The Bible and future judgments

I recently brought up the topic of giving an account of our lives to God in the context of James 3:1, where James said, those who teach will be “judged more strictly.”

The chapter deals with taming the tongue and two kinds of wisdom, but 3:1 provides opportunity to focus, for a moment, on what the Bible says about future judgment.

There are two judgments of human beings included in the end times narrative. We read about the first, “great white throne judgment” in Rev 20:11-12, where John wrote:

“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. 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.” Rev. 20:11-12

This judgment is for the multitude of mankind, who lived from the time of Adam until the last day, who rejected the free gift of salvation through faith in what Jesus did on the cross.

In Rev 20:12 we see this judgment is based on “...what they had done...”

In other words, mankind is given the option of one day standing before God and being judged on the basis of our own worthiness, or as the Bible says, on the basis of our own righteousness.

We also have the option of being judged on the basis of Christ’s righteousness, which is “imputed,” credited or given to us when we believe the gospel.

With this imputed righteousness of Christ comes the promise found in Psalm 103:12, "as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us."

A reader of the Bible understands that peace with God and an adoption into the family of God results when we come to understand the folly and unfruitfulness of planning to stand before God on the basis of our own righteousness.

In Romans 8:1 the Apostle Paul says there is “no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.”

There is, though, a second judgment, the “judgment seat of Christ,” which we read about in 2Cor. 5:10:

“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.”

The “judgment seat of Christ” does not address the guilt and consequences of sin. It is a future occasion for followers of Jesus to review, in the presence of God, how we lived our Christian lives. This will include: how we use the things the Lord has blessed us with to bless others and how we use our lives to serve Him.

In Romans 14:10, Paul combines the rebuke of Christians who were judging one another, with a reminder that one day “we will all stand before God’s judgment seat.”

The personal penalty of all sin is removed when a person places their faith in Christ’s death on the cross. The power of sin is “removed” as a follower of Jesus submits himself to the power and influence of the Holy Spirit.

In 1 Cor 3:10-15, Paul uses the illustration of raw materials as a metaphor for how we “build our lives.” The contrast between gold, silver, costly stones and wood, hay or straw, is easy to understand.

The goal of both the white throne judgment and the judgment seat of Christ is the same, the glory of God. Our great God will be glorified as unbelievers at the white throne judgment finally come to understand the powerlessness of self righteousness and the indescribable power of the righteousness of Christ. On the other hand, our great God will be glorified as believers review their Christian lives at the Judgment seat of Christ.

There are rewards or “crowns” connected with the Judgment seat of Christ. I like to use the illustration of a graduation to explain the purpose and rewards connected to the Judgment seat of Christ. Those in a graduating class have been approved by the Dean of Student affairs. There are some in the graduating class who graduate with honors, as their educational careers are reviewed, but all graduate.

This illustration breaks down when we consider the purpose of the rewards. On the human plane, the graduate with honors receives the glory and applause. On the spiritual plane, the Lord Jesus Christ receives the glory and “applause” as the rewards or crowns are laid at His feet.

I trust these verses and the judgments connected to these verses provide the motivation to share the good news with those who still believe in their ability to stand before God and give an account based on their own righteousness.

I trust these verses and the judgments connected to these verses provide the motivation for Christians to walk with anxious expectation of the day we can see our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and review all we have accomplished for Him by His power!

Will the world really end on May 21st at 6:00 PM?

There has been much talk in recent days about the end of the world. Some mock and others reflect, but no one is indifferent, when it comes to the end of the world as we know it. Many years ago King Solomon said, "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the hearts of men; yet they cannot fathom what God has done from beginning to end." Eccl. 3:11

What follows is the background to the current hype and, I believe, a reasonable response from the Scriptures. Thanks for reading!

1- Who is behind this date setting for the end of the world?

Harold Camping is the President of Family Radio. He is a self taught Bible teacher who has a history, and a bad track record, of predicting the end of the world. Previously, Mr. Camping predicted the world would end on September 4 1994.

Contrary to the clear and consistent teaching of the Bible, Mr. Camping has developed what he calls, “a foolproof mathematical system of prophetic interpretation.”

Through an elaborate and random series of calculations, Mr. Camping, and his followers are predicting the world, as we know it, will end on May 21st with a massive earthquake that will shake the world apart. Mr. Camping and the people from Family Radio say that those who

believe in Jesus will be carried into heaven, while the rest of humanity will endure 153 days of ‘death and horror’ before the world ends on October 21.

According to the Family Radio web site, there are two ‘proofs’ that May 21, 2011 is the judgment day. Mr. Camping believes he has figured out the exact date of Noah’s great flood. He also believes he has discovered the exact date of the crucifixion of Jesus.

Somehow, Mr. Camping has taken these two, alleged dates, and he has declared May 21, 2011 as the day of judgment.

I believe Mr. Camping’s conclusions are wrong. I believe he will wake up on May 22, with no regrets, embarrassment or shame, to begin working on his next end of world scenario!

2- What does the Bible say about the end of the world?

The Bible says at least two things about the end of the world. First, the Bible very clearly says the world, as we know it, will one day end. In 2 Peter 3, the Apostle Peter said, “the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. 2Pet. 3:10

Second, the Bible very clearly says the day is unknown to man. In Mark 13, Jesus spoke in detail about the end of the age. But when asked for dates and times, he said, “No one knows about that day or hour, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Mark 13:32

Later on Ascension Thursday, the disciples once again asked about future things. Jesus, once again, said “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. Acts 1:7

So, we should be wary of false teachers who use elaborate number schemes or set a date to prove anything about the day or time of the end of the world.

3- How shall we respond to the talk about the end of the world on May 21st?

