Page 72 - Christology - Student Textbook

oppose Christ. Then, he and his armies will be ushered into the lake of fire forever (Rev. 20:7-10).

Jesus Christ as Judge
Based on these Scriptures, Jesus will evaluate both unbelievers and believers (Matt. 25:31-46; Acts
17:31; Rom. 2:3, 2:12-15; Rev. 19:11; 20:11–15). Further, as the judge, Jesus will evaluate and punish
the fallen angels (Rev. 20:10ff). During this time Jesus will crown and reward faithful Christians (1
Pet. 5:1-4; 2 Tim. 4:7-8; Jas. 1:12; Rev. 2:10; 1 Cor. 9:24-27; Rev. 2:11; Rev. 2:10; Rev. 2:26-28; Rev.
3:5; Rev. 3:12; Rev. 3:21; Rev. 22:12).

Other future works include among others, renewing of all things. Jesus is pictured to be making all
things new in the end times (Rev. 21:5). Some have described heaven as a spiritual land away from
the earth where believers will be with Christ in eternity. Revelation and other books state that Christ
burn up the old heaven and earth and bring down a new heavenly city to the earth (Isa. 65:17–18;
66:22; Heb. 11:10–16; Rev. 21:1-3; 12:22–24; Rev. 21:9–22:5).

Christ will Reign
The final eternal reign of Christ declared by the writer of Revelation who wrote:

Then he showed me the river of living water, sparkling like crystal, flowing from the throne of
God and of the Lamb down the middle of the broad street of the city. The tree of life was on
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both sides of the river, bearing 12 kinds of fruit, producing its fruit every month. The leaves of
the tree are for healing the nations, and there will no longer be any curse. The throne of God
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and of the Lamb will be in the city, and His slaves will serve Him. They will see His face, and His
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name will be on their foreheads. Night will no longer exist, and people will not need lamplight
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or sunlight, because the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign forever and ever
(Rev. 22:1-5[HCSB]).

In review, Jesus’ future work includes His return to the earth to take home His bride—the Church.
He will also conquer, judge, and reign eternally. The fact that Jesus Christ is coming for the second
time as the judge should motivate us to be ready for His return. We do not know the hour nor the
day at which He is coming. We are called to live holy lives that demonstrate the honor, worship,
and praise due to Him.

16.4. Let’s Practice this Lesson…

1. Why is Christ’s second coming significant to our faith in Him?

2. Explain why the rapture is important to our faith.

3. Why is the fact that Jesus will conquer so important to Christians?

166 The Holy Bible: Holman Christian Standard Version, (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2009),
Revelation 22:1-5.

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