CERTAINTY OF JUDGMENT

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2025

A Timeless Prophecy and the Unchanging Nature of God

Introduction

In an age of moral relativism and spiritual apathy, the concept of divine judgment has become increasingly unpopular. Many people prefer to focus exclusively on God’s love and mercy, often to the exclusion of His justice and righteousness. However, the Bible presents a complete picture of God—a being who is not only loving and compassionate but also holy and just. The certainty of judgment is a core biblical truth, a warning for the unrepentant and a comfort for those who live in obedience.

The passage from Jude 1:14-16 serves as a powerful reminder of this reality. Jude, the brother of Jesus, reaches back to the oldest prophecy in the Bible, one spoken by Enoch, the seventh from Adam. Long before the great Flood, before the Law of Moses, and thousands of years before Christ’s first coming, Enoch warned of a future judgment. His message was simple yet profound: “Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints” (Jude 1:14). This ancient prophecy underscores a timeless and unchangeable truth: God will hold humanity accountable.

The Prophecy of Enoch: A Glimpse into the Future

Enoch’s prophecy, mentioned briefly in the book of Jude, is a testament to the unchanging nature of God’s character. His declaration came during a period of intense rebellion and wickedness on the earth, a time described in Genesis as a period when “the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually” (Genesis 6:5). Enoch’s message was a direct response to this rebellion, a prophetic word that looked beyond his time to a final, definitive day of reckoning.

Who was Enoch? Genesis 5:24 tells us that “Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” He was a man of extraordinary faith in a wicked generation. His life was a testimony, and his prophecy was a warning. The fact that his prophecy is included in the New Testament, thousands of years later, highlights the consistency of God’s plan for judgment and salvation.

The Coming of the Lord and His Saints: Jude’s quote of Enoch’s prophecy speaks of Christ’s second coming, not as a suffering servant, but as a conquering King who will return with “ten thousands of his saints.” The Greek word for “ten thousands” (myriasin) can be translated as “myriads,” signifying an innumerable host of angels and resurrected believers. This return is not for a religious revival but to execute final judgment and establish His righteous kingdom on earth.

This prophetic truth is a foundational pillar of Christian eschatology. It confirms that history is moving toward a predetermined conclusion, and that God’s authority will ultimately be established over all creation.

God’s Impartiality: A Consistent Character

One of the most dangerous deceptions of our time is the belief that God has changed. People often think that the God of the Old Testament, who brought judgment upon rebellious nations and individuals, is different from the loving God of the New Testament. However, the Bible consistently presents God as an unchanging being.

Malachi 3:6 (KJV): “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” God’s immutability is the very reason why humanity has not been utterly destroyed. His faithfulness and consistency are our anchor. If His character were subject to change, His promises—both of salvation and of judgment—would be meaningless.

Hebrews 13:8 (KJV): “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” The justice of God revealed in the Old Testament is the same justice that will be exercised in the final judgment. Those who despise the warnings in Scripture do so to their own peril. Their unbelief will not alter the reality of God’s final judgment.

The storm that struck Brazil during the carnival, while we cannot definitively call it a direct divine judgment, serves as a modern-day allegory. It illustrates how the natural order can sometimes disrupt human revelry, serving as a solemn reminder that we are not in control. It prompts us to consider the possibility of a higher authority and the consequences of a lifestyle that disregards holiness.

The Christian’s Responsibility: Proclaiming the Full Gospel

As followers of Christ, we have a dual responsibility: to proclaim the gospel of God’s unconditional love and to warn of the certainty of impending judgment. To emphasize one without the other is to present an incomplete and misleading picture of God.

John 3:16 vs. John 3:36: While John 3:16 is the most famous verse on God’s love—“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life”—the same chapter contains a solemn warning: “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.” (John 3:36).

The Fear of the Lord: Preaching about judgment is an act of genuine love and compassion. It’s like warning a child to stay away from a cliff. To refuse to warn them out of a false sense of kindness would be a grave act of negligence. The Bible says, “It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Hebrews 10:31). A healthy fear of God’s holiness and power is the beginning of wisdom (Proverbs 9:10).

We must live with a daily consciousness of the coming judgment. This knowledge should not lead to a life of fear, but a life of reverence, holiness, and urgency. It should compel us to live carefully, avoiding the careless living that can cause us to “slip” and to share the gospel with others. The good news of Jesus Christ is that He is our Saviour, our Advocate, and our Justifier. He is the one who took our punishment, so that we might be spared from the coming wrath.

Conclusion

The certainty of judgment is not a topic to be avoided but a truth to be embraced. It is a cornerstone of our faith, reinforcing God’s unwavering justice and His sovereign control over history. The ancient prophecy of Enoch echoes through the centuries, reminding us that God’s plan is in motion and that a day of final reckoning is coming. Our response to this truth should be two-fold: a renewed commitment to personal holiness and a passionate dedication to sharing the full gospel—both God’s incredible love and His holy judgment. Those who neglect this warning, will live with regret in all eternity.

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR

Proverbs 9 – 11