If anything good has come from the false teaching and sensational hype generated by Mr. Camping and the people from Family Radio, it is that people are talking and even planning how they will prepare for next Saturday, May 21st.

Some folks have said, “if the world is going to end, I am going to have a wild last week.” Others, have taken a more reserved approach saying, “just in case, I am going to reflect on my life and relationships.”

Tim Mc Graw was not the first to encourage people to live every day like it is our last. Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman were not the first to encourage a “Bucket List.” In Mark 13:33 Jesus said, “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come. Jesus went on to say in Mark 13:37, “What I say to you, I say to everyone: ‘Watch!’”

We would all do well to ask the question, “Am I ready for the end of the world?” The message of the Bible does not include a hidden code, it includes an incredible love story and a plan for our lives. The love story involved the Father, Jesus and each of us. Jesus said, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” John 3:16

God’s plan for us begins today. He promises us inner peace and freedom from guilt. He promises to free us from the penalty and power of sin. He promises to receive us into heaven when our end comes.

God’s plan includes a relationship with Him and a relationship with other members of God’s family in a local church that teaches what God has said about both time and eternity.

Why church membership?

I recently received a great email with a question about church membership:

It read, in part:

“...I've always wondered about this. I understand the need for involvement and even commitment to the local church. But I have never really understood the basis for membership on paper as related to anything from scripture. I can do all of the things you ascribe to membership without being a member on paper. Is there a verse that indicates there is a need for that type of membership?

In reply, I wrote:

Please forgive a quick reply to a question with significant implications. Your inference is correct. I am not familiar with a bible verse that indicates “a need” for membership “on paper.” There is a place that indicates a need for membership “on paper,” our Grace Chapel Constitution.

This document limits voting on amending the constitution, approving the annual budget, affirming the selection of Elders and Deacons and the calling and dismissal of the Senior Pastor to members “on paper.” [In our case, “on paper” means approval by the Elders documented on the official minutes of the Board.]

Grace Chapel is an independent church. As such, the members own the property and have the ability to dissolve the organization. The members determine the direction of the church as decisions are made and the Constitution is updated as needed.

So, for the above reasons, a person committed to a local assembly of believers, logically should be a member “on paper.”

While there is not a Bible verse which indicates the need for membership, in the way we use the term, I believe the principle and practice of becoming a member of a local church helps draw us closer to the experience of God’s people in the Scriptures and throughout the history of the church.

In the Old Testament, there was very clearly an “on paper” aspect of becoming part of the covenant people of God. In the New Testament it does not appear there was membership “on paper,” but there was no doubt about expectations and responsibilities of leaders and “lay” people within the local assemblies.

I find it fascinating that in the history of the church, mighty works of God always had an “on paper” aspect or, at least feel.

When God laid hold of Wesley, the Methodist movement had a definite “on paper” aspect as the people covenanted to live a disciplined life. Revivals, missionary movements and prevailing local churches all have an “on paper” feel as people unite for a common purpose or vision.

Lastly, I have observed the huge difference in a person who says, I “go to” or “I attend” Grace Chapel” and a person who says Grace Chapel is “my church.” Membership helps accommodate and accelerate this emotional and spiritual shift in perspective.

I don’t have time to wonder how much American individualism plays in our hesitation to become a member of a local church...

Many of our Christian disciplines and daily practices do not have a bible verse which directly speak to the issue. I remember as a young follower of Jesus looking for a verse about closing my eyes or taking my hat off when I pray... I remember looking for a verse commanding me to have daily devotions or say grace before meals... Or go to Sunday School or Mid week services...

Anyway... I hope this helps as you consider the place and importance of membership in a local church.

SO... Why Church Membership?

We exist to exalt Christ and impact our worlds. The church is the God given means to accomplish that goal.

The Universal Church (i.e., all believers, everywhere) is the means by which God is fulfilling His purposes in the world (2 Corinthians 5:17-20).

The Local Church (i.e., a particular group of believers in a particular locale) is the means by which God is fulfilling His purposes in our world. (Ephesians 2:1-10)

Those of us who trust in and follow Jesus are caught up in something much bigger than ourselves. We have graciously been invited to “Walk with Jesus.”

In the past we have said “walking with Jesus” involves:

- a commitment to Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.

- a commitment to corporate worship and a small group activity.

- a commitment to “Love in Action.”

I believe a commitment to corporate worship and a small group activity assumes church membership.

The opportunity, privilege and responsibility to join a local church body is much more than a commitment to consistent attendance or active involvement in community. The church is the gathering of the redeemed, the household of God (Ephesians 2:19), the bride of Christ (Revelation 21:2, 9), and the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-31).

Membership at Grace Chapel is participation in a family, a snapshot of the universal household of God. All members are united to Christ and thus to each other. Unity within the church is expressed in love for God and a love for others.

The Pastors, Elders and Deacons are entrusted with protecting, leading, equipping, and caring for the corporate church body and the individual members. (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4)

Membership in a local church is a reasonable step in our spiritual growth.

-Membership at Grace Chapel gives us access to an environment where we “do life” with others who purpose to submit to the authority of the Scriptures as the final arbiter in matters of faith and life.

-Membership at Grace Chapel makes us part of a community of followers of Jesus who are committed to regular Bible reading, prayer, fellowship and “Love in Action.”

-Membership at Grace Chapel provides a platform to attend weekly services, engage in biblical community and serve one another.

-Membership at Grace Chapel gives us a place to invest the resources God has given us, including time, talents, spiritual gifts and finances.

-Membership at Grace Chapel communicates a willingness and commitment to both submit to the leaders of the church and be part of crafting the next chapter in the story of our church.

If you are a regular attender at Grace Chapel or any local church, I encourage you to take part in the next scheduled membership class.