There are foundational doctrines of Christianity that some Christians choose to either show little regard to or reject completely (Hebrews 6:1-2). One of these foundational doctrines is eternal judgment (Hebrews 6:2). Although some people, whether Christian or not, desire to ignore this doctrine to live as they please with no judgment they are biblically incorrect (Acts 24:25). God’s judgment is without partiality, righteous, and just but is based on every person’s work of their lives as a Christian serving the kingdom of God or an unbeliever working for the kingdom of Satan (Acts 17:31). While even some Christians think there is no accountability for their wrongs since they believe in Jesus Christ they are not sound in their biblical views but must appear before the judgment seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:9-10). Every Christian's goal should be to please God as their Father, Jesus as their Savior and Lord, and be led by the Holy Spirit. For Christians who hold onto no judgment for those who believe (John 3:18) the picture of Jesus’ topic is judgment regarding salvation. The Greek in this verse paints the picture of receiving no rejection or condemnation for desiring salvation through Jesus while those who refuse Him are already judged because of their separation from God unless they repent. Every Christian will stand before Jesus Christ to be judged for how they lived their life as a Christian (Romans 14:10,12). With this judgment, there are rewards for those who are true Christians in the kingdom of God to rule with Christ because they were judged as faithful (Revelation 2:26-27). One may ask, “What do you mean by true Christian”? Some declare with their mouth they love and serve God but with their life they choose to serve themselves, their natural life, their job, their hobbies, or their favorite sins (Matthew 15:8, Isaiah 29:13). Only those who are found faithful and true to the kingdom of God will be established as a ruler after the judgment (Matthew 25:23, Matthew 13:43). Just as God will judge the Christians He will also judge sinners who have rejected Jesus Christ and His Word (John 12:48). Those that are not born again by salvation through Jesus Christ will face the great white throne judgment (Revelation 20:11-15). This judgment includes the word dead meaning the spiritually dead but also includes the physically dead as well. Due to not knowing Jesus Christ as their savior these dead have books that are opened to judge them according to their deeds or works of their lives (Revelation 20:12-13). Even Jesus discusses this situation when describing the wicked being gathered and burned in judgment (Matthew 13:40-42). This describes those rejecting the truth of God going to Hell because they have rejected the salvation God has to offer to everyone. When Jesus first came to the earth He dealt with sin as a burden that had dominion over people and He was not the judge but a Savior (John 3:16-17, Hebrews 9:28). Jesus’ next appearing, which is different from His second coming (Zechariah 14:3-4, Revelation 19:11-16), will bring salvation to those waiting for Him (Hebrews 9:28, 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17, 1 Corinthians 15:50-54). All of these verses discussed display the importance of the coming judgment and for people everywhere to be born again through Jesus Christ, serve God with all that is within them, and have a true relationship with God all the days of their lives.
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AuthorCaleb Andrews Archives
September 2024
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