Who Shall Be Able to Stand?

In Revelation 6:12-17, we encounter a powerful scene of judgment, where the question is posed: “Who shall be able to stand?” This question echoes through Scripture, urging us to examine who will withstand the coming judgment of God. As we dig into the New Testament, we find clear distinctions between those who will not stand in judgment and those who will.

Who Will Be at the Judgment?

Scripture leaves no doubt that all will appear before God. Acts 17:30-31 reminds us, “The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness.” Likewise, Romans 14:10-12 states, “For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God… So then each one of us will give an account of himself to God.”

In 2 Corinthians 5:10, Paul affirms, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or bad.” This truth compels us to consider our lives carefully, knowing that we will all face God’s righteous judgment.

Who Will Not Stand?

The Bible identifies several groups who will not stand in the judgment due to their actions, attitudes, or lack of faith.

1. Those Who Never Obeyed

Died in Unbelief: Jesus spoke plainly about the fate of unbelief. In John 8:24, He warns, “Therefore I said to you that you will die in your sins; for unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins.” Similarly, in John 3:18, we read, “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.” Those who reject belief in Jesus seal their own fate.
Only Believe, But Lack Action: Mere belief, without accompanying action, is insufficient. John 12:42 notes that many chief rulers believed in Jesus but feared confessing Him openly. James 2:19 underscores this truth, saying, “You believe that God is one. You do well; the demons also believe, and shudder.” Belief without obedience falls short of God’s standard.
Obey Wrong Things: Some obey teachings and practices that deviate from God’s commands. In Matthew 15, Jesus addresses the Pharisees and scribes who follow human traditions over God’s commands, saying, “This people honors Me with their lips, but their heart is far from Me.” Those who replace God’s commands with their own rules will not stand.

2. The Unfaithful

Grossly Immoral: Galatians 5:19-21 describes the “deeds of the flesh,” which include immorality, impurity, and idolatry, among other sins. Paul warns that “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Those who live in unrepentant sin, indulging in what God condemns, place themselves outside of His grace.
Foolish: Jesus emphasizes the importance of preparedness in Matthew 25:1-13 with the Parable of the Ten Virgins. The foolish virgins, who were unprepared for the bridegroom’s arrival, were shut out from the wedding feast. James 4:17 further cautions, “To one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.”
Inactive Members: Faith without works is dead (James 2:26). Jesus warns against spiritual laziness, urging His followers to be active in faith and good works. What we do matters, and neglecting to serve or engage in God’s work jeopardizes our standing.

Who Will Be Able to Stand?

While many will fall short, Scripture also provides assurance that some will stand in the judgment.

The Righteous: Psalm 1:5 tells us, “Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.” It is the righteous—those who follow God’s ways—who will stand.
Those Who Do Right: 1 John 3:7 states, “Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” A life marked by doing what is right in God’s eyes, through the power of Christ, grants us confidence before Him.
God-Fearing Believers: Acts 10:34-35 affirms, “In every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.” The reverence and obedience to God shown by these believers make them acceptable in His sight.
Faithful Followers of Christ: Revelation 22:14 proclaims, “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter by the gates into the city.” Those who faithfully follow Christ and receive His righteousness will enter His eternal kingdom.

Reflecting on Our Standing

As we examine these passages, we are called to reflect on our lives. Are we among those who will stand confidently before God, having walked in obedience and faithfulness? Or are there areas where we have been negligent, disobedient, or unfaithful?

Let us strive to be counted among the righteous, doing what is right, walking in reverence toward God, and faithfully following Jesus. Only in Him do we find the strength and grace to stand before a holy God. May we pursue lives that honor Him, knowing that one day we will give an account of ourselves. Let us live with the aim to hear, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”