"I know people who engineer ways to meet people to give them the Gospel, to give them Christ. I know people whose whole life revolves around how they can at any moment give the Gospel of Christ to someone."
[Please note that next week, Pastor Senter will begin a series featuring an exposition of the Sermon on the Mount with a specific concentration on the Beatitudes.]
I wrote this message some time ago when I was reading Revelation as part of my devotional life. It struck me that the millennium had ended, and those in Christ were present at the Great White throne. Then why, if we were supposed to know God’s justice and see it meted out on the guilty, would we not rejoice at this final moment? Why are there tears in heaven? Why does Jesus have to wipe them away?
As I read this, I was also doing a study on the Rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16. Part of our answer is in the great hymn by Fanny Crosby entitled, “Will Jesus Find Us Watching?” It is so true, and rings in my heart every day. Read the entire hymn text by clicking here, and think about these words.
Here is the third stanza:
Have we been true to the trust he left us?
Do we seek to do our best?
If in our hearts there is naught condemns us,
We shall have a glorious rest.
We have to ask ourselves, Have we been true? Fanny was gifted and God allowed her to write over 8,000 poems, many of which where turned into hymns. There are a number of saints whom we can pattern our lives after, who have lived highly industrious and disciplined lives, giving their all. I know individuals who would drive for 12 hours, then instead of going straight home on Wednesday night, would pull into the church parking lot regardless of the time and come in to worship or pray with whoever is there. I know people who engineer ways to meet people to give them the Gospel, to give them Christ. I know people whose whole life revolves around how they can at any moment give the Gospel of Christ to someone. For me, this prompts a series of questions.
Are we pained when we cannot get to church services in such a manner that we are convicted to not be around loved ones in Christ? Are we pained when someone is ill and you are unable to help them? Do we feel pain when someone is spiritually bereft and we cannot help them? What about if we choose not to help them? I believe we all feel these pains at some level. We all understand how uncomfortable it is for one of us to be absent from the body of Christ. Many of these things are in our hearts. However, how many of us put these feelings into action.
How do we see a stranger, though? Do you see someone on a street corner, walking along the sidewalk, standing before you talking in the same light? Surely, they are just as ill, as sick spiritually as a brother or sister missing from amongst us who is stricken with the flu. What of our relatives? What would we say to one whom we know is lost? More than what to say to these individuals, is the why–why would we talk to them? Why would you present the gospel to someone you do not know? Moreover, why would you present the gospel to someone you do know, someone with whom you have a loving relationship here on this earth–a mother, a brother, or a sister? My wife and I both have lost family–our mothers, our siblings, all lost. We are for all intents and purposes 1st generation Christians. I witness to them not because I want to “get them on my side with God.” I witness to them not because I know this is the only real true religion, we worship the only real true God. I witness to them because I am commanded to. I witness to them because I know what they are headed for, and I know I will have to witness it. That brings up a few more questions.
Is there a Hell? Will people really be in fiery torment all their lives? Will this be a “fire and brimstone” sermon? You bet it will be; but I believe it will contain something you may not have realized until now.
I threw many questions at you in this opening. There is only really one question I want to answer today – If eternity has begun and ushered in a period of eternal happiness, why are there tears in heaven? Why does God have to wipe the tears away in Revelation 21:4, if those present are already in resurrection bodies and no longer feel pain? The answer I found was very troubling and very convicting. I would like to talk to you today about: “Obey God and Avoid Tears at Judgment.” This is an evangelistic message and is focused upon evangelism. It is designed to get your mind thinking about things eternal right now. Every time you see someone, you should be considering their eternal position. You should also consider what you might be subjected to with them in eternity – whether you are saved or not. “Many Christians believe they will live their life here, see those whom they are compelled to witness to, and never to see them again in heaven; but that is not the whole truth.“
First we consider our main scripture, Revelation 21:4. Tears are mentioned two times specifically in Revelation and one might ask what the difference is between the occasions.
