Jesus’ Return and Judgment: Hope and Urgency in Faith

Oct 27, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus’ Judgment Will Be Completely Thorough

Jesus will return as judge, and His judgment will be absolutely thorough—no person or deed will escape His notice. Every thought, word, and action will be considered, even those things we have kept hidden from everyone else. This means that every wrong done to us will be accounted for, and every injustice will be made right. There is no escaping the gaze of Jesus, who knows the full story of every life. This truth can be sobering, but it also assures us that nothing is overlooked or misunderstood in God’s perfect justice. [49:01]

Revelation 20:11-12 (ESV)
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.

Reflection: Is there something in your life you have tried to hide from others or even from God? How does knowing that Jesus sees and understands everything—both the wrongs done to you and by you—change the way you approach Him today?

Day 2: Jesus’ Judgment Will Be Completely Fair

Jesus’ judgment is not only thorough but also perfectly fair. He is not swayed by wealth, influence, or status, and He judges impartially according to what is truly right and wrong. While the world’s standards of justice may shift, Jesus’ standard never changes. He sees every good deed done in secret and every wrong, and He will reward and judge with complete fairness. This is the justice we long for—a justice where no one is overlooked and no one is unfairly treated. [55:58]

Revelation 22:12 (ESV)
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.”

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced or witnessed unfairness in the world? How does the promise of Jesus’ perfectly fair judgment give you hope or challenge you to live differently today?

Day 3: Accepting Jesus’ Invitation Is the Only Way to Enter God’s Presence

Though none of us can stand on our own record before God, Jesus offers an invitation to be cleansed and welcomed into His presence—not by our own works, but by trusting in His sacrifice. Those who “wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb” are given the right to eternal life with God. This invitation is freely given to all who recognize their need and come to Jesus in faith, receiving the water of life without price. [01:05:13]

Revelation 22:14, 17 (ESV)
Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. … The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.

Reflection: Have you truly accepted Jesus’ invitation to trust in His sacrifice rather than your own efforts? What would it look like for you to come to Him today with empty hands, ready to receive His grace?

Day 4: Heed Jesus’ Warnings and Submit to His Word

Jesus warns that those who reject His invitation or try to create their own version of faith apart from His Word will remain outside His presence. The call is to take His warnings seriously, to submit to the authority of Scripture, and not to pick and choose what we want to believe. God’s invitation is open, but it must be received on His terms, not ours. [01:10:44]

Revelation 22:18-19 (ESV)
I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book, and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.

Reflection: Are there parts of God’s Word you tend to ignore or avoid because they are uncomfortable or challenging? What step can you take today to submit more fully to the authority of Scripture in your life?

Day 5: Long for Jesus’ Return with Hope and Expectation

The people of God are marked by a longing for Jesus’ return—not out of fear, but out of hope that all things will be made right and new. This longing shapes our prayers, our worship, and our daily lives, as we look forward to the day when we will be with Jesus forever. Even as we remember what He has done, we are called to look ahead and pray, “Come, Lord Jesus.” [01:15:37]

Revelation 22:20-21 (ESV)
He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

Reflection: What would it look like for you to cultivate a deeper longing for Jesus’ return? How might this hope change the way you live, pray, or relate to others today?

Sermon Summary

The hope of the Christian faith is anchored in the promise that Jesus will return—just as He ascended, He will come again to judge the living and the dead. This is not a doctrine to be feared or avoided, but a truth to be embraced and even longed for. The return of Christ is both a sobering and encouraging reality: sobering because His judgment will be completely thorough and fair, and encouraging because, for those who trust in Him, it means the fulfillment of all God’s promises—justice, restoration, and eternal communion with Him.

Jesus’ role as judge is unique. He alone possesses the authority, knowledge, and righteousness to judge every person and every deed. Nothing escapes His gaze—every hidden thought, every secret act, every injustice suffered or committed will be brought to light. This thoroughness means that no one will be wrongly accused or overlooked; every wrong will be made right, and every good deed, even those unseen by others, will be recognized. His judgment is not swayed by power, wealth, or influence. Unlike the flawed justice of this world, Jesus’ justice is perfect and impartial.

