Judgement Day

LittleBigO

In the Bible, I had everything flipped somehow thinking that all of our sins would be read off or listed and the devil would call us out like, "But she did ____!!"  But then our name would be in the book so we'd be saved and enter into His kingdom.  I was talking to my mom and she said, no it's not like that.  She said the devil would be in no position to do that because he'll be judged too, and that all they'll see is a blood stain over your sins and your name in the book and you'll enter in His kingdom.  She also said we'd get awards for the good things we've done according to our hearts.  I'm kind of wanting second opinions on everything and to know for sure what exactly will happen with not only judgement day, but the rapture in itself.  When do we get called to Him?  When do the trials and things happen on earth?  It's been a long time since I've been taught this stuff, and I'm revisiting and relearning the Bible now.  And I LOVE the rhyme Bible, but it doesn't go into depth like you might think.    TIA!!

mrandmrsbrist

I grew up thinking something similar to what you thought before your conversation with your mom: that we'd have to give an account for all of our sins (Matthew 12:36), but not that Satan would be there.

I'm not sure where she got the things she is saying. Satan was already judged by God. I don't know why he would be judged again. And I'm not sure that Satan will be there. Anyone know of any verses that say anything like this?

As for awards, or rewards, that's a doctrinal difference among Christians. Some believe that the reward that is being talked about in the Bible is just the fact that we're going to Heaven and other's believe that there are literal rewards in Heaven. I want to study that and pray about it, but as of right now, I'm not sure what I believe.

Now for the questions:
When do we get called to Him?  Are you talking about entering Heaven? After someone dies they enter either Heaven or Hell. There will be a second coming or a rapture (and what Christians believe about that varies too), but the Bible says that we will not know the day nor the hour (Matthew 24:36).

When do the trials and things happen on earth? The things in Revelation? Well, some Christians believe they will be raptured and then all of that stuff will happen and other Christians believe that they will be here for all of that stuff and be raptured afterward.

I'm not an expert on this stuff. And I don't ever intend to be. I feel like God knows what's going on that this is something that I don't need to be concerned about. As long as I'm striving to live for and serve Him, I'm going to be okay.

FaithCaitlin

I was raised being told that we would have to account for our sins. However, I don't believe Satan will be there.

I don't believe that there will be any rewards for the good that we have done. To me, the reward is Heaven with our God. 

I also second everything else Mrs. Brist said. She pretty much summed up everything I was going to say!

Finally, I try, also, not to make myself on expert on these matters. Like Mrs. Brist, I just try to live a life that's pleasing to God and then let Him handle the rest. 

Honestly, we could speculate all we want about "hows" and "whens" but in the end, it won't matter! 

fpaemp2011

1 Corinthians 3:11-15 (ESV)
For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw—each one’s work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.  If the work that anyone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss, though he himself will be saved, but only as through fire.

I was taught (Conservative Southern Baptist) that at the moment of death, everyone stands before God and gives an account of their sins.  Those who are Christ Followers  (those who have prayed to ask Christ for forgiveness) go to Heaven, those who are not go to Hell. 

On Judgement Day, which we believe will be after the Battle of Armageddon, 7 years after the Rapture, EVERYONE ever created will stand before God and Christ on the throne.  This will follow Satan being thrown into the Lake of Fire.  Those who were Christ Followers will stand before the foundation they have been building since their moment of salvation.  The "good things" are the gold, silver, and precious stones (refined by but not consumable by fire), and our sins are wood, hay, and straw (consumable by fire).  After the foundation is burned, what's left is our reward.  Sins don't negate your salvation, but what you've done for the Kingdom will be rewarded.

Those who died as nonbelievers will be separated from those who are believers.  Every knee will bow and every tongue will confess Jesus as Lord.  Then, the nonbelievers (who have been in Hell up to this point) will be thrown into the Lake of Fire for eternity.  Satan will be sealed, powerless, for 1,000 years. 

God will destroy the earth, create the new Heaven and the new Earth, and the 1,000 year reign will begin with only believers.  (Most of this is towards the end of Revelation)

I don't have a clue what happens after 1,000 years...God hasn't revealed that book yet.

kellya01

What Emily said is also what I was taught (also conservative southern baptist).  I would suggest the "Left Behind" series for a colorful account of one interpretation of Revelation if you are interested in more on that particular subject - it's not predicting exactly what will happen, but it is giving a story that fits with what Revelation says about the end times.

