Final Judgment?

Do you ever think about the Biblically referenced judgment day? It's spoken of in several books of the Bible. Most of us would understand that there's a day coming when some sort of judgment will occur. Christ will return to judge the world.

Who is it that we think He will judge? I suspect that most of us walking around calling ourselves Christians - calling ourselves "saved" - wouldn't see ourselves on the receiving end of that judgment. Is it because we think we'll all just slip in the VIP entrance to heaven, while Christ stands outside and judges everyone else?

Ask people what it means to be saved. Most will tell you it means that their sins are forgiven through the acts and life of Jesus Christ. That of course would be true. But is that the whole story? I doubt it.

2 Corinthians 5:10 tells us, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." Look at that sentence. Dissect it. Notice words like "all," and phrases like "each one," and "good or bad." Those seem like pretty all-encompassing words. They seem to indicate that everyone who has ever breathed life will be included in this judgment exercise. They foretell an event where everything that every one of us has done, thought, said, believed, supported, enabled, etc. will be reviewed ... regardless of whether it was good or bad.

Perhaps you've never lived an examined life. Nevertheless, this Word from the Lord indicates that Jesus will be examining it for you. No, He's not coming just to judge those who are still rebelling and stuck in their sin because they refused to turn to Him during their time on earth. It seems He's going to get out the books and take a thorough inventory.

Now Jeremiah 31:34 tells us, "... 'they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest,' declares the LORD. 'For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.'" Modern day Christians seem to think that God is forgetful. We think this means the sin is wiped from God's memory banks and is beyond His recall. But look again. That's not what it says. Remembering our sins no more is different than forgetting them, or losing the ability to recall them. Make no mistake about it - God does not forget our sins. Even though they may be forgiven, they are not beyond His recall.

So doesn't this seem like a conflict? How do we reconcile forgiveness of sins (which occurs now) with the coming judgment? Revelation 20:11-12 describes this coming judgment event like this. "Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. Earth and sky fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened."

Did you catch that? The books (plural noun) were opened. What books? Why were they opened? Folks, these are the books that contain a record of all we did, good or bad. When God said, after forgiving our sin, that He would remember it no more, this is where He put it. Our sin is in God's records vault, being held for that final examination that we all face.

Let's see what happens next as Revelation 20:12-15 continues. "Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. ... and each person was judged according to what he had done. ... If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."

Are you following this? The books (plural noun) are opened to reveal everything about us and the life we lived on this earth. All of it is examined and made known. Everything I've ever done in secret? It becomes very public information - known to all! The one book of life (singular noun) is opened. It contains the names of everyone whom Jesus has saved. If my name is in that book, it cancels everything attached to me in all of the other books. But if my name isn't in that book, the other books speak for me. (Yikes!)

I read an article a few months ago. I think the author titled it something like, "Whatever happened to sin?" He said that even Christ-followers seem to act as if sin doesn't exist. It was this author's opinion that we've forgotten about the significance of sin. We behave as if we don't have to worry about it. Our lives seem to indicate a belief that because we're (supposedly) saved, we can do anything. After all, my sins are all forgiven - past, present and future. Right?

Since I've read that article, I've thought a lot about it. I think the author was right. I see too many of us walking around, calling ourselves Christ-followers, with sin that's ongoing. Said differently, we don't look any different than the world around us. Our sin is just as prevalent as the sin of non-believers (the "unsaved"). Are we really naive enough to think that just because we're saved by the blood of Christ that our sin doesn't matter?

The Apostle Paul told us in Romans 14:10-11 that "... we will all stand before god's judgment seat. ... each one of us will give an account of himself (or herself) to God." Paul also told us (in Romans 6:1-2 and 15) that we not to keep on sinning. He said that sin matters ... even for people who are saved. Did you know that? Ask yourself why it matters. If my name in the book of life can cancel my name and all I've done in all the other books that will be opened --- then why does sin matter any more (once I'm saved)?

Could it be that we've misconstrued the meaning of salvation? Could it be that we've missed the point of God's forgiveness of sin? Is it possible that we've justified our sin with God's forgiveness so that we don't have to deal with it?

Whatever happened to sin? The question is worth answering. Even for Christians.

God Hates Haiti?

Millions of Christians and Muslims debate whether adherents of the two faiths worship the same god. Lately, I’ve been wondering if I worship the same god as some other Christians. For example, take Pat Robertson. Please.

On his television program this week, the reverend and onetime U.S. presidential candidate discussed the devastating earthquake that leveled much of Haiti, leaving tens of thousands of people dead and many more injured.

“Something happened a long time ago in Haiti, and people might not want to talk about,” Robertson said. “They were under the heel of the French—you know Napoleon the third and whatever. And they got together and swore a pact to the devil. They said, ‘We will serve you if you will get us free from the prince.’ True story. And so the devil said, ‘OK, it’s a deal.’ And they kicked the French out. The Haitians revolted and got something—themselves free. But ever since, they have been cursed by one thing after another.”

