The Apostles' Creed - Lesson 9: Whence he shall come to judge the living and the dead

The Apostles' Creed

Lesson 9: Whence he shall come to judge the living and the dead

I believe in God, the Father, Almighty, maker of heaven and earth;

And in Jesus Christ, his only son, our lord;

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

Born of the virgin Mary,

Suffered under Pontius Pilate,

Was crucified, dead and buried.

He descended into hell,

And on the third day he rose again;

He ascended into heaven,

Where he is now seated at the right hand of God, the Father, Almighty,

Whence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.

I believe in the Holy Spirit,

The holy, catholic church,

The communion of saints,

The forgiveness of sins,

The resurrection of the body,

And the life everlasting.

Amen.

Acts 10:42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead.

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will render to everyone according to his deeds.

The Four Last Things

3. Think often on the four last things: on death -- there is nothing of which we are more sure; on the Judgment Day -- there is nothing more terrible; on hell -- there is nothing more unbearable; and on heaven -- there is nothing more joyful. He who thinks on these things will shun much sin and will be diligent in the way of salvation.

Rules of a Godly Life. Part I. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/americanexperience/features/primary-resources/amish-rules/ (January 7, 2015).

WHENCE

1. From what place. Whence and what art thou?

2. From what source. Whence shall we derive hope? Whence comes this honor? Whence hath this man this wisdom? Matthew 13.

"whence." Noah Webster's 1828 American Dictionary of the English Language. 2015. http://1828.mshaffer.com/d/word/whence (7 January 2015).

The Main Points for This Lesson:

The purpose of this series of lessons is, using the Apostles' Creed, to teach the essential teachings of the Christian faith and what it means to believe them. To state it simply, the goal is to teach what we believe and what it means to believe it.

The Apostles' Creed has three main sections. The second section concerns Jesus Christ, God's only son. In this lesson we will learn about the sixth part of this second section: “Whence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.”

After his resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven and sat down at the right hand of the God, the Father, Almighty. From that place, and with the authority of God the Father, Almighty, Jesus will come again with power and great glory (Matthew 24:30) to judge all men, the living and the dead (Acts 10:42). God has spoken of the judgment day in many times and in many ways as recorded in his holy word. Both Jesus and the apostles spoke of Jesus as the man appointed by God the Father to judge all men.

All men will be judged; final. Jesus will judge all men. Both those who have died and those who are still alive at his coming will be judged. The righteous and the unrighteous will stand before the Judge. This judgment is final. It is not temporary.

Judged by our work. Jesus will judge all men based on their works, on their deeds. The great judge will take into account our thoughts and heart (Matthew 5:27-28), he will judge the words of our mouth (Matthew 12:36-37), he will render to everyone according to their deeds (Matthew 16:27). Men's claim to faith will be proved or disproved by their works (James 2:17; Matthew 7:21-23) as seen by the Judge who searches the hearts and minds (Jeremiah 17:10; Psalm 7:9).

Only two outcomes. Jesus often spoke of judgment and the coming judgment day. He spoke of only two outcomes for men at the judgment. These two outcomes can be summed up by two phrases: “Well done, good and faithful servant”; and “Depart from me, I never knew you, you who practiced lawlessness.” Or again: “Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world”; and “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:34,41). In all his teaching on the coming judgment, Jesus did not speak of a third outcome, he offered no possible middle ground on the Day of the Lord.

God takes sin seriously. God is patient with us so that all men may come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). Some people take God's patience to mean that God doesn't care if we walk in the path of sin (Psalm 50:21). The apostle Paul warns the children of God to not be deceived about this (Galatians 6:7-10). Whatever we sow, we will reap. If we plant sunflower seeds, we will have sunflowers. If we plant sinful seeds by walking in sin, we will reap destruction. If we plant spiritual seeds, by faithfully doing good from the heart, we will reap eternal life.

