The Gospel of the Judgment

Intro

I. Suspense & fear of judgment abound today

A. Whether standing before an imposing black robed figure

B. Lights flashing in rearview mirror

II. Should judgment always strike terror into hearts?

A. Guilty – judgment rightly is fearful indeed

B. Innocent – judgment sets free

III. Is the judgment “good news” to Christians? Is judgment part of the gospel?

A. Look at three reasons why judgment is a crucial part of the good news of the gospel

Message

I. The judgment is good news because it is Jesus’ final work

A. Judgment is part of the gospel – Rom. 2:16

B. Like the gospel, Jesus is the central figure

1. Jesus is the advocate – 1 John 2:1

2. Jesus is the judge – John 5:22

3. All heaven gathers as Jesus judges – Dan. 7:9, 10

4. Judgment final work before Jesus comes – Rev. 22:11, 12

II. The judgment is good news because it assures the safety of eternity.

A. Special promise – affliction no rise up again – Nahum 1:9

1. Never again face rebellion w/sin & death & all problems

2. How never rise up again? God force obedience?

3. Judgment answers how God just & promise never rise again!

B. All will be judged

1. Must all appear before judgment seat – 2 Cor. 5:10

2. Begins with us – 1 Pet. 4:17

C. All will be judged by the Ten Commandments

1. Ten Commandments will be the standard – James 2:10-12

2. Whole duty is to obey – Ec. 12:13, 14

3. Doesn’t save us, but reveals who is safe to save

D. All will be judged according to their works

1. We will be judged according to our works – Rev. 20:12

2. Rewards will be meted according to our works – Matt. 16:27

3. Judgment reveals what is in the heart – Matt. 12:35-37

E. Judgment reveals who has truly accepted Jesus

1. The gospel requires an unconditional surrender

a. Master, Lord are titles of absolute authority

b. Forsake all to follow Jesus – Luke 14:33

2. God knows heart, but works reveal heart to everyone else

a. Works reveal to angels & men whether really accepted Jesus or not

b. Works reveal to ourselves if we have unconditionally surrendered or not

3. Judgment reveals if rebellion totally uprooted from the heart

4. Judgment assures the safety of eternity by only admitting those who are safe to save

F. If His love is perfected in us, then we have boldness – 1 John 4:17

III. The judgment is good news because it delivers God’s people.

A. Judgment gives the kingdom to Christ – Dan. 7:9, 10, 14

B. Judgment is made in favor of God’s people – Dan. 7:22

C. Judgment takes away rule of antichrist – Dan. 7:26

D. Judgment gives the dominion to God’s people – Dan. 7:27

Conclusion:

I. The judgment is “good news”

A. Judgment is an integral facet of the gospel

B. Jesus is not just our sacrifice, but our judge too

C. To reject the judgment is to reject Jesus our judge

II. The judgment is solemn new, too

A. We will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ

1. Every action, every word, every thought will come in review

2. Each will be rewarded according to their works

B. Only those who have fully accepted Jesus as their judge & advocate

1. Accept his covering for our past sins

2. Accept his life to give us victory over every wrong word & action

C. Will you accept Jesus as your Lord, Savior & Judge today?