The Final Judgment

Continuation of the IF/THEN series.
Eccles. 3:11 - "set eternity in the heart"

Ed calls this a doctrine, inherently known, scripturally confirmed, traditional accepted. It became a part of orthodoxy.

Others also agree that the fact of final judgment is inherently known, universally accepted.
BUT, what's it LOOK like??? (the concept is "we're here, we're gonna die, then judgment")
Justice will be done.

IF Jesus did and said the things he did and said, and taught and revealed as recorded.....
THEN: 1. we can be certain of judgment
2. we can know some important and specific aspects of judgment
3. we can prepare for judgment

I. The Fact of Judgment - (throughout the scripture, especially in the New Testament)
Rev. 20:11-15 - end times. God is absolute judge, there will be no argument

II. The Need for Judgment (why not forget and forgive??)
1. to see justice done!! Rev. 6:9-11
2. to fully glorify (vindicate) God
4. to fulfill His promises to us
God is more than a merciful God. he is a just God. God will meet the need for justice.

III. The Nature of Judgment (some glimpses)
1. according to truth (God's standard - not ours) Rev. 19:1-2
2. with Christ as the judge John 5:24-29
3. it's personal - (is a national judgment) but I will answer for me.
4. revealing Rom. 2:16 - will reveal the secrets of the heart.
5. thorough Matt. 12:36-37 (we will answer for every careless word spoken)
6. public??? (the New Testament pictures judgment this way) BUT, we're all going to be in the same boat. Won't be listening to another's judgment.

IV. The Scope of Judgment (equals ALL)
1. unbelievers -
2. angels 1 Cor. 6:2-3 (good & bad?? - our part.)
3. believers. 2 Cor. 5:10 Rom. 14:9-10, 12

BUT NOTE: an enormous, essential aspect of judgment has already been executed. At the CROSS!!
2 Cor. 5:21 1 Pet. 2:24 Gal. 3:13 Isa. 53:5 - the scapegoat! Jesus paid the debt in our place and carried the debt away.

Note #1: This does NOT mean no judgment for believers.
It does mean no fear. No condemnation. This is NOT an issue of salvation or eternal destiny.
1 Cor. 3:13-15

Note #2. Judgment need not be all NEGATIVE (judgment can mean praise, commendation, rewards)
#1. patience (God will make everything right in His time) This does NOT mean inaction! - we are commanded to help the weak, seek justice, etc.
#2. preparation a. accepting Christ
b. living right.
#3. evangelism (in the broadest sense of Kingdom building) - to encourage and persuade men to righteous living. 2 Cor. 5:11
#4. thanksgiving - Christ paid for you, for me! mercy & grace!
Therefore:
#5. commitment - to Him, His Word, His teaching, etc.