The NRSV captures the first well in its translation, “So then, each one of us will be accountable to God” (Romans 14:12 NRSV). They then consider two specific passages that appear to teach that anyone who is brought before Jesus on judgement day will need to explain their life and give an account of their choices and actions, (as sung by Whitney Houston!) However, as Paul and Dan chat, it becomes clear that paying attention to the context of each passage is essential. Paul notes how the message of each parable about a future judgement appears to be designed to teach us about how we ought to live and act in the present, and not about how it is exactly going to take place. They consider parables involving employers, fishermen, a wedding and shepherds. That’s what you would expect for stories that are designed to tell a specific message. They each communicate the reality of personal judgement, but they are all diverse in their settings and details. Paul and Dan continue by recognising the many different parables that Jesus told about the judgement. Dan underscores how important it is to keep that in mind, by using other examples of non-literal metaphors for God’s omniscience (Psalm 56:8). This includes the idea of Christ consulting books to see who is included in the “book of life”.

Whilst the imagery is striking and powerful, it seems like stating the obvious that the symbols used in that setting are metaphors. They note that some of this imagery comes from passages like Revelation 20:11-15 where there is a court room scene described. Will it involve waiting in line for your turn? Will it be in some remote area? Will the Lord ask you what you did with your life? Will you need to explain the things you’ve done? Musing on sources as diverse as the Sistine Chapel and Whitney Houston(!), Paul and Dan talk about all the different ideas on how the judgement will take place. How do we reconcile these two emotions when facing the prospect of being personally judged? What will judgement day be like? On the other hand, 1 John 4:17, among other verses, tells us that we can “have confidence for the day of judgement”. It is usually extremely unnerving to think about being judged, reflected well in what the apostle Paul said to the Corinthians that “we must all appear before the judgement seat of Christ” and that this prompts “the fear of the Lord” (2 Corinthians 5:10-11).

(We’ve covered reasons why we believe that the Christian hope is resurrection and inheritance of the earth, rather than heaven, in earlier episodes). Paul and Dan begin by acknowledging that nearly all Christian traditions have a concept of personal judgement in some way, whether that is appearing before the judgement seat of Christ at his return, or being personally judged at death.

They discuss whether we should think that any of those word-pictures and metaphors describe what will actually happen – or are they designed to teach us something else? If you’ve ever experienced that moment of fear at the thought of trying to explain what you’ve done, listen in, as there are some encouraging messages of comfort hidden away in this topic! Show Notes Paul and Dan investigate the many and varied Biblical images for judgement day.

Judgment day bible