FBCD_FaithEssentials_June_FlipBook

Faith Essentials

accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels ” (Matthew 25:41). Tragically, men and women who follow Satan in rebellion must share in this destination. This final judgment also involves a second resurrection. According to Jesus: “ An hour is coming, in which all who are in the tombs will hear His voice, and will come forth; those who did the good deeds to a resurrection of life, those who committed evil deeds to a resurrection of judgment ” (John 5:28,29). It comes as no surprise that those doing good will rise to live. We discussed this previously when speaking of the Second Coming. What seems a little unusual, yet it’s absolutely biblical, is the rising of the dead unbelievers, those having done evil. After speaking of a pre-millennial resurrection of saints, John says, “ The rest of the dead (unbelievers) did not come to life until the thousand years were completed ,” adding later, “ The sea gave up the dead which were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead which were in them ” (Revelation 20:5,13). This confirms the claim that Hades is not the final fate for those who’ve rejected Christ. Otherwise, why would Hades “give up” residents if that was their permanent destination? Observe, too, that those appearing at the great white throne are judged by what they have done (Revelation 20:12,13). Please understand that this isn’t suggesting a salvation based on good works. The Bible clearly states that we are saved by grace, not by works (Ephesians 2:8,9). Also, this doesn’t mean that one’s eternal destiny hangs in the balance at this point. Salvation is determined in life, not at death. Those subjected to this punishment are being judged according to their works because they have failed to appropriate the work Christ carried out on the Cross on their behalf. The works of believers at the judgment seat carry significant weight because our salvation is already secure. As previously stated, works there determine reception of loss or reward.

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