The concept of the LORD's coming judgment is a central theme throughout the Bible, encompassing both the Old and New Testaments. It refers to the divine judgment that God will execute upon the world, both in historical contexts and in eschatological fulfillment. This judgment is portrayed as both a time of wrath and a time of vindication for the righteous.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament frequently speaks of the LORD's judgment as a response to the sin and rebellion of nations and individuals. The prophets often warned of impending judgment as a call to repentance. For instance, the prophet Isaiah declares, "For the LORD of Hosts will have a day of reckoning against all who are proud and lofty, against all that is exalted—it will be humbled" (Isaiah 2:12). This passage highlights the LORD's intention to bring low the proud and exalted, emphasizing His sovereignty and justice.

The book of Joel also speaks of the "Day of the LORD," a time of darkness and gloom, yet also a call to repentance: "Blow the trumpet in Zion; sound the alarm on My holy mountain! Let all who dwell in the land tremble, for the Day of the LORD is coming; indeed, it is near" (Joel 2:1). This dual aspect of judgment and mercy is a recurring theme, where the LORD's judgment serves as a catalyst for repentance and restoration.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the coming judgment is closely associated with the return of Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself speaks of this in the Olivet Discourse, where He describes the signs of the end times and the final judgment: "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats" (Matthew 25:31-32). This passage underscores the personal and universal nature of the judgment, where Christ Himself will judge the living and the dead.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the coming judgment, emphasizing its inevitability and the need for readiness: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad" (2 Corinthians 5:10). This reinforces the accountability of every individual before God and the certainty of divine justice.

The Book of Revelation

The book of Revelation provides a vivid and symbolic portrayal of the LORD's coming judgment. It describes a series of judgments poured out upon the earth, culminating in the final defeat of evil and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. Revelation 20:11-12 states, "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened."

This imagery conveys the comprehensive and final nature of God's judgment, where all of creation is subject to His righteous decree. The book concludes with the promise of a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells, highlighting the ultimate purpose of God's judgment—to eradicate sin and restore creation.

Theological Implications

The LORD's coming judgment serves as a reminder of God's holiness, justice, and sovereignty. It calls believers to live in a manner worthy of the gospel, knowing that their deeds will be brought to account. It also offers hope, assuring the faithful of vindication and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The anticipation of this judgment encourages a life of holiness, vigilance, and evangelism, as believers seek to align themselves with God's will and share the message of salvation with others.