I. Tears of Joy (Rev 7:17)
Lets first look at Rev 21:4 and 7:17. We will begin by considering 7:17. Look at a “Tim’s translation” while you follow along.
“7:17 because the lamb, the one in the midst of the throne, will shepherd (feed) them and will guide
and lead them to living spring waters, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”
This passage has great significance in the end times. It is after the tribulation and the results are that these people are entering into eternal life with God and the Lamb of God. This is a joyous occasion. We gather this from the previous passages where the multitudes from all nations, people, and tongues are gathered (verse 9). These believers cry out in adulation in verse 10 to give the Lamb of God tribute. The entire multitude falls on their face and worships, giving blessings, glory, and thanksgiving to God (12). They are believers because we see they are the ones who come out of the great tribulation, and that they have been washed and their robes are white (14). This clearly is a time of great rejoicing and these tears are tears of great Joy. These tears we can understand.
We should note that crying is not what is being described here. Crying is not the function, it simply identifies that there are tears on the faces of the believers. I know many of you have seen me cry with happiness. I was elated when we received the gifts for pastor’s appreciation day. I have made use of them too. This is the situation being described here. There is great excitement, adulation, happiness, and joy being experienced.
I am sure we all would rather experience this joy and excitement. These people are being ushered into the Millennium at this point. These tears are being shed because they know that this war with the flesh is over for them. They understand it is over and done. However, there is another period, which will not be entirely happy yet. We should look at Revelation 21:4 and find what this scripture teaches us.
II. Tears of pain (Rev 21:4)
Read again with me as we do another “Tim’s translation” of this verse:
21:4 “and He will wipe all tears from their eyes and the death will not exist, neither mourning, neither crying,
neither pain will not exist because the ones before departed.”
This verse, unlike our verse that describes tears in heaven in chapter seven, is a decidedly negative verse. There is pain being felt here. The descriptions are of this very painful thing. The word used here describing crying is, “krauge” (kraugh). It literally means an outcry, a wailing, or an expression of great anguish. It is only used six times in the New Testament. Four of the six times, it is directly associated with great anguish, tremendous physical and or emotional pain (Acts 23:9; Eph 4:31; Heb 5:7; Rev 21:4). The first question to answer is, Why are there tears, crying, and sorrow in heaven? We were taken up with the shout when Christ returned. Hallelujah! Glory to God! We will be risen when He comes like a thief in the night, and we will take upon us our resurrection bodies. Weren’t we supposed to miss the judgment and tribulation, sorrow and struggles that are inherent in these events? Are we not supposed to be joyous at the great judgment for unrepentant sinners that we have just witnessed? Why is there so much emotional pain and anguish? We were supposed to be appearing before the Bema seat not the Great White Throne. In fact, this judgment is done, and we should be in a position now to accept our place due to our works. We need to get a picture of what is happening around these verses to understand what God has for us in His word.
Note the first word in this verse and almost every succeeding verse back through Revelation 19:19, “And.” Really, those “And’s” start all the way back to and include verse 21 of Chapter 18. Beloved, we are going to watch all this take place. Now I do not deduce this idea from just the word, “And.” John is describing these things to us as a concatenation of events culminating in the establishment of Christ on His throne for eternity. Essentially the word “And” is predominant in the beginning of each verse following as well. However, it does join all these things together and John saw all this from a specific vantage point given him by God. He was told to write down all that he saw so that we could understand what will take place (Rev 1:11).
Let’s look at what the apostles saw, starting with the place we call Hell, eternal judgment. Biblically we do not have to go far to understand such a place exists.
