Introduction:

A. Text: 1 Cor. 15:52

B. Even those whose radios blast so loud that it can be heard for a country mile, will hear this trumpet.

C. What will happen when this trumpet sounds?

I. Time Will End.

A. While many think that Christ's return will be the beginning of His kingdom, I Cor. 15:24 declares it to be the end of His reign.

B. It is the "last day" (Jn. 6:39-40, 44, 54).

II. The Resurrection of the Dead.

A. Our text declares this fact (1 Cor. 15:51-52).

B. There will not be a resurrection of the righteous and then 1,000 years later a resurrection of the wicked (Jn. 5:28-29).

C. All the dead will be raised (Rev. 20:13-14).

III. An Universal Judgment.

A. The small and great will be there (Rev. 20:12).

B. Each of us will be there to give an account to Christ (2 Cor. 5:10).

C. Knowing such should lead us to repentance (Acts 17:30-31).

D. The words of the Lord will be the standard of judgment (Jn. 12:48).

IV. The Material Universe Will Be Destroyed.

A. Jesus said it would pass away (Mt. 24:35).

B. Peter tells us how (2 Pet. 3:10-12).

V. Punishment For The Sinners.

A. For those who do not know God and for those who have not obeyed the gospel (2 Thess. 1:7-9).

B . Notice the terms used to describe what they will experience (Rom. 2:5-9).

C. Rev. 20:15; 21:8 tells of those who will be cast into the lake of fire.

VI. Eternity Will Continue.

A. While time as we know it will end (as discussed in point one), eternity goes on forever and ever and ever.

B. So the state of the wicked and righteous are both described as being forever and ever.

1. Wicked (Rev. 14:9-11; Mt. 25:46).

2. Righteous (Mt. 25:46; Rev. 22:5).

VII. The Triumph of the Saints.

A. Our hope will be realized (1 Thess. 4:13-18).

B. What a glorious experience (Rev. 21:1-4)!

Conclusion

A. If that trumpet were to sound now, would you be ready?

B. Song: "There's a Great Day Coming."

Guardian of Truth XXXI: 10, p. 300
May 21, 1987