Comfort in JUDGEMENT

October 2, 2025

Matthew 25:31–32, 34, 41 

 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him… Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world.’ … Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’”

2 Timothy 4:1

 “In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge…”

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I believe in God, the Father Almighty,

the Maker of heaven and earth,

and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord:

Who was conceived by the Holy Spirit,

born of the virgin Mary,

suffered under Pontius Pilate,

was crucified, dead, and buried;

                                                      He descended to the dead.

( or into hell.)

On the third day He rose again from the dead;

He ascended into heaven,

and sits at the right hand of God the Father;

from which he will come to judge the living and the dead.

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The Creed reminds us of the Bible's teaching that history is not an endless cycle, nor is life random. It is moving toward a goal: the return of Jesus Christ. He who ascended to heaven will come again.

Judgement! What do think of when you hear that word? Let's face it for many, the idea of judgment can be frightening and intimidating.  However, for Christians, it serves as both a caution and a comfort. This is because the Judge is Jesus, the same Jesus who sacrificed Himself for us, rose from the dead for us, and a we have noted this week, this Jesus continually intercedes to the Father on our behalf. Jesus judgment is is holy, just, and deeply grounded in His love.

Judgment understood this way, signifies that evil will not prevail in the end. In a world marked by violence, injustice, and oppression, there is a deep yearning for a Judge who will restore order and righteousness. The Bible tells us that when Jesus returns, He will deliver ultimate justice, expose every wrong, bring hidden deeds to light, and wipe away every tear.

At the same time, this judgment is personal. The Creed’s phrase “the living and the dead” reminds us that no one is outside His scope. However, please hear this, the truth revealed here, is not meant to drive us into despair, but to call us to readiness. 

Remember, the Judge is also our Advocate (1 John 2:1). On that day, our hope is not in our own record but in Christ’s righteousness. The verdict or ruling for those in Jesus is already secure, as Romans 8:1 tells us there is “No condemnation” for those who are in Christ Jesus. 

What confidence this is for believers. We do not dread the day of judgment, because the Judge is our Savior. In Him, we can face that day with joy.

Let's Pray

Jesus our Merciful Savior,

Teach us to live ready, with holy lives and hopeful hearts. Strengthen the weary with the promise of Your justice, and comfort the fearful with the assurance of Your grace. May we long for the day when You will come to make all things new. In Your name we pray, Amen