Deep inside every human spirit, there’s this unquenchable longing for justice. We look at the inequity of our world and ask, “How long, Lord? How long must we put up with this evil? How long before You step in and set things right?”

At last, in our study of Revelation, we reach the point where God says, “Enough!” He pours out His wrath and final judgment on “every living thing.” (Rev. 16:3)

Since judgment is coming, how should we then live?

Let’s ask a few questions and consider some practical implications.

1.     Who will do the judging?

The Bible makes it clear that God will be the judge (Rev. 16: 5, 7).  But from other scriptural references we learn that, more specifically, the Father will delegate that judgment to Jesus. (Jn. 5:22; Mt. 28:19)

• Since Christ will judge with absolute authority, I must not take vengeance into my hands.

Revenge is a losing proposition every time because the victim and the victimizer never weigh pain on the same scale. It never comes out as “fair” to both parties. Therefore, whenever you get hurt you only have two choices: to exact revenge or to forgive.

By forgiving, we are trusting God to be the judge, a role only He is qualified and competent to hold. He says, “It is mine to avenge; I will repay.”

When we insist upon vengeance, we are actually placing ourselves in a position that is reserved for Jesus Himself. And that is idolatry.

2.     How will He judge?

Rev. 16:5-7 uses these phrases to describe God’s judgment:

• “You are just”
• “as they deserve”
• “true and just”

We see miscarriages of justice all the time in our world – and that makes us wonder if people will somehow pull the wool over the Lord’s eyes.

But these verses make it very clear that He will be absolutely fair and unbiased. True justice will be done.

• Since Christ will judge with utter integrity, I need not wonder if He will be fair.

3. What will He judge?

In vs. 15, there’s a sort of parenthetical statement that pops out in all the plagues. “Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.”

Jesus warns that there is nothing hidden that will not one day be revealed. (Lk. 12:2-3) Have you ever done something in the dark you didn’t want to be exposed? Ever whispered words in private you wouldn’t want to be shouted?

It’s these dark deeds that Jesus will judge on that day. The only way you will keep from being utterly exposed on the Day of Judgment is if your sins are covered with Christ’s forgiveness.

• Since Christ will judge with ruthless efficiency, I dare not stand before Him in naked rebellion.

Too many people are “playing dress up.” They come to church, they put on a façade of righteousness, but they’ve never actually repented – given their lives to Christ and been covered in His righteousness. Their lives have shown no change. Their hearts instead are hard and rebellious.

Don’t play dress up. Run to the cross and be clothed in Christ.

Text: Revelation 15-16

Originally recorded on May 7, 2000, at Fellowship Missionary Church, Fort Wayne, IN