The Final Judgment And The Lake Of Fire Series

THE FINAL JUDGMENT AND THE LAKE OF FIRE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Revelation 20:11-15

Supporting Texts: Matthew 25:31-46, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Hebrews 9:27, Daniel 7:9-10, Romans 2:5-6

INTRODUCTION

The Bible speaks clearly about a coming day of final judgment when all humanity will stand before God to give an account of their lives. This judgment will be the ultimate separation between the righteous and the wicked. The concept of judgment is not new; throughout the Scriptures, God has always been just in His dealings with humanity. From the judgment of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden to the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, God has consistently held people accountable for their actions.

The book of Revelation gives us a vivid picture of the Great White Throne Judgment. John describes a scene where the dead, both small and great, stand before God. Books are opened, and each person is judged according to their works. Those whose names are not found written in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death.

This final judgment is a sobering reality that should stir every believer to examine their lives and remain steadfast in faith. It should also compel us to evangelize, warning others of the consequences of rejecting Christ. Today, we will explore the nature of the final judgment, its significance, and how we can ensure that we escape the wrath to come.

1. THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT

The Great White Throne Judgment is the ultimate moment of divine reckoning. It is a time when all unbelievers will be judged for their deeds.

a) The Judge on the Throne – Jesus Christ Himself will be the righteous judge (John 5:22).

b) The Dead Standing Before God – No one is exempt; all who rejected Christ will be present (Romans 14:10-12).

c) Books Will Be Opened – These books contain the records of every person’s deeds (Daniel 7:10).

d) The Book of Life – Only those whose names are in the Book of Life will be saved (Philippians 4:3).

e) Biblical Example: The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46) illustrates this final separation.

2. THE STANDARD OF JUDGMENT

The final judgment will be based on God’s righteous standards, not human opinions or traditions.

a) Judged by Deeds – Every person will be judged according to their works (Romans 2:5-6).

b) Judged by God's Word – The truth of the Gospel will be the standard (John 12:48).

c) Judged Without Partiality – God shows no favoritism; all will be judged fairly (Acts 10:34-35).

d) The Reality of Accountability – No secret will be hidden before God (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

e) Biblical Example: The judgment of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) reveals the certainty of divine justice.

3. THE LAKE OF FIRE: THE SECOND DEATH

The lake of fire is the final destination of all who reject Christ.

a) The Eternal Separation from God – The lake of fire is a place of eternal punishment (Matthew 25:41).

b) A Place of Torment – There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Luke 13:28).

c) Reserved for the Devil and His Angels – It was not made for man but for Satan and his fallen angels (Revelation 20:10).

d) The Reality of Eternal Damnation – There is no second chance after death (Hebrews 9:27).

e) Biblical Example: The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31) highlight the torment of the wicked.

4. ESCAPING THE WRATH TO COME

God has provided a way of escape through Jesus Christ.

a) Salvation Through Christ Alone – Only faith in Jesus can save from judgment (John 14:6).

b) The Necessity of Repentance – True repentance leads to life (Acts 3:19).

c) Walking in Righteousness – Holiness is required to see the Lord (Hebrews 12:14).

d) Preaching the Gospel Urgently – We must warn others before it’s too late (Ezekiel 33:8-9).

e) Biblical Example: The thief on the cross found mercy because he turned to Jesus (Luke 23:39-43).

5. THE REWARDS OF THE RIGHTEOUS

While the wicked face judgment, the righteous will enter into eternal joy.

a) Eternal Life – Those who trust Christ will inherit everlasting life (John 3:16).

b) Heavenly Rewards – Crowns and rewards await the faithful (2 Timothy 4:7-8).

c) Reigning with Christ – Believers will reign with Jesus forever (Revelation 22:5).

d) Freedom from Sorrow and Pain – God will wipe away every tear (Revelation 21:4).

e) Biblical Example: The faithful servants in the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30) received their master’s joy.

CONCLUSION

The reality of the final judgment and the lake of fire should awaken us to the seriousness of eternity. God is just and will judge righteously, rewarding the faithful and punishing the unrepentant. This is not a matter to be taken lightly but one that demands our utmost attention and preparation.