May 13 – LD 19, Day 7: Christ’s Judgment will be Righteous for
the Wicked
by Rev J. Kortering
Matthew 25:41, “Then
shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into
everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:”
The catechism expressed this judgment for the wicked this way, “shall cast all
His and my enemies into everlasting condemnation.” Notice that the catechism
was written during a time of great persecution for the church. Much blood was
shed by the enemies of the faith and the Christians of that day feared and
often struggled with God’s fairness, “How could these people who denied the
teaching of the Bible, and exalted man over God, get away with their evil
deeds?” The answer of the catechism reminds them that at the end of the world,
when Jesus will come again, He will function as their judge at the final
judgment. He will say to their enemies, “Depart from me, ye cursed, into
everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels”.
At that judgment, the details of their lives will be revealed to them. All
their past conduct will be evaluated in the light of the presence of Jesus.
Every evil word spoken in secret, every deed plotted and executed, will be
measured by the law of God, the standard of what is right before God. This
exposure of evil will be sufficient to silence any complaint against the
righteous sentence of Jesus. The testimony will be exhaustive and compelling.
They are cursed of God, guilty and worthy of punishment. All will have to hang
their head in shame and admit that they deserve the everlasting fire.
The difference between the people of God and the wicked is not sin or the
measure of sin. It is whether sin has been atoned, the debt paid. Jesus paid it
all and everyone who embraces Jesus as Savior and Lord will stand in judgment,
free from their personal guilt. The judgment will reveal to them all their sins
and make it evident they deserve the everlasting fire as well as the wicked.
The difference is between mercy and judgment. God in His mercy covers the guilt
of believers in Jesus while His judgment exposes the guilt of the wicked who reject the gospel.
Everlasting fire, because God is everlasting, and sin against Him deserves such
punishment.
Flee to Jesus as your refuge.