FOUNDATIONS - Part 7 - Eternal Judgment

FOUNDATIONS
The principles of the doctrine of Christ.

Part 7 – Eternal Judgment

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 KJV

… the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,  (8)  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:  (9)  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

 

1. CERTAINTY

Scripture could not be more direct or clear about the certainty of the judgment of GOD against unrepentant men (1).  Despite this, many people believe that judgment is not a reality.  They think that GOD either does not exist, or that HE has “forgotten”, or that HE simply would not do that.  But scripture offers the following warnings.

Romans 9:22 KJV

What if God, willing to shew his wrath, and to make his power known, endured with much longsuffering the vessels of wrath fitted to destruction:

Ecclesiastes 8:11 KJV

Because sentence against an evil work is not executed speedily, therefore the heart of the sons of men is fully set in them to do evil.

What if GOD is storing up wrath and vengeance?  What if GOD is waiting until our sin and iniquity has reached its fullest expression before HE pours out HIS wrath.  We should not think, because GOD has not punished us yet, that HE will never punish us.  HE has not forgotten, and HIS arm has not shortened.

Galatians 6:7 KJV

Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.

2. CHRIST AS JUDGE

Many people associate wrath and judgment with the “god of the old testament”.  There is a common view that fearing GOD and trembling at HIS word is outdated.  After all, the “god of the new testament” is about love and relationships.  Those who hold this opinion choose to focus on the gentle and loving characteristics and examples of JESUS in the new testament.  They mistakenly suppose that CHRIST has replaced judgment with love.  But HE has not.  If HE had, then GOD’s love would be unjust.  Instead, because of HIS love, CHRIST suffered in our place.  CHRIST took the judgment that we deserved, so that GOD could show us the love that CHRIST deserved.

To say that GOD’s judgment was simply annulled is to demean CHRIST’s suffering.  Unthinkable offence!  How will the Lord Jesus deal with these men? 

2 Thessalonians 1:7-9 KJV

… the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,  (8)  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:  (9)  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;

Romans 14:10 KJV

But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.

In both of these scriptures, it is the Lord Jesus who is judging.  HE is on the throne.  He is revealed in flaming fire.  HE is taking vengeance.  Do not be deceived:  the Lord Jesus is King and Judge.  Terrible is the wrath of the Lamb.

Revelation 6:15-17 KJV

And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;  (16)  And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:  (17)  For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

3. WHAT IS JUDGED

It is right for GOD to judge because HE is all powerful, all wise, and perfectly just.  Therefore in every case HE will judge perfectly (no bias), with perfect understanding (no mistake), and perfect application of the sentence (no leniency).

But it is also right for GOD to judge because HE is all knowing.  This means that HE has the perfect set of facts.  If we are indicted at HIS judgment seat, each and every single one of our sins will be submitted into evidence against us (2).

Ecclesiastes 12:14 KJV

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil.

Not one of our sins will be missed.  The very words that we speak will be used to convict us.  Everything will be judged.

Matthew 12:36-37 KJV

But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment.  (37)  For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.

This would leave man with absolutely no hope.  And yet there is hope, if we are in CHRIST!  Oh what a joy and wonder, that our sins should be removed from us.  This is the magnitude of CHRIST’s sacrifice for his bride; the SON was punished by the FATHER for each and every sin of HIS people.

4. TEMPORAL JUDGMENT

There are many passages in scripture which speak of GOD’s judgment on the earth (3).  We know that GOD has judged the earth with water, and HE will judge the earth with fire.  In that day, the heavens and the earth will pass away; they will be ended. 

2 Peter 3:10-12 KJV

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.  (11)  Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,  (12)  Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

In one sense this judgment is finite:  it is temporal.  One day the earth will be destroyed, and then it will be no more.  So this wrath, this burning, does not continue forever.  It will be terrible, it will be absolute, and it will bring an end to this present earth.