III. Why these tears (Luke 16:19-31)
Luke 16:20-26 tells us that after their respective deaths, the rich man looked on from a painful place of torment to a place where the patriarchal father Abraham comforts a beggar. Let’s look a little deeper though, and consider not one or two, but billions of deaths simultaneously. We are not here to exegete every verse in this passage today; we are only here to look at some very specific lessons we can learn. We have to admit, in the onset, that this is a situation that existed before Christ’s ascension. We do not know what the construct of this intermediate state is now. We only know that if we are absent from this world, we are present with the Lord. However, there is more to that study than immediately meets the eye. For now, we will look at two specific things affiliated with this story: relationships, and discussions. Whether the story is true or a parable is irrelevant because each parable of Christ is based in truth.
We should look at relationships and discussions that take place in this realm of the “intermediate state.” Using the verbiage of the passage, we will call one place the place of comfort (the actual meaning of the word “parakaleō ” (parakalew) where we get our word “comforter” (paraklete), and the other place Hades.
A. Relationships (Lk 16:23)
We see that in this verse specifically the rich man who is in torment actually recognizes those whom he sees across the abyss. He knows who is in the place of comfort. Those in the place of comfort know who is in Hades. They recognize one another. The word used for “see” here in Greek is to see – sight – the ability to see. There are other words describing sight but they do not necessarily deal with the actual activity of seeing, as this word does. Not only does the Rich man see Abraham; he calls out to him. The King James says he “cried,” however, the word is simply “to speak.” No doubt, the man was in great anguish and his speech would be colored with this anguish.
This man had a relationship and understanding concerning the individuals to whom he was talking. Not just to Lazarus, but to Abraham – whom he called “father.” What did he have to say to Abraham though? How does this apply to our discussion.
B. Discussion (Lk 16:25-31)
Consider what takes place between these two individuals here. One person is in Hades and one is in the place of comfort (25). Some observations:
- They can see and recognize one another.
- They can communicate with one another.
- Those in Hades know only that they are in pain, and that they cannot leave.
- Those in the place of comfort are comforted, and know it is possible to go somewhere, just not to Hades.
- Those in Hades know they are tormented because of the choices they made.
- Those in the place of comfort are submitted to God.
- Those in Hades want to save others now that they are tormented.
- Those in the place of comfort do too; but know that man will not heed even the most miraculous event.
Do you understand that if you are going to the place of comfort you will be faced with communicating with people you know in the place of torment? Do you understand that you will understand their torment, you will understand their plight, you will understand the limitations placed upon yourself and them, and you will understand that even the most amazing thing to ever happen to the world–a resurrection–will not turn some hearts to Jesus. It did not when Jesus resurrected Lazarus (John 11:43-48) or even Himself.
Consider this now. That story was told about 2,000 years ago. How many years before this was Abraham in the place of comfort? From His death recorded in Genesis until Jesus took Captivity Captive.
Now, let us look at the end and a new beginning in Revelation 19:11-21 and the sequence of events at this judgment. I am not trying to get charismatic on you, but we have to see this. Try to picture what is happening in these scriptures. Christ is returning on a white horse in all His glory in battle armor with His name written on His crowns, and His name was the “Word of God,” and on His robe and His thigh appeared the name, “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.” He is accompanied by His armies–not that He needs them, mind you; but they are clothed in clean white, just as He is, and riding white horses, just as He is. He is speaking the Word of God and it is destroying nations with the sound of it alone. He descends upon the beast who commands and the kings of the earth and their armies and the false prophet. In addition, they are immediately “cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” What remains to resist are slain with the sword of God, which is the Word of God. Jesus speaks, and they die.
Matt 13:41 and 42 tells us:
41The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
And again we’re told in Matthew 13: 49, 50:
49So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, 50And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Further examples of this judgment include Matthew 22:13; 24:51; 25:30 and Luke 13:28. There will be pain and suffering for those who do not take Christ as their Savior. You will see it all from heaven.
