August 18

Another "Unpopular" Promise of Sin's Consequences

So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked
from among the just, and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing
and gnashing of teeth. (Mat_13:49-50)
Here are some more "unpopular" promises from Jesus. This series of promises
intensifies the warning He gave in our previous meditation concerning the consequences
of sin. "If you do not believe that I am He, you will die in your sins" (Joh_8:24). Our
present verses reveal by promise the absolute certainty of, and dreadful extent of, sin's
consequences. In a world that wants to ignore eternity and deny accountability, these are
unpopular promises.
All who die in the guilt of sin will definitely be judged some day. It is an absolute
certainty. A day of accountability is coming. "So it will be at the end of the age. The
angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just." Those who die
before this day will also face judgment. "It is appointed for men to die once, but after this
the judgment" (Heb_9:27). The place of final judgment for the unsaved will be the great
white throne. "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it... And I saw the
dead, small and great, standing before God... And the dead (the unredeemed dead) were
judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books... And
they were judged, each one according to his works... And anyone not found written in the
Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire" (Rev 20:11-15).
This absolutely certain judgment also has a dreadful extent. It is eternal. Sin is a
spiritual crime against God. The true and living God is eternal. He is the great "I AM"
(Exo_3:14 and Joh_8:58). Therefore, the consequences of sin are also eternal. Thus, all
unbelievers will be "cast into the lake of fire and brimstone... And they will be tormented
day and night forever and ever" (Rev_20:10). The ultimate torment of hell will be
separation from God's presence for eternity. "These shall be punished with everlasting
destruction from the presence of the Lord" (2Th_1:9).
The absolute certainty of, and the dreadful extent of, the consequences of sin make earlier
promises we have examined all the more critical. "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift
of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord... And I give them eternal life, and they
shall never perish" (Rom_6:23 and Joh_10:28).
Everlasting Father, I know that I deserve eternal judgment due to my sins
against You. I praise You for the gracious gift of eternal life through Jesus
Christ, my Lord. Use me to help others know of the reality of judgment and the
availability of everlasting life, Amen.