Yet, when all is revealed, none of us can stand on our own merit. The standard is God’s holiness, and all fall short. The good news is that Jesus is not only the judge but also the justifier. He offers an invitation: to wash our robes in His blood, to receive the gift of eternal life without price. This invitation is extended to all who recognize their need and trust in what He has done, not in their own works. The warning is real—those who reject this invitation, who choose to remain outside God’s grace, will be separated from Him. But the invitation is open, and the urgency is clear: Jesus could return at any moment, and today is the day to respond.

For those who belong to Christ, the return of Jesus is not a threat but a hope. It is the day when all things will be made new, when every tear will be wiped away, and when we will dwell with Him forever. This hope should stir in us a longing for His return, a desire to see justice and mercy fully realized, and a commitment to share this good news with others. As we gather at the Lord’s Table, we remember not only what Christ has done but also look forward to the day when we will feast with Him in His kingdom.

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus’ Judgment Is Thorough and Inescapable Jesus will judge every person and every deed, leaving nothing hidden or overlooked. His omniscience ensures that every wrong suffered and every good done, even in secret, will be brought to light. This should humble us, knowing that our lives are fully known, but also comfort us, as no injustice will go unaddressed. The thoroughness of His judgment means that ultimate justice will finally be done. [49:01]
2. The Justice of Christ Is Perfectly Fair Unlike human judges, Jesus is not swayed by status, wealth, or influence. His judgment is based on true righteousness, not shifting cultural standards or personal bias. Every person, great or small, will be judged impartially, and every act will be weighed with perfect fairness. This is the justice our hearts long for, and it is a reason to rejoice even as we tremble. [55:21]
3. Our Only Hope Is in the Blood of the Lamb When all is revealed, none of us can stand on our own merit; our only hope is to be washed in the blood of Jesus. The invitation is to come, recognizing our need and trusting in Christ’s finished work, not our own efforts. Salvation is a gift, freely given to those who acknowledge their thirst and receive it by faith. This is the heart of the gospel: Jesus is both judge and justifier. [63:58]
4. The Warning and Invitation Are Both Real Jesus’ return brings both a gracious invitation and a solemn warning. Those who reject His offer of grace, who choose to remain outside, will be separated from God for eternity—not because God is unloving, but because they have refused His invitation. The warning is not meant to terrify, but to awaken us to the seriousness of our response and the reality of eternity. [68:26]
5. The Return of Christ Should Stir Longing, Not Fear For those in Christ, the return of Jesus is not a threat but a hope to be eagerly anticipated. It is the day when justice and mercy will be fully realized, when all things will be made new, and when we will dwell with Him forever. This longing should shape our lives, our worship, and our witness, as we pray, “Come, Lord Jesus,” and live in the light of His promised return. [75:08]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[09:34] - Introduction: The Apostles’ Creed and Jesus’ Return
[10:33] - Encouragement in the Promise of Christ’s Return
[11:36] - Longing for Jesus’ Return Amid Life’s Burdens
[12:52] - Prayer for Focus and Transformation
[38:29] - Jesus: Judge and Justifier
[41:11] - Reciting the Apostles’ Creed
[42:26] - The Centrality of Jesus in Our Faith
[43:57] - Reading Revelation 22: The Promise of His Coming
[47:47] - Understanding Jesus’ Role as Judge
[49:01] - The Thoroughness of Christ’s Judgment
[55:21] - The Fairness of Christ’s Judgment
[61:46] - Four Questions in Response to His Return
[63:58] - The Invitation: Washed in the Blood of the Lamb
[68:26] - The Warning: Separation for Those Who Refuse
[72:19] - The Urgency of Christ’s Imminent Return
[75:08] - Longing for the Return of Jesus
[76:50] - Communion: Remembering and Anticipating
[80:08] - Instructions for the Lord’s Supper
[87:17] - Closing: Our Hope in Christ Alone

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Return of Christ and the Judgment of Jesus

Bible Reading

Revelation 22:12-21 (ESV)
12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.
15 Outside are the dogs and sorcerers and the sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.
16 “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to testify to you about these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.”
17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.
18 I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: if anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book,
19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his share in the tree of life and in the holy city, which are described in this book.
20 He who testifies to these things says, “Surely I am coming soon.” Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!
21 The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen.

