by Neal Pollard, Denver, Colorado
The Bible speaks often of the moment of reckoning when the righteous and wicked dead (John 5:28–29) and all living (Matthew 25:31–33) will stand before the King of kings to give account for the conduct of the body (2 Corinthians 5:10).
As we attempt to paint a mental picture of the Judgment Day, some things should not be envisioned because they will not be there. There will not be any:
- Unbelievers (Philippians 2:10; Revelation 1:5–7).
- Material possessions (2 Peter 3:10).
- Mistrials (Acts 17:31).
- Secrets (Romans 2:16).
- Baptisms (Matthew 25:31–46).
- Invitation songs (Matthew 25:10).
There will be a righteous Judge who will give a fair trial to every individual. All will give an account. An eternal sentence will be handed down based upon one’s life and acceptance or rejection of Christ’s sacrifice.
There will be no parole, stay of execution, or pardon for the lost. All of us will need abundant grace to be able to stand at His right side, and Scripture tells us how that is extended. We must prepare for that in this life (Hebrews 9:27).
