The Bible speaks repeatedly about the certainty of a final judgment, where all humanity will stand before the Lord. Revelation 6:12-17 paints a vivid and fearful picture of this day when the wrath of the Lamb will be revealed, and the question is asked: “Who is able to stand?” This question should give us pause. It reminds us that not everyone will be able to stand before God with confidence on that day, but those who follow His will and live righteously will.
Let us consider who will and will not be able to stand on the day of judgment, according to Scripture.
All Will Be Judged
First, we must understand that everyone will be present at the judgment, whether righteous or unrighteous. Acts 17:30-31 (NASB) says, “Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”
No one will escape this moment. As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 5:10 (NASB), “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.” Whether we acknowledge it or not, judgment day is coming, and all will be called to give an account.
The Ungodly Will Not Stand
Psalm 1:5 (NASB) declares, “Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous.” This solemn truth makes it clear that those who live in defiance of God’s commands will not endure the judgment.
1. Those Who Never Obeyed
Jesus emphasized the importance of belief and obedience in several places. In John 8:24 (NASB), He says, “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.” Faith is essential, but it must be coupled with obedience. Merely acknowledging God’s existence is insufficient. Even the demons believe, but they do not obey (James 2:19). Jesus also warned that some follow false teachings or man-made traditions instead of God’s commandments. In Matthew 15:9 (NASB), He says, “But in vain do they worship Me, teaching as doctrines the precepts of men.”
2. The Unfaithful
Those who once followed God but turned back to sinful living will not stand in the judgment. Galatians 5:19-21 (NASB) outlines the deeds of the flesh, warning that “those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.” Those who are grossly immoral, or even those who abandon their commitment to Christ, jeopardize their standing before God. Romans 6:12 (NASB) exhorts, “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lusts.”
3. The Foolish
In the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, Jesus warns about being spiritually unprepared. Matthew 25:1-3 tells of five foolish virgins who were not ready when the bridegroom came. This teaches us the importance of vigilance and preparedness for the day of judgment. James 4:17 (NASB) also admonishes, “Therefore, to one who knows the right thing to do and does not do it, to him it is sin.”
4. Inactive Members
Another group that will not stand are those who are spiritually inactive. The Bible calls on all Christians to live active, fruitful lives of faith. Merely attending church without serving, loving, and obeying will not be enough. As Jesus said in Matthew 7:21 (NASB), “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father who is in heaven will enter.” Our faith must be evidenced by our actions, and spiritual inactivity is dangerous.
Who Will Be Able to Stand?
While the Bible clearly teaches that the ungodly will not stand, it also provides hope. Psalm 1:6 (NASB) says, “For the Lord knows the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked will perish.” It is the righteous, those who live according to God’s will, who will stand in the judgment.
1. The Righteous
1 John 3:7 (NASB) says, “Little children, make sure no one deceives you; the one who practices righteousness is righteous, just as He is righteous.” Righteousness is not just about avoiding evil but actively pursuing what is good and godly. Romans 1:17 (NASB) further emphasizes this, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘But the righteous man shall live by faith.’” Those who live by faith, guided by the word of God, will stand before the Lord on that day.
2. Those Who Obey
Acts 10:34-35 (NASB) reminds us, “I most certainly understand now that God is not one to show partiality, but in every nation the man who fears Him and does what is right is welcome to Him.” Obedience to God’s commands, paired with faith in Jesus, is essential to standing before God.
3. The Blessed
Finally, Revelation 22:14 (NASB) offers a beautiful promise to those who live faithfully: “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.” The righteous—those who continually seek purity and follow the teachings of Christ—are promised eternal life and a place in God’s kingdom.
Conclusion
The question, “Who shall be able to stand?” should provoke deep reflection in all of us. The Bible provides clear answers: the ungodly will not stand, but the righteous will. We are all called to live in a way that honors God, combining faith with obedience and demonstrating our love for Him through our actions.
On the day of judgment, those who have lived in accordance with His will—faithful, active, and obedient—will stand. As Revelation 22:14 promises, they will be blessed and enter into eternal life. The time to prepare for that day is now. Live faithfully, serve wholeheartedly, and follow the Lord in everything, so that when the time comes, you will be able to stand before Him.
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