Joy and terror. The coming of Jesus Christ to judge all men should be a joy to the righteous. They will receive the blessed reward of their labors and sufferings. They will be justified in the sight of all men, especially before those who persecuted them. At the same time, the coming judgment should be a terror to those living in sin. Living for earthly pleasure and bliss, they will be cast out from the presence of God and from eternal bliss. Yet, God desires all men to repent. God has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that the wicked would repent and live (Ezekiel 18:23).

What does it mean to believe this? Those who believe that Christ will come again to judge the living and the dead will prepare themselves (and those they love) for the coming judgment, that they may hear “well done” on that day. They will also persevere in seeking God and doing good, knowing that God will reward them on that Last Day. Those who believe this will also warn those living in sin about the coming judgment, that they may learn to fear the Lord, repent of sin and turn to God.

In his word, through his servants, and his son, God often speaks of the coming judgment and teaches his people how they may be prepared for that day, that they may hear “well done.” We must love and obey God with our whole being, and love our neighbor as ourselves (Luke 10:25-28). We are exhorted to watch and pray continually, so that the day of judgment does not come upon us suddenly and find us unprepared for it. In his love for us, God has taught us in many ways how to live so that we may be ready at his coming and judgment: fear God, keep his commandments, seek the Lord, seek righteousness, seek humility, be merciful to others (showing kindness to those in need), forgive others (don't hold grudges or anger in your heart), watch and pray, repent of sin, sow to the spirit (by doing good to others), love one another (love covers a multitude of sins), be self-controlled.

Jesus, along with the apostles and prophets, teaches us that we will be judged according to our works, according to how we have lived. Does that mean that we can “earn” eternal life, such that someone could possibly say that God “owes” them eternal life, or even that someone could gain eternal life apart from God by their own works? No. God alone possesses and gives eternal life.

From the scriptures we understand that God does not give eternal life to everyone without condition. Rather, we find that God gives eternal life to those who fully follow the Lord, to those who love him with all their heart, mind, soul and strength and love their neighbor as themselves, to those who do the will of the Father in heaven, such being the children of God and the brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ.

Suggestions:

Open each lesson with prayer for the teacher and the students and this class time.

Remind the children that we are using the Apostles' Creed to teach the essential teachings of the Christian faith, that is, what we believe and what it means to believe it. Read through the Apostles' Creed with the children.

For the purpose of these lessons, we have broken the creed into twelve parts. Let the children know that today we will talk about the seventh part: …Whence he shall come to judge the living and the dead.

Read Matthew 25:31-46. In these verses, Jesus teaches about his coming again to judge all men. You can ask the children questions related to this story and the judgment, such as: How did Jesus come? How did he separate the people? What was the difference between the two groups? By what measure did Jesus judge them? What do you think the “sheep” were thinking? What were the “goats” thinking? What was the final outcome for each group? Was this a joyful day for some and a terrible day for others? Can you think of anything you might do in this life if you want the judgment day to be a joyful day for you?

You could talk with the children about the idea of being ready for the judgment day. Mention to them the two beatitudes, “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God,” and “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” Ask them if these give some ideas about being ready for the judgment day.

If you still have time, you could ask them about the two comings of Jesus Christ. What is similar about his two comings? (Both were prophesied beforehand; both were/will be, in one way or another, unexpected.) What are the differences between his two comings? (He came the first time in humility and meekness, the second time he will come with power and great glory; He came first to call men to repentance, the second time he will come to judge all men.)

Close the lesson with prayer related to the subject and the students. Pray the Lord's Prayer together.

Stories:

Matthew 25:31-46 [31] “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then he will sit on the throne of his glory. [32] Before him all the nations will be gathered, and he will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. [33] He will set the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on the left. [34] Then the King will tell those on his right hand, ‘Come, blessed of my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world; [35] for I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me in. [36] I was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in prison, and you came to me.’ [37] “Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you a drink? [38] When did we see you as a stranger, and take you in; or naked, and clothe you? [39] When did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?’ [40] “The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ [41] Then he will say also to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire which is prepared for the devil and his angels; [42] for I was hungry, and you didn’t give me food to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave me no drink; [43] I was a stranger, and you didn’t take me in; naked, and you didn’t clothe me; sick, and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’ [44] “Then they will also answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and didn’t help you?’ [45] “Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you didn’t do it to one of the least of these, you didn’t do it to me.’ [46] These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”

Jesus often spoke of the coming judgment using parables. He does not present this to us as a parable.

