It is common to hear it said that Christians have hope. It is said we have something to hope in. But what exactly is it that we hope in?
I want to take you for a moment back to a scene in which Moses comes off Mount Sinai after meeting with God and finds that the Israelites have created an idol, a golden calf. Because of their sin, God threatened to destroy all the Israelites but Moses asked God to forgive them. God responds by saying, “Now go, lead the people to the place I described. Behold, My angel shall go before you. But on the day I settle accounts, I will punish them for their sin.”
This is the first reference to a massive Biblical theme! God points to a time, a specific day in which He is going to settle the accounts of all mankind. A day in which all people will be punished for their sins. This time is called the Day of the Lord. AKA – Judgment Day.
The Bible tells us the Day of Lord will have a wrath so severe that no man can withstand it. The word gospel means good news. The Good News is that we can be saved from the awful wrath to come on the Day of the Lord. The Good News is that God will provide a savior, a Christ, that can give us salvation from this wrath & punishment for our sins.
The Biblical theme for the word salvation means to be saved from the wrath to come on the Day of the Lord. That’s what Biblical salvation means, we can be saved from this wrath! There is also a really big bonus for the righteous!
Not only do the righteous get saved from the wrath to come on the Day of the Lord, but we also have a promise to receive re-created bodies and to live on a re-created earth cleansed of sin & curse. This is our hope! New bodies that will never get sick or have pain again. And an earth that will have no more death or decay.
- Questions to consider
- 1) What does this scripture say about God?
- 2) What does this scripture say about me/man?
- 3) Is there something in this scripture to obey?
- 4) How do we obey it?
- 5) Is there a sin in this scripture to avoid?
- 6) Is there something in this scripture to put hope in?
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🏛️ Eternal Judgment
Revelation 20:11–15 (NLT)
11 And I saw a great white throne and the one sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from his presence, but they found no place to hide.
12 I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to what they had done, as recorded in the books.
13 The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave gave up their dead. And all were judged according to their deeds.
14 Then death and the grave were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death.
15 And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire.
Explanation:
This is the most vivid description of the final judgment in all of Scripture. It reveals that everyone will be resurrected and judged. Those not written in the Book of Life face eternal separation from God, referred to as the “second death.” It confirms the seriousness and finality of eternal judgment.
2 Timothy 4:1–8 (NLT) (selected for context)
1 I solemnly urge you in the presence of God and Christ Jesus, who will someday judge the living and the dead when he comes to set up his Kingdom:
…
7 I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful.
8 And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Explanation:
Paul reminds Timothy that Christ will return to judge both the living and the dead, showing that no one is exempt. He also assures believers that there is reward for those who remain faithful. This speaks to eternal judgment both in terms of justice and reward.
Matthew 24:42–51 (NLT) (summary of key parts)
42 “So you, too, must keep watch! For you don’t know what day your Lord is coming.
45 “A faithful, sensible servant is one to whom the master can give the responsibility of managing his other household servants…
50 The master will return unannounced and unexpected,
51 and he will cut the servant to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Explanation:
This parable warns of judgment at Christ’s return, especially for those who are unfaithful or complacent. It shows that judgment isn’t only for extreme wickedness, but also for neglecting responsibility and not watching for Christ’s return.
Matthew 25:31–46 (NLT)
31 “But when the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit upon his glorious throne.
32 All the nations will be gathered in his presence, and he will separate the people as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
33 He will place the sheep at his right hand and the goats at his left.
…
46 “And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life.”
Explanation:
This is a clear illustration of final judgment, where Jesus judges people based on their actions—particularly how they treated “the least of these.” The sheep inherit eternal life, the goats face eternal punishment. This emphasizes the moral accountability tied to eternal judgment.
🌅 Resurrection of the Dead (Our Eternal Hope)
1 Corinthians 15:20–26 (NLT)
20 But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead. He is the first of a great harvest of all who have died.
21 So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man.
22 Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life.
23 But there is an order to this resurrection: Christ was raised as the first of the harvest; then all who belong to Christ will be raised when he comes back.