Observation Questions

According to Revelation 22:12, what does Jesus say He is bringing with Him when He returns, and what will He do with it?
In verse 14, who are described as “blessed,” and what is the result for them?
What invitation is repeated in verse 17, and who is it for?
The sermon says Jesus’ judgment will be “completely thorough” and “completely fair.” What are some ways the passage and the sermon describe this thoroughness and fairness? [[49:01]]

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says that Jesus’ judgment will be so thorough that “no detail will escape Jesus’s gaze.” How might this truth affect the way someone views their own hidden actions or the injustices they have experienced? [[53:15]]
Why is it significant that Jesus is described as both the judge and the justifier? How does this shape the way we understand the gospel? [[01:03:58]]
The invitation to “come” and take the water of life “without price” is repeated in the passage. What does this reveal about the nature of salvation and who it is offered to? [[01:05:51]]
The sermon mentions that the return of Christ should stir longing, not fear, for those who belong to Him. Why might some Christians still feel fear, and how does the passage address this? [[01:15:08]]

Application Questions

The sermon says that Jesus’ judgment is thorough and nothing is hidden. Are there areas of your life you try to keep hidden from God or others? How does knowing Jesus sees everything change the way you think about those areas? [[53:15]]
The passage and sermon both say that our only hope is to be “washed in the blood of the Lamb.” What does it look like for you personally to trust in what Jesus has done, rather than your own efforts? Is there a specific area where you struggle to rest in His finished work? [[01:03:58]]
The invitation to come and receive the water of life is open to “the one who is thirsty.” In what ways do you recognize your own spiritual thirst? How can you respond to Jesus’ invitation this week? [[01:05:51]]
The sermon warns that those who reject Jesus’ invitation will be separated from God. How does this warning affect the way you think about your own response to Jesus, or about sharing the gospel with others? [[01:08:26]]
The return of Christ is described as something to long for, not to fear. Do you find yourself longing for Jesus’ return? Why or why not? What might help you grow in this longing? [[01:15:08]]
The sermon encourages us to “encourage one another with these words” about Jesus’ return. Who is someone in your life who needs encouragement or hope right now? How could you share the hope of Christ’s return with them this week? [[10:33]]
As you think about the Lord’s Supper and the reminder that we “proclaim the Lord’s death until He comes,” how does this shape your attitude toward worship and daily life? Is there a way you can live more intentionally in light of Jesus’ promised return? [[01:27:17]]

Sermon Clips

“The judgment of God and of Jesus that will one day come isn't something to be ashamed of as something for us to long for. This is something for us to be able to share with other people because it is good news.”

“It's important for you to know that when Jesus returns as judge, his judgment will be completely thorough. What I mean when I say this is that Jesus is going to judge everyone and everything. He's going to look at every person and every detail. There won't be anything that escapes his view or his judgment.”

“He is in a unique position, not just as reigning King to, to, to serve as judge because he's authority, but he's also in a unique position to judge because he alone can judge thoroughly because he alone knows all.”

“Every person will be judged. Alexander the Great, Genghis Khan, George Washington, Donald Trump, your grandparents, your parents, you. Each one will be judged by God, by Jesus. His judgment is thorough on each one. There will be no escaping Jesus.”

“No detail will escape Jesus's gaze. We all have things that we've never shared with anybody. I mean, I'm a pastor. I'm a pastor. I tell you, there's things that I've been able to keep hidden from everyone else. Those things will be known, considered in Jesus's judgment. All things, the things that no one else knows about, Jesus knows about, and his judgment will be completely thorough.”

“Every wrong done to you will be held accountable. Everything big and small, every genocide that has ever happened in our world, every great injustice one day will be judged. There will be justice one day at the end of all things.”