5. ETERNAL JUDGMENT

The eternal judgment of GOD will be similar to the temporal in scale, extent, degree and intensity; in each case it is the infinite wrath of GOD which will be poured out.  However, eternal judgment is also infinite in its duration.  It does not end.  It continues forever.  The horror of the infinite wrath of GOD, poured out through unending ages without pause or respite, is more dreadful than man can imagine.

Matthew 25  KJV

(31)When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory:  (32)  And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:  (33)  And he shall set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left.

(34)  Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world

(41)  Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:

(46)  And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

The Lord Jesus Christ himself will condemn those on his left hand (the unrepentant) to everlasting fire and punishment.  And in this same passage of scripture Jesus says the righteous will inherit eternal life.  So to the degree that we believe in everlasting life and eternity in heaven with GOD, we must believe in everlasting fire and eternity in hell for the wicked.

This judgment is final, eternal, and immutable.  There is no more hope for those in hell.  No grace.  No forgiveness. 

Revelation 14:11 KJV

And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night…

CONCLUSION

Now is the time of grace and mercy.  Do not wait.  Jesus warned us in the strongest possible terms that we should escape the wrath to come; that we should escape hell.

Matthew 18:8-9 KJV

Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.  (9)  And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out, and cast it from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life with one eye, rather than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire.

All men everywhere are commanded to repent and believe.  This is the only proper response of a sinner toward the Holy GOD.

Mark 1:15 KJV

…The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.

REFERENCES

(1)            Judgment of GOD

a.    Ecclesiastes 12:14

b.    Matthew 10:26

c.     2 Peter 3:7

d.    Romans 14:10-12

e.    Hebrews 9:27-28

f.      Revelation 6:12-17

g.    Revelation 14:9-10

h.    Revelation 20:11-15

(2)            Everything will be judged

a.    Numbers 32:23

b.    Psalms 90:8

c.     Ecclesiastes 12:14

d.    Matthew 10:26

e.    Matthew 12:36-37

f.      Mark 4:22

g.    Luke 8:17

h.    Luke 12:2-3

i.       1 Corinthians 4:5

j.      Hebrews 4:12-13

(3)            Temporal Judgment

a.    The Curse                  Genesis 3:14-19

b.    The Flood                   Genesis 7:21-23

c.     Confusion                   Genesis 11:6-9

d.    Sodom and Gomorrah   Genesis 19:24-25

e.    The Famine                Genesis 41:54-57

f.      Egypt                        Exodus 10:7

g.    Egyptian Army            Exodus 14:27-28

h.    Israelites                   Numbers 14:35

i.       Amorites                    Joshua 10:11

j.      Assyrians                   Isaiah 37:36

k.     The Fire                     2 Peter 3:5-10

(4)            Eternal Judgment

a.    Matthew 18:8

b.    Matthew 25:41-46

c.     Mark 9:43-49

d.    2 Thessalonians 1:6-9

e.    Revelation 14:9-11

f.      Revelation 20:10

(5)            Escape Hell

a.    Matthew 10:28

b.    Matthew 18:8-9

c.     Mark 9:43-48

d.    Luke 12:4-5

e.    Luke 13:23-24

FOUNDATIONS - Part 6 - Resurrection

FOUNDATIONS

The principles of the doctrine of Christ.

Part 6 – Resurrection

John 5:28-29 KJV

…the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice,  (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.

1. RESURRECTION IS A REALITY

A resurrection is an event in which something that is dead becomes alive again.  The word comes from ‘resurge’ (1), and literally means, ‘to rise again’.  It is made clear to us in the text above, and in many others, that all men will rise from the dead.  It is a certainty.

Luke 20:37-38 KJV

Now that the dead are raised, even Moses shewed at the bush, when he calleth the Lord the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob.  (38)  For he is not a God of the dead, but of the living: for all live unto him.

