Peter continued his gospel presentation to Cornelius by sharing that Jesus commanded his disciples, including us, to tell people he is coming back one day to judge every human being who has ever lived.
And he [Jesus] ordered us to preach everywhere and to testify that Jesus is the one appointed by God to be the judge of all—the living and the dead. Acts 10:42 (NLT)
It is not popular to tell people that Jesus will hold every human being who ever lived accountable to God for how we lived and whether we accepted him as the Lord, but it is the truth. Jesus is the only one through whom anyone can be saved and he is the Judge. Imagine standing before a powerful judge who has your back! That will be the case for all who declare allegiance to him!
The coming judgment at the end of time is not something invented by his followers years later to drum up converts. Jesus clearly taught this to his disciples and told them to preach it.
For the Son of Man will come with his angels in the glory of his Father and will judge all people according to their deeds. Matthew 16:27 (NLT)
Jesus is the divine Son of Man prophesied by Daniel the prophet centuries before (Daniel 7:14) who is the coming king and judge. Our Lord confirmed his identity as this divine being before the Sanhedrin the night before his crucifixion.
But Jesus kept silent. And the high priest said to Him, “I adjure You by the living God, that You tell us whether You are the Christ, the Son of God.” 64 Jesus said to him, “You have said it yourself; nevertheless I tell you, hereafter you will see THE SON OF MAN SITTING AT THE RIGHT HAND OF POWER, and COMING ON THE CLOUDS OF HEAVEN.” Matthew 26:63–64 (NASB95)
Since we are all going to face him in judgment one day, isn’t it in our best interest to take advantage of his promise that we can escape condemnation by simply putting our faith and allegiance in him?
Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life, and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life. John 5:24 (NASB95)
I beg you to take advantage of God’s gracious offer. How heartbreaking it will be for anyone who refuses!
Prayer
Jesus, I ask you to forgive me for rebelliously living for myself. I surrender my life to you and declare that you are the risen Lord. Thank you for the promise of eternal life. Thank you that I no longer need to fear the last judgment. Help me to live for you and tell others about this glorious good news. Amen.
