Topical Encyclopedia
The Day of Judgment, often referred to as the "Last Judgment" or "Final Judgment," is a pivotal eschatological event in Christian theology, where God will judge the living and the dead. This event is characterized by the final assessment of humanity by Jesus Christ, determining the eternal destiny of every soul. The concept is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, with numerous references throughout Scripture.
Old Testament FoundationsThe Old Testament lays the groundwork for the Day of Judgment through prophetic literature and wisdom writings. The prophets frequently speak of a "Day of the Lord," a time of divine intervention and judgment. For instance, the prophet Joel declares, "The sun and moon will grow dark, and the stars will no longer shine. The LORD will roar from Zion and raise His voice from Jerusalem; heaven and earth will tremble. But the LORD will be a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel" (
Joel 3:15-16). This imagery underscores the dual nature of the Day of Judgment as both a time of terror for the wicked and a time of deliverance for the righteous.
New Testament RevelationThe New Testament provides a more detailed revelation of the Day of Judgment, emphasizing the role of Jesus Christ as the appointed judge. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus Himself speaks of this day, saying, "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats" (
Matthew 25:31-32). This passage highlights the universal scope of the judgment and the criteria of separation based on one's response to Christ and His teachings.
The Apostle Paul also addresses the Day of Judgment, affirming its certainty and the righteousness of God's judgment. In his letter to the Romans, Paul writes, "But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. God 'will repay each one according to his deeds'" (
Romans 2:5-6). Here, Paul emphasizes the moral accountability of every individual and the just nature of God's judgment.
The Book of RevelationThe Book of Revelation provides a vivid and symbolic portrayal of the Day of Judgment. John the Apostle describes the final judgment scene, stating, "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. The dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books" (
Revelation 20:11-12). This passage underscores the comprehensive nature of the judgment, where all humanity is held accountable before the divine throne.
Theological SignificanceThe Day of Judgment holds significant theological implications for Christian doctrine and ethics. It affirms the ultimate sovereignty and justice of God, ensuring that evil will be punished and righteousness rewarded. This event also serves as a powerful motivator for holy living and evangelism, as believers are called to live in light of the coming judgment and to share the gospel with others.
Practical ImplicationsFor Christians, the anticipation of the Day of Judgment encourages a life of faithfulness, repentance, and readiness. The Apostle Peter exhorts believers, "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness" (
2 Peter 3:10-11). This call to holiness reflects the transformative impact that the expectation of judgment should have on a believer's life.
In summary, the Day of Judgment is a central theme in Christian eschatology, emphasizing God's ultimate justice and the eternal destinies of humanity. It is a day of both fear and hope, urging believers to live in accordance with God's will and to proclaim the message of salvation through Jesus Christ.
International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Day of JudgmentDAY OF JUDGMENT
SeeJUDGMENT, LAST.
Greek
2851. kolasis -- correction... 1 Jn 4:17,18: " 17 By this, love is [brought to its higher stages] with us, so that
we may have confidence in the
day of
judgment; because as He is, so also
...2250. hemera --day
... figuratively, a period (always defined more or less clearly by the context) -- age, +
alway, (mid-)day (byday, (-ly)), + for ever,judgment, (day) time, while...
Library
Of theDay ofJudgment.
... XLV."Of theDay ofJudgment. I add something, on account of unbelievers, of the
day ofjudgment. Again, the fire of the Lord sent forth shall be appointed....
TheDay ofJudgment.
... FUNERAL HYMNS. Hymn 77 Theday ofjudgment. John Newton 8,7,8,7,11. Theday ofjudgment.
Day ofjudgment,day of wonders! Hark! the trumpet's aweful sound,....
TheDay ofJudgment.
... ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN CCXXXIII. TheDay ofJudgment. 8.8.8.8 James Montgomery.
TheDay ofJudgment. How many generations dead....
TheDay ofJudgment
... The Treasury of Sacred Song. Book First CXXXVIII THEDAY OFJUDGMENT. Oday
of life, of light, of love! The onlyday dealt from above!...
TheDay afterJudgment.
... ORIGINAL HYMNS HYMN CCXXXVI. TheDay afterJudgment. 8.8.8.8 D James Montgomery.
TheDay afterJudgment. The days and years of time are fled,....
Preparation for theDay ofJudgment.
... The Second Epistle of Clement. Chapter XVI."Preparation for theDay of
Judgment. So, then, brethren, having received no small...
TheDay ofJudgment. Extracted from a Sermon by Hugh Latimer...
... THEDAY OFJUDGMENT. EXTRACTED FROM A SERMON BY HUGH LATIMER, BISHOP OF WORCESTER,
AND MARTYR, 1555.(1). LUKE XXI.(2) As we die so we shall rise again....
Whether the Orders Will Outlast theDay ofJudgment?
... OF THE ANGELIC DEGREES OF HIERARCHIES AND ORDERS (EIGHT ARTICLES) Whether
the orders will outlast theDay ofJudgment? Objection...
Christ Acted for Our Advantage in Being Unwilling to Reveal the...
... Book V. Chapter XVII. Christ acted for our advantage in being unwilling to
reveal theday ofjudgment.? Christ acted for our advantage...
What Shall be done to the Righteous at theDay ofJudgment
... Question 90: What shall be done to the righteous at theday ofjudgment.
Answer: At theday ofjudgment, the righteous, being caught...
Resources
If Jesus was crucified on the Day of Preparation, why had He already eaten the Passover meal? | GotQuestions.orgWhat day is the Sabbath, Saturday or Sunday? Do Christians have to observe the Sabbath day? | GotQuestions.orgOn what day was Jesus crucified? | GotQuestions.orgDay: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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