More Stories and Examples:

Matthew 13:24-30 – This is the parable of the man who sowed good seed in his field. Then the enemy came and sowed weeds in the same field.

Matthew 13:36-43 – This is the explanation Jesus gave of the above parable.

Matthew 13:47-51 – In this parable, Jesus says the kingdom of heaven is like a net.

Mark 13:21-37 – Jesus speaks of his second coming and exhorts us to watch, keep alert and pray.

Other Verses:

THE DAY OF THE LORD

The prophets of the Old Testament warned God's people time and again of the coming of the Day of the Lord, that is, the day of judgment, when God would judge all men. They spoke of this day to encourage the righteous to persevere in the way. Perhaps much more, they spoke of the Day of the Lord to cause the hearts of sinners to fear, and in that fear of the Lord, to repent of their sins and turn to God. While this day was described with fearful and terrible words, yet even the most wicked who turned from his sin to seek righteousness and humility was given hope. At the same time, those who, while going on in sin, desired the Day of the Lord to come, were warned that the Day would be to them darkness (Amos 5:18-20) and not the light they expected.

Zephaniah 1:14-18;2:1-3 [1:14] The great day of Yahweh is near. It is near, and hurries greatly, the voice of the day of Yahweh. The mighty man cries there bitterly. [15] That day is a day of wrath, a day of distress and anguish, a day of trouble and ruin, a day of darkness and gloom, a day of clouds and blackness, [16] a day of the trumpet and alarm, against the fortified cities, and against the high battlements. [17] I will bring distress on men, that they will walk like blind men, because they have sinned against Yahweh, and their blood will be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung. [18] Neither their silver nor their gold will be able to deliver them in the day of Yahweh’s wrath, but the whole land will be devoured by the fire of his jealousy; for he will make an end, yes, a terrible end, of all those who dwell in the land. [2:1] Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together, you nation that has no shame, [2] before the appointed time when the day passes as the chaff, before the fierce anger of Yahweh comes on you, before the day of Yahweh’s anger comes on you. [3] Seek Yahweh, all you humble of the land, who have kept his ordinances. Seek righteousness. Seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of Yahweh’s anger.

Malachi 4:1-6 [1] “For, behold, the day comes, it burns as a furnace; and all the proud, and all who work wickedness, will be stubble; and the day that comes will burn them up,” says Yahweh of Armies, “that it shall leave them neither root nor branch. [2] But to you who fear my name shall the sun of righteousness arise with healing in its wings. You will go out, and leap like calves of the stall. [3] You shall tread down the wicked; for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I make,” says Yahweh of Armies. [4] “Remember the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded to him in Horeb for all Israel, even statutes and ordinances. [5] Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of Yahweh comes. [6] He will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

COME AGAIN

Acts 1:9-11 [9] When he had said these things, as they were looking, he was taken up, and a cloud received him out of their sight. [10] While they were looking steadfastly into the sky as he went, behold, two men stood by them in white clothing, [11] who also said, “You men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into the sky? This Jesus, who was received up from you into the sky will come back in the same way as you saw him going into the sky.”

1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 [13] But we don’t want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you don’t grieve like the rest, who have no hope. [14] For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. [15] For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep. [16] For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with God’s trumpet. The dead in Christ will rise first, [17] then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever. [18] Therefore comfort one another with these words.

Revelation 1:7 Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, including those who pierced him. All the tribes of the earth will mourn over him. Even so, Amen.