Here Jesus has rebuked the Sadducees for their denial of the doctrine of resurrection; HE even says that they commit a “great error” (2).  Paul also writes:  those who say the resurrection has already passed do commit an error, and actually overthrow the faith of some (2).  So we see that as Resurrection is a foundational doctrine, denying this doctrine, or misrepresenting it, is a great error with terrible consequences.

2. RESURRECTION BODIES

When we are raised we will have a body, but it will be a spiritual body.  It will not be like our earthly body that has died.  Paul gives us the illustration of planting a seed which has a certain body: small, round, and hard.  But when that seed dies, the life that comes from it does not look the same; the plant is tall, green, and bearing fruit (3).

1 Corinthians 15:50-53 KJV

(50)  Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.  … and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.  (53)  For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

The new bodies, given to all those who have repented of their sin and believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, shall be fit to inherit the kingdom of GOD. 

3. RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

Perhaps the most important reason why Resurrection is a foundational doctrine is found in 1 Corinthians, chapter 15.  Paul states:

1 Corinthians 15:12-19 KJV

(12)  Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead?  (13)  But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen:  (14)  And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain.  (15)  Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not.  (16)  For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised:  (17)  And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins.  (18)  Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished.  (19)  If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable.

It was prophesied that the Messiah would rise from the dead (4).  If Christ was not raised, then HE was not the Messiah.  Jesus himself also stated that HE would rise again after three days (5).  If HE did not keep that promise then HE was not GOD; GOD does not lie, and GOD does not fail.  Therefore, if Christ was not raised then our faith truly is in vain; we have no hope.

Hebrews 1:3 KJV

…[Jesus], when he had by himself purged our sins, sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high;

But Christ was raised.  HE has ascended, and is enthroned in heaven, because GOD raised HIM from the dead (6).  HIS resurrection is a testimony that HE had completed his work of redemption, and that it was acceptable to the Father.

4. RESURRECTION OF THE FIRST FRUITS

1 Corinthians 15:20-23 KJV

(20)  But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept.  (21)  For since by man came death, by man came also the resurrection of the dead.  (22)  For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ shall all be made alive.  (23)  But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ's at his coming.

A ‘first-fruits’ offering includes two things:  praise to GOD for HIS provision, and a declaration of our trust in HIM to bring in the complete harvest at the end of the season.  As clearly as the ‘first-fruits’ of barley points to a barley harvest, and the ‘first-fruits’ of wheat points to a wheat harvest, the ‘first-fruits’ of the dead points to a general resurrection.  To witness of this, many people were raised immediately after Christ, and were taken by HIM to heaven as the actual ‘first-fruits’ offering (7).  In this way the Lord Jesus actually raised the ‘first-fruits’ offering to the Father.  But HE also was a part of the ‘first-fruits’ offering, because without HIS resurrection we would have no hope for our own resurrection.

5. THE TWO RESURRECTIONS

Revelation 20:4-6 KJV

And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.  (5)  But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.  (6)  Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.

There will be two resurrections (8).  In the first resurrection, the just (regenerate) will be raised; they will reign with Christ for a thousand years on this earth.  They are called the blessed and holy, the just, the ones who have done good (by GOD's grace), and the ones counted worthy to obtain.  The first resurrection is the resurrection unto life.

Those who reject the Lord Jesus Christ will not be raised until after the thousand years.  They are the unrepentant blasphemers, the unbelieving, abominable, immoral, and the liars (9).  Theirs is the resurrection unto damnation.  They will be raised to life, only to be judged and condemned to eternity in hell.

6. REGENERATION

The Resurrection of the body is used to teach us about regeneration.  This word is similar to resurrection, but means to take something that is corrupt and re-create it in a new form that is pure and without corruption (10). 

Romans 6:3-7 KJV

Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death?  (4)  Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.  (5)  For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:  (6)  Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.  (7)  For he that is dead is freed from sin.