Was Robertson telling the truth? Here are historical facts: The Haitian Revolution, led by slaves, took place from 1791 to 1804. The region, Saint-Dominique, was a French colony. The rebellion broke out in the aftermath of the French Revolution, which advanced the philosophy that all human beings are endowed with God-given rights. As the slaves launched their revolt, some of them turned to the only god they knew, seeking blessings in a ceremony led by Dutty Boukman, a Voudo (voodoo) priest.

Implications of the Haitian Revolution were enormous. The revolt eliminated slavery on Hispaniola, the island where Haiti is located. Haiti became the first democracy in Latin America, and democracy spread throughout the region. The revolution even strengthened the United States, because it led to the Louisiana Purchase, through which our country bought what became 13 states west of the Mississippi River for $15 million—or 3 cents per acre.

So, according to Robertson, God continues to “curse” Haitians in 2010 because their ancestors—impoverished slaves, yearning to breathe free—turned to the only god they knew anything about, leaning on beliefs that sprung from African animist folk religion. God drops buildings on children because of an event that took place 219 years ago. Oh, yeah, and back then, God took the side of slaveholders instead of slaves. And that same God plays favorites, allowing the United States to close the best real estate deal in history while punishing the Haitians for the very act that made the real estate deal possible.

That’s a god with which I’m not familiar.

Maybe Pat Robertson worships a made up version of the Old Testament God, remembering parts of verses, such as, “God stores up a man’s punishment for his sons,” (Job 21:19) or “The fathers eat sour grapes, and the children’s teeth are set on edge” (Ezekiel 18:2). But those verses don’t even reflect the God of the Old Testament, who forsook the notion that people are punished for the sins of others (Jeremiah 31:30, Ezekiel 18:4). So it would seem that Pat Robertson is simply making up his own god and loosely basing it on the real God who is.

Fortunately, I—and millions of Christians like me—worship God who loves, suffers and weeps with the poor. And since Haitians are among the poorest on Earth, we’re confident God’s divine heart breaks for them, as do ours. Many Haitians have turned to Christ and now worship this true God of love as well. This is not a god who directs natural disasters to afflict the innocent. This is not a god who holds 200-year-old grudges. This is the God whose wrath kindles against the arrogance and mean judgmentalism of the proudly religious, like Robertson, but melts with the tears of Haitians.

Heaven only knows how much damage is done by the theological regurgitation of Robertson. But now, the rest of us must bestow Christ’s love upon Haiti. It's simply too bad that Pat Robertson isn't willing to love the Haitian people like the real God, our heavenly Father, commands us to.

End's Hope

I'm still reading this week again in the Old Testament prophets about God's judgment, end times and all that. I have to tell you, I continue to find these pearl's of wisdom that excite me. Today, it is Zephaniah.

Zephaniah's is a story of rebuke, calling sinful Jerusalem to repentance. It was a sinful time - much like the times of today. People were self-centered, unbelieving in God, and were facing God's coming judgment - as are we. Zephaniah was the man through whom God spoke to bring them direction and truth.

Now there is much in Zephaniah. He had a lot to say. A good bit of it is about Jerusalem's sinful condition and God's wrath. It is exactly like our situation today, including the part about the coming of God's wrath against our sinful condition to destroy evil.

But in the midst of that judgment, there is also a great deal that gives me cause for hope. There are some wonderful promises of God ... exclusively for those who are His people, His remnant.

These promises are for those who have repentant hearts - who confess their sin - and turn from that sin toward righteousness. But if you're in that crowd, it gets pretty exciting. Oh sure, we're going to have to go through the judgment day just like everyone else.

The difference is we won't be destroyed in it. The difference is what happens for us afterward. Let's look at some highlights from Zephaniah 3. (This is God talking to us about the end times, when Christ returns to judge the world for its sin.)

"Therefore wait for me," declares the LORD, … "I have decided to assemble the nations, to gather the kingdoms and to pour out my wrath on them—all my fierce anger. The whole world will be consumed by the fire of my jealous anger."

The judgment is coming. God's wrath against evil will be unleashed. The entire world will be consumed by His fire. We, the remnant of God, are to wait for Him. Got it?

"Then will I purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the LORD and serve him shoulder to shoulder. … my worshipers, my scattered people, will bring me offerings."

Now He's gonna purify the lips of the peoples, that all of them may call on the name of the Lord and serve Him shoulder to shoulder. Do you get what this means? It means, for example, that everyone will speak one language. The confusion and challenges of language differences - which God put upon us at the Tower of Babel - will be done away with. No longer will we have to learn foreign languages. We'll all speak one language. Awesome!

