Resurrection and Judgment
RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD
The doctrine of resurrection of the dead is
closely associated with all the other events at the end of the
age. It is however a basic doctrine as mentioned in Hebrews 6:2.
An understanding of which is necessary to moving on into
maturity.
What is the resurrection from the dead?
It is firstly the belief that God by the power of the Holy
Spirit can and will raise the dead in particular. Of course, it
is believed that the resurrected Jesus Christ is the first fruit
of many other (I Corinthians 15:20; Colossians 1:18 )
Secondly, it is the belief that at a moment of time, it is the
purpose of God to raise all who had died to life again for
judgment (John 5:25,28). The resurrection of the dead will not
only be spiritual but actual. The grave will open and the dead
will hear His voice. There will be a change for believers from
their mortal bodies to glorified bodies (Philippians 3:20; I
Corinthians 15:43,48).
A glorified body will have the same characteristics as the risen
Jesus. It will be recognizable, but it will not be limited by
time, space or age. Everybody who has died will be raised, those
who have known and those who have not known the Lord Jesus as
their Savior. Those who are in Christ will be raised to eternal
life and will live with Jesus forever and ever. Those who have
not known Him to eternal judgment.
When will the resurrection of the dead take place?
This will be at the end of the age. (I Corinthians 15:20; John
6:39-45). This doctrine is really a glorious hope to those who
are in Christ Jesus. It is a source of victory as Jesus has
conquered death. This truth releases one from the fear of death.
ETERNAL JUDGMENT
When the resurrection of the dead takes place, it will be for
judgment. The end of the age will be climaxed by this day and
Jesus will return to the world in righteousness. Psalms 9:8
The following scriptures show that
· Jesus will be the judge: Mathew 25:31; John 5:27; Acts 10:42;
17:37; Phil 2:10
· The saints will judge with the Lord as agents of His kingdom:
I Corinthian 6:2,3; Mathew 13:41; 25:31
Who will be judged?
· Angels will be judged
· Demons and fallen angels will be judged; Mathew 8:29; I
Corinthians 6:3;
II Peter 2:4; Jude 6
· Sinners will be judged : John 5:28,29
· Saints will be judged.
To those who believe it will not be a judgment of condemnation
but a reckoning of what they have done in the body (I
Corinthians 3:12-15), but to those who do not believe it will
result in judgment and in eternal separation from God (Mathew
25:41-46). The results of judgment are clear in John 5:28,29 -
Heaven / Hell, Blessing / Judgment, Life / death.
What is to be judged?
Every act, word, deed, nature is to be judged. And the following
scriptures show the specific areas where judgment will be
exercised.
· Obedience to the revelation of God through creation, through
conscience on the revelation of the Lord Jesus. Romans 1:18-20;
Mathew 11:21-24
· Obedience to the revealed will of God. Mathew 7:21-23
· All words that are spoken will be judged Mathew 12:36
· Things that are done secretly : Romans 2:16; I Corinthians 4:5
· Every deed done: Romans 2:6
This doctrine is not simply futuristic but has practical effects
upon our lives. We live in the " now" of God's judgment, for it
is time for the judgment to begin with the House of God.
I Peter 4:17
The principles of judgment are:
· Accountability to those in authority over us Mathew 25:19
· Carefulness in building on the foundation of the Lord Jesus in
our lives and ministry
I Cor 3:10-15
· Carefulness in conversation, speech and behavior Mathew 12:36;
I Peter 1:15;
II Peter 3:11
· Exercising of sound judgment, sober spirit and prayer - I
Peter 4:7
· Exercising of doing good and sharing and hospitality Romans
2:7; Hebrews 13:16
· Developing the qualities of perseverance Luke 21:19