WILL COME SUDDENLY

Matthew 24:23-51 [23] “Then if any man tells you, ‘Behold, here is the Christ,’ or, ‘There,’ don’t believe it. [24] For there will arise false christs, and false prophets, and they will show great signs and wonders, so as to lead astray, if possible, even the chosen ones. [25] “Behold, I have told you beforehand. [26] If therefore they tell you, ‘Behold, he is in the wilderness,’ don’t go out; ‘Behold, he is in the inner rooms,’ don’t believe it. [27] For as the lightning flashes from the east, and is seen even to the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. [28] For wherever the carcass is, there is where the vultures gather together. [29] But immediately after the oppression of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken; [30] and then the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky. Then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of the sky with power and great glory. [31] He will send out his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they will gather together his chosen ones from the four winds, from one end of the sky to the other. [32] “Now from the fig tree learn this parable. When its branch has now become tender, and produces its leaves, you know that the summer is near. [33] Even so you also, when you see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. [34] Most certainly I tell you, this generation will not pass away, until all these things are accomplished. [35] Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. [36] But no one knows of that day and hour, not even the angels of heaven, but my Father only. [37] “As the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. [38] For as in those days which were before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ship, [39] and they didn’t know until the flood came, and took them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. [40] Then two men will be in the field: one will be taken and one will be left; [41] two women grinding at the mill, one will be taken and one will be left. [42] Watch therefore, for you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes. [43] But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what watch of the night the thief was coming, he would have watched, and would not have allowed his house to be broken into. [44] Therefore also be ready, for in an hour that you don’t expect, the Son of Man will come. [45] “Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom his lord has set over his household, to give them their food in due season? [46] Blessed is that servant whom his lord finds doing so when he comes. [47] Most certainly I tell you that he will set him over all that he has. [48] But if that evil servant should say in his heart, ‘My lord is delaying his coming,’ [49] and begins to beat his fellow servants, and eat and drink with the drunkards, [50] the lord of that servant will come in a day when he doesn’t expect it, and in an hour when he doesn’t know it, [51] and will cut him in pieces, and appoint his portion with the hypocrites. There is where the weeping and grinding of teeth will be.

Luke 12:35-48 [35] “Let your waist be dressed and your lamps burning. [36] Be like men watching for their lord, when he returns from the marriage feast; that, when he comes and knocks, they may immediately open to him. [37] Blessed are those servants, whom the lord will find watching when he comes. Most certainly I tell you, that he will dress himself, and make them recline, and will come and serve them. [38] They will be blessed if he comes in the second or third watch, and finds them so. [39] But know this, that if the master of the house had known in what hour the thief was coming, he would have watched, and not allowed his house to be broken into. [40] Therefore be ready also, for the Son of Man is coming in an hour that you don’t expect him.” [41] Peter said to him, “Lord, are you telling this parable to us, or to everybody?” [42] The Lord said, “Who then is the faithful and wise steward, whom his lord will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the right times? [43] Blessed is that servant whom his lord will find doing so when he comes. [44] Truly I tell you, that he will set him over all that he has. [45] But if that servant says in his heart, ‘My lord delays his coming,’ and begins to beat the menservants and the maidservants, and to eat and drink, and to be drunken, [46] then the lord of that servant will come in a day when he isn’t expecting him, and in an hour that he doesn’t know, and will cut him in two, and place his portion with the unfaithful. [47] That servant, who knew his lord’s will, and didn’t prepare, nor do what he wanted, will be beaten with many stripes, [48] but he who didn’t know, and did things worthy of stripes, will be beaten with few stripes. To whomever much is given, of him will much be required; and to whom much was entrusted, of him more will be asked.