"On that day you will not be put to shame for all the wrongs you have done … But I will leave within you the meek and humble, who trust in the name of the LORD. "

Remember, it is a judgment day. But God doesn't intend to shame us. He'll review what we've done - right and wrong. But of course Jesus has already atoned for what's wrong. There will be no guilt or shame. The meek and humble, who trust in God ... will be you and me - the ones who confessed and repented.

"The remnant of Israel will do no wrong; they will speak no lies, nor will deceit be found in their mouths. Sing, … shout aloud, … Be glad and rejoice with all your heart, … The LORD has taken away your punishment, … The LORD … is with you; never again will you fear any harm."

After this judgment day, when the thorns are removed, we will do no wrong. In fact, we won't be capable of sin. Can you imagine - not being able to screw anything up? We won't be able to lie. It will be a time of celebration. (Could there be a better reason to celebrate?) The punishment for our sins will be gone, and God will be with us. We won't be afraid of anything ever again. This is way cool!

"The LORD your God is with you, he is mighty to save. He will take great delight in you, he will quiet you with his love, he will rejoice over you with singing."

Oh now here's my favorite part. He will take great delight in me. Oh my gosh! How could that be? I don't think anyone ever has taken great delight in me! I can't imagine what that might be like. (But I think it'll be very cool!) He will rejoice over me. God will sing for joy over me. Did you ever imagine that anyone would be so pleased with you that they'd burst into joyous song? Could you ever fathom that would be God doing the singing?

"The sorrows … I will remove from you; … At that time I will deal with all who oppressed you; I will rescue the lame and gather those who have been scattered. I will give them praise and honor in every land where they were put to shame."

He's a just God. He's a merciful God. He will punish the wrong-doers who've victimized the rest of us. He will rescue the hurting and stop the suffering. Where they've been trampled on, oppressed, neglected - He will give them praise and honor. The scores will be settled once and for all.

"At that time I will gather you; at that time I will bring you home. I will give you honor and praise … " says the LORD.

Finally, He brings us home to live with Him forever. We return to where we started, at the feet of the Creator. Living with Him, we will have honor and praise. I don't think I've ever had honor and praise like this before. My boss honored me and praised me yesterday - I suspect it'll be different when God does it.

By now, you're probably shaking your head, saying something like, "No way!" Well, yes - way! This is God speaking to us, His children, His people, His remnant. It is you and I. It was Jerusalem. It is us today. These are the promises of God - to you and I. They are real. They are our hope.

Who knew that judgment could include such wonderful cause for hope!'

Judgment's Surprise

The Old Testament book of Zephaniah is an interesting book. Actually most of the books of the Old Testament books are interesting; each time I read through them I seem to notice something different. This week it was my time to notice something new in Zephaniah.

Zephaniah is a book that discusses, amongst other things, punishment for sin. It speaks of God's wrath; His fury over evil and the terrible acts He'll unleash to purge it. And then I noticed it. Even God's people - you know, the ones who are "saved" - have to go through that judgment.

Now we know God's judgment has a purpose for evil (to destroy it). And we also know that He is very much a purpose driven God. (Yes, it's true ... God never does anything or allows anything without some purpose that serves His will.) So what then could be the purpose of God's chosen people - the ones who are "saved" - getting to experience God's judgment?

And there is is. Judgment would not be merely for punishment for sin. It will not be limited to destroying those evil-doers in life. But it will also be a means of purifying people - those ones who are saved - the remnant of God's people.

So what will this look like? The thorns (in our sides) will be taken away. No longer will we have to make do with God's grace. We will be sinless. We will be untemptable. Can you even imagine! There will be nothing that can tempt us. No vice. No thought. No memories even. We will be pure. This is big!

You know, the Apostle Paul talks in the New Testament about the thorn in his side, which God refused to take away from him. Paul never reveals what exactly it was. But apparently he implored God to take it away. God said, "No, my grace is sufficient for you." In other words, God decided He would be glorified if Paul walked with that thorn in his side. He also knew He'd empowered Paul to handle it. It might annoy and trouble or aggravate Paul, but it would never overtake him.

You may remember Paul as the guy who wrote Romans 7 - where he talks about his inability to stop sinning. He said something along the lines of, "I know what to do - but I don't do it. I know what not to do - but that I do. Oh what a wretched man am I!" Now I don't know about you, but I have always figured that Paul was probably speaking to that thorn in his side. I just assume that some temptation, some sin pattern or something that would make Paul look less than stellar as an Apostle was the thorn in his side. Maybe he struggled with lust. Maybe he was fearful. We'll never know. But it was a thorn, it was bad, and God asked Paul to live with it.