Here Paul draws a link between Christ’s resurrection from the dead, and our new life in Christ (verse 4).  All men are born physically alive, but spiritually dead.  We are wholly corrupt and totally depraved, unable to hear GOD or see HIS truth, unable to respond to GOD, in bondage to sin and Satan; we are haters of GOD.  This is our nature.  But if that nature is killed, then we are freed from it.  This is what is meant by the ‘death of the old man’.  Our old way of being is no more.  Instead, a new nature, a new way of being, and even a new heart is given to us.  This is regeneration.  So we are no longer spiritually dead, we are spiritually alive; we have been born again.

Ezekiel 36:26-27 KJV

A new heart also will I give you, and a new spirit will I put within you: and I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you an heart of flesh.  (27)  And I will put my spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes, and ye shall keep my judgments, and do them.

CONCLUSION

The resurrection from the dead is an absolute certainty; GOD has said it, HE will do it.  The Lord Jesus Christ was raised from the dead; three days and three nights after HIS suffering HE was raised.  HIS resurrection was a testimony to his perfect, finished work.  HIS resurrection was also a promise of our bodily resurrection, and spiritual regeneration.

Every one who has ever lived will be raised from the dead; either to life, or to damnation.  The resurrection of the just will be wonderful, and glorious, and the beginning their eternity with CHRIST.  The resurrection of the ungodly will be terrible, fearful, and the beginning of their eternity of suffering.  They will have NO HOPE.

REFERENCES

(1)            [Middle English, from Old French, from Late Latin resurr cti , resurr cti n-, from Latin resurr ctus, past participle of resurgere, to rise again; see resurge.], www.thefreedictionary.com/resurrection

(2)            Error and danger in denying resurrection:

a.    Matthew 22:29-32

b.    Mark 12:26-27

c.     2 Timothy 2:18

(3)            1 Corinthians 15:35-38

(4)            Psalms 16:10

(5)            John 2:18-22

(6)            Acts 2:32

(7)            First-Fruits Offering:

a.    Matthew 27:52-53

b.    John 20:17-20

c.     Luke 24:36-40

d.    Acts 26:22-23

e.    Revelation 1:5

(8)            Two Resurrections:

a.    Revelation 20:4-6

b.    John 5:28-29

c.     Acts 24:14-15

d.    Luke 14:12-14

e.    Luke 20:34-36

f.      Hebrews 11:35-40

(9)            Men of the second resurrection:

a.    Revelation 21:8

b.    Revelation 16:11

(10)       1425–75; late Middle English  (adj.) < Latin regenerātus,  past participle of regenerāre  to bring forth again, equivalent to re- re-  + generātus; see generate, http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/regenerate

FOUNDATIONS - Part 5 - Laying on of Hands

FOUNDATIONS

The principles of the doctrine of Christ.

Part 5 – Laying on of Hands

Matthew 19:13-15 KJV

Then were there brought unto him little children, that he should put his hands on them, and pray

1. WHAT IS THE ‘LAYING ON OF HANDS’

Like baptism, the practice of ‘laying on hands’ is an ordinance.  It was instituted by the Lord Jesus Christ in both command and example.  We are also given many examples of the apostles laying on hands, which we ought to follow. 

Mark 16:15-18 KJV

And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.  (16)  He that believeth and is baptized shall be saved; but he that believeth not shall be damned.  (17)  And these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name shall they cast out devils; they shall speak with new tongues;  (18)  They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.

‘Go ye’ is a command.  The gospel is to be preached, and men will either believe, or not believe.  ‘These signs shall follow’ is both a command and a promise.  It does not mean that every believer will necessarily be able to exhibit these signs, but primarily those ordained to ‘go’ and ‘preach’ (1); since signs are intended for the unbelievers as a means of demonstrating the power of GOD.  The last sign mentioned here is that they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover.   

The examples we are given of men laying hands on people include healing, ordination, blessing, and comfort. 

2. HEALING

Luke 4:40 KJV

…all they that had any sick with divers diseases brought them unto [Jesus]; and he laid his hands on every one of them, and healed them.

This is a clear example from the Lord Jesus that we should lay hands on the sick, and there are many such examples in Scripture (2).  We are further commanded by James that the elders should anoint the sick.

