Christ’s return and final judgment are the ultimate solution to the problem of sin. Instead of judging humanity based on a set of rules, Jesus’ standard for judgment is how people respond to Him, and our behavior toward His people reveals our response to Him. Although judgment can often cause fear and frustration, the proper response to Christ’s return is confidence and anticipation of the Day that He reclaims His kingdom.

Scripture References

Matthew 25:31-46
Zechariah 14:9
Isaiah 2:11-12
Isaiah 12:1-2
Romans 12:19-21
2 Timothy 4:7-8

You Reign | Grace Church Worship | iTunes
Psalm 146 • Psalm 47:5-9 • 1 Chronicles 29:10-20

In Christ Alone | Kristian Stanfill | iTunes
Jude 1:24-25 • Philippians 3:7-11 • Acts 4:8-12 • Romans 8:38-39

Christ our Savior | Grace Church Worship

Worthy, Worthy | Vertical Church Band | iTunes
Revelation 5:12 • 1 Chronicles 16:25 • Psalm 146

1. There are several passages in the Old Testament to support the argument that when there is corruption, there needs to be a reckoning. There must come a day when God sets things right. How do you see that principle play out in your own life? What injustices make you long for the day when the world is set right?

2. Matthew 25:32-33 reveals what will happen when Jesus returns: “… he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.” If Jesus returned today, where would Jesus place you? How do you treat God’s people when they have nothing to offer you in return?

3. Romans 12:19-21 reminds us that vengeance belongs to the Lord. If we know Jesus will one day deal with evil fully, it frees us to not be preoccupied with it now. What relationships in your life are marked by bitterness? Knowing that either God will ultimately judge sin in eternity or that Jesus has paid for it on the cross , how can you interact with people who have sinned against you in light of the freedom that God’s judgment offers you?

4. 2 Timothy 4:7-8 talks about the reward that God the Judge will give those who love and long for His appearing. Is your imagination captivated by blessings that will pass away, or are you consumed with blessings too big for this world? What does the way that your spend your time and your money reveal about what you long for? How can you structure your life around the eager anticipation of His return?

Thoughts to Consider

– God’s ultimate judgment must be viewed through the lens of the judgment Jesus took for us on the cross.

– After sin entered the world in the Garden of Eden, whenever God draws near, there is both blessing and cursing.

– The Old Testament, specifically the prophets, often mention “that day,” referring to the eventual day of judgment when God will restore the world to the condition in which He created it.

– The universe exists because God wants it to exist, and it is good because He wants it to reveal His goodness. Since we have corrupted His universe, Jesus will return one day to reclaim His creation and will personally reign as king.

– God takes our response to Him personally—His judgment is based on His personal connection to people.

– Jesus identifies with His people so fully that He equates the way we treat His people to the way we treat Him.