As far as judgment day is concerned, if you mean the day that each of us passes from this life to the eternal, well, I believe that we stand before God, but the blood of Jesus and the sacrifice He made is what covers our sin.  My pastor says it like this: if you had to stand before God today, what would you say as an answer to the question of "why should I let you into heaven" (or something like that).  The answer for Christians is that we believe that God sent his son Jesus to die for our sins and to sacrifice on our behalf and we believe that and testify to that before God before we die and in front of the throne of God.  Or at least that is the way it has been explained to me.

I think as far as the end times and the actual "Judgment Day" goes, God leaves a lot of mystery in it.  We believe and trust God and know that he is working out good in our lives because we love Him, but there are just some things about the end times that we can't know until God reveals it to us.

iamjoesgurl

I'm really hesitant to try to interpret the scriptures and am in the camp of wanting to wait and see.  I just know that God loves me more that I could ever fathom so even when I face judgement for my sins, I know that He will be just in however He approaches them.  King David committed adultery, then murdered and was considered a man after God's own heart.  I truly believe that God's forgiveness is way beyond my understanding so it is difficult for me personally to speculate about how He will approach judgement.

LittleBigO

I guess I don't mean WHEN will it happen because I know the Bible says only God knows.  I mean in what order I guess but my mom has the Left Behind series so I may just read those and that'll answer a lot of questions.  I've always been fascinated by it all.   

I guess I mean the rewarded thing (the "good things" built on the foundation).  I guess why I'm so fuzzy is because it's not very black and white as far as what EXACTLY will happen for the rapture and all - that's God's knowledge and I'm glad I don't have to keep track.  :P  However I'm sure it'll be very interesting and wonderful. 

I just worry about the being judged part but I'm sure I shouldn't.  He's a loving and understanding and patient God with more mercy than I can ever imagine.  I think I'll just read the Left Behind series.  :P

fpaemp2011

I remember reading those books in about 1 day each as they came out.  I was fascinated by them. 

True story...that series is why Liberty has a Lahaye Student Center and Lahaye Ice Rink...and it probably helped that Dr. Lahaye's grandson was on the hockey team.  He was also in Campus Worship Choir with me...that kid could sing.

sessionswedding

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_christian-weddings_judgement-day?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural Wedding BoardsForum:464687ae-7bc1-4360-9aea-999e11f1e1adDiscussion:7540f7ca-4f01-48bc-bded-0d7f50ed33f3Post:e6602ae5-bdc0-4233-854b-4bdcab57cea0">Re: Judgement Day</a>:
[QUOTE]<strong>I'm really hesitant to try to interpret the scriptures and am in the camp of wanting to wait and see.</strong>  I just know that God loves me more that I could ever fathom so even when I face judgement for my sins, I know that He will be just in however He approaches them.  King David committed adultery, then murdered and was considered a man after God's own heart.  I truly believe that God's forgiveness is way beyond my understanding so it is difficult for me personally to speculate about how He will approach judgement.
Posted by iamjoesgurl[/QUOTE]
This.  After having been taught so many different ideas about it over the years, I have come to the conclusion that much of this - like the day and hour - are things only God knows.  I have prepared my soul by accepting Christ as my Lord and Savior, so there's really nothing that I can (or maybe even <em>should</em>) do beyond that.

monkeysip

The Left Behind series may be an interesting read, but please don't confuse it as an accurate portrayal of the end-of-the-world events.  

I personally don't believe in the "rapture" (pre-tribulation rapture, at least) because I see little Scriptural justification for it, and no christians believed in it until 200 years ago.  

I'm also wary of taking anything too literal-- for example, the 1000 year reign of Christ on earth.  Numbers in Scripture typically have a symbolic, not literal, meaning (the numbers 40, 7, 3, etc.).

And the Book of Revelation has multiple meanings as well.  While one of the meanings may refer to the apocalypse, the book is also referring to actual historical events (the persecution of the early christians by Nero, etc.).  

Either way, we live our lives preparing for Christ whether he comes tomorrow or in 1000 years.  