Now, let us fast-forward through the millennium of peace. We have had peace now for 1,000 years. No wars, no hatred of nations. We have enjoyed this time and no evil is present. Then Satan is released. Let’s begin reading Revelation 20:7-10. Satan gathers rebels and surrounds the beloved city of God, which houses all the saints. Then they are consumed by fire and Satan is placed in torment– and, again, note verse 10 – “where the beast and false prophet are.”
Lets grasp the significance of that. The beast and false prophet are still there after a 1,000 years of fire burning them. They are still suffering, and it has been a millennium. Are they burning? Alternatively, are they suffering the Rich man’s torment FOR 1000 YEARS? The word of God is clear, they are being tormented forever. They are suffering the death of deaths, the second death. The word of God is true, and real. There is a real hell and those who do not believe in Christ are going to suffer that pain and torment forever, and the armies who war against Christ will have an additional 1,000 years of torment.
Remember the next event is the Great White Throne judgment. Revelation 20 verses 11-15. Where will you be when all this happens? This brings me to my final point, because there are two possible answers. If you are taken up in the rapture we briefly discussed earlier, you will therefore be in the city when fire consumes the surrounding army. On the other hand, will you be among those who are slaughtered by the Word of God? If you are in company with those in Revelation 21:8 or Matthew 7:23, ["And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."], then you will be coming before the Great White Throne judgment. Isaiah 45:23 tells us that, “every knee will bow and every tongue will swear.” (ESV) Romans 14:11 also tells us, “every knee shall bow to me and every tongue shall confess to God and we will have to give account of ourselves to God.” (ESV) Philippians 2:10 tells us that “every knee should bow the things in heaven and the things under the earth and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.” (ESV) I was always told that when God’s word says something once, we need to take it to heart. When He says something twice you really need to listen. When God repeats Himself three times you better get it right the first time! Every knee will bow to Christ and proclaim Him Lord of Lords, as it is written on His tunic.
The question still begs: Where will you be? Have you accepted Christ as your Savior? If you have, then you had better get with the program, because there are many here who claim Christianity, but do nothing to tell others of it. You had better start being a Christian in your worldly life instead of being worldly in your Christian life.
Christian, let me say that there is still pain to go through and we have to consider why God has to wipe away the tears in Revelation 21:4 and 7:17. Those who know Christ will see Him at the Mercy or Bema seat (Rom 14:10; 2Cor 5:10) and be judged on our work in Christ, as well as all that self-generated righteousness that the Bible calls “filthy rags.” This is not that judgment. During this judgment, which is reserved for those who do not believe, we will be present. You will watch as every single individual is judged. Do you know what the gallery in a courtroom is, or the viewing balcony in an operating room? I believe that during this Great White Throne judgment, beginning in Revelation 20:11, you will be in the gallery so to speak. Picture a heavenly gallery. I picture it as global in shape. Millions of people surrounding the throne seat of Christ in all directions – up, down, side-to-side – as He judges the souls who did not seek His salvation. Jesus either stands or sits upon this judgment throne. On one side He has two books–one details the works of the unbeliever, the other is the Word of God. Each individual who comes before Him will be judged from one of these two books. On the other side is the book of life. No individual coming before Him now will be written in this book. Still, there is another passage to consider. Look at Revelation 21 verse five the one who sat upon the throne said “BEHOLD, I MAKE ALL THINGS NEW. And he said unto me, WRITE: FOR THESE WORDS ARE TRUE AND FAITHFUL” God addressed John after he said “I make all things new.”
