DOCTRINES

JUDGMENT

1-HOW CAN YE ESCAPE HELL?
2-JUDGMENT IS A MAJOR DOCTRINE
3-WHO SHALL JUDGE?
4-HOW SHALL JESUS JUDGE?
5-WHAT SHALL JUDGE?
6-SALVATION IS THROUGH FAITH, NOT OF WORKS
7-FAITH PRODUCES OUR WORKS: WORKS ARE A REFLECTION OF OUR FAITH
8-COUNTERFEIT WORKS
9-FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD; THE EVIDENCE OF FAITH
10-JUDGMENT IS ACCORDING TO WORKS
11-THE SEVERITY OF THE COMING JUDGMENTS

    In Matthew's Gospel, we are asked a question. It is written, YE SERPENTS, YE GENERATION OF VIPERS, HOW CAN YE ESCAPE THE DAMNATION OF HELL?-Mt 23:33.
   The final outcome of every person is one of two places. All that are "in Christ" shall go to be with Him for eternity. All that are "not in Christ" shall ultimately perish to the eternal lake of fire.
   It is written, BUT UNTO THEM THAT ARE CONTENTIOUS, AND DO NOT OBEY THE TRUTH, BUT OBEY UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, INDIGNATION AND WRATH-Ro 2:8. THE WRATH OF GOD COMETH ON THE CHILDREN OF DISOBEDIENCE-Col 3:6. Those that do not believe or understand the Gospel might ask, "How can a merciful God send anyone to hell?" The answer lies in these words, MERCY REJOICETH AGAINST JUDGMENT-Ja 2:13. God showed His enormous love for people in that He sent His Son, Jesus, to bear the sins of many. Jesus shed His blood at Calvary. He died a horrible death, but rose from the dead. Those that receive Jesus Christ by faith as their Lord and Savior shall escape hell. Those that refuse to receive Jesus Christ by faith shall perish forever. As it is written, AND WHOSOEVER WAS NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE-Rev 20:15.
   Ultimately, all shall bow and acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord. It is far better for people to do it now, before it is too late, than to perish for eternity. As it is written, THAT AT THE NAME OF JESUS EVERY KNEE SHOULD BOW, OF THINGS IN HEAVEN, AND THINGS IN EARTH, AND THINGS UNDER THE EARTH; AND THAT EVERY TONGUE SHOULD CONFESS THAT JESUS CHRIST IS LORD, TO THE GLORY OF GOD THE FATHER-Phili 2:10,11.

    Judgment is a major doctrine of the Bible that all ministers of the Lord are to teach and all are to hear. It is written, YE HAVE NEED THAT ONE TEACH YOU AGAIN WHICH BE THE FIRST PRINCIPLES OF THE ORACLES OF GOD; AND ARE BECOME SUCH AS HAVE NEED OF MILK (basic doctrine)-Heb 5:12. One of those doctrines is OF ETERNAL JUDGMENT-Heb 6:2. For IT IS APPOINTED UNTO MEN ONCE TO DIE, BUT AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT-Heb 9:27.

    One might ask, "Who shall judge at the judgments?" It is written, FOR THE FATHER JUDGETH NO MAN, BUT HATH COMMITTED ALL JUDGMENT UNTO THE SON (which is Jesus): AND HATH GIVEN HIM (Jesus) AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE JUDGMENT ALSO, BECAUSE HE (Jesus) IS THE SON OF MAN-Jn 5:22,27. The answer is that Jesus shall judge.

    One might ask, "How shall Jesus judge the people?" Jesus said, I CAN OF MINE OWN SELF DO NOTHING: AS I HEAR, I JUDGE: AND MY JUDGMENT IS JUST; BECAUSE I SEEK NOT MINE OWN WILL, BUT THE WILL OF THE FATHER WHICH HATH SENT ME-Jn 5:30. Jesus, HE SHALL NOT JUDGE AFTER THE SIGHT OF HIS EYES…BUT WITH RIGHTEOUSNESS-Isa 11:3,4.

