When we talk about Christ’s return to judge, we affirm a couple important things. One, that there will be a resolution to evil and all that is wrong with the world and, two, that Jesus brings about that resolution. Generally speaking, we struggle with the idea of Jesus’ coming judgment because we frame it in poor ways that have less to do with the biblical story and more to do with its abuse in the imaginations of various people across the centuries. When we confess that Jesus will return to judge, we confess that truth within the larger belief that He is God and God is good. This judgement is not some bad thing to dread but rather a good thing that gives us hope. Right now, evil is still ravaging our lives, the lives of those around us and often deforming our world in horrific and tragic ways. Following Jesus in the way that He has shown us can feel like pushing against an impossible current or wasting our efforts on things that will never change. But that’s not what Paul says in Acts 17. He says that Jesus will return to judge the world and that God proved this by raising Jesus from the dead. Jesus’ return is not up for doubt and it answers some deeply important questions: is this the way things are supposed to be? Is this just the way they’ll always be? The coming judgement says, “no.”
Passages: Acts 17:29-31, 1 Thess. 5:1-3, 2 Peter 3, Eph. 5:1-21
Scripture’s picture of heaven coming to earth through faith in Jesus and hell coming to earth through our sinful actions helps us connect the eternal reality to our present reality. What Jesus will say at His return is simply an affirmation of what is already true now and what He will do is what is already just now. His resurrection is a sign to all of us that God will bring the world into sync with that reality, ultimately, when Christ returns. “Awake, O sleeper, and arise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” (Eph. 5:14). The coming judgement of Christ is a reality check so that we “Look carefully on how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time because the days are evil.” (Eph. 5:15-16).
The coming judgement of Christ is a reminder of God’s immanent reality and the final resolution where sin, hell and death will all be cast out.