Awaiting Judgment

“And as it is appointed for men to die once, and after this the judgment, so Christ was offered once to bear the sins of many. To those who eagerly wait for Him He will appear a second time, without sin, unto salvation.”  Hebrews 9:27-28

 

As people lives their life accordingly, they do as they want, they live as they want, they are whether knowingly or unknowingly awaiting judgment.  Many times a person throughout their life will consider the possibility that they will stand before God, for all will stand before God (Rev. 20:12). 

 

However, for numerous people, the problem is the same.  They hear God’s Truth, they hear portions of the Gospel, they hear a pastor preach or read something and they ponder.  They ponder whether or not there are truth to these things, they ponder whether or not they are on their way to Hell and if what they hear is true. 

 

Some people on the other hand simply believe, and from time to time they plan on doing these things, they plan on repenting and by faith believing into Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior.  What they don’t realize is that they are awaiting judgment.

 

Right now every man, woman and child are awaiting judgment.  They are condemned, there is no hope for them, without Christ.  Should they be absent from the body, they will not be home with the Lord (2nd Corinthians 5:8).  Right now all men everywhere, who have not repented and believed the Gospel, through only Jesus Christ one can be Saved, are awaiting judgment.

 

“Therefore remember that you, being Gentiles in the flesh; who are called uncircumcision by what is called the circumcision made in the flesh by hands; that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.”  Ephesians 2:11-12

 

“Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has established a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has appointed. He has given assurance of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.”  Acts 17:30-31

 

“Nor is there salvation in any other, for there is no other name under Heaven given among men that is required for us to be saved.”  Acts 4:12

 

This is very serious business!  Oftentimes there are criminals who are tried in court and found guilty, they then must go to their sentencing hearing, where the judge decides what their punishment is going to be.  Yet, man walks about on this earth, not knowing that each one of them have a sentencing hearing with their Creator and the end is known, what will happen to them has already been proclaimed!

 

“And the devil, who led them astray, was cast into the Lake of Fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.  And I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heavens fled away. And there was found no place for them.  And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God. And books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, out of the things which were written in the books.  And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one, according to their works.  And Death and Hades were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death.  And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the Lake of Fire.”  Revelation 20:10-15

 

There is no probation with God.  There is no term sentences, no!  When men die and meet their Judge, their sentence is eternity in the Lake of Fire, no if’s, and’s or but’s about it!  Quite simply there are two groups of people, those who are awaiting God’s just judgment and those who have had the price (penalty) for their sins paid for by the blood of Christ!

 

“And even as they do not like to have God in their full true knowledge, God gives them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not fitting; being filled with every unrighteousness, sexual perversion, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, depravity; whisperers, defamers, haters of God, insolent, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, without understanding, untrustworthy, without natural affection, unforgiving, unmerciful; who, knowing the righteous judgment of God, that those who practice such things are deserving of death, not only do them, but also approve of those who practice them.”  Romans 1:28-32

 

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.”  Galatians 3:13-14

 

“For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.  For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man some would even be bold enough to die.  But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”  Romans 5:6-8

 

“And if you call on the Father, who without partiality judges according to each one’s work, behave yourselves throughout the time of your sojourning in fear; knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your vain way of life received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.  He indeed was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you who through Him believe in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope might be in God.”  1st Peter 1:17-21

 

So the reality of this article is to address the group of people who know that they need to get right with God, they understand that they need to repent and believe the Gospel.  They believe in God, they believe in His Son Jesus, they believe in Heaven and Hell, they understand the Gospel.  These are those who might go time after time to Church to hear the pastor, or those whom Christ is knocking on the door to their heart (Rev. 3:20) and they simply are unwilling to yield.

 

While it would be impossible to list off all of the reasons that people in this category use as an excuse to postpone what they know they should do, which is accept the free gift of Salvation, there are some underlying similarities. 

 

“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that everyone believing into Him should not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send His Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.  The one believing into Him is not judged; but the one not believing is judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.  And this is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil.  For everyone practicing evil hates the Light and does not come to the Light, lest his deeds should be reproved.  But the one doing the truth comes to the Light, that his deeds may be clearly seen, that they have been worked in God.”  John 3:16-21

 

For many it can be an addiction to drugs or alcohol.  For some it could be sexual immorality.  For others it can be a hectic life that just continues, a wild roller coaster ride, year after year with one problem after another.  The underlying root to all of these problems is sin.  This sin is preciously why all of these people in their current conditions are awaiting judgment.

 

“for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God”…  Romans 3:23

 

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”  Romans 6:23

 

Their hearts tug at them from time to time, when they are willing to listen, their spirit tells them they need Christ, they need to repent!  While they are often in agreement, they simply go on with life, assuming that one day when everything is right, when everything is working out correctly, at that point they will yield to Christ, at that point they will have a change of heart, repent of their sins and through the gift of God, accept Salvation through Jesus Christ. 

