The Judgment

I. Introduction
   A. The message of the Gospel of Christ is clear: repent, for God's 
      Kingdom is here (Matthew 4:17, Colossians 1:13)
   B. But why should people change their ways on account of the Kingdom?  
      Have not things continued as they have since the first century?
      1. Many think that they can "sow their wild oats" and then, 
         before they die, make themselves right with God
      2. Such people do not consider that their demise may come upon 
         them quickly and they will not have such a chance for 
         repentance (James 4:14)
   C. Yet there is another reason why we must change our ways and serve
      the Lord: a day of judgment is coming, and we know not when!
      1. Acts 17:30-31
      2. Revelation 20:11-15
   D. It is good for us to study the Scriptures and prepare ourselves 
      for the Judgment day!

II. The Judgment
   A. The Scriptures teach us much about the day of Judgment
   B. The One Judging: Jesus Christ
      1. Matthew 16:27, John 5:22
      2. He will judge righteously (Romans 2:5) and justly (John 5:30)
   C. When will it occur?
      1. When the Lord returns (Matthew 25:1-46)
      2. The time not known by man but by God (2 Peter 3:3-9)
      3. "Like a thief in the night," unknown (Matthew 25:13, 
         1 Thessalonians 5:2)
      3. Hence, do not hear the mockers
      4. At that time the world will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:9-11)
   D. Who will be judged?
      1. Men and fallen angels (Romans 14:10-12, 2 Peter 2:4, 9)
      2. All men, righteous and unrighteous (Matthew 25:32)
      3. No respect given to persons (Romans 2:9-11)
   E. On what basis will man be judged?
      1. Standard: the Word of God (John 12:48, James 2:10-13)
      2. Consequences rendered according to every deed of man 
         (Matthew 16:27, Romans 2:6)
   F. What will the sentences be?
      1. Those who are redeemed in righteousness
         a. Taking care of people (Matthew 25:34-40)
         b. Knowing the Father and the Son (1 John 2:2-3)
         c. Doing the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21-23)
         d. Being patient in well-doing (Romans 2:6-7): doing the good
            (Romans 2:10)
      2. Those who are found to be unrighteous
         a. Not taking care of people (Matthew 25:41-46)
         b. Not hearing or obeying the Word of God 
            (2 Thessalonians 1:6-9)
         c. Not doing the will of the Father (Matthew 7:21-23)
         d. Self-seeking, obeying unrighteousness (Romans 2:8): doing 
            evil (Romans 2:9)
      3. Therefore, God does not "make" us go to heaven or hell; it is
         completely up to us where we spend eternity
         a. Righteous: the sheep, entrance into Kingdom 
            (Matthew 25:34-40)
         b. Unrighteous: the goats, eternal punishment 
            (Matthew 25:41-46)

III. Conclusion
   A. God will judge mankind
   B. All will be judged
   C. Christ will judge
      1. The basis will be not on anything but what we have done
      2. We do not know when the Judgment will be
      3. When it is done, those who have obeyed Christ shall receive 
         eternal life, yet those who have not shall receive eternal 
         punishment
   D. What would be our fate if today was the Judgment day?
   E. Invitation/songbook