Understanding the Kingdom of God預覽

The King’s Final Judgment

Nothing is more discouraging than seeing acts of evil and injustice go unpunished. We all long for justice.

In a previous session, we discussed Jesus’ victory on the Cross. When Jesus died, He defeated the powers of evil and sin. All who are in Him have been set free. As believers, we might not immediately see these results. After coming to salvation, we might still struggle with sin. However, as we learn to walk according to the ways of the Holy Spirit, the victory over sin that we have in Christ becomes more apparent. This gradual process will reach its completion only when Jesus returns.

However, outside the Church, people still live in the domain of darkness. They are still under the dominion of the “sea monster.” When we look around, we see how sin and evil cause chaos and destruction in the world. We often cry out to God for justice when we see all the horrors committed daily. When will He punish and destroy evil forever? When will He bring justice?

Revelation 19-20 assures us that there will be a day of final judgment. Jesus will return to bring full justice to all the earth. The imagery used in these passages can be pretty shocking for a modern reader. God’s wrath seems quite extreme! We must remember that God’s judgment is always good for the New Testament authors. Judgment is more than just condemnation and punishment. It is also the act whereby God makes everything new. In Chapter 19, Jesus is depicted as a warrior riding a white horse. He makes war on all those who committed evil. The ultimate one on whom He executes judgment is Satan. Notice that the weapon He uses is the words proceeding from His mouth. Jesus’ verdict is final. It carries all authority. He is the Judge of judges.

There have been many debates regarding the meaning of the thousand-year reign mentioned in Revelation 20. These debates can often distract us from hearing the heart of the passage’s message. The important thing to take from this passage is that when Jesus’ final judgment arrives, the powers of evil will never be able to sow chaos and destruction on earth ever again. This is good news! This is great news! The final judgment, therefore, makes way for God’s people to dwell with Him in His renewed Creation for all eternity.

Spend a few minutes in prayer and ask God to bring His justice to earth.