God announces that there is a final judgment because he loves us.

He warns us about the cataclysm that is coming so that we will turn to him and live. The Lord declares in Ezekiel 18:31–32, “Why will you die, O house of Israel? For I have no pleasure in the death of anyone, declares the Lord God; so turn, and live.” Satan wants to cast a spell over us so that we believe that there will not be a judgment. He wants us to be like the sons-in-law of Lot when the latter told them about the impending destruction of Sodom. They dismissed his words as humorous, believing that Lot was jesting (Gen. 18:14). The Lord urgently warns us: the final judgment is real. It is not a myth. Warning about an impending disaster is the voice of love.

The final judgment isn’t only addressed to unbelievers.

The Lord also warns believers about the judgment to come (2 Thess. 1:5–10; 1 Pet. 4:1–6; Rev. 14:9–12). The prospect of final judgment motivates believers to persevere when we are persecuted and face troubles because we are Christians. The intention isn’t to paralyze believers with fear so that we are filled with terror. Instead, suffering believers are reminded of the fate of unbelievers, and thus they are encouraged to continue in the faith. We are tempted to think when we suffer that it isn’t worth it to follow Jesus if we are suffering. We need to know that it matters whether or not we continue to follow Jesus. Believers are reminded that persevering in faith matters, that those who don’t align with Jesus will face the wrath of God.

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For more information about this group, please visit their website at reformationboise.com.
Every weekday at 8:00am you can listen to The Gospel for Life on 94.1 The Voice in the Treasure Valley, Idaho, USA.

If you have a question, comment, or even a topic suggestion for the Pastors, you can email them.

Phone: (208) 991-3526
E-mail: thegospelforlifeidaho@gmail.com
Podcast website: https://941thevoice.com/podcasts/gospel-for-life/