LittleBigO

[QUOTE]<strong>The Left Behind series may be an interesting read, but please don't confuse it as an accurate portrayal of the end-of-the-world events.</strong>   I personally don't believe in the "rapture" (pre-tribulation rapture, at least) because I see little Scriptural justification for it, and no christians believed in it until 200 years ago.   I'm also wary of taking anything too literal-- for example, the 1000 year reign of Christ on earth.  Numbers in Scripture typically have a symbolic, not literal, meaning (the numbers 40, 7, 3, etc.). And the Book of Revelation has multiple meanings as well.  While one of the meanings may refer to the apocalypse, the book is also referring to actual historical events (the persecution of the early christians by Nero, etc.).   Either way, we live our lives preparing for Christ whether he comes tomorrow or in 1000 years.  
Posted by monkeysip[/QUOTE]

No I think it's based off of the Bible well but I would never read them and go, "That every detail and those must all be 100% accurate."  I just think the parts that match up with the Bible would help me understand more, and the other parts would be fascinating.

As for what to believe - I'm with you ladies in just trusting that He will provide and that's all I need to know.  I was just trying to figure out what the Bible says exactly but I'm going to just have to sit down and read it to know.  I'll have to find a good version I can really understand and relate to.  :) 

fpaemp2011

Personally, I LOVE the ESV Study Bible.  It's not a "put it in your purse" Bible, but I love having footnotes while I read.  ESV is also one of the most literal translations (NASB is the most literal word-for-word, but I think it's more difficult to read for personal use).

LittleBigO

I'll keep that in mind - thanks!!  I use to LOVE New International Version but now I'm not so sure.  I should just look online to see what I can understand best.  Thanks for the input!!

kalizoomba

I just went through a study on Revelation and I actually fount it quite informative. From what I remember this is the order things happen in.

1. Rapture of all living Christians

2. Tribulation and 7 year reign of Satan

3. Everyone who's not a Believer at the end of this will be tossed into one section of hell (I don't remember which it is - they won't be there forever though, just for a while). Everyone who is a Believer at the end of the tribulation will go into the 1000 year reign. They remain in their human form.

4. All the people from number 1 earlier come back to the "new" earth that God has made and reign with him for 1000 years. The people who stay on the earth from number 3 are the only ones who are able to reproduce - they also do not die (unless the ones that are born choose not to believe - they die at age 100). All of those from 1 will be in new, glorified bodies. 

5. Judgement Day - At the end of 1000 years, everyone will be judged based on 2 things - 1. if they belive or not and 2. What the "reward" or "punishment" will be. For those Christians who got saved on their death bed - they go to heaven, but have very little rewards, for those who did all sorts of good works, get bigger rewards - The Bible doesn't mention what the rewards are, other than the different types of crowns we get.  Same goes for the punishments - those who don't believe go to Hell, but depending on if they were a serial murder or just a non-believer, depends on which part of Hell they go to. 

I'm from a Southern Baptist Church, but the leader of this study was very good friends with a Messanic Jew - and used the teachings of Arnold Fruchtenbaum. He's got a really good book - Footsteps of the Messiah. It explains a lot of stuff. He's also got free downloadable audio on his website. www.ariel.org.

sessionswedding

I've never heard anything about reproducing after the Rapture, other than "woe to those who are pregnant or nursing in those days."

mrandmrsbrist

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/cultural-wedding-boards_christian-weddings_judgement-day?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Cultural%20Wedding%20BoardsForum:464687ae-7bc1-4360-9aea-999e11f1e1adDiscussion:7540f7ca-4f01-48bc-bded-0d7f50ed33f3Post:e4cdd082-cf1e-448f-ab06-746a02aedb85">Re: Judgement Day</a>:
[QUOTE]I just went through a study on Revelation and I actually fount it quite informative. From what I remember this is the order things happen in.
Posted by kalizoomba[/QUOTE]

Could you share the parts of Revelation that those ideas (or even that order) comes from?

fpaemp2011

This discussion led me to go back to some of my class notes and I found a chronological timeline that our Pre-Tribulation Research Center at school put together. 

Revelation is not written entirely chronologically.  Chapters 6, 8-9, 15-16, and 19-20 are chronological, and 7-14 seem to describe events dispersed throughout other chapters.

I do have to apologize that in my earlier post yesterday, I had the order of events confused between the Battle of Armageddon and the New Heaven & New Earth.