“Jesus' judgment will be completely fair. Meaning Jesus doesn't have some personal bias towards some people and against others. Jesus isn't drawn to any group of people. He doesn't have any affinity for any type of person. His judgment will be completely just. He alone knows everything. And he alone is equipped to be an objective and impartial judge.”

“Jesus isn't just keeping record of all the wrong things. I mean, he knows all of who you are. He is going to judge thoroughly, and he's going to judge fairly. He will consider the things that are good, and he will consider the things that are wrong.”

“King Jesus can't be bribed or bought off. There's no alumni in heaven who can put in a good word to make sure their kids get in. There's nobody with any type of power or influence or money position that would be able to sway Jesus's feelings about what is true and just, his judgment. It will be completely fair.”

“God's judgment has always been the same. Right and wrong has always been the same. Jesus's fair judgment will be based on what is truly right and wrong. What is truly fair.”

“When all the books are opened, when all the things of your life are considered, all the good things that you've done that Jesus has noticed, all the wrong things that you've done, what the Bible says is that when God comes to judge, when all those things are considered, and it's really fair and right, none of us meet the standard to dwell in a holy God's presence.”

“The answer is that Jesus died for your sin. The way that you can be cleansed is to trust in the precious blood of the lamb. This is what we proclaim as we come to the table each time. That our only hope is in what Jesus has done. Your hope cannot be in what you've done. And what's going to be recorded in the books of your actions, it has to be, have you trusted in what Jesus has done?”

“Let the one who is thirsty come. Let the one who desires to take the water, let the one who desires take the water of life without price. What he's saying there is for you to be able to respond to this invitation, for you to be able to enter into the presence of God for all of eternity, you must realize your need. You must realize that you are thirsty.”

“If you think that you can buy the water of life, you've misunderstood. If you think there's something you have to do to receive the blood of Jesus other than trusting in him, you've misunderstood. He says you can come and receive this eternal life without having to pay for it. All you have to do is recognize your need to believe there's nothing you can do, to earn that from Jesus, and he will give it to you.”

“The people that are outside the city of God are not just the really sinful people, are the really bad people. Because the reality is, the people that are outside the city of God are those who have chosen to be there. Those who have rejected the invitation of God. Those who have not believed that he is loving and gracious towards them and responded in love and faith back to him, but have chosen to separate themselves from God.”

“Do not create for yourself a Christianity that's in your own image, but come under my word, hear the warning of Jesus. Maybe many people, they, they reject the invitation or they put it off. They don't heed the warnings because they think that there's a lot of, there's a lot of, there's a lot of time left. They, they think that they'll make a decision another day.”

“When the Bible speaks about Jesus returning soon, I don't think it always means that it was going to be immediate, but what it means is that it is imminent. In other words, nothing else has to happen before Jesus returns. Jesus could return at any moment. There's a sense of urgency there. You don't know when your time on earth will end and you will stand before God as judge.”

“What really should lead us as the people of God is not like a fear. There should be a holy reverential fear, but there shouldn't be a fear that Jesus is coming back. There should actually be a longing that Jesus is coming back.”

“One thing that seems to mark the people of God, especially throughout the whole book of Revelation, is that they are longing for Jesus to come back. Those who are outside the city, those who don't belong to the people of God, are in no hurry for Jesus to return. For the people of God, there should be a sense in which we want for him to come back.”

“We know when Jesus comes and judges, all things will be made right. All things will be made new. Do you long for this day?”

“As we come to the table, we come recognizing, recognizing our own sin. That was just about what was written in the books of our lives. None of us would be worthy to approach the table. But because of Jesus's broken body and his shed blood, we are welcomed. We have an invitation to come, drink of the living water, eat of the living bread, the bread of life. Trust in what Jesus has done. But also as we come to the table, we don't just remember what he's done, but we also look forward to the fact that he will return. That one day, we will gather around with the bride of Christ at the great wedding feast and with our bridegroom, Jesus. We will get to be with him for all of eternity.”

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