    One might ask, "What shall judge the people?" It is written, HE THAT REJECTETH ME, AND RECEIVETH NOT MY WORDS, HATH ONE THAT JUDGETH HIM: THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN, THE SAME SHALL JUDGE HIM IN THE LAST DAY-Jn 12:48. God's Word, which is the Bible, shall judge us. It is written, IN THE DAY WHEN GOD SHALL JUDGE THE SECRETS OF MEN BY JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MY GOSPEL-Ro 2:16. FOR NOT THE HEARERS OF THE LAW ARE JUST BEFORE GOD, BUT THE DOERS OF THE LAW SHALL BE JUSTIFIED-Ro 2:13.

    Salvation is through faith, not through works. It is written, FOR BY GRACE ARE YE SAVED THROUGH FAITH...NOT OF WORKS-Eph 2:8,9. It is through faith that we receive Jesus. HE THAT HATH THE SON HATH LIFE; AND HE THAT HATH NOT THE SON OF GOD HATH NOT LIFE-1 Jn 5:12.

7-FAITH PRODUCES OUR WORKS: WORKS ARE A REFLECTION OF OUR FAITH

    The Scriptures indicate that the people will be judged by their works. We might ask, "Why is this?"
   What we do is a testimony of our faith; as it is written YOUR WORK OF FAITH (or work prompted, or produced by faith)-1 Thes 1:3; 2 Thes 1:11. The fruits and works that come forth from each of us reveal our heart and faith. Many say they follow Jesus, but their fruits and works testify it is not true. Many say they follow Jesus, but their heart is far from Him. As it is written, THIS PEOPLE DRAWETH NIGH UNTO ME WITH THEIR MOUTH, AND HONORETH ME WITH THEIR LIPS; BUT THEIR HEART IS FAR FROM ME-Mt 15:8.
   If we follow Jesus, our fruits or works will be of truth and will reflect Jesus. If we follow the stranger, our fruits or works will reflect the stranger. It is written, BY THEIR FRUITS YE SHALL KNOW THEM-Mt 7:20. Thus, the judgments are according to works, that is, we are judged by what we say and do—even in secret. These testify of our faith or lack of faith. These testify of whether we follow Jesus' voice or the stranger's voice.

    Often one's works may look like they are of Jesus, but when viewed carefully and truthfully in light of God's Word, they are found to be counterfeit works. As it is written, SATAN HIMSELF IS TRANSFORMED INTO AN ANGEL OF LIGHT...HIS MINISTERS ALSO-2 Cor 11:14,15.

    It is written, WHAT DOTH IT PROFIT, MY BRETHREN, THOUGH A MAN SAY HE HATH FAITH, AND HAVE NOT WORKS? CAN FAITH SAVE HIM? IF A BROTHER OR SISTER BE NAKED (or without clothes), AND DESTITUTE OF DAILY FOOD, AND ONE OF YOU SAY UNTO THEM, DEPART IN PEACE (or I wish you well), BE YE WARMED AND FILLED; NOTWITHSTANDING YE GIVE THEM NOT THOSE THINGS WHICH ARE NEEDFUL TO THE BODY; WHAT DOTH IT PROFIT? EVEN SO FAITH, IF IT HATH NOT WORKS, IS DEAD, BEING ALONE. YEA, A MAN MAY SAY, THOU HAST FAITH, AND I HAVE WORKS: SHOW ME THY FAITH WITHOUT THY WORKS, AND I WILL SHOW THEE MY FAITH BY MY WORKS. THOU BELIEVEST THAT THERE IS ONE GOD; THOU DOEST WELL: THE DEVILS ALSO BELIEVE, AND TREMBLE (or shudder).
   BUT WILT THOU KNOW, O VAIN MAN, THAT FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD? WAS NOT ABRAHAM OUR FATHER JUSTIFIED BY WORKS, WHEN HE HAD OFFERED ISAAC HIS SON UPON THE ALTAR? SEEST THOU HOW FAITH WROUGHT WITH HIS WORKS, AND BY WORKS WAS FAITH MADE PERFECT? AND THE SCRIPTURE WAS FULFILLED WHICH SAITH, ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS IMPUTED UNTO HIM FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS: AND HE WAS CALLED THE FRIEND OF GOD. YE SEE THEN HOW THAT BY WORKS A MAN IS JUSTIFIED, AND NOT BY FAITH ONLY. LIKEWISE ALSO WAS NOT RAHAB THE HARLOT JUSTIFIED BY WORKS, WHEN SHE HAD RECEIVED THE MESSENGERS, AND HAD SENT THEM OUT ANOTHER WAY? FOR AS THE BODY WITHOUT THE SPIRIT IS DEAD, SO FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD ALSO-Ja 2:14-26. The result of true faith in Jesus Christ is being converted, being born-again, being changed, renewed, putting off the old man, and putting on the new man. The proof of true faith in Jesus Christ, of being converted, of being born-again, are the fruits of the Spirit of God and the works of God that are prompted or produced as a result of faith. Thus, the judgments are according to works—the evidence of faith. Many say they have faith in Christ, but there is no evidence. As it is written, IF YOU HAVE REALLY TURNED FROM YOUR SINS TO GOD, PRODUCE FRUIT THAT WILL PROVE IT!-Mt 3:8 JNT.¹³ (Produce fruit in keeping with repentance-NIV.)

