The Judgment Day is described at “That Day” eight times in the New Testament (Matt. 7:22; 24:36; Mk. 13:36; 2 Thes. 1:10; 2:3; 2 Tim. 1:12, 18; 4:8). It is a great day of reckoning for mankind that John summarizes vividly in Revelation 20:7-21:8. It is a day of doom or deliverance; grief or glory; fear or faith.

Christ Will Appear Suddenly

The Bible describes Jesus coming like a thief in the night (1 Thes. 5:1-3). It will be without warning and no one will prevent it or avoid it. Therefore, the idea that anyone knows when it will happen is laughable. Jesus specifically stated that no one knows the day or hour (Matt. 24:36-44).

To teach that there are signs to show us when That Day will happen, is a false doctrine. It is misapplied teaching regarding the destruction of Jerusalem or other historical events. God alone knows when the Son will return and it is utterly futile to attempt to predict it.

When the Lord returns, He will return with His angels (1 Thes. 4:13-18; 2 Thes. 1:6-12). It will be an audible return because there will be a shout and sound of a trumpet. It will be a visible return because we will see the angels, as well as the Lord who will return as He went (Acts 1:9-11). The idea of a secret, invisible, unknown return is wholly unknown in the sacred text.

The return of Christ will be overwhelming. There will be no mistaking it for some other event; no escaping it by might or flight; no resisting it individually or collectively; no missing it whether alive or dead.

The Dead Will Be Raised and All Men Changed

Jesus said when He returns that all men will be raised from the dead (Jn. 5:28, 29). They will hear His voice and be raised from graves, caskets, tombs, and caves. They will be raised on land and in the sea. All will be raised from Abel to Noah and all who perished in the flood, from Moses whose body was buried by the hand of God to David who was entombed with the kings of Israel at Jerusalem, from Stephen and James martyred at the hand of God’s enemies to John who died an aged soldier of the cross. All saints and sinners who died from the dawn of Creation to the last soul who crosses the chilly waters of death will be called out of Hades to be reunited with their earthly remains and changed.

All men will be changed (1 Cor. 15:35-52). It will be the same soul, but a new body (1 Cor. 15:35-49). The new body is related to, but not the same as, the old body (1 Cor. 15:35-42). The new body is a spiritual body suited for dwelling in eternity. This change will take place in a moment (1 Cor. 15:50-52).

Then Comes The End

At the end, Satan will be cast into the lake of fire (Rev. 20:7-10). This is our adversary’s final, full defeat. He will be tormented for all eternity.

The universe will be folded up like a garment (Heb. 1:10-12). All material things will be burned up (2 Pet. 3:10-13). The universe declares the glory of God and is filled with wonder and amazement. It is something to behold in awe and explored with intense curiosity, but it will be completely destroyed.

Every nation and city; political capitals, centers of commerce, and countryside villages; sky scrapers, stadiums, and statues; highways, hospitals, and homes – all will be destroyed.

Every ocean and continent; mountains, valleys, and plains; lakes, rivers, and ponds; every rhino, racoon, and rat; all trees, flowers, and weeds; every single molecule of dust and air – all will vanish and cease to exist.

This is why there is no eternal value of any physical thing on earth. The soul far exceeds it all, is of much greater value, because it will survive That Day (Mk. 8:36).

All Men Judged

All nations will be judged by Christ (Matt. 25:31-33). All of humanity will stand before Him and give an account for life (2 Cor. 5:10). Our life will be compared to God’s word (Jn. 12:48). Our attitudes, words, and actions will all be brought to light and we will be held responsible for them all.

Many will be bewildered because they thought they were doing God’s will, but were in fact living by the standards of men (Matt. 7:21-23). These believe lies, follow their own feelings and, in spite of good intentions and a clear conscience, lived in rebellion to God.

The righteous and unrighteous will be separated and rewarded according to their works (2 Thes. 1:6-10). The unrighteous will be cast into outer darkness, away from the Lord (Matt. 25:30). Thus, God will judge and punish the unjust (2 Pet. 2:4-8), while the righteous will be given the crown of life (Jas. 1:12; 2 Tim. 4:6-8; Rev. 2:10).

It Is Coming

That Day is coming closer every moment. Are you ready for That Day? If not, humble yourself before God, forsake your sin, and submit to God’s will in all things.