The First Seal (Revelation 6:1-2), likely the coming of the antichrist.
The Beasts and Mark of the Beast (Revelation chapter 13), the antichrist enforces loyalty.
The 144,000 (Revelation chapter 7), evangelists sent out into the world.
The Second Seal (Revelation 6:3-4), warfare.
The Third Seal (Revelation 6:5-6), famine.
The Fourth Seal (Revelation 6:7-8), plague.
The Fifth Seal (Revelation 6:9-11), the martyred saints asking God for revenge.
The Sixth Seal (Revelation 6:12-17), a powerful earthquake.
The Seventh Seal (Revelation 8:1-5), the beginning of the Seven Trumpets.
The Two Witnesses (Revelation 11:1-12), two powerful adversaries to the antichrist.
The First Trumpet (Revelation 8:7), a third of the earth is burned.
The Second Trumpet (Revelation 8:8-9), a third of sea life is destroyed.
The Third Trumpet (Revelation 8:10-11), a third of the water is poisoned.
The Fourth Trumpet (Revelation 8:12-13), darkness on the earth.
The Fifth Trumpet (Revelation 9:1-12), attack of demonic locusts.
The Sixth Trumpet (Revelation 9:13-21), attack of demonic armies.
The Seventh Trumpet (Revelation 11:15-19), the beginning of the Seven Bowls.
The First Bowl (Revelation 16:1-2), painful sores.
The Second Bowl (Revelation 16:3), the seas turned into blood.
The Third Bowl (Revelation 16:4-7), the rivers turned into blood.
The Fourth Bowl (Revelation 16:8-9), scorching heat.
The Fifth Bowl (Revelation 16:10-11), darkness and pain.
The Sixth Bowl (Revelation 16:12-16), preparation for Armageddon war.
The Seventh Bowl (Revelation 16:17-21), huge earthquake and hailstones.
The destruction of Babylon (Revelation chapters 17-18), one-world system comes to an end.The Second Coming of Christ (Revelation 19:1-16).
The Battle of Armageddon (Revelation 19:17-20).
The 1000 year millennial reign of Christ (Revelation 20:1-6).
The last great rebellion at the end of the 1000 years (Revelation 20:7-10).
The Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15).
The New Heavens and New Earth (Revelation 21-22).

mrandmrsbrist

Thank you, Emily!

kalizoomba

yeah, I'll get the verses. It was late last night and I was tired. We used a lot of old testament references, so I'll have to look up quite a bit, I'll get it later today. I didn't write down exactly which verse went with which thing. 

Here's a websites that talks about it a bit. I think a lot of it might be different ways of interpreting it, so I'm not saying what I said is 100% correct, that's just what I remember learning. 

http://www.icnc.org/scratchpad/a18.htmI 

http://www.true2ourselves.com/viewblogs/4857/1000-year-reign-of-christ-with-saintsnever-told-in-the-old-testament-why

I do remember that we learned "death" is where an unbeliever's physical body goes when they die, and "hades" is where the soul goes. they go to the "the lake of fire" after the final judgement - the body and soul are reunited (or maybe it's a new body) and put into different sections of the lake of fire. Some sections are worse than others, but they'll all be horrible. We didn't really study too much about this part yet - that's in a few more weeks. 

Daniel 12:2 talks about people coming alive for judgement

Isaiah 26:19 also talks about this. 

Revelation 20:4-6

I can't really give you every scripture we used because we pretty much used the entire bible. If you have more questions, I might be able to answer them, or point you to someone who can. send me a PM or find me on Facebook - my name's Tiffany Chronister, and i'm in our FB group. 

LittleBigO

Thanks Emily!!  I've heard of all of that - that's what I was looking for, that timeline.   

@ kalizoomba - I'm not sure I've heard of all of that either.  I can't wait to see the scriptures. 

kalizoomba

found another one - this one talks about reproduction during the 1000 year reign.  Isaiah 65:20-22

If you read the scriptures around it, it's saying that babies won't die when they're just a few days old and the people who are 100 are considered young. The ones that die at 100 are the sinners. We had a long discussion during class about this. The Christians who live through the tribulation will be mortals still- able to marry, have kids, sin, and die. Only those who chose not to follow God by the time their 100 years old though will actually die, after the 100 year mark, they're saved and will never sin again (or if they do sin again, they will be forgiven)

hope this helps if you have more questions, let me know and I'll see what I can answer.