The Judgment To Come
The
scriptures speak plainly of a judgment for all men. "And as it is appointed
for men to die once, but after this the judgment" (Heb. 9:27),
"For
if we sin wilfully after that we have received the knowledge of the truth,
there remaineth no more a sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful expectation
of judgment, and a fierceness of fire which shall devour the adversaries"
(Heb.10:26,27). The judgment is necessary because of man's sinfulness (Rom.
3:23). God knows the works and thoughts of each one of us, therefore there
will be nothing hidden at the judgment ".There
is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and
laid open before the eyes of him with whom we have to do (Heb. 4:13). He has
the ability to know our intentions even if we do not carry them to fruition
(Heb.4:12).
Having established that all men will face a judgment of his works while on earth (Rom. 14:10; II Cor.5:10), we ask are you ready for the judgment? Most seem to show little concern about it, expressing various doctrines about what will happen, or doubt as to whether it will even happen. Many believe there will be a judgment at which God will welcome them to eternal life, no matter their earthly sins, because he will not punish his creation. Others simply do not believe in God, or His judgment. Thoughts of man exist between the two extremes.
The
biblical truth is each individual will face the judgment of God through his
son Jesus Christ (I Tim. 4:1,8;Acts 17:30-31). Paul speaks of
"the
day when God shall judge the secrets of men, according to my gospel, by Jesus
Christ" (Rom.2:16).
This will not be a favorable judgment based on man's standards, but a righteous judgment (Rom. 1:2- 2:2) by God's standard (John 12:48). His judgment will come "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ" (I Thess. 1:8). Believe it or not, there will be witnesses at the judgment. Whether they are for or against us depends on how we have received the teachings of God, delivered by his Son. " The men of Nineveh shall stand up in the judgment with this generation, and shall condemn it: for they repented at the preaching of Jonah; and behold, a greater than Jonah is here" (Mt.12:41). Note also Mark 6:11 and Matthew 12:42.
Those who serve God and keep His commandments do not fear the judgment. They, like Paul, look forward to the reward of a crown of righteousness (II Tim. 4:8). The crown is not promised to the unfaithful, so it behoves all to be among the faithful when the time of separation comes (Mt.25:41).
A good thought for all to keep in mind is "For the time is come for judgment to begin at the house of God: and if it begin first at us, what'shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of God"? (I Pet. 4:17).