    In the following Scriptures, we note that at the judgment people will be judged by what they did—in other words, by their works or lack of works for Jesus.
   FOR THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AS A MAN TRAVELLING INTO A FAR COUNTRY, WHO CALLED HIS OWN SERVANTS, AND DELIVERED UNTO THEM HIS GOODS. AND UNTO ONE HE GAVE FIVE TALENTS, TO ANOTHER TWO, AND TO ANOTHER ONE; TO EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS SEVERAL ABILITY; AND STRAIGHTWAY TOOK HIS JOURNEY. THEN HE THAT HAD RECEIVED THE FIVE TALENTS WENT AND TRADED WITH THE SAME, AND MADE THEM OTHER FIVE TALENTS. AND LIKEWISE HE THAT HAD RECEIVED TWO, HE ALSO GAINED OTHER TWO. BUT HE THAT HAD RECEIVED ONE WENT AND DIGGED IN THE EARTH, AND HID HIS LORD'S MONEY-Mt 25:14-18.
   AFTER A LONG TIME THE LORD OF THOSE SERVANTS COMETH, AND RECKONETH WITH THEM (the judgment). AND SO HE THAT HAD RECEIVED FIVE TALENTS CAME AND BROUGHT OTHER FIVE TALENTS, SAYING, LORD, THOU DELIVEREDST UNTO ME FIVE TALENTS: BEHOLD, I HAVE GAINED BESIDE THEM FIVE TALENTS MORE. HIS LORD SAID UNTO HIM, WELL DONE, THOU GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT: THOU HAST BEEN FAITHFUL OVER A FEW THINGS, I WILL MAKE THEE RULER OVER MANY THINGS: ENTER THOU INTO THE JOY OF THY LORD. HE ALSO THAT HAD RECEIVED TWO TALENTS CAME AND SAID, LORD, THOU DELIVEREDST UNTO ME TWO TALENTS: BEHOLD, I HAVE GAINED TWO OTHER TALENTS BESIDE THEM. HIS LORD SAID UNTO HIM, WELL DONE, GOOD AND FAITHFUL SERVANT; THOU HAST BEEN FAITHFUL OVER A FEW THINGS, I WILL MAKE THEE RULER OVER MANY THINGS: ENTER THOU INTO THE JOY OF THY LORD. THEN HE WHICH HAD RECEIVED THE ONE TALENT CAME AND SAID, LORD, I KNEW THEE THAT THOU ART AN HARD MAN, REAPING WHERE THOU HAST NOT SOWN, AND GATHERING WHERE THOU HAST NOT STRAWED:
   AND I WAS AFRAID, AND WENT AND HID THY TALENT IN THE EARTH: LO, THERE THOU HAST THAT IS THINE. HIS LORD ANSWERED AND SAID UNTO HIM, THOU WICKED AND SLOTHFUL SERVANT, THOU KNEWEST THAT I REAP WHERE I SOWED NOT, AND GATHER WHERE I HAVE NOT STRAWED: THOU OUGHTEST THEREFORE TO HAVE PUT MY MONEY TO THE EXCHANGERS, AND THEN AT MY COMING I SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED MINE OWN WITH USURY. TAKE THEREFORE THE TALENT FROM HIM, AND GIVE IT UNTO HIM WHICH HATH TEN TALENTS. FOR UNTO EVERY ONE THAT HATH SHALL BE GIVEN, AND HE SHALL HAVE ABUNDANCE: BUT FROM HIM THAT HATH NOT SHALL BE TAKEN AWAY EVEN THAT WHICH HE HATH. AND CAST YE THE UNPROFITABLE SERVANT INTO OUTER DARKNESS: THERE SHALL BE WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH-Mt 25:19-30.
   Remember, that it is written, THAT SERVANT, WHICH KNEW HIS LORD'S WILL, AND PREPARED NOT HIMSELF, NEITHER DID ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, SHALL BE BEATEN WITH MANY STRIPES-Lk 12:47.