So when God's judgment comes upon us all, the thorns will be wiped out. In all these years of studying God's ways and learning His character, I somehow missed the significance of that! God's judgment will surely destroy evil and wipe out the evil-doers. But of those that are "saved" and belong to Him - the remnant of God's people - the thorns will be taken away. We will be purified.

May we never consider God's wrath and judgment the same ways ever again!

God's Wrath

I have long been an advocate of reading the Old Testament in order to grasp a bit of God's true nature and character. The New Testament is wonderful of course. But it has an intercessor ... someone who stands between us and God. Jesus Christ acts as a buffer between us and God's true nature and character. Quite honestly, without Jesus we would not be able to stand. God's wrath would wipe us out!

No doubt the so-called Christians who like to think of God as the sappy grandpa in the rocking chair on the porch will be angry with me today. Nobody likes to think of God in any way other than totally benevolent, full of mercy and grace. He is of course totally benevolent, full of mercy and grace. But that is only part of who God is. To truly comprehend the scope of God's character and nature, we need to look at the facts. We need to see Him without the buffer of Jesus interceding on our behalf.

There is a short book in the Old Testament, Nahum. Many of us know the story of Jonah and the whale. God told Jonah to go to the prosperous, but wicked city of Nineveh and call the people to repentance. Jonah hated those people and didn't want to do it. So he ran from God, who had him swallowed by a whale until Jonah relented and agreed to go. When Jonah went to Nineveh, the people repented - and Jonah got mad at God for forgiving them.

Fast forward several years later - and find Nineveh again a prosperous, but wicked city. God has had about enough of their shenanigans, and calls Nahum to rebuke them. Perhaps Nahum was smarter than Jonah ... he did what God asked. God spoke through Nahum to the people of Nineveh. Let's take a look.

Nahum 1:2 says, "The Lord is a jealous and avenging God; the Lord takes vengeance and is filled with wrath. The Lord takes vengeance on his foes and maintains His wrath against His enemies."

Now whom do you suppose this is talking about? Who are the Lord's enemies? Are you thinking it is Satan and his demons (the fallen angels)? That would be correct. But it is not the universe of God's enemies. God's enemies are anyone who doesn't obey Him. Did you know that? And God maintains His wrath against His enemies. Let us not forget that little detail here.

Nahum 1:3 continues, "... the Lord will not leave the guilty unpunished." Who are the guilty?The prophet Nahum was speaking specifically to the citizens of Nineveh. But the entire Bible is God's word to us. So any time you see anyone addressing anyone in the Bible, just insert yourself there - because it is God speaking to you (and me). These words about God's wrath? They're for you and me. They're for now. The only reason the New Testament doesn't speak to us this way is that Jesus is interceding with God on our behalf. (That of course assumes that we're submitted to and obeying Jesus!)

Now let us look for a moment at God's wrath. What is God's wrath like? Some of the more radical preachers said that God's wrath was unleashed when the hurricane dubbed Katrina hit the U.S. a few years ago. They pointed to the evil and wickedness of New Orleans. Surely it was a sinful city and was the recipient of God's wrath. We wrote those preachers off as radicals. Look at what God said to Nineveh though.

In Nahum 1:14, "... You will have no descendants to bear your name. ... I will prepare your grave, for you are vile." God actually did such a number on Nineveh that the remains of the city weren't found until the 1800's. He literally wiped out the city and all its people - in His wrath - for their wickedness. There was no federal government, no FEMA to rebuild Nineveh.

Now I'm not saying God wants to destroy New Orleans. That's not what this blog is about. But as I investigate the nature and character of God, as it is revealed in the Old Testament, I find sobering evidence.

God's enemies are defined as you and me - people who disobey Him. The fact that we've repented and call ourselves God's people doesn't resolve it either. Remember, the people of Nineveh had repented (with Jonah's work) and became God's people. But they backslid so much, became such hypocrites and were so inherently evil that there was no way back. So God's wrath was unleashed to obliterate the evil. And His wrath was sobering.

Another sobering point in this story of Nineveh, from the books of Jonah and Nahum, is the fact that humans seem to be capable of "reaching a point of no return." In other words, it appears that we can glory in God's mercy and grace only for so long. Then if our obedience and submission to His ways isn't there, the judgment must come. Can someone who believes in God get beyond the point of repentance? Apparently so. Can I get beyond such a point? How would I know it?

I think there are some simple conclusions here.

1. First, enemies of God are defined as those who don't obey Him.
2. Second, God's wrath is unleashed on His enemies in order to destroy the evil that makes them so vile.
3. Third, God's wrath is formidable; the destruction He brings about is complete. (I doubt FEMA could fix it!)
4. Fourth, it is possible for even believers and self-professed Christians to put themselves in a state of modern-day Nineveh.

Now, what do you suppose God would have us do with such revelations in 2009?