24 After that the end will come, when he will turn the Kingdom over to God the Father…
26 And the last enemy to be destroyed is death.
Explanation:
This reveals the hope of the believer: just as Christ was raised, we too will be raised. Death is not the end. This resurrection is both spiritual and physical, tied to the final victory of Christ over all enemies—including death itself.
1 Corinthians 15:50–58 (NLT)
52 It will happen in a moment, in the blink of an eye, when the last trumpet is blown. For when the trumpet sounds, those who have died will be raised to live forever. And we who are living will also be transformed.
53 For our dying bodies must be transformed into bodies that will never die…
55 O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?
…
58 So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord…
Explanation:
This describes the moment of resurrection and transformation at Christ’s return. It emphasizes immortality, victory over death, and that our labor in Christ is not in vain. It inspires hope and perseverance because of the coming resurrection.
🌍 Restoration of All Things (Re-created Earth)
Acts 3:19–21 (NLT)
19 Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away.
20 Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah.
21 For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets.
Explanation:
Peter refers to a future moment when God will restore everything—a reference to the new heavens and new earth, where sin and brokenness are gone. This is more than just personal salvation—it’s a promise of universal renewal.
Revelation 21:1–2 (NLT)
1 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone.
2 And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband.
Explanation:
Here we see the restored creation in its fullness: the New Heaven and New Earth. God is making all things new. This is the ultimate fulfillment of the hope that believers look forward to—not just going to heaven, but living forever in a renewed creation with God dwelling among us.
Summary of Themes:
| Theme | Key Truths |
|---|---|
| Eternal Judgment | All people will be judged by Christ. The righteous receive eternal life; the wicked face eternal punishment. |
| Resurrection of the Dead | Believers will be physically raised with glorified, immortal bodies. Death is defeated through Christ. |
| Restoration of All Things | God will renew the entire creation. The faithful will live forever with Him in the new heaven and new earth. |
How will you choose to live today, knowing that a future day of resurrection and judgment is surely coming?
Jesus stands as the solid foundation of the good news. When He rose from the grave, it confirmed God’s promise that the dead will rise. His resurrection wasn’t just a miracle—it was a clear sign that those who belong to Him have a living hope of rising to eternal life.
Jesus told His followers to heal the sick and announce that God’s kingdom was drawing near (see Luke 10:9). Why?
Because the kingdom of God involves a future where our bodies will be made new—whole, strong, and free from pain or disease.
So, when Jesus or His followers healed someone, it was more than just compassion—it was a sign pointing forward to the world to come. It gave a glimpse of what life will be like when all things are restored.
Even today, when someone is healed in Jesus’ name, it reminds us that God’s kingdom is approaching, and it serves as a visible sign that the promise of resurrection is not just a future idea—it’s already breaking into the present.
🙌 HEAL THE SICK & PREACH THE KINGDOM
🔹 Matthew 10:1, 7–8 (NLT)
“Jesus called his twelve disciples together and gave them authority to cast out evil spirits and to heal every kind of disease and illness… Go and announce to them that the Kingdom of Heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received!”
Connection:
This shows that healing the sick and casting out demons is a direct sign of the Kingdom of Heaven being present. It’s a visible foretaste of the resurrection life to come.
🔹 Isaiah 53:5 (NLT)
“But he was pierced for our rebellion… and by his wounds we are healed.”
Connection:
The healing ministry is grounded in the work of Jesus on the cross. His suffering secured not only forgiveness but also healing.
🔹 1 Peter 2:24 (NLT)
“He personally carried our sins in his body on the cross so that we can be dead to sin and live for what is right. By his wounds you are healed.”
Connection:
Peter applies Isaiah 53 to the finished work of Christ, tying spiritual and physical healing to what Jesus did.
🔹 Matthew 8:14–17 (NLT)
“That evening many demon-possessed people were brought to Jesus… This fulfilled the word of the Lord through the prophet Isaiah, who said, ‘He took our sicknesses and removed our diseases.’”
Connection:
Jesus’ healing ministry fulfilled Isaiah’s prophecy. Healing wasn’t optional—it was central to His mission.