 

If I could sit down with each such person, I would explain carefully that if they were to die today, they would have nothing more to look forward to than the just Judgment of their Creator, which with their names not written in the Book of Life, they will end up for all eternity in the Lake of Fire.  I’ve seen this on both ends and let me be clear, we as Christians, do not Save anyone, Jesus Saves, we are simply doing His work, spreading the Gospel, until we are with Christ.

 

The problem with the Gospel, in these people’s minds, is that they agree that they need, and often want, to get rid of whatever sin is in their life, but the reality is there heart is yet at an unrepentant state regarding their sin.  What they are actually do is causing this sin to become an idol before God, by placing this sin, at least in the temporary status, as valued more than their Creator.  By not being willing to yield, they are refusing to repent, as harsh as that may sound, if they were to die right now, before repenting and by faith believing into Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior, they would find that to be absolutely true at the Great White Throne Judgment.

 

Usually what happens is that whatever sinful condition they find themselves in, being numerous ones that could surely not all be listed here, the deception in mass is being propagated upon them.  What they fail to recognize is that they have an enemy, that being Satan, who is going to try to keep them going on as they are.  Even when they get close to accepting the Gospel, the devil is going to try and rob them of making any actual decision for Christ. 

 

So, to those who know Christ, you certainly know that trials and tribulations come about in the lives of all Believers, in fact Christ told beforehand:

 

“If the world hates you, you know that it has hated Me before you.  If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.  Remember the Word that I said to you, A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted Me, they will also persecute you. If they kept My Word, they will keep yours also.  But all these things they will do to you on account of My name, because they do not know Him who sent Me.  If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.  He who hates Me hates My Father also.”  John 15:18-23

 

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.  Resist him, steadfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are experienced by your brethren in the world.  But may the God of all grace, who called us to His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, after you have suffered a while, perfect, establish, strengthen, and settle you.  To Him be the glory and might forever and ever. Amen.”  1st Peter 5:8-11

 

“Beloved, do not be astonished at the fiery trial which is to try you, as though something unheard of was happening to you; but rejoice in so far as you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also rejoice with exceeding joy.  If you are reproached for the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you. According to them He is blasphemed, but according to you He is glorified.  But let none of you suffer as a murderer, a thief, an evildoer, or as a meddler in other people’s matters.  Yet if anyone suffers as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God in this regard.  For the time has come for judgment to begin at the house of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God?  Now if the righteous one is scarcely saved, where will the ungodly and the sinner appear?  Therefore let those who suffer according to the will of God commit their souls to Him in doing good, as to a faithful Creator.”  1st Peter 4:12-19

 

“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on all the armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against rulers, against authorities, against the world’s rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual wickedness in the heavenlies. Therefore take up all the armor of God, that you may be able to resist in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.  Stand firm therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one.  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints; and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.  But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you, whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may encourage your hearts.  Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.  Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen.”  Ephesians 6:10-24

 

Should it be any surprise that trials and tribulation, essentially problems, come about to those who sit on the fence to make a decision for Christ?  Certainly the enemy does not want you to inherit Salvation.  The reality is that what people fail to realize and fail to by faith believe, is that God is in control of each one of His children’s lives, those who have repented and believed into His Son. 

 

I once spoke to a young man who was heavily addicted to marijuana.  One of the main things, as he believed the Gospel message, was that he was not able to quit smoking weed.  Quite simply he said it was impossible.  Oftentimes the person will try on their own to quit doing these things, under the assumption that they will then repent and believe the Gospel, yet in most cases they fail.  If you don’t believe me and you are in that category, then quite simply answer me this one question: why hasn’t it worked for you yet?  If it had, then this article would be unnecessary.  This is the trick, this is how it works. 

 

You must not only believe the Gospel, but you must also believe the mighty saving power of God.  Sure, you must repent, you must have a change of heart.  You need to realize that you are guilty before the Almighty, you must realize that there is nothing you can do to repay the penalties for your sins, which is exactly why Christ suffered and died for you on the Cross.  In addition you must also understand that Jesus rose again from the dead, conquering death and is the High Priest (Hebrews 4:14), of which we who know Him have all stood before during our conversion. 

 

Truly there are no premade words that one must repeat, it is a heart condition, it is a matter of repenting and believing the Gospel.  The devil would like nothing more than for you to continue on as you are and to die in your sins.  Remember at the moment you are awaiting judgment. 