Before He addresses John specifically, these are words of comfort God says to those present at the judgment – a gallery of believers. These are words He will utter again in the future. These are words that we will hear as believers of Jesus Christ the Messiah. Why does God have to comfort us at this time, though? Because when the convicted come before God, they will have no defense, their charges are written in the books according to their worldly works as well (Rev 20:12-13). Every person who does not accept Christ will pass before God, kneel, confess His Lordship, and be cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, which is the second death. You will be there to watch the whole thing and you should be rejoicing in this completing of God’s will, shouldn’t you? So why are you crying? Shouldn’t you be rejoicing at God’s justice? His perfect justice is being meted out, and we are spectators in the Judge’s courtroom. This is where you wanted to be, because you trusted Christ. But wait–who is that kneeling now? Isn’t that a man who lived next door to you? Isn’t that a beloved friend who helped you out in times past, to whom you never witnessed? You might say, “But the time wasn’t right then to witness to him.” You might think to yourself that the subject never came up. Do you understand now why you have tears in your eyes? You didn’t witness to them when you had the opportunity, did you? Now, although you know it was God’s will that this would happen, you feel pain for them because this is the final judgment, and you have to face them again. Your pain is honest and heartfelt from love; but it is also guilt.
At this time– today–right now–you had better realize that God is going to bring these opportunities to serve Him before you at the Bema seat judgment, which you will soon experience. What will you say to Christ when He asks you about your works in His name?
- Will you say, “I was too busy?”
- Will you claim ignorance as Moses did, “I didn’t think about it” or “I don’t speak well.” Did that work for Moses? He only had to save 1.5 million people. You only have to witness to one at a time.
- How about this: “It wasn’t on my mind at the time.”
- Or this one: “I’d get in trouble at work, and I couldn’t risk that!”
- People do not like it when I talk about Jesus.
- I am not sure how they would respond.
- I do not want to push them off.
- I was afraid to say anything. Are you afraid of man, or God?
- I was thinking about what I wanted to do with such and such.
- He moved away too soon, so I never got a chance.
Christian, how can you claim such an exalted title of “Christian” if you are “too busy” to confess the name you claim? If it is not on the tip of your tongue always, if it is not always with you mentally, it is you who is not engaged. It has nothing to do with your circumstances, because circumstances can be manipulated. It is you who chooses to not do something that serves Christ. What happened to loving Him with all your heart, soul, and mind?
You will shed tears, because you will see people coming before the judgment seat of Christ–people you know. You will be there, you will see them, you will cry for them. Moreover, you have the gall to call yourself Christian. If you were anything that Christ is, you would seek one person a day to share His gospel with.
Scripture is tough when it hits you at home, isn’t it folks? When scripture smacks you right in the face with your wretchedness, it is difficult to swallow. There is hope for you though. You have time. There is a way to avoid some of the tears.
IV. How do we avoid the tears?
Make a decision to share Christ with someone every day in some small way. Every person you meet, of whom you do not know the spiritual condition, should receive an invitation from you to attend this church. Every person you see struggling should receive a comment from you that is inviting and probing. Every person you meet should find you happy and looking forward to loving life. Every person should know something is different about you. Every conversation you have should find a way to present the Gospel in some fashion. You should be praying for opportunities to share Christ with everyone you meet. It is not difficult, people. Jesus can reach right out of your heart and save another human, if you only try a little bit. Pray for His help, He will give it, and you will perform.
Folks – the time is now, not tomorrow. We are on this earth to glorify God and serve Him. You have a job where you ought to work to fulfill His service; not to put money in your pocket – that is a bonus. If you think keeping your mouth shut at work glorifies God, you miss the whole idea of faith. Faith is worked out through you, not by you. If you are worried you will offend someone, consider who really is offended – Christ Jesus.
Now I will speak to the non-believer. There is always one who does not know Christ, even in a dedicated church congregation. Will you save yourself eternal pain and reach out to Christ? Physical death is real–you know that. Spiritual death is just as real, and the first such death took place in the Garden of Eden when Adam and Eve sinned. This spiritual first death is a temporary separation from God. The second death you have read about today is a permanent state of separation from God, which also involves eternal torment – remember the beast and the false prophet. The only recourse you have is to repent. Seek Christ as your advocate and seek God’s forgiveness of your sin before it is too late. You do not hold your next breath in your control. Seek Him, turn your life over to Him, trust Him–not only with this life, but the sustenance of the next.
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