How can we prepare for the judgment described in Acts 17:31? The Coming Appointment We Cannot Miss Acts 17:31 declares, “For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.” The date is fixed, the Judge is identified, and the proof is the resurrection of Jesus. Preparing begins now. Recognize Who the Judge Is • John 5:22-23 — “The Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son...” • 2 Timothy 4:1 — “Christ Jesus... will judge the living and the dead.” Knowing that Jesus Himself will evaluate every motive and deed moves us to take His words with utmost seriousness. Respond with Repentance and Faith • Acts 17:30 — “God now commands all people everywhere to repent.” • Romans 10:9-10 — Confessing Jesus as Lord and believing in His resurrection brings salvation. True repentance is a change of mind that turns from sin to Christ, evidenced by new desires and actions. Rest in the Finished Work of Christ • Romans 8:1 — “Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” • 1 John 2:1-2 — Jesus is our Advocate and propitiation. Confidence before the throne comes from trusting His atoning sacrifice, not our performance. Pursue Daily Obedience • James 2:17 — Faith without works is dead. • 2 Corinthians 5:9-10 — “So we make it our goal to please Him... we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” Preparation means aligning choices, speech, and attitudes with His commands. Practical checkpoints: – Regularly examine motives (Psalm 139:23-24). – Forgive quickly (Matthew 6:14-15). – Practice integrity in hidden places (Luke 12:2-3). Grow Through Scripture Saturation • Psalm 1:2-3 — Delighting in God’s law produces fruit. • John 17:17 — “Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is truth.” Daily intake of Scripture renews the mind, clarifies right and wrong, and strengthens resolve. Suggested rhythm: – Read a Gospel chapter daily to stay near the Judge’s voice. – Memorize key passages on holiness (e.g., 1 Peter 1:15-16). – Meditate, asking, “How does this shape my decisions today?” Cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit • Galatians 5:22-23 — Love, joy, peace, etc. are evidence of the Spirit’s work. At the judgment, quality of character will matter (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Invite the Spirit to replace fleshly works with His fruit. Serve Others Faithfully • Matthew 25:31-40 — Acts of mercy done to “the least of these” are counted as service to Christ. • 1 Peter 4:10 — Use gifts to serve one another as good stewards. Look for tangible ways to meet needs, share the gospel, and build up the church. Maintain Watchful Anticipation • 2 Peter 3:10-14 — Live holy and godly lives as you look for His coming. • Revelation 22:12 — “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me.” Keeping eternity in view fuels perseverance and guards against spiritual drift. Stand Firm in Hope • 1 Corinthians 15:20-22 — The resurrection guarantees our future resurrection. • Hebrews 6:19 — Hope in Christ is “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.” Because the Judge is also the Savior who conquered death, preparation is marked by joyful expectation, not paralyzing fear. Summary Checklist for Readiness • Repent and believe the gospel. • Trust Christ’s atoning work, not personal merit. • Walk in daily obedience and integrity. • Immerse your mind in Scripture. • Yield to the Spirit’s transforming power. • Serve others with your gifts and resources. • Live alert to His imminent return. • Anchor your hope in the resurrection. “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon.’ Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20) |
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