 

“For godly sorrow produces repentance leading to salvation, not to be regretted; but the sorrow of the world produces death.”  2nd Corinthians 7:10

 

So what happened to this young man who smoked marijuana all of the time?  Well he finally believed, he believed that Him who Created him had the power to deliver him.  He repented and accepted the free gift of Salvation.  The supernatural change that happened in his heart was truly the mighty hand of God.  His addiction was immediately broken, while there were certainly the withdrawal symptoms that one would expect, he walked away from it, pipes in the garbage. 

 

“For the Word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.  And there is no creature that is not revealed in His presence, but all things are naked and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we must give answer.”  Hebrews 4:12-13

 

Understand the power of God.  Perhaps you have some sort of situation in your life, a horrible life, let’s simply call it the way you see it.  Do you not realize that you are going to have a horrible eternity?!  Think about it, you are awaiting judgment.  You are doomed if you were to die right now.  God made Salvation available to you and does not want you to go down that path.

 

“The Lord is not slow concerning His promise, as some count slowness, but is longsuffering toward us, not purposing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.  But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night, in which the heavens will pass away with a loud noise, and the elements will be dissolved with intense burning; both the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up.  Therefore, since all these things will be dissolved, of what sort ought you to be in holy behavior and godliness, looking for and earnestly hastening unto the coming of the Day of God, through which the heavens will be dissolved, being set on fire, and the elements will melt with intense burning?  Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.  Therefore, beloved, looking forward to these things, be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and without blemish; and consider that the longsuffering of our Lord is salvation; as also our beloved brother Paul, according to the wisdom given to him, has written to you, as also in all his epistles, speaking in them of these things, in which are some things hard to understand, which the unlearned and unstable twist, as they do also the rest of the Scriptures, to their own destruction.  You therefore, beloved, since you know this beforehand, beware also that you not be led away with the error of the wicked, and fall from your own steadfastness.  But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory both now and forever. Amen.”  2nd Peter 3:9-18

 

“Do I delight with pleasure in the death of the wicked? says the Lord Jehovah, and not that he should turn back from his ways and live?”  Ezekiel 18:23

 

So here you are, once more.  You are deserving of God’s just judgment.  You have your excuses.  Do you not consider the works of the Creator?  Do you not consider what He has done?  Do you not realize that He who Created you can also deliver you and fix the problems that seem to be an unconquerable mountain before you?  Certainly He is able.

 

“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, With men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  Matthew 19:26

 

One thing that a lot of pastors get wrong is telling the Gospel to those who listen (if they even get that part right) and then telling of all of the blessings and the great life that awaits those who make a decision for Christ.  At All Will Stand you are never going to hear that you are going to be rich, that your life will be problem free, that you are going to have everything work out as you hope, no rather you are going to hear the Gospel.  You are going to hear God’s Truth and you are going to know that those bonds of sin that seem impossible to get rid of, that are attached to your soul, can be broken and indeed Christ can and will set you free.

 

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you continue to abide in My Word, you are truly My disciples.  And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall set you free.”  John 8:31-32

 

You must make the choice, you must repent and believe the Gospel.  That is your responsibility.  You must have a change of heart regarding your sin in your life that has been preventing you from immediately accepting Christ and you must trust in Him who Created you anyway.  Realize that you are awaiting judgment, realize the consequences and do not put it off any longer.  These bonds of sin that have you postponing are not going anywhere, unless you repent.

 

“Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?  But God be thanked that though you were slaves of sin, yet you obeyed from the heart that form of doctrine which was delivered to you.  And having been set free from sin, you became slaves to righteousness.  I speak in human terms because of the weakness of your flesh. For just as you presented your members as slaves to uncleanness, and to iniquity unto iniquity, so now present your members as slaves to righteousness unto sanctification.  For when you were slaves to sin, you were free in regard to righteousness.  What fruit did you have then in the things of which you are now ashamed? For the end of those things is death.  But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves to God, you have your fruit unto sanctification, and the end, eternal life.”  Romans 6:16-22

 

Jesus stands at the door and knocks.

 

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”  Revelation 3:20

 

 Are you finally going to open your heart to Him?  He is there for a reason, He wants to set you free.  Be free from sin, for those who answer Him will no longer being awaiting judgment, but rather the riches of Christ and eternity with Him who Created us!

 

“To me, who am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given, that I should preach among the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make all see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known through the church to the rulers and authorities in the heavenlies, according to the eternal purpose which He accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through His faith.  Therefore I ask that you do not lose heart at my afflictions on your behalf, which is your glory.  For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, of whom the whole family in Heaven and earth is named, that He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; that you, being rooted and grounded in love, may be able to grasp with all the saints what is the width and length and depth and height; to know the surpassing knowledge and love of Christ; that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.  Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him be glory in the church in Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”  Ephesians 3:8-21

 

Amen!