JUDGEMENT AT THE SECOND COMING.

Judgment at the Second Coming
Man is constantly making preparations in life—financially, leisurely, socially and, last but not least, making final arrangements for death. Unfortunately, many are failing to prepare for the Judgment Day; many are failing to prepare to live eternally after death! The word “judgment” has a few meanings worthy of consideration. In the Old Testament it means the act of deciding a case, to make a judgment/punishment, to visit, to be deposited. In the New Testament it means to separate or select, and also illustrates the judgment seat of Christ where man is acquitted and declared acceptable or punished and deemed unacceptable. Are we preparing for Judgment?
Our faithful Father in heaven “judgeth no man but hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (John 5:22). When the Father sent Jesus the first time it was to save the world not to judge it. However, it is clear that when He returns with His mighty angels in flaming fire it will be for that very purpose (John 3:17; 2 Thess. 1:8-10). On a few occasions Jesus stood before men and was judged, but on that last day those same ones will stand before Him! We understand that “every knee should bow…and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:8-11). God has chosen a day to judge the world in righteousness by that man Jesus Christ (Acts 17:31). It is before the judgment seat of Christ that man will give an account (Greek: logos); it is there that he will explain the things he has done in the body whether good or bad (Rom. 14:12; 2 Cor. 5:10). It is interesting that he (mankind) will explain to Jesus the things done in this life. We see this illustrated in Matthew 7:22-23, “Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Such a sobering thought to consider!
So with what will Jesus judge us on that notable day? As the Messiah talked to those notorious enemies of the cross, He told them “he that rejects me and receive not my words has one to judge him, the words that I speak shall judge him in the last day” (John 12:48). These words were sanctioned by the Father from on high, Jesus stated, “For I have not spoken of myself; but the Father which sent me, he gave me a commandment, what I should say, and what I should speak” (John 12:49). These are powerful words from a powerful man that spoke with authority and not as the scribes.
In Revelation, John saw the great white throne and both the small and great stood before Him sitting on it (20:11-15). John stated that some books were open and another book was open and that was the Book of Life, and men were judged according to their works from the Book. So much can be gleaned from this great and powerful passage warning us to lay up our treasures in heaven that those things will be recorded for our benefit (Matt. 6:20). Lastly, Jesus gives us a view of the judgment scene and how many saw some in need and did not attend to those needs—they were going to be cast away from the Lord on the left side. Also, some will see the same need and tend to it. Jesus stated it like this, “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me” (Matt. 25:35-46). On that Day of Judgment at His second coming many will hear the words, “I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity” (Matt 7:23); and few will hear “Well done, thou good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21). What will you hear on the Day of Judgment at His second return?