Questions About Judgment Day

What do you know about the Day of Judgment? What exactly happens at the Judgment? Many people, even in the religious world, are unsure about this most significant day. To make matters worse, we often hear of teaching that is not in line with God’s Word on this topic. We will endeavor here to provide Bible answers to some questions about Judgment Day. 

Will there be any signs of Christ’s return? Far too many people through the years have claimed to know when the Lord will return. Countless dates have been set, waited on, and passed by without Christ’s coming. According to 2 Peter 3:10 the Lord’s return will be as a “thief in the night,” unannounced and unexpected. In Matthew 24:3 we find the disciples asking Jesus about the destruction of the temple, the end of the age, and the “sign of His coming”. It is important to note that these questions have different answers. But concerning the last great day Jesus says, “no one knows, not even the angels” (Matthew 24:36). To make it clearer He says, “the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect” (Matthew 24:42-44). There will be no signs of Christ’s return. 

Will most people go to Heaven? Many believe that God will save most of the religious world. They would say that even those with contradictory views, if they are sincere, can have a place in God’s eternal abode. The Bible portrays a different picture. The path leading to eternal destruction is broad and many go on it, while the difficult way leading to life is found by comparatively fewer (Matthew 7:13-14). And if it is difficult for the righteous to be saved, what hope is there for the ungodly (1 Peter 4:17-18)? This lines up with everything the Bible has to say about the remnant. As it was with Israel, just a portion of the larger group will be saved (Isaiah 10:22; Romans 9:27). Sadly, most people will not go to Heaven. 

Will Heaven be on Earth? Some teach that God will eventually renovate the earth to be our eternal dwelling place. Some believe Jesus will return to live and reign on the earth with the saved. But God’s Word tells us the earth will be destroyed (2 Peter 3:10-12). The words used here are vivid in their meaning. The earth and the works that are therein will be consumed wholly. All these things will liquefy, perish, and be dissolved. Jesus taught that His kingdom was not an earthly one, but a spiritual kingdom (John 18:36). He talked about going to prepare a place for the saved (John 14:2-3). Repeatedly in the New Testament we are told that the hope of the Christian is reserved for us in Heaven (Colossians 1:3-5; 1 Peter 1:3-4). The Bible teaches us Heaven will not be on Earth. 

What will happen at the Judgment? We know from the scriptures that at the last great day, Jesus will return, and we will meet Him in the air (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). We know that the dead in Christ will be raised and that we will all be changed, putting on immortality (1 Corinthians 15:50-52). We know that all mankind must answer for our deeds (Hebrews 9:27; 2 Corinthians 5:10). We will be judged by the standard of God’s Word (John 12:48) and we will go to our eternal homes (Matthew 25:34, 41; John 5:28-29). 

As we sometimes sing from our songbooks, there’s a great day coming. For those that love the Lord it will be a bright day. For those who remain in sin it will be a sad day. So, take the time to open up God’s Word and see for yourself the truth concerning the life which we now live and the judgment. Are you ready for that day to come?