II Corinthians 5:10
by Dennis Baker, Brotherhood President
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Could 2016 be the year that Jesus returns? With all the turmoil going on in our country and world, many Bible students are getting excited about the possibility. The Bible speaks of many implications surrounding the Second coming of Christ. However, we will only focus on two: the basis of judgment and the finality of judgment.
All must appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according
to the he hath done, whether it be good or bad. John 5:28-29, Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
While some might conclude that judgment will be based on good or bad deeds, Jesus indicated that some who claim and
even appear to have good deeds would be told to depart. Matthew 7:21-23, “Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord,
shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in
that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many
wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.”
The standard on which the evaluation will be made is the revealed will of God. John 12:48, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.” Even those who have not heard the law will be judged; “For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law,” Romans 2:12.
Once judgment is passed, the judgment will be permanent and irrevocable. The saved and the unsaved will be sent away to their respective final places. There is no hint that the verdict can be changed. Jesus concluded His teaching about the last judgment by saying, “And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal,” Matthew 25:46.
If Jesus does return in 2016 will you be ready?
