Title: Last Judgment/Rev 20:11-15
Contents
Title: The Last Judgment
Text: Revelation 20:11-15
So, let's take a look at the special and clear character of the final judgment performed by Jesus Christ, the Judge of this time, and learn a lesson together.
1. Saints and unbelievers are judged the same, but they are prepared to be judged differently.
First, at the end of the world, believers and unbelievers alike must be resurrected and judged before God. But at this time, the saints, whoever believes in the name of the Lord and truly repents, are ready to face the judgment of life, whose name is written in the book of life.
On the other hand, an unbeliever will be punished according to the contents of the book that records the sins of the unbeliever, not the book of life. That is, before he stood before the judgment seat of God, he was predestined to receive different judgments based on this one fact, whether he was a saint or an unbeliever, before all the concrete acts he had done while living on this earth (Mark 16:16; John 3:18). ).
In this way, in the end, not only unbelievers but also believers will be judged once. However, the kind will be judged by fundamentally different people. In other words, saints and unbelievers are judged together once, but saints are natural men, unlike unbelievers who are contaminated by original sin and self-crime. It is reserved for another judgment (Matt. 13:36-43).
Therefore, it can be said that the absolute judgment of salvation and punishment has already been made depending on whether a believer or an unbeliever is immersed in the merits of the blood of Christ. Even so, believers and non-believers alike now go to the judgment seat in order to receive a complete final judgment on this fact, and at the same time receive a relative judgment according to their own actions.
2. Believers will receive reward according to their deeds, and unbelievers will receive punishment according to their deeds.
character! Earlier, we said that all human beings will be judged, but fundamentally believers and unbelievers are prepared for different judgments. But now, once again, as believers, who will receive the judgment of salvation as righteous people, and unbelievers, who will receive the judgment of punishment as sinners based on their faith in the Lord Jesus, the Redeemer, are already absolutely divided and come to judgment. You will receive relative judgment (Matthew 16:27).
In other words, a believer who has already been confirmed by faith in absolute salvation itself is now a believer, and an unbeliever who has already received a large or small reward according to his or her merits will be judged with a relatively large amount of punishment according to his actions in the world 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9). Therefore, the absolute judgment that judges salvation and punishment is not made based on human actions, but only on the basis of faith in the Lord Jesus. It is saying that after being divided according to what is written in the book of life or the book of punishment, which is not the book of life, you will be judged according to your deeds.
Saints! This is the core truth of the Last Judgment. First, remembering that there will be a final judgment, we must avoid the extreme folly of being swept away by the winds of pride and debauchery as if we are ourselves forever, or looking only at the world and falling into despair, and move forward with the hope of heaven. I have to live life. Also, realizing that our salvation in heaven itself is an unconditional grace given through faith, but it is through our actions that we obtain the heavenly reward, we decide to live a more zealous life as a saint (Philippians 3:14). .
3. All human actions are revealed.
Hebrews 4:13 says, "There is not one thing that has been created that is not made visible before him, but all things appear naked before the eyes of him with whom we have regard. From the moment we are born on this earth, we live with many thoughts and actions throughout our lifetime.
Sometimes they serve only God completely, sometimes they betray God, love other worldly things, or fall into sin. Or you may live a true life or act a lie, but on this earth, all of it may be hidden and hidden. However, on the day of the final judgment of the Judge, Jesus Christ, every action of each person will be revealed without hiding anything.
Everyone has secrets. Neither husband, wife, nor parents, nor friends, nor children know, that is, there are secrets that only you have. However, all of those secrets will later be revealed before the Last Judgment. When the secret is revealed, there will be shameful crimes, and there will be blessings that are proud and praised for being so.
Therefore, this is the real reason why we should live honest, righteous, and true lives on this earth. Of course, even in this land, the conduct of Mordecai's accusation of the two eunuchs trying to assassinate King Ahasuerus was later revealed, and his act was partially revealed, as it was revealed that he had been unfairly imprisoned (Genesis 40:14-15). , know that when the Lord executes the final judgment, all secret thoughts and deeds will be revealed in perfect perfection. Therefore, we cannot live without thinking for a moment.
4. Righteous retribution follows.
Also, the final judgment performed by the Lord represents a completely righteous figure, with righteous recompense given to each individual according to their deeds. On this earth, God's righteous retribution is partially performed, and even unjust situations are seen, such as the suffering of the righteous and the prosperity of the wicked. (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10).
In other words, the Lord who makes the final judgment judges in order to give a thorough and eternal reward to those who do righteousness and a thorough and eternal punishment to those who do evil.
The Lord clearly said, "Didn't the Son of Man come with his angels in the glory of the Father, and at that time he will repay each one according to what he has done (Matthew 16:27)? It is clearly going to be.
In this way, in the final judgment, the Lord will reward those who have done righteousness and devoted themselves to the gospel, but will surely punish those who do wrong. Therefore, on that day, the righteous who kept their faith before God will receive true comfort and glory, and there will be only thorough chastisement and curses for the wicked who refused to believe in God and fell into sin. Those who truly keep faith and righteousness and persevere while looking at the righteous retribution at the time of this final judgment can be called wise saints.
5. It has a permanent effect.
And the judgment that the Lord executes before the final judgment seat has eternal effect. At that time, those who are justified by the Lord and enter into the glory of the kingdom of God will be eternally righteous and will dwell in the glory of God forever. Discipline and judgment on this earth, which are sometimes seen, are temporary, and as the disciplined person turns and repents, discipline can be changed into blessing and punishment into comfort. is irreversible and final (1 Timothy 5:24-25).
Then those who receive the reward of blessing according to their good deeds will now enjoy eternal life and glory, and those who receive the curse of punishment according to their evil deeds will face eternal destruction and shame (verses 12-13). . Therefore, the important thing is that we must keep faith and righteousness before the eternal and irreversible time of judgment arrives and become those who receive eternal blessings on that day (2 Timothy 4:8).
Saints! There is no room for excuses and no room for sympathy for those who suffer calamities because they know in advance and neglect their preparation. Therefore, we should all be wise saints preparing for the day of judgment with a truly fearful heart.
Dear saints! The characteristics of the Last Judgment performed by Christ are that every human action is fully revealed, followed by thorough justice, and that it has eternal effect. However, we should prepare for that last day of judgment and strive to make sure that our deeds, which will be revealed on that day, are truly righteous and faithful.
Also, hope for God's justice that will be completed on that day, and always stand on the side of righteousness, but do not become discouraged or afraid because of the injustices of this earth. And on that day, we will have to overcome all kinds of tribulation and adversity on this earth while looking forward to the eternal blessings and life that the saints who keep faith and righteousness will receive.