The Big Day!

If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will receive you to myself; that where I am, you may be also. You know where I go, and you know the way.” John 14:3-4 (WEB)

Our opening passage is an encouraging word from Jesus. Why not open your Bible and read the preceding verses for context?

Pay attention to the very last sentence. “…you know the way to where I am going.”

We don’t have to stare wistfully into the sky, looking for Jesus.

Did you know that there are two judgment days? One is at the judgment seat of Christ (Bema) and the other is the Great White Throne. You definitely want to miss the second one. The difference is defined in Scripture in Romans 14 and in Revelation 20:11-15.

Did you know that no other prophecies need to be fulfilled before believers are raptured? When the rapture occurs, in one breathless moment, we will be in heaven!

So, what’s next?

Raptured believers will stand before the judgement seat of Christ.

One day, every lost soul will stand before the Great White Throne and confess Christ, but it will be too late.

(Romans 14:10-12)

Our position at the Bema will be a day of humble gratitude and praise for our Savior. I can only imagine that it will be an overwhelming day of speechless wonder for many of us as we bow before our Savior.

This is the day that God will give rewards for those who have lived in close relationship with Him to serve Him and to reach lost people. Once there, we will give an account for every choice we have made since we have been redeemed. All worthless things will be burned up by the holiness of God’s Spirit.

Again, this has nothing to do with salvation. This is the righteousness of God that reveals the way believers have chosen to live their lives. Here is a great passage to help us understand. (1 Corinthians 3:13-15)

Only good works will be rewarded at this judgment. So, every word, thought, deed, or motive will be weighed and measured. (Luke 16:10)

Yahweh says, “Maintain justice and do what is right,

for my salvation is near and my righteousness will soon be revealed.”

Isaiah 56:1 (WEB)

For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:17 (WEB)

While there may be momentary sorrow for having failed to live our very best lives in service to God, I believe that sorrow will be short-lived. I believe that because there is a promise that there will be no tears in Heaven.

Also, I believe that because Jesus has covered us with His precious blood. God has cast our sin as far as the east is from the west. He has kept every promise. (Psalm 103:11-14)

What have you been doing with your life since you chose to follow Jesus? The Bible says that we either offer Jesus “wood, hay, and stubble or gold, silver, or precious stones.” (1 Corinthians 3:12-15)

To live knowing that our name is written in the Book of Life, but to be disobedient is an abuse of God’s grace. That lifestyle grieves the Holy Spirit. And it is disdainful to Jesus, who paid such a high cost for you and me to be redeemed.

Now, little children, remain in Him, that when He appears, we may have boldness and not be ashamed before Him at His coming. 1 John 2:28 (WEB)

After the (Bema), we will attend The Wedding Supper of the Lamb. According to the angel who spoke in The Book of Revelation, here is the promise confirmed by Jesus on that beautiful day. Revelation 19:7-10.

Finally, we get to celebrate. Our life of sin and sorrow is over. We will rejoice with our Savior. Mostly, though, we will rejoice because of our Savior. We will praise God for all that was done for us.

The master was full of praise. ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant. You have been faithful in handling this small amount, so now I will give you many more responsibilities. Let’s celebrate together!” Matthew 25:21 (NLT)

What will we do in heaven? Well, that is something we will have to just happily anticipate until we get there. However, God’s Word gives us some idea. Heaven will never be boring.

Grab your Bible and read these next passages in your own personal study. Let these inspire you to look forward with joy to the wonderful day promised to every believer. Revelation 22:3; Revelation 5:11-12. We will be with God forever!

Now I would be remiss if I did not remind you that more people don’t know Jesus than those who do. Are you obedient to the Great Commission? Hurting people exist everywhere, even in church, and unless they are saved, they will face the second judgment. This should grieve you.

Maybe that is you. Are you on the outside looking in? You may even believe that you are redeemed. Are you aware that there is a distinction between believing in Jesus and in just believing that He is who He says He is? The answer is critical.

Ethics and morality Don’t make you saved. Some people believe that He is the Savior, but they just haven’t committed their lives to Christ. Some people believe that they can follow Jesus and other philosophies, too.

There are so many reasons why people die every day without Christ. But the bottom line is, they just never made the decision to follow Jesus. Look at Jesus’ words in Matthew 7:21-23

Why not be certain of your faith in God and in His Son, Jesus? Here’s how. Romans 10:8-11

Tell God that you agree, you are a sinner.

Be willing to repent of your sin. (turn from your old way of life).

Turn toward Jesus. Tell Him that you want Him to come into your life.

When you do this, the Holy Spirit will come into your heart.

2 Corinthians 5:14-17 Verse 17 assures you that “This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!”

If you are redeemed share the Good News in your world!

Isaiah 52:7

World English Bible (WEB)

by Public Domain. The name “World English Bible” is trademarked.

New Living Translation (NLT)

Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.