Luke 17:20-37 [20] Being asked by the Pharisees when the Kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The Kingdom of God doesn’t come with observation; [21] neither will they say, ‘Look, here!’ or, ‘Look, there!’ for behold, the Kingdom of God is within you.” [22] He said to the disciples, “The days will come, when you will desire to see one of the days of the Son of Man, and you will not see it. [23] They will tell you, ‘Look, here!’ or ‘Look, there!’ Don’t go away, nor follow after them, [24] for as the lightning, when it flashes out of the one part under the sky, shines to the other part under the sky; so will the Son of Man be in his day. [25] But first, he must suffer many things and be rejected by this generation. [26] As it was in the days of Noah, even so will it be also in the days of the Son of Man. [27] They ate, they drank, they married, they were given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ship, and the flood came, and destroyed them all. [28] Likewise, even as it was in the days of Lot: they ate, they drank, they bought, they sold, they planted, they built; [29] but in the day that Lot went out from Sodom, it rained fire and sulfur from the sky, and destroyed them all. [30] It will be the same way in the day that the Son of Man is revealed. [31] In that day, he who will be on the housetop, and his goods in the house, let him not go down to take them away. Let him who is in the field likewise not turn back. [32] Remember Lot’s wife! [33] Whoever seeks to save his life loses it, but whoever loses his life preserves it. [34] I tell you, in that night there will be two people in one bed. The one will be taken, and the other will be left. [35] There will be two grinding grain together. One will be taken, and the other will be left.” [36] “Two will be in the field: the one taken, and the other left.” [37] They, answering, asked him, “Where, Lord?” He said to them, “Where the body is, there will the vultures also be gathered together.”

1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 [1] But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you. [2] For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night. [3] For when they are saying, “Peace and safety,” then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman; and they will in no way escape. [4] But you, brothers, aren’t in darkness, that the day should overtake you like a thief. [5] You are all children of light, and children of the day. We don’t belong to the night, nor to darkness, [6] so then let’s not sleep, as the rest do, but let’s watch and be sober. [7] For those who sleep, sleep in the night, and those who are drunk are drunk in the night. [8] But let us, since we belong to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and, for a helmet, the hope of salvation. [9] For God didn’t appoint us to wrath, but to the obtaining of salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, [10] who died for us, that, whether we wake or sleep, we should live together with him. [11] Therefore exhort one another, and build each other up, even as you also do.

2 Peter 3:7-14 [7] But the heavens that now are, and the earth, by the same word have been stored up for fire, being reserved against the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men. [8] But don’t forget this one thing, beloved, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. [9] The Lord is not slow concerning his promise, as some count slowness; but is patient with us, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. [10] But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. [11] Therefore since all these things will be destroyed like this, what kind of people ought you to be in holy living and godliness, [12] looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, which will cause the burning heavens to be dissolved, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? [13] But, according to his promise, we look for new heavens and a new earth, in which righteousness dwells. [14] Therefore, beloved, seeing that you look for these things, be diligent to be found in peace, without defect and blameless in his sight.

JUDGE THE LIVING AND THE DEAD

John 5:22-30 [22] For the Father judges no one, but he has given all judgment to the Son, [23] that all may honor the Son, even as they honor the Father. He who doesn’t honor the Son doesn’t honor the Father who sent him. [24] “Most certainly I tell you, he who hears my word, and believes him who sent me, has eternal life, and doesn’t come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. [25] Most certainly, I tell you, the hour comes, and now is, when the dead will hear the Son of God’s voice; and those who hear will live. [26] For as the Father has life in himself, even so he gave to the Son also to have life in himself. [27] He also gave him authority to execute judgment, because he is a son of man. [28] Don’t marvel at this, for the hour comes, in which all that are in the tombs will hear his voice, [29] and will come out; those who have done good, to the resurrection of life; and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment. [30] I can of myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is righteous; because I don’t seek my own will, but the will of my Father who sent me.

Acts 10:34-43 [34] Peter opened his mouth and said, “Truly I perceive that God doesn’t show favoritism; [35] but in every nation he who fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him. [36] The word which he sent to the children of Israel, preaching good news of peace by Jesus Christ—he is Lord of all— [37] you yourselves know what happened, which was proclaimed throughout all Judea, beginning from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; [38] even Jesus of Nazareth, how God anointed him with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him. [39] We are witnesses of everything he did both in the country of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they also killed, hanging him on a tree. [40] God raised him up the third day, and gave him to be revealed, [41] not to all the people, but to witnesses who were chosen before by God, to us, who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. [42] He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that this is he who is appointed by God as the Judge of the living and the dead. [43] All the prophets testify about him, that through his name everyone who believes in him will receive remission of sins.”

