Christ Is Hope Church

SUNDAY SERMON 5TH JULY 2026.

TOPIC : JUDGMENT: THE DAY WHEN EVERY SOUL SHALL STAND BEFORE GOD

Main Text: Hebrews 9:27
"And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment."

Supporting Scriptures:

Ecclesiastes 12:13–14

Matthew 25:31–46

Romans 14:10–12

2 Corinthians 5:10

Revelation 20:11–15

John 5:22–29

Introduction

Among all the doctrines revealed in Holy Scripture, few are as solemn, awe-inspiring, and life-changing as the doctrine of Judgment. The modern world prefers messages about prosperity, comfort, and success, but God has never removed Judgment from His Word. Divine love never cancels divine justice. The God who forgives sinners is also the righteous Judge who will judge every person according to His perfect holiness.

Many live as though there will never be an accounting. They believe that wealth, popularity, education, or earthly achievements will somehow excuse them before God. Yet the Bible declares with unmistakable certainty that every human being will stand before the throne of God.

The Judgment is not fiction. It is not symbolic. It is not an invention of religion to frighten people. It is an eternal reality established by God Himself.

The greatest question is not, "How successful was I?" but, "Am I prepared to meet my Creator?"

I. God Is the Perfect Judge

God alone possesses perfect justice because He knows every secret, every motive, every hidden thought, and every intention.

Psalm 139 teaches that nothing escapes His knowledge.

Human judges often make mistakes because they possess limited evidence. Witnesses may lie. Records may disappear. Facts may remain hidden.

But God's judgment is perfect because:

He knows the beginning from the end.

He sees what nobody else sees.

He remembers everything.

He cannot be bribed.

He cannot be deceived.

He cannot show favoritism.

Deuteronomy declares that God is a righteous Judge.

Unlike earthly courts, Heaven's courtroom never convicts the innocent nor acquits the guilty.

II. Jesus Christ Has Been Appointed Judge

The Father has committed all judgment into the hands of His Son.

John 5:22 says:

> "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son."

The same Jesus who stretched out His hands on the Cross will one day stretch forth His hand in judgment.

Today He calls sinners:

"Come unto Me."

On Judgment Day He will declare either:

"Come, ye blessed..."

or

"Depart from Me..."

The One who offered mercy will execute justice.

III. Every Person Will Be Judged

No one will escape.

Kings.

Presidents.

Billionaires.

Scientists.

Children.

Pastors.

Evangelists.

Business owners.

Celebrities.

The poor.

The forgotten.

The imprisoned.

Every single soul will stand before God.

Romans 14:12 says:

"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God."

Notice:

We will not answer for our neighbour.

Not for our parents.

Not for our church.

Not for our government.

We answer personally.

IV. What Will God Judge?

1. Our Words

Jesus declared that every idle word shall be brought into judgment.

Careless speech.

Lies.

Gossip.

Slander.

False promises.

Profanity.

Every word is recorded.

Our conversations vanish from human memory, but not from God's.

2. Our Thoughts

Sin begins in the heart.

Hatred.

Lust.

Pride.

Covetousness.

Envy.

Bitterness.

No human court can judge thoughts.

God can.

3. Our Actions

Every deed matters.

Secret sins.

Hidden generosity.

Private prayers.

Acts of compassion.

Dishonesty.

Kindness.

Nothing is forgotten.

4. Our Motives

Many good deeds are performed for applause.

God judges why we acted—not merely what we did.

Some who appeared great before men may receive little reward.

Some unknown saints who quietly served Christ may receive abundant reward.

V. The Books That Will Be Opened

Revelation 20 describes books being opened.

The Book of Life

Only those whose names are written in the Lamb's Book of Life inherit eternal life.

Those outside Christ will not be found there.

The Books of Works

Every deed is recorded.

Nothing has escaped Heaven's record.

The forgotten kindness.

The hidden cruelty.

The secret prayer.

The concealed rebellion.

Everything stands recorded.

VI. Two Great Judgments Mentioned in Scripture

The Judgment Seat of Christ

Believers will appear before Christ.

This judgment concerns rewards, faithfulness, and stewardship—not condemnation.

Salvation has already been secured through Christ.

Yet believers shall answer:

How faithfully did I serve?

Did I use my gifts?

Did I love others?

Did I obey God?

The Great White Throne Judgment

Revelation 20 presents the final judgment of unbelievers.

There every excuse ends.

Every mouth is stopped.

Every secret exposed.

Those whose names are absent from the Book of Life face eternal separation from God.

This is among the most solemn passages in Scripture.

VII. Why God Delays Judgment

Some mock God's patience.

"Nothing has happened."

"Everything continues."

But God's delay is mercy.

He gives sinners opportunity to repent.

Every sunrise is another invitation.

Every heartbeat is another chance.

Every Gospel message is another call to salvation.

Yet patience is not permission.

One day mercy's door will close.

VIII. Common False Confidences

Many trust in:

Church attendance.

Religious titles.

Good works.

Charity.

Family tradition.

Baptism alone.

Moral living.

None of these save apart from genuine faith in Jesus Christ.

Only the blood of Christ cleanses sin.

Only repentance and faith reconcile us to God.

IX. How Should Christians Live in View of Judgment?

Walk in Holiness

Knowing that we shall stand before God should produce reverence.

Live Daily in Repentance

Do not allow sin to remain.

Confess quickly.

Turn from evil.

Seek restoration.

Be Faithful

Serve without seeking applause.

God sees hidden faithfulness.

Love Others

Forgive.

Encourage.

Show mercy.

The Judge Himself is merciful.

Share the Gospel

If Judgment is real, evangelism becomes an act of love.

Those who know Christ should warn others with compassion.

X. The Hope of the Believer

Judgment does not terrify those who belong to Christ because Jesus bore God's judgment upon the Cross.

Isaiah foretold this glorious truth.

Christ suffered what sinners deserved.

He carried our guilt.

He endured God's wrath.

He conquered death.

Therefore,

"There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus."

The believer does not trust personal righteousness.

He trusts the righteousness of Christ alone.

XI. Questions for Self-Examination

Ask yourself honestly:

Am I truly born again?

Have I genuinely repented of my sins?

Is Jesus Christ Lord of my life?

Am I living in obedience?

If Christ returned today, would I rejoice or fear?

Is my name written in the Book of Life?

Am I investing in eternity or merely in this passing world?

These questions deserve sincere reflection.

XII. The Final Invitation

Today is called today because God still extends His grace.

Tomorrow is promised to no one.

Death may come unexpectedly.

Christ may return sooner than expected.

Now is the accepted time.

Now is the day of salvation.

Do not harden your heart.

Come to Jesus Christ while His invitation remains open.

He receives every repentant sinner.

His mercy is abundant.

His forgiveness is complete.

His grace is sufficient.

But Scripture consistently warns that there is a coming day when mercy will give way to judgment for those who reject Him.

Conclusion

Every road in life leads ultimately to one appointment: standing before God. Earthly achievements, possessions, and reputation will not determine our eternal destiny. What will matter is whether we have responded to God's gracious offer of salvation through Jesus Christ and lived faithfully in Him.

The Judge is also the Savior. The One who will one day judge the world first came to save it. Those who humble themselves, repent, and trust in Christ need not fear condemnation, for He has borne the penalty of sin on their behalf. But those who refuse His grace will face His righteous judgment.

Therefore, let us live each day with eternity in view , walking in holiness, loving God, serving others, proclaiming the Gospel, and eagerly awaiting the return of our Lord.

"Prepare to meet thy God." (Amos 4:12) May we all be found faithful on that great and glorious day.