THE JUDGMENT

Lesson

Wednesday, April 19,1995 started as usual: children went to school; employees went to work, and others enjoyed retirement. The day appeared normal until explosions ripped through the Alfred P. Murrah Building in Oklahoma City leaving more than 500 people injured and 168 dead. The entire north side of the building was devastated. Babies were pulled from the rubbish, some maimed, some dead. Extensive structural damage and repeated bomb threats hindered rescue efforts.

The tragedy sounded through out the nation, and no sooner had the debris settled, and the investigation begun than there rang out the passionate questions, "Why?" "Who did it?"

Justice. It is inside each of us to some degree. Why innocent people suffer at the hands of mad men is a question that relentlessly bombards the mind. But one day God's justice will shatter the evil surmising of a world gone mad. One day God will have the final word!

1. What is appointed unto men once, besides death? Hebrews 9:27,28

_ but after this the judgment:

For centuries churchgoers have trembled in their pews as sermons on hell fire, the judgment,

and the end of the world have been bellowed from the pulpits. Many people today think God’s

chief attribute is stern justice. They see Him as a severe judge, a harsh, exacting creditor. They picture Him as scanning the world with jealous eyes to find the errors and mistakes of men so He can bring down judgments upon them. This prevailing attitude has prevented clergy and laity from discussing these topics.

What does the Bible say about God’s judgment? Is there a balance to understanding God’s great redeeming love and His judgment upon sin? Does the judgment still apply to our lives today?

2. What was God’s purpose for judgment in the Bible? 1 Kings 8:32

“Then hear thou in heaven, and do, and _____ judge thy servants,

_____ condemning_ the wicked, to bring his way upon his head; and ___ justifying

the righteous, to give him according to his righteousness.”

To God’s people judgment was always good news. It meant deliverance for the righteous and punishment for those that oppress the suffering of this world to an end. Those that have embraced His salvation will be liberated. Yet for those who have rejected His mercy and clung

to sin, that day will be one of breath-taking fear. They will cry out for the rocks to cover them.

They will frantically run to hide in caves. Panic will overtake them as they vainly try to escape the wrath of the Lamb. They will experience the vengeance of God upon sin.

(see Revelation 6:14to17)

3. What is God’s wrath poured out upon? Romans 1:18

_____ against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousnes_

God’s love is infinite, yet His hatred for sin is equally infinite. Notice in this verse that God’s wrath is poured out against sin! Those who refuse to be separated from their sin will experience God’s wrath poured out upon them as well. (Matthew 25:46)

4. Does God take pleasure in the death of the wicked? Ezekiel 33:11; Isaiah 28:21

__ I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live:_

God is reluctant to destroy the wicked. His intent is to bring an end to sin, and to purify this world. Sin will be destroyed, and those that determine to hold onto it will meet sin’s same fate.

5. With whom does judgment begin? 1 Peter 4:17

judgment must begin at the house of God:

6. Who accuses the believers and how often does he accuse them? Revelation 12:9,10

great dragon, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, accused them day and night.

7. Who is on the believer’s side in this court case? 1 John 2:1

_____ we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous:

8. What preparation did the children of Israel have to make in order to pass through to judgment that God brought upon Egypt? Exodus 12:5to7,12,13

lamb shall be without blemish, ... take of the blood, and strike it on the two side posts and on the upper door post of the houses

One of the greatest examples of Divine judgment comes from the Old Testament story of the

Exodus. (Exodus 6th chapter through 12) In it, God delivers His people while a nation who

refused to heed God’s warnings were met with judgment. Those who responded to God’s call

were to sacrifice a lamb and apply its blood to the doorposts of their home. This experience

established the Jewish festival called the Passover.

9. Who did the Passover lamb represent? 1 Corinthians 5:7

___________ For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:____________

John the Baptist called Jesus the Lamb of God. (John 1:29) Do you see why? Jesus tasted death for every man. (Hebrews 2:9) It is through receiving the gift of Jesus that we are saved from God’s wrath. (Romans 5:9) His sacrifice for us paved a safe passage through the judgment. It has been said that while the courts of Heaven have been paved with gold, the way to heaven has been paved with blood -- the precious blood of Jesus.

10. What four things will be no more as a result of God’s judgment on this world?

Revelation 21:4,5

a. ________ God shall wipe away all tears____

b. ________ no more death________________

c. ________ neither sorrow________________

d. ________ neither shall there be any more pain:

When God destroys sin in earth’s judgment, not only will justice be satisfied but loved ones will be reunited, and families brought back together. There will be no more pain, no more sorrow, and no more death. In the judgment God will wipe the tears from each of our eyes.

Would you commit today to finding out more about God’s plan of safe passage through

THE JUDGMENT?