Explore and understand Revelation 20:15, emphasizing the importance of God's justice and mercy, the judgment of nations, the blessing of the saved, and the eternal security of the redeemed.
Good morning, church family. Today, we're diving into Revelation and the deep, sometimes daunting prophecy of John—specifically Revelation 20:15. This is a verse that speaks of judgment, but also of blessing and eternal security for those redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ.
The Bible says in Revelation 20:15,
"And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire."
Now, I know that's some heavy stuff right there, but it's crucial we understand the full measure of God's justice and mercy. It's about the judgment of the nations, the blessing of the saved, and the eternal security of the redeemed. These are big topics that carry a lot of weight, and we don't take them lightly.
As A.W. Tozer once said, "Justice, when used of God, is the name we give to the way God is, nothing more; and when God acts justly God is not doing so to conform to an independent criterion, but simply acting like God's self in a given situation." Tozer reminds us that God's judgment is simply a reflection of Who He is—perfectly just and good.
Let’s pray.
Dear Heavenly Father, as we delve into Your word today, we ask for clarity and discernment. Help us to comprehend the weight of Your judgment, but also to bask in the joy of Your salvation and the eternal security You offer to us, the redeemed. Encourage our hearts and strengthen our faith as we learn more about Your perfect justice and incredible grace. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Let’s get started!
The judgment of the nations is a theme that is woven throughout the tapestry of the Bible, from the Old Testament prophets to the teachings of Jesus and the apocalyptic visions of John in Revelation. The idea of a divine judgment on nations is not merely about punishment, but it is a testament to God's unwavering commitment to justice and righteousness.
The Old Testament: We see God's judgment on nations such as Egypt, Babylon, and Assyria, which were known for their oppression and wickedness. God's judgment was not arbitrary or capricious, but a response to the systemic evil and injustice perpetuated by these nations. It was a divine intervention to uphold the cause of the oppressed and to bring an end to the reign of tyranny and exploitation.
The New Testament: Jesus speaks of the judgment of the nations in Matthew 25:31-46. Here, Jesus uses the metaphor of a shepherd separating the sheep from the goats to illustrate the final judgment. The nations are judged based on how they treated the "least of these," which includes the poor, the hungry, the stranger, the naked, the sick, and the imprisoned. This passage underscores the fact that God's judgment is intimately tied to our actions, especially towards the most vulnerable and marginalized in society.
God's sovereignty over all nations and peoples: No nation, no matter how powerful or influential, is exempt from God's judgment. This is a humbling reminder that all human power and authority are ultimately subject to God's authority. It challenges us to reflect on our own attitudes towards power, justice, and righteousness.
A call to repentance and transformation: It is a warning that our actions have consequences, both in this life and the next. But it is also an invitation to turn away from injustice and oppression, and to embrace God's ways of love, mercy, and justice. It is a call to be part of God's redemptive work in the world, to be agents of justice and righteousness in a world that is often marked by injustice and unrighteousness.
Don’t take lightly or dismiss it as irrelevant: It is a central aspect of God's character and His dealings with humanity. It challenges us to take seriously our responsibility as individuals and as communities to pursue justice, to care for the vulnerable, and to live in ways that reflect God's kingdom values.
Pastor, here would be a good place to share a personal story about when you first repented and how your life has changed since that moment. How can your congregation do the same?
The Blessing of the Saved is a profound concept that speaks to the grace, mercy, and love of God towards those who have accepted His gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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