Romans 14:7-12 [7] For none of us lives to himself, and none dies to himself. [8] For if we live, we live to the Lord. Or if we die, we die to the Lord. If therefore we live or die, we are the Lord’s. [9] For to this end Christ died, rose, and lived again, that he might be Lord of both the dead and the living. [10] But you, why do you judge your brother? Or you again, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of Christ. [11] For it is written, “‘As I live,’ says the Lord, ‘to me every knee will bow. Every tongue will confess to God.’” [12] So then each one of us will give account of himself to God.

2 Timothy 4:1-2,7-8 [1] I command you therefore before God and the Lord Jesus Christ, who will judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom: [2] preach the word; be urgent in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with all patience and teaching. [7] I have fought the good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith. [8] From now on, there is stored up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will give to me on that day; and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved his appearing.

1 Peter 4:1-5 [1] Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind; for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin; [2] that you no longer should live the rest of your time in the flesh for the lusts of men, but for the will of God. [3] For we have spent enough of our past time doing the desire of the Gentiles, and having walked in lewdness, lusts, drunken binges, orgies, carousings, and abominable idolatries. [4] They think it is strange that you don’t run with them into the same excess of riot, blaspheming: [5] who will give account to him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

WILL JUDGE US BASED ON OUR WORKS, OUR DEEDS

Psalm 62:12 Also to you, Lord, belongs loving kindness, for you reward every man according to his work.

Proverbs 24:11-12 [11] Rescue those who are being led away to death! Indeed, hold back those who are staggering to the slaughter! [12] If you say, “Behold, we didn’t know this”; doesn’t he who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, doesn’t he know it? Shall he not render to every man according to his work?

Jeremiah 17:10 I, Yahweh, search the mind, I try the heart, even to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his doings. [see also Jeremiah 32:19]

Matthew 7:1-2 [1] “Don’t judge, so that you won’t be judged. [2] For with whatever judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with whatever measure you measure, it will be measured to you.

Matthew 7:21-23 [21] Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will tell me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord, didn’t we prophesy in your name, in your name cast out demons, and in your name do many mighty works?’ [23] Then I will tell them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from me, you who work iniquity.’

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man will come in the glory of his Father with his angels, and then he will render to everyone according to his deeds.

Romans 2:5-10 [5] But according to your hardness and unrepentant heart you are treasuring up for yourself wrath in the day of wrath, revelation, and of the righteous judgment of God; [6] who “will pay back to everyone according to their works:” [7] to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory, honor, and incorruptibility, eternal life; [8] but to those who are self-seeking, and don’t obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, will be wrath and indignation, [9] oppression and anguish, on every soul of man who works evil, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. [10] But glory, honor, and peace go to every man who works good, to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.

Romans 2:13-16 [13] For it isn’t the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law will be justified [14] (for when Gentiles who don’t have the law do by nature the things of the law, these, not having the law, are a law to themselves, [15] in that they show the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience testifying with them, and their thoughts among themselves accusing or else excusing them) [16] in the day when God will judge the secrets of men, according to my Good News, by Jesus Christ.

2 Corinthians 5:9-10 [9] Therefore also we make it our aim, whether at home or absent, to be well pleasing to him. [10] For we must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ; that each one may receive the things in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.

Revelation 2:23 I will kill her children with Death, and all the assemblies will know that I am he who searches the minds and hearts. I will give to each one of you according to your deeds.

Revelation 20:11-15 [11] I saw a great white throne, and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was found no place for them. [12] I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. [13] The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to his works. [14] Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. [15] If anyone was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.

Revelation 22:12-14 [12] “Behold, I come quickly. My reward is with me, to repay to each man according to his work. [13] I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. [14] Blessed are those who do his commandments,* that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter in by the gates into the city. [*NU reads “wash their robes” instead of “do his commandments”.]

