A Day of Judgment?

As a rule, people are very interested in learning more about the day of judgment. Because there has been so much misinformation published, it is important to study God’s word and learn all we can about this great event. Some would like to table the matter altogether, preferring to live without any life after death consequences disturbing their present existence. Such a view leads to a very low purpose in life. After all, if there is no life after death, then we ought to “eat, drink, and be merry” with no thought to individual responsibility (1 Cor. 15:32). But, just suppose for a moment that death is not the final chapter. What then?

 

The Bible tells us that judgment is coming. In Hebrews 9:27, we read that “it is appointed for men to die once and after this comes judgment.” The sober reality of coming judgment ought to influence the way we live in this life. King Solomon left no stone unturned in his search for meaningful purpose in life. In the end, he summarized the purpose for human existence in these words: “The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, where it is good or evil” (Eccl. 12:13-14). Why should we fear God and keep His commandments? Because judgment is coming.

 

The apostle Paul stood on Mars Hill in the city of Athens proclaiming coming judgment. He said, “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead” (Act 17:30-31). Life is headed toward judgment. We will stand before the throne of Christ. Paul adds, “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10).

 

Either the Bible is true or it is not. But, if believe the Bible is the word of God, then we must accept what it teaches about coming judgment. Jesus says, “He who rejects Me, and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day” (Jn. 12:48). Are you ready for that day to come?