Matthew 25:31-46 – The Judgement
Jesus Christ shall Himself judge the world, when He comes in His glory. Let believers think of this, and take comfort. He that sits upon the throne in that great and dreadful day will be their Saviour, their Shepherd, their High Priest, their elder Brother, their Friend. When they see Him, they will have no cause to be alarmed. Let unconverted people think of this, and be afraid. Their judge will be that very Christ, whose Gospel they now despise, and whose gracious invitations they refuse to hear.
The last judgment will be a judgment according to evidence. The question to be ascertained will not merely be what we said, but what we did – not merely what we professed, but what we practiced. Our works unquestionably will not justify us. We are justified by faith without the deeds of the law. But the truth of our faith will be tested by our lives. Faith which has not works is dead, being alone. (James 2:20.)
Eternal life is an eternal rest, after warfare and conflict – the eternal company of saints, after buffeting with an evil world – an eternally glorious and painless body, after struggling with weakness and infirmity – an eternal sight of Jesus face to face, after only hearing and believing – all this is blessedness indeed. And yet the half of it remains untold. Eternal punishment is the eternal pain of body – the eternal sting of an accusing conscience – the eternal society of none but the wicked, the devil and his angels – the eternal remembrance of opportunities neglected and Christ despised – the eternal prospect of a weary, hopeless future – all this is misery indeed. It is enough to make our ears tingle, and our blood run cold. And yet this picture is nothing, compared to the reality.
Questions
- Who will judge the world?
- What are our works an evidence of?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the salvation of family and friends.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.