I encourage you to read Malachi 1:6-8, 2:4-8, 17; 3:13-15. We see from these verses that the prophet Malachi was rebuking the spiritual leaders of Israel for several reasons, one of them being that they were teaching God’s people that God doesn’t see or judge (vs. 2:17). This is utterly untrue, and the church needs to make this clear.
“Where is the God of judgment?” This has been said many times before. “The Lord will not do good or evil” they say in their heart (Zep 1:12). They imagine, “The Lord sees us not” (Ezk 8:12). They think The Lord doesn’t see; and because of it, the land is full of sin; blood; and perverseness (Ezk 9:9). Because God doesn’t judge the wicked immediately, they think they are getting away with it (Ecc 8:11). Scoffers mock, saying, “Where is God? Where is His coming? Where is His judgment? (2Pt 3:3-4). Silence arrogant scoffer! God knows everything, and weighs every action (1Sam 2:3). Don’t mistake delayed judgment for no judgment.
Don’t deceive yourself: There will be a judgment from God. God is the judge - Ps 75:7. The Lord is judge; law giver; and king - Isa 33:22. He is judge of all the earth - Gen 18:25. He comes to judge the earth - 1Chr 16:33, Jude 15. He shall judge the world in righteousness - Ps 9:8
God will judge the righteous and the wicked - Ecc 3:17. Yes, the righteous and the wicked both will be judged. Their judgments will be separate - but we will all be judged.
There will be a Day of Judgment. A foundational doctrine of Christ is the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment (Heb 6:1-2). Every dead person from Adam will be raised, and will be judged. The unrighteous and ungodly will be judged, punished, and destroyed (2Pt 2:9, 3:7). Unrighteous men store up wrath against the day of wrath (Rom 2:5). They know the judgment of God (either intuitively, or by nature, or by His written word), but suppress it, and rejoice in unrighteousness (Rom 1:32). Once you die, it’s too late to change your mind. The judgment comes next (Heb 9:27).
God will judge our works. He will render to every man according to his work - Ps 62:12. He will judge everyone according to his ways - Ezk 18:30. He will give to every man according to their works - Rev 22:12. Mat 16:27 “For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works.” Jn 5:29 “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.” King Solomon sums this truth up very simply: “Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.” (Ecc 12:13-14). Those whose names are not written in the Book of Life will be judged according to their works, and then cast into the Lake of Fire to be forever separated from God (Rev 20:12-15).
The born-again disciple of Jesus will appear at the Judgment Seat of Christ (Rom 14:10, 2Cor 5:10). Though the Christian is already saved from Hell, his works as a Christian will be judged and tried by fire (1Cor 3:11-15). Let us not make light of this judgment. Standing before King Jesus, while He judges our works as Believers, will be serious and sobering (Philp 2:12). Run to win - not just to get in! There is a prize to obtain! A crown to strive for! A race to win! A hearing of “Well done, good and faithful servant!”
Some of you may scoff; laugh; mock; and continue in rebellion and sin. So they did in Noah’s day; but judgment day is coming. If I am wrong - well, I still lived with meaning and purpose. If you are wrong, you not only wasted your life, but forfeited your eternal soul. Are you a gambler? Do you like those odds? You have a 50/50 chance. I would go with the sure thing. Repent and cry out to Jesus for mercy and salvation.
Let us learn from the Wise men and be Wise men. Let us always follow the Bright and Morning Star (Jesus), as they did. Let us never stop seeking Jesus until we arrive where He is (Heaven). When we arrive, may we not be empty handed, but have gifts (works of righteousness) to give our King. Let us have something for Jesus that withstands the fire of judgment, and is purified by it, instead of destroyed. Selah.
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