James 5:14-16 KJV

Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:  (15)  And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  (16)  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

It is clear here that the healing is through faith in GOD.  The power to heal the sick is from GOD.  No hand or anointing oil contains any healing power.  Instead, the laying of hands on the sick person symbolizes our prayer and call upon GOD, that HE would apply HIS power to heal them.  The physical touch also demonstrates our compassion for the sick person, encourages their faith, and provides comfort.

3. ORDINATION

Numbers 27:18 KJV

And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him;

See that GOD has already put HIS spirit into Joshua, and now Moses is to lay his hands on him.  The laying on of hands to ordain men to ministry is symbolic of the calling and authority that GOD has already given them.  It is also an affirmation and public declaration by the church that a man is called to serve in a specific role. 

Acts 6:2-6 KJV

Then the twelve called the multitude of the disciples unto them, and said, It is not reason that we should leave the word of God, and serve tables.  (3)  Wherefore, brethren, look ye out among you seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost and wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business.  (4)  But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.  (5)  And the saying pleased the whole multitude: and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost, and Philip, and Prochorus, and Nicanor, and Timon, and Parmenas, and Nicolas a proselyte of Antioch:  (6)  Whom they set before the apostles: and when they had prayed, they laid their hands on them.

Among the examples of ordination in Scripture (3), we see here that the apostles laid their hands on these men to appoint them into this office.  Again, the men who were chosen were already filled with the spirit.  So, the laying on of hands does not make a calling, but rather affirms it.

1 Timothy 5:22 KJV

Lay hands suddenly on no man, neither be partaker of other men's sins: keep thyself pure.

Because of the seriousness of appointing a man into an office in the church of the Lord Jesus, we are commanded to carefully examine his qualifications beforehand (4).   We must not rashly, or carelessly appoint someone to serve in a way that they are not qualified for.

4. BLESSING

Mark 10:13-16 KJV

And they brought young children to him, that he should touch them: and his disciples rebuked those that brought them.  (14)  But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.  (15)  Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.  (16)  And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them.

Laying hands on someone in this way communicates a great care for them, and that they are valued and loved.  It is also a sign that we are praying to GOD for them, that they would receive HIS blessing.

5. COMFORT

Matthew 17:7 KJV

And Jesus came and touched them, and said, Arise, and be not afraid.

Laying hands on someone in this way expresses our compassion, understanding, and solidarity with them.  This touch can reassure them that there is hope, no matter what situation or circumstance they are in.  We can bring them peace by reminding them that GOD is sovereign, and that HE has both the power and the will to save.

CONCLUSION

The works of healing, ordaining, blessing, and comforting are all related to GOD’s love, affirmation, and care for HIS children.  So the purpose of this ordinance is to realize this love and display it to others.  How wonderful is our Creator, that HE would design our sense of touch to transmit and receive affection, and then ordain this practice to fulfill it.

REFERENCES

(1)            Specific calling:  Mark 3:13-14

(2)            Healing:

a.    Matthew 8:2-4, Mark 1:40-45, Luke 5:12-16

b.    Matthew 8:14-15

c.     Luke 4:40

d.    Luke 7:14

e.    Matthew 9:18-26, Mark 5:21-43, Luke 8:40-56

f.      Matthew 9:27-31

g.    Mark 6:5

h.    Mark 7:33

i.       Mark 8:22-26

j.      Luke 13:11-13

k.     Matthew 20:30-34

l.       Luke 22:51

m.  Mark 16:18

n.    Acts 9:10-18

o.    Acts 28:8

p.    James 5:14-16

(3)            Ordination: 

a.    Numbers 27:18-19

b.    Deuteronomy 34:9

c.     Acts 6:2-6

d.    Acts 13:3

e.    1 Timothy 4:14

(4)            Qualifications for Ordination: 

a.    1 Timothy 3:1-13

b.    Titus 1:5-9