   Again, we may note, at the judgment, people are judged by their works or lack of works for Jesus. AND IT CAME TO PASS, THAT WHEN HE WAS RETURNED, HAVING RECEIVED THE KINGDOM, THEN HE COMMANDED THESE SERVANTS TO BE CALLED UNTO HIM, TO WHOM HE HAD GIVEN THE MONEY, THAT HE MIGHT KNOW HOW MUCH EVERY MAN HAD GAINED BY TRADING. THEN CAME THE FIRST, SAYING, LORD, THY POUND HATH GAINED TEN POUNDS. AND HE SAID UNTO HIM, WELL THOU GOOD SERVANT: BECAUSE THOU HAST BEEN FAITHFUL IN A VERY LITTLE, HAVE THOU AUTHORITY OVER TEN CITIES. AND THE SECOND CAME, SAYING, LORD, THY POUND HATH GAINED FIVE POUNDS. AND HE SAID LIKEWISE TO HIM, BE THOU ALSO OVER FIVE CITIES. AND ANOTHER CAME, SAYING, LORD, BEHOLD, HERE IS THY POUND, WHICH I HAVE KEPT LAID UP IN A NAPKIN: FOR I FEARED THEE, BECAUSE THOU ART AN AUSTERE MAN: THOU TAKEST UP THAT THOU LAYEDST NOT DOWN, AND REAPEST THAT THOU DIDST NOT SOW. AND HE SAITH UNTO HIM, OUT OF THINE OWN MOUTH WILL I JUDGE THEE, THOU WICKED SERVANT. THOU KNEWEST THAT I WAS AN AUSTERE MAN, TAKING UP THAT I LAID NOT DOWN, AND REAPING THAT I DID NOT SOW:
   WHEREFORE THEN GAVEST NOT THOU MY MONEY INTO THE BANK, THAT AT MY COMING I MIGHT HAVE REQUIRED MINE OWN WITH USURY? AND HE SAID UNTO THEM THAT STOOD BY, TAKE FROM HIM THE POUND, AND GIVE IT TO HIM THAT HATH TEN POUNDS. (AND THEY SAID UNTO HIM, LORD, HE HATH TEN POUNDS.) FOR I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT UNTO EVERY ONE WHICH HATH SHALL BE GIVEN; AND FROM HIM THAT HATH NOT, EVEN THAT HE HATH SHALL BE TAKEN AWAY FROM HIM. BUT THOSE MINE ENEMIES, WHICH WOULD NOT THAT I SHOULD REIGN OVER THEM, BRING HITHER, AND SLAY THEM BEFORE ME-Lk 19:15-27.
   Some people will not submit to God's Word. They will not let Jesus (God's Word) reign over them. They will not study and obey God's Word. Jesus is not the Lord of their life. They may claim He is their Savior, but they will not allow Him to be their Lord and Master.
   Again, we may note, judgment is according to works. It is written, AND, BEHOLD, I COME QUICKLY; AND MY REWARD IS WITH ME, TO GIVE EVERY MAN ACCORDING AS HIS WORK SHALL BE-Rev 22:12. I WILL GIVE UNTO EVERY ONE OF YOU ACCORDING TO YOUR WORKS-Rev 2:23. HE THAT…KEEPETH MY WORKS UNTO THE END-Rev 2:26. In every one of the seven churches, the word "works" is mentioned. I KNOW THY WORKS-Rev 2:2. I KNOW THY WORKS-Rev 2:9. I KNOW THY WORKS-Rev 2:13. I KNOW THY WORKS-Rev 2:19. I KNOW THY WORKS-Rev 3:1. I KNOW THY WORKS-Rev 3:8. I KNOW THY WORKS-Rev 3:15.
   Repeatedly, we note, a person shall be judged by what he does, because what he does is a reflection of what he believes. It is also a reflection of whom he follows; i.e., does he follow Jesus, or does he follow a stranger's voice? It is also a reflection of his faith. It is written, TRIBULATION AND ANGUISH, UPON EVERY SOUL OF MAN THAT DOETH EVIL, OF THE JEW FIRST, AND ALSO OF THE GENTILE-Ro 2:9. BUT HE THAT DOETH WRONG SHALL RECEIVE FOR THE WRONG WHICH HE HATH DONE: AND THERE IS NO RESPECT OF PERSONS-Col 3:25. BUT GLORY, HONOR, AND PEACE, TO EVERY MAN THAT WORKETH GOOD, TO THE JEW FIRST, AND ALSO TO THE GENTILE-Ro 2:10. AND (they) SHALL COME FORTH; THEY THAT HAVE DONE GOOD, UNTO THE RESURRECTION OF LIFE-Jn 5:29.
   The Scriptures show how our works shall be judged in the following verses. It is written, EVERY MAN’S WORK SHALL BE MADE MANIFEST FOR THE DAY SHALL DECLARE IT, BECAUSE IT SHALL BE REVEALED BY FIRE; AND THE FIRE SHALL TRY EVERY MAN’S WORK OF WHAT SORT IT IS. IF ANY MAN’S WORK ABIDE WHICH HE HATH BUILT THEREUPON, HE SHALL RECEIVE A REWARD. IF ANY MAN’S WORK SHALL BE BURNED, HE SHALL SUFFER LOSS, BUT HE HIMSELF SHALL BE SAVED; YET SO AS BY FIRE.

    VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, IT SHALL BE MORE TOLERABLE FOR THE LAND OF SODOM AND GOMORRHA IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT, THAN FOR THAT CITY. WOE UNTO THEE, CHORAZIN! WOE UNTO THEE, BETHSAIDA! FOR IF THE MIGHTY WORKS, WHICH WERE DONE IN YOU, HAD BEEN DONE IN TYRE AND SIDON, THEY WOULD HAVE REPENTED LONG AGO IN SACKCLOTH AND ASHES. BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, IT SHALL BE MORE TOLERABLE FOR TYRE AND SIDON AT THE DAY OF JUDGMENT, THAN FOR YOU. AND THOU, CAPERNAUM, WHICH ART EXALTED UNTO HEAVEN, SHALT BE BROUGHT DOWN TO HELL: FOR IF THE MIGHTY WORKS, WHICH HAVE BEEN DONE IN THEE, HAD BEEN DONE IN SODOM, IT WOULD HAVE REMAINED UNTIL THIS DAY. BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT IT SHALL BE MORE TOLERABLE FOR THE LAND OF SODOM IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT, THAN FOR THEE-Mt 10:15; 11:21-24. 
   AND WHOSOEVER SHALL NOT RECEIVE YOU, NOR HEAR YOU, WHEN YE DEPART THENCE, SHAKE OFF THE DUST UNDER YOUR FEET FOR A TESTIMONY AGAINST THEM. VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, IT SHALL BE MORE TOLERABLE FOR SODOM AND GOMORRHA IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT, THAN FOR THAT CITY-Mk 6:11.