Final Judgment (2)

Today Derek begins a study confronting us with a decision: Do we want God’s best in our lives or are we willing to settle for second best? In Jesus’ Parable of the Sower, there were four types of soil, only one of which produced lasting results. That was the good soil. We must aim to be good soil, for what we achieve will depend on the response of our heart.

Finishing this study of eternal judgment, Derek reveals how Israel will be judged for their disobedience and unfaithfulness to God, but that they will be saved when they recognize Jesus as their Messiah. The Gentile nations will then be finally dealt with for their part in dividing up Israel’s land.

Derek looks at the Parable of the Talents today by going through what each person was given and how the talents were invested and what rewards were given. He notes that God gives talents according to what He knows you can do with them. Believe in the trust He has in you. You can use those talents for Him—don’t hide them away.

Derek notes that he is not talking about a judgment of condemnation for the believer in Christ, but that which looks at the service we have offered to Jesus during our lives on earth. Derek begins by looking at two parables concerning our faithfulness to use what God has given us.

Today we look at three remaining principles or reasons for God’s judgment when appearing before Him. Derek then lists five main features of the judgment before Christ for believers. This will be a personal, individual assessment of the service of our lives, but without condemnation.

Derek begins this study of eternal judgment by first distinguishing between judgments that take place in historical settings, and eternal judgment that will confront us as we step out of time into eternity. He then begins a look at five principles of God’s Judgment.

Today Derek concludes this theme of the resurrection of the dead by explaining the importance of Christ’s resurrection. He points out that our own resurrection is the completion of our redemption. Jesus died for the whole person. His salvation includes spirit, soul, and body, and that salvation is not complete until we have been resurrected and are again with Him.

Derek looks at several Scriptures that prophesy the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus. These prophets witnessed these events hundreds of years before they happened. Then Derek gives us a list of witnesses still alive after the resurrection of Jesus. The whole history of the universe revolves around this resurrection of Jesus.

Today’s study looks more at five specific changes that will happen when we put on our glorified bodies. We will have a spiritual body, controlled by the Spirit and not led by the human soul. In weakness our bodies are sown, but in power they will be raised.

Derek explains here how the resurrection of Jesus impacted man’s spirit, soul, and body. As the church, we are Christ’s body and so we are partakers of His resurrection. We will have glorious bodies just like His. Everyone who has this hope in Him purifies himself just as Jesus is pure.