JUDGE US BASED ON...

Matthew 12:36-37 [36] I tell you that every idle word that men speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment. [37] For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

1 Corinthians 6:9-10 [9] Or don’t you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God? Don’t be deceived. Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor male prostitutes, nor homosexuals, [10] nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor slanderers, nor extortionists, will inherit the Kingdom of God.

Galatians 5:19-21 [19] Now the works of the flesh are obvious, which are: adultery, sexual immorality, uncleanness, lustfulness, [20] idolatry, sorcery, hatred, strife, jealousies, outbursts of anger, rivalries, divisions, heresies, [21] envyings, murders, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these; of which I forewarn you, even as I also forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the Kingdom of God.

2 Thessalonians 1:6-10 [6] Since it is a righteous thing with God to repay affliction to those who afflict you, [7] and to give relief to you who are afflicted with us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire, [8] giving vengeance to those who don’t know God, and to those who don’t obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus, [9] who will pay the penalty: eternal destruction from the face of the Lord and from the glory of his might, [10] when he comes to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired among all those who have believed (because our testimony to you was believed) in that day.

PREPARE FOR THE COMING JUDGMENT

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 [13] This is the end of the matter. All has been heard. Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man. [14] For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it is good, or whether it is evil.

Zephaniah 2:1-3 [1] Gather yourselves together, yes, gather together, you nation that has no shame, [2] before the appointed time when the day passes as the chaff, before the fierce anger of Yahweh comes on you, before the day of Yahweh’s anger comes on you. [3] Seek Yahweh, all you humble of the land, who have kept his ordinances. Seek righteousness. Seek humility. It may be that you will be hidden in the day of Yahweh’s anger.

Matthew 5:7 Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.

Matthew 6:14-15 [14] “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. [15] But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Mark 13:33-37 [33] Watch, keep alert, and pray; for you don’t know when the time is. [34] “It is like a man, traveling to another country, having left his house, and given authority to his servants, and to each one his work, and also commanded the doorkeeper to keep watch. [35] Watch therefore, for you don’t know when the lord of the house is coming, whether at evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning; [36] lest coming suddenly he might find you sleeping. [37] What I tell you, I tell all: Watch.”

Luke 21:34-36 [34] “So be careful, or your hearts will be loaded down with carousing, drunkenness, and cares of this life, and that day will come on you suddenly. [35] For it will come like a snare on all those who dwell on the surface of all the earth. [36] Therefore be watchful all the time, praying that you may be counted worthy to escape all these things that will happen, and to stand before the Son of Man.”

Acts 17:30-31 [30] The times of ignorance therefore God overlooked. But now he commands that all people everywhere should repent, [31] because he has appointed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness by the man whom he has ordained; of which he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead.”

Galatians 6:7-10 [7] Don’t be deceived. God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. [8] For he who sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption. But he who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. [9] Let us not be weary in doing good, for we will reap in due season, if we don’t give up. [10] So then, as we have opportunity, let’s do what is good toward all men, and especially toward those who are of the household of the faith.

1 Timothy 4:16 Pay attention to yourself, and to your teaching. Continue in these things, for in doing this you will save both yourself and those who hear you.

Hebrews 4:11-14 [11] Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience. [12] For the word of God is living, and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing even to the dividing of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and is able to discern the thoughts and intentions of the heart. [13] There is no creature that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and laid open before the eyes of him to whom we must give an account. [14] Having then a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold tightly to our confession.

James 2:13 For judgment is without mercy to him who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

1 Peter 4:7-8 [7] But the end of all things is near. Therefore be of sound mind, self-controlled, and sober in prayer. [8] And above all things be earnest in your love among yourselves, for love covers a multitude of sins.

Revelation 3:2-3 [2] Wake up, and keep the things that remain, which you were about to throw away, for I have found no works of yours perfected before my God. [3] Remember therefore how you have received and heard. Keep it, and repent. If therefore you won’t watch, I will come as a thief, and you won’t know what hour I will come upon you.