 12:3, Php 2:11)
Love for God as manifested by obedience of His law (Mt 5:27-29, Jn 14:15,21,23, Jas 2:14-17, 1Jn 3:4-6, 1Jn 5:3, Rev 12:17, Rev 14:12)
Love for others (1Jn 2:9-11, 1Jn 3:10, 1Jn 4:20,21, 1Jn 5:2)
Forgiveness for others (Mt 6:12-15, Col 3:13, Jas 2:12,13)
Corrects themself, rather than judging others (Mt 7:1-5, Ro 14:10,13, Jas 4:12)
Does not abuse grace (Jude 1:4)
Does not treat salvation lightly (Php 2:12)
The Majority will Reap Destruction
The majority will reap destruction. (Mt 7:13,14, Lk 13:22-24)
The Majority will Not be Ready
The majority will not be ready. (Lk 17:26-30, Rev 6:15-17)
When the Door Shuts, it will Not be Re-Opened
When the door shuts, it will not be re-opened. (Mt 25:10-12, Lk 13:25-28)
Be Ready
Be ready (Mt 24:44)
The bride will be ready (Rev 19:7,8, Rev 7:13,14)
Look for our blessed hope - our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ (Tit 2:11-14)