THE JUDGMENT OF GOD

"Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;  And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,  In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power." - 2 Thessalonians 1:6-9

I am deeply bothered that most Americans have a belief in God that does not match what the Bible teaches.  Even those who claim to be Christians are not immune to this.  

One of the most frequent ways that people express their belief in God is in reference to judgment.  It is not uncommon for someone to say, "My God is loving and kind and would never send anyone to hell."  Another may share something similar by stating, "The only people God will send to hell are murderers and rapists."  In one way, they are right.  The one they believe in won't send people to hell because the one they believe in isn't really God.

God has revealed Himself to us through the pages of Holy Scripture.  A proper view of God can only be developed as we read, understand and believe what the Bible teaches. 

In 2 Thessalonians chapter 1, the Apostle Paul describes people that will be "punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power."  Let's consider this Scripture closely because this event will soon unfold.

1.  JESUS IS COMING

Paul wrote that the Lord Jesus is coming again and "shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels."  Jesus will come some day in power and glory.  While I believe that Jesus is coming after His children (see 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18), the Scripture we are reviewing in 2 Thessalonians refers to a different event.  In this event, Jesus is coming in wrath.

The false god that most believe in would never exercise wrath.  However, the Bible clearly states that God is a jealous God.  He is a God who gets angry at the wicked.  His wrath has been unleashed before and will be again.  One day, Jesus is coming in wrath.  I wouldn't want to be a recipient of that wrath, would you? 

2.  JUSTICE IS COMING

Paul wrote that Jesus is coming, "In flaming fire taking vengeance."  Often a victim or a victim's family will testify in court, asking the judge to execute justice on a guilty felon.  We often sympathize with such victims.  Most of us fail to understand that God is the victim of injustice in this world.  Most people deliberately and angrily rebel and reject the very One who created them.  Despite the fact that He gave them life and shows mercy towards them daily, they use His Name as a curse word.  They deny Him.  They hate Him.  They hate His Word, His Church and His people.  They trample His Name under their feet.  They live in open hostility to the One they are accountable to.  Some even reject His existence.  Sin is a treasonous act against the God of the universe, resulting in the death penalty.  To varying degrees, the description I have just outlined really depicts all of us.  Apart from the salvation available in Christ, all of us are guilty rebels, deserving death.  

3.  JUDGMENT IS COMING

Finally, Paul gets specific about the ones God will judge:  "In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:  Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power."  Look closely at those who will receive judgment:  "them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ." 

In John 17:3, Jesus said, "And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent."  The only way to have eternal life and miss the coming wrath of God is to know God, and this life is received when we personally know Jesus Christ.  Those who reject Jesus do not know God personally and are subject to His judgment.  That's why Paul wrote that God's wrath would be unleashed on those, "that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ."  

The Bible continues with a description of the coming judgment: "Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power."  Everlasting destruction is coming to those who reject Jesus Christ.  Many reject the doctrine of hell, but the Bible has numerous passages that specifically teach that everlasting judgment is facing those who reject Christ.

Jesus is coming.  Justice is coming.  Judgment is coming.  Apart from a saving faith in Jesus Christ, every person will perish.  This includes your family members, friends, co-workers, politicians, musicians, actors, athletes, the rich and the poor.  That is why we need to make the Gospel known to everyone while we can. 

Time is running out.  Are you prepared to meet God?