The Inevitable Appointment: A Sermon on Judgment
Introduction:
The subject of judgment is one that often evokes fear and trepidation. Yet, it is a fundamental truth of our faith, a reality we must confront with soberness and understanding. Today, we will explore the certainty of judgment, the nature of its process, and the importance of preparing our hearts for that inevitable day.
I. Important Things: The Certainty of Judgment
A. Judgment Day Is Appointed (Acts 17:31):
• "because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead."
• God has set a specific time for judgment. It is not a matter of "if," but "when." This is a reality we must acknowledge and prepare for.
B. Judgment Will Be "In Righteousness":
• God's judgment will be perfectly just and impartial. He sees all, knows all, and will render a verdict that is fair and true.
C. By the Gospel (Romans 1:16, 17; 2:16; John 12:48):
• Our judgment will be based on the gospel of Jesus Christ. The very message that offers salvation will also be the standard by which we are judged.
• John 12:48 "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My words, has that which judges him—the word that I have spoken will judge him in the last day."
D. Jesus Will Judge Us Then (John 5:22; Acts 10:42):
• Jesus Christ, the Son of God, has been appointed as the judge of all humanity. This is a solemn reminder that we will stand before the One who knows our hearts and lives intimately.
• Acts 10:42 "And He commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is He who was ordained by God to be judge of the living and the dead."
E. Judgment Is Certain—As the Resurrection (Acts 17:31):
• The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the guarantee of our own resurrection and the certainty of judgment. God raised Jesus from the dead, providing undeniable proof of His power and authority.
II. Important Things: The Nature of Judgment
A. Each Person (Living & Dead) Will Be Judged by the Word and His Works in Life (2 Corinthians 5:10; Revelation 20:11-13):
• 2 Corinthians 5:10 "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad."
• Revelation 20:12 "And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books."
• Our words, actions, and the condition of our hearts will be examined. Nothing will be hidden.
B. Being Chastened and Rebuked Now Is Not the Judgment (Hebrews 12:5-7):
• God's discipline in this life is not the final judgment. It is a loving act of correction, designed to lead us to repentance and restoration.
• Hebrews 12:5-7 "And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: “My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; For whom the Lord loves He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives.” If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?"
C. God Knows the Condition of Each Person (2 Timothy 2:19):
• 2 Timothy 2:19 "Nevertheless the solid foundation of God stands, having this seal: “The Lord knows those who are His,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of Christ depart from iniquity.”"
• God sees our hearts, our motives, and our true condition. Nothing escapes His notice.
D. Their Condition May Change in the Course of Life (Hebrews 12:15; 3:12, 13; Ezekiel 18:21-24):
• Ezekiel 18:21-24 "But if a wicked man turns from all his sins which he has committed, keeps all My statutes, and does what is lawful and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of his transgressions which he has committed shall be remembered against him; in his righteousness which he has done he shall live. However, when a righteous man turns away from his righteousness and commits iniquity, and does according to all the abominations that the wicked man does, shall he live? All his righteousness which he has done shall not be remembered; in his trespass for which he trespassed, and in his sin which he has sinned, for them he shall die."
• Our lives are not static. We can change, repent, and turn to God. Our final judgment will reflect our final condition.
- Preaching on The Liar: Exposing the Deception of False Faith
- Preaching on Scoffers and Mockers: The Peril of Rejecting Truth
- Preaching on Indifference: A mistaken stance
Conclusion:
The reality of judgment should not fill us with fear, but with a holy reverence. It should motivate us to live lives that are pleasing to God, to walk in obedience to His Word, and to seek His forgiveness when we fall short. Let us prepare our hearts for that inevitable day, knowing that our hope is in Jesus Christ, our Savior and Judge. Amen.
