9/28/1975
JUDGMENTS
In the Scriptures we are instructed to rightly divide the Word of truth. This statement is found in 2 Timothy 2.15. This is most essential when studying the judgments. Do not endeavor to make all the judgments conform to the theory of one general judgment. The general judgment theory is the invention of religion, and is not taught in the Word of God. There are five separate judgments revealed in the Bible and they differ as to time, place and purpose, yet they all have one thing in common–the Lord Jesus Christ is the judge. Everyone from Adam to the last man to be born on this earth will stand before the Lord Jesus Christ to be judged.
In the first judgment the life of the believers have already been judged in Christ on the cross. In the second judgment the believer is judge himself or be judged by the Lord Jesus Christ and be disciplined. In the third judgment all believers must appear before the judgment seat of Christ where their works are to be judged. In the four judgment all nations are to be judged at the second coming of Christ. At the fifth judgment the wicked dead are to be judged at the great white throne. Our Lord tells us that the believer does not come under condemnation. Our sins were judged in Christ on Calvary. Jesus paid the penalty for our sins. He was judged in our place and he blotted out our sins, the just for the unjust. Christ was made to be sin for us. He came to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.
When the believer judges himself the good and the bad come to light. The believer is to see himself as God sees him. When this is done, he will deny himself, take up his cross and follow his Lord. ‘If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature, old things are passed away.’ Humans will be judged by their works at the judgment seat of Christ. The believer will give an account of himself to God. Therefore we should look at our own works, good and bad, so whatever we do, we do to the glory of God.
The judgment of the nations will come when the Son of Man will come in his glory to sit upon his throne at the great white throne. He will judge the wicked dead. Then he will judge the living. Then the books will be opened and at this judgment Christ will give the kingdom to those who have everlasting life. All others will be cast into the lake of fire. At this judgment the wicked will hide their faces from God. The book of life will be opened and this is the end of the line. The just will receive everlasting life, the unjust will be cast into the bottomless pits of Hell. There is a heaven and yes, there is a Hell. There is no middle ground for you or for me.
Ad-Free & Subscriber Log-In