We’ve all been shocked and surprised by the downfall of many politicians and people in the entertainment industry due to poor morals, bullying, or bad behavior prompted by alcohol. Their victims have been harmed physically and emotionally, and many of them have courageously said, “enough!” For many offenders, the courts will pass judgment.

Some people may cynically point out that for every person caught many more escape justice. While this is unfortunately true, there is a day coming when every guilty person will be dealt with. No one will escape. Even criminals who have carefully left a cold trail that no one has yet been able to follow to apprehend them will face justice.

The Bible calls it the day of judgment. God assures us that “He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:31). That man, of course, is Jesus Christ. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).

Here’s what we know about it:

· It will happen at the end of the world.

· No human calendar reveals the date.

· It will completely surprise people.

· All judgments will be righteous and fair.

· All judgments will be final.

While all men should be aware of the Day of Judgment and let it temper their behavior, God has provided a way to be delivered from its fury. We are to “wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, that is Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come” (1 Thessalonians 1:10).

Have you taken steps to ensure you will do well when that day comes?

– Tim Johnson