Why is God’s judgment good news? | Chad Moore | Sun Valley Community Church

Main message: Jesus will return to judge the living and the dead; for believers that judgment is an evaluative "judgment seat" (not condemnation) that examines how we used God's grace, while unbelievers face the great white throne judged by their deeds—so respond by growing through hardship, living as contributors for Christ, and if needed, receiving Jesus who covers sin.

Key points:

• The Apostles' Creed affirms Christ will come back as judge of the living and the dead.
• Four reasons bad things happen: you reap what you sow, you reap what others sow, the world is broken, and God may be testing/disciplining believers to shape them into Christlikeness.
• Believers face the judgment seat of Christ (bema) — an evaluation of what we did with God's grace (service, generosity, character), not condemnation.
• Unbelievers face the great white throne judgment and are judged by their works; only those whose names are in the book of life are saved.
• The gospel: Jesus took our sin and gives his righteousness (so trust in Christ rather than relying on being “good”); practical response is to choose to grow through suffering and live all-in for Jesus.

Scriptures mentioned: Hebrews 12:5-6, Romans 8:29, 2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 8:1, Revelation 20:11-15, 2 Corinthians 5:21