Central Thought: …it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement.
Hymn: “When the Trumpet of the Lord Shall Sound”
Text: John 5:22-30; 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; Revelation 20:11-15
It does not appear popular anymore to talk of a “judgement day” in the future, in which the entire world will be judged by God. People tend not to believe that one day; they must render account to God for their time here on earth. The lifestyle displayed by many today does not suggest that they are expecting that a day of reckoning will dawn sometime in the future. This attitude is ironical because in day to day life, people are usually expected to render account for one thing or the other. For example, at the end of a school term or semester, students write examinations which are used to judge their performance. Men ought to expect too that at the end of life on earth, God will ask them to give an account of how they had lived on the earth.
However, the Bible states emphatically that judgement is inevitable and awaits all, “it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgement”, Hebrews 9:27. It therefore makes sense to be prepared for the Lord’s coming. Although everyone will be judged, believers will however face judgement without fear of condemnation, Romans 8:1.
Lesson Objectives:
- To understand what judgement is, who is to be judged and who will be the Judge.
- To understand the basis and nature of GOD’s judgement.
- To know some of the rewards believers, the Saints, will receive after judgement.
- To know how we, the believers, ought to conduct ourselves in anticipation of judgement.
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What is judgment?
Simply stated, judgement can be considered to be a time or situation when someone is called upon to give an account of his/her stewardship for the purpose of assessing his/her performance.
In Biblical context, judgement refers to the time god will require everyone to give account of his stewardship here on earth. Usually the day this will happen is referred to in Scripture as “Judgement Day”. In Acts 17:31 we read, “Because He has appointed a day, in which He will judge the world in righteousness by that man Whom He has ordained”. Every human being who has passed through this world will face GOD’S judgement, 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27; 1 Peter 4:15-19. It is obvious form scripture that GOD will judge the world through the LORD JESUS CHRIST, John 5:22; Romans 2:16; 1 Corinthians 6:2-4; Hebrews 12:23.
It is instructive to note that believers and unbelievers will be judged separately. The judgement of believers will be for the purpose of rewarding them for the service rendered to God on earth. This will be after the rapture that is between the rapture and the Second Advent. It will take place at the Judgement seat of CHRIST in Heaven, 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10. As stated in Dake’s Annotated Bible, P. 177 New Testament, believers will be judged concerning:
-Doctrines, Romans 2:14-16, Romans 14
-Conduct to others, Matthew 18; Romans 14
-Carnal traits, Colossians 3; Romans 8:1-13
-Words, Matthew 12:32-37
-Things that affect others; slander, quarrels, idle words, foolishness, dishonesty, broken promises, wrong dealings, Romans 1:29-32; 2 Corinthians 6:9-11.
-Things that affect themselves: neglected opportunities, talents wasted, loose living, lack of spirituality, etc., Romans 2:14-16; Hebrews 2:1-4.
-Things that affect GOD: refusal to walk in the light, disobedience, rejection, failure to co-operate and yield to the Holy Spirit, 1 Corinthians 12: Romans 12; Ephesians 4.
-On the other hand, the judgement of unbelievers is described in scripture as “The great white throne judgement”. This is the judgment of the wicked dead. They will be condemned and cast into the lake of fire, Revelation 20:11-15.
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What will be the basis of judgment for all?
The basis of God’s judgement is clearly revealed in Scripture. The primary basis for judgement centers on the individual’s response to GOD’s salvation plan. The love of GOD was manifested in the offering of His Son for us. Anyone who believes in that Sacrifice becomes a child of GOD. However, he who does not believe on the Son receives condemnation to Himself, John 3:16-18.
It is also indicated in Scripture that God will judge believers on the basis of character and conduct. The believer is expected to walk in holiness when he/she believes in the LORD JESUS. Where this is not the case, his character and conduct will come under judgement most likely at the judgement seat of CHRIST. Such judgement will form the basis of reward.
It must be born in mind that GOD’s judgement will be just, without respect of persons and will definitely reflect His righteousness.
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What is the nature of the judgement of the saints? 1 Corinthians 3:11-15; Romans 8:1
The Scripture makes us understand that anyone who believes on the LORD JESUS in this world is a saint. The nature of the judgement of saints is made plain in Scripture. Believers will be judged for the purpose of rewarding them and not for condemnation.
As stated in 1 Corinthians 3:11-15, anyone who believers wholeheartedly on the LORD JESUS, enters into a relationship with GOD. This relationship must be built upon on a daily basis through a close walk with God. Gifts (spiritual and talents), and opportunities given by GOD must be used to His praise and glory. Holiness must be embraced. At the end of his life on earth the works of the believer will be judged and rewarded.
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What are the various rewards for the saints?
Saints (believers in CHRIST) will be rewarded for their commitment to the LORD. The reward which comes in various ways will include:
-an incorruptible crown, 1 Corinthians 9:25; 2 Timothy 4:8
The believer who overcomes will receive a crown from the LORD. This crown is variously described in scripture as a crown of life, a crown of righteousness, a crown of glory, etc.
-Shine as stars in GOD’s kingdom.
-Daniel 12:3 states, “And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmaments and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars forever and ever”.
-Eat of the tree of life, Revelation 2:7
-Escape the second death (hell), Revelation 2:11.
-Eat of the hidden manna; receive a white stone with a new name written on it, Revelation 2:17
-Power over the nation, assist the LORD in governance during the millennium, Revelation 2:26-27.
Receive the morning star, Revelation 2:8.
-Clothed in white raiment and his name will not be blotted out the book of life, Revelation 3:5. The name of the believer will be confessed by CHRIST before GOD and His angels.
-Be a pillar in the house of God, Revelation 3:12.
-God will write His own name and the name of His city upon him, the believer.
-Sit with CHRIST on His throne, Revelation 3:21.
-Inherit all things, Revelation 21:7.
It should be pointed out that apart from these promised rewards to the overcomer at the end of life, the believer also enjoys reward in the present life. He enjoys peace, security, GOD’s provision, answers to prayers, etc.
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How should the believer live in view of God’s judgement?
When we truly come to terms with the reality of being judged by God someday, then we should live our lives on earth in holiness and total submission to His will. We are counselled in 2 Peter 3:11, “seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness”.
We must keep the faith always and faithfully utilize our God given gift and talents. We should continue in well doing. We must be fervent in spirit, serving the LORD, Romans 12:11. We must keep heaven in focus and prepare daily for His coming. Be vigilant, 1 Peter 5:8.
Daily Living Application:
Judgement of man by GOD is plainly stated in the Bible. At the end of this judgement, believers will receive reward for what was done on earth for the LORD but the wicked will be thrown into everlasting fire. The way of escape is to prepare for the LORD’S coming. The first step to become born-again is by receiving CHRIST personally as your LORD and SAVIOR and thereafter live for Him in holiness and righteousness.
Memory Verse:
Revelation 21:7 – “He that overcometh shall inherit all things: and I will be his GOD and he shall be my son.”