This series offers an overview of the chief teachings of the Christian church.
There is an innate human desire that wants to know the next thing—the next assignment, the next meal, the next iteration of technology. There are many “next things” in everyday life. However, looking at the big picture of God’s dealing with mankind, there is only one “next thing” left to come: namely, Judgment Day.
God makes very clear that all people will be raised from the dead and all will stand before the judgment seat of God (John 5:28-29; Acts 24:15). Death is our own personal Judgment Day, because there are no second chances: “It is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.” (Hebrews 9:27) Nor will there be advance warning for Jesus’ return: “The day of the Lord so comes as a thief in the night.” (1 Thessalonians 5:2)
God provides a step-by-step account of what will happen on Judgment Day. “The Lord Himself will descend from heaven” (1 Thessalonians 4:16), bringing with Him “those who sleep in Jesus.” (verse 14) “The dead in Christ [believers] will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” (verse 17)
After Jesus and His entourage of believers descend to the earth, “He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd divides his sheep from the goats. . . . Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food. . . . Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry and feed You . . . . And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.'” (Matthew 25:32-40)
How will we appear before the Judge, and what will His verdict be? At first glance, it would seem that the sheep inherit eternal life because of their good deeds on earth. But look closer. When those on the right hand respond to Jesus, they are described as “the righteous.” These are righteous in God’s sight because they are clothed in their Savior’s righteousness received through faith in Him. The deeds to which Jesus points are merely the visible evidence (a judge considers evidence) of their righteousness. As James wrote, “I will show you my faith by my works.” (James 2:18)
In contrast, unbelievers come to the judge without faith in Jesus. Therefore, they have no righteousness. Jesus died for them, and there was forgiveness for them, but they rejected it. Thus, those on the left hand stand before the judge completely on their own, and the evidence proves them guilty with even their best deeds fouled by sin (Isaiah 64:6). The judge considers the evidence and declares, “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.” (Matthew 25:41)
There is no need to be fearful of the final judgment because the Judge is your Savior, your Shepherd, your Brother—Jesus. You will be able to stand confidently and fearlessly, not because of who you are or what you’ve done, but solely because of Who Jesus is and what He has done. “Who shall bring a charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies.” (Romans 8:33).
So each of us can say, “I can hardly wait for what’s next!”
These are righteous in God’s sight because they are clothed in their Savior’s righteousness received through faith in Him. The deeds to which Jesus points are merely the visible evidence
is pastor of Gethsemane Lutheran Church in Spokane Valley, Washington.