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The Earliest “Jesus Is God” Declaration

The Path To Armageddon

15 The Destruction Of The Nations Pt 5

MacArthur obfuscates the reason the Jews are judged by others. In this sermon he says,

You know that Jerusalem is going to get sacked during Armageddon? Didn’t I tell you last week that that’s the purpose of the nations, they want to go and fight God and destroy God’s people and get rid of Israel, ’cause they blame them for all the problems. Satan always wanted to get rid of God’s people, because then if God doesn’t have any people, when he returns he hasn’t got any subjects for his kingdom, right?

He implies that they are hated unjustly. He suggests this is just carry over of Satan’s hatred for God. Although this is true, it is misleading. What about the natural consequences of a people rebelling against God (sin)? MacArthur spends time explaining “the natural consequences” but avoids applying it to Israel as if they are above reproach. Can’t Israel’s sin negatively impact other peoples? Can’t other people righteously hate this sin and those who cling to it and perpetrate it? Isn’t that the nature of nations? Can’t these nations call for justice?  Is that possible with Israel? If so, when, where? Why is this conversation ALWAYS avoided, even when our own existence is threatened? Rather than concealed, it should be exposed. Just like any sinful man should be apprehended, judged, convicted, and punished as a criminal for his crimes and not ignored, so too every nation, Israel being no exception, should not escape notice nor the consequences of their crimes. God is not partial and neither should we.

Romans 2:9-11 There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek…For there is no partiality with God.


Summary

This sermon examines the Biblical teaching on the judgment of the nations, focusing on Matthew 25 and other passages. The speaker emphasizes that God’s judgment is inevitable and inescapable, as seen throughout Scripture. The message details the final judgment that will occur when Christ returns after the tribulation, separating the righteous from the unrighteous. The criteria for judgment include one’s response to Christ and the treatment of His followers, particularly during the tribulation. The judgment will be executed by Christ Himself, who will reign from Jerusalem, determining who enters