🔹 Matthew 8:1–3 (NLT)
“Lord, if you are willing, you can heal me… Jesus reached out and touched him… ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be healed!’”
Connection:
God’s desire is to heal. Jesus didn’t hesitate—He said, “I am willing.” This affirms that healing reflects God’s heart.
🔹 Mark 11:23 (NLT)
“I tell you the truth, you can say to this mountain, ‘May you be lifted up and thrown into the sea,’ and it will happen.”
Connection:
Believers are encouraged to speak boldly to the problem—whether sickness, bondage, or fear—and expect it to move.
Practical Tips:
- Keep eyes open when praying—watch what God is doing.
- Lay hands on the sick if appropriate—biblical touch is often connected with healing (Mark 16:18, James 5:14).
🔥 ETERNAL JUDGMENT
🔹 Luke 13:6–9 (NLT)
The parable of the barren fig tree—God gives time to bear fruit, but not forever.
Connection:
This is a warning about God’s patience running out. Fruitlessness leads to judgment.
🔹 John 3:12–21 (NLT)
“There is no judgment against anyone who believes in him. But anyone who does not believe in him has already been judged…”
Connection:
Rejecting Jesus brings judgment. Belief is the dividing line between eternal life and condemnation.
🔹 Matthew 25:1–46 (NLT)
The parables of the ten virgins, the talents, and the sheep and goats.
Connection:
These three teachings show how people will be judged based on readiness, faithfulness, and love in action.
🔹 Hebrews 10:26–31 (NLT)
“It is a terrible thing to fall into the hands of the living God.”
Connection:
A powerful warning to those who willfully continue in sin after knowing the truth—judgment is real.
🔹 2 Corinthians 5:9–10 (NLT)
“For we must all stand before Christ to be judged…”
Connection:
Even believers will give account before Jesus—not for salvation, but for how we lived.
🔹 Isaiah 13:6–11 & Joel 2:31 (NLT)
Both describe the “Day of the Lord”—a time of God’s judgment upon the earth.
Connection:
These Old Testament prophets speak of a future day of reckoning, with cosmic signs and divine wrath.
🌅 RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD
🔹 Daniel 12:2–3 (NLT)
“Many of those whose bodies lie dead and buried will rise up… some to everlasting life and some to shame and everlasting disgrace.”
Connection:
This is a clear Old Testament reference to the resurrection of the righteous and the wicked.
🔹 John 11:23–25 (NLT)
“I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying.”
Connection:
Jesus affirms that resurrection is not only future, but found in Him.
🔹 Matthew 28:1–20 (NLT)
The resurrection of Jesus & His command to go make disciples.
Connection:
Jesus’ resurrection is the foundation of our faith and our hope for resurrection.
🔹 Acts 2:22–36 (NLT)
Peter preaches that God raised Jesus from the dead and made Him both Lord and Messiah.
Connection:
Jesus’ resurrection is proof of who He is and the coming resurrection of all believers.
🔹 1 Corinthians 15:1–58 (NLT)
The most detailed teaching on resurrection in the Bible.
Connection:
Paul explains how Jesus is the firstfruits, and that believers will be raised in glory, with incorruptible bodies.
🔹 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18 (NLT)
“The dead in Christ will rise first… and we will always be with the Lord.”
Connection:
Comforting promise of the resurrection at Christ’s return—a reunion and a restoration.
🔹 Revelation 20:1–15 (NLT)
First resurrection for the righteous. Final judgment and second death for the lost.
Connection:
Reveals a two-phase resurrection and the final separation of those in the Book of Life from those not.
🌍 RESTORATION OF ALL THINGS (NEW EARTH)
🔹 Revelation 21:1–27 (NLT)
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth…”
Connection:
The final phase of God’s plan: a fully restored creation, where God dwells with His people.
🔹 Isaiah 65:17–19 (NLT)
“Look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth…”
Connection:
Old Testament vision of a joyful, renewed world, where sorrow will be forgotten.
🔹 Isaiah 66:22–24 (NLT)
“As surely as my new heavens and earth will remain, so will you always be my people…”
Connection:
God’s promise of a forever covenant, with both blessing and the reminder of judgment.
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