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Basic Doctrines: Eternal Judgment
Bible Study by Earl L. HennEternal judgment stands as a foundational doctrine of the church of God, equal in importance to repentance, faith, and baptism. God, the great Judge of all the universe, decides a person's reward or punishment for all eternity. While many regard judgment as a future event, it is a process that has already begun, with Christians being judged today through trials and tests to prove their faithfulness to Him and His way of life. God the Father has appointed Jesus Christ to be the Judge of all mankind. He alone has lived a perfect life and understands the human experience, making Him eminently qualified for this role. All humans will ultimately stand before the judgment seat of Christ, and His judgment will be fair and righteous, based on true knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, not on appearances or rumors. Individuals will be held accountable for all their works, including secret sins and even the words they have spoken. The standard by which God will judge is His Word, the Bible, which contains His laws and the measure of righteousness for everyone. God's judgment remains perfectly fair, with some held to stricter standards based on the opportunities and abilities they were given in life, applying the principle that to whom much is given, much is required. Teachers of God's way face an even higher standard. Under the guidance and authority of Jesus Christ, the resurrected saints will participate in the judging process, helping to judge the world during the Millennium and even the angels who rebelled under lucifer. Those who never had the chance to learn God's plan of salvation will be resurrected after the Millennium in a second resurrection to physical life. They will live in a peaceful, prosperous world free from satan's influence, granted a hundred years to learn and accept God's way. During this period, the Great White Throne Judgment will occur, and they will be judged by the same standard—God's Word. Finally, a third resurrection will address the incorrigibly wicked, those unwilling to live by God's laws and refusing to repent. They will be cast into the Lake of Fire, completely burned up, with no possibility of resurrection, having rejected God's offer of salvation and eternal life.
The Judgments
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEternal Judgment stands as a foundational doctrine within God's plan, carrying implications that are age-lasting and never-ending. It involves a process of forming an opinion or evaluation through discernment and comparison, requiring time to observe individuals under set standards and varied circumstances before rendering a decision. This judgment is not limited to a single moment but spans different times for different groups, as evidenced by the indication that now is the time for the household of God to be judged, implying other times for others who are not currently under judgment. The concept of judgment as a crisis or turning point reveals that after death, individuals face a significant moment of evaluation that can lead to a positive outcome. For many, this turning point will be wonderful, as they are offered salvation through a process of judgment. This is not an immediate condemnation but a resurrection to different circumstances, where individuals are assessed over time against the standards of God's Word, much like the current judgment upon the household of God. Scriptures point to distinct periods of judgment, with the first resurrection described as blessed and holy, where death holds no power over those involved. Subsequent resurrections, occurring at least a thousand years later, involve others who may still face death and are judged according to their works from the books of God's Word. This later judgment includes billions who never had an opportunity for salvation in their lifetime, rising from their graves to know God and be given His Spirit, entering a process where their names may be added to the Book of Life. God's purpose in Eternal Judgment is to bring all to repentance, as He is not willing that any should perish. Through various resurrections and judgment periods, He ensures that all, from Israel to the Gentiles, will have their opportunity for salvation. This process, exemplified by visions of the dead rising to know God, underscores His commitment to complete what He starts, ultimately transforming the earth and its people into the beauty and character He originally intended.
Basic Doctrines: The Fate of the Wicked
Bible Study by Earl L. HennGod reveals a clear and solemn fate for the unrepentant wicked, emphasizing the reality of eternal judgment. The wages of sin are death, not eternal torment, as God declares that sinners will die rather than live in perpetual suffering. At death, both the righteous and the wicked return to dust, with no consciousness or capacity to feel joy or pain, as their thoughts perish. Jesus Christ confirms a future time of resurrection when all will be judged, and the unrepentant will face punishment in a fire described as hell, likened to the unquenchable fire of Gehenna, the Valley of Hinnom. This fire, though unquenchable, does not burn forever; it consumes until nothing remains, as exemplified by historical fires in Jerusalem that eventually extinguished. The wicked will be cast into a lake of burning fire and brimstone, known as the Lake of Fire, where they will suffer the second death, being completely burned up. Ultimately, the fate of the wicked is total annihilation, with body, mind, and spirit utterly destroyed, leaving only ashes. After this judgment, the righteous will walk upon these ashes, and from that time forward, only the righteous will remain, living for eternity as promised by God.
Basic Doctrines: The Third Resurrection
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsMost of Christianity ignores the third resurrection, but it shows God's ultimate justice and how He will deal with incorrigibly evil people in godly love.
Is There a Hell?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletIf hell exists, where is it? Can people leave it? Will those in hell leave hell at the time of the resurrection, or are they confined eternally to hell?
Benefits of the Third Resurrection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Lake of Fire (Second Death or Third Resurrection), dreadful as it initially appears, produces both immediate as well as ultimate benefits or good.
Basic Doctrines: Doctrine
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn these days of psychology and feeling, doctrine is not very popular. But it is absolutely necessary for the salvation! Here are the basic doctrines.
What Happens to Those Who Don't Obey the Gospel?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeMankind has a problem with finality, especially the prospect of eternal death. Those who reject the Gospel are choosing the second death in the Lake of Fire.
Lazarus and the Rich Man
Sermon/Bible Study by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Parable of Lazarus and the Rich Man is often held up as proof of the torments of an ever-burning hell. However, the rest of Scripture gives a clearer picture.
Do You Recognize This Man? (Part Seven)
Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe prevailing view is that at the end time, God will judge between the righteous and unrighteous, consigning each to heaven or hell, an idea from paganism.
What Do You Mean . . . Salvation?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletNot one in a hundred knows what salvation is—how to get it or when you will receive it. Don't be too sure you do! Here is the truth, made plain.
Preparing the Bride
Booklet by John W. RitenbaughA Statement of Purpose and beliefs of the Church of the Great God.
What Is Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit?
'Ready Answer' by David C. GrabbeIn Matthew 12:31-32, Jesus warns the Pharisees about crossing a line that cannot be uncrossed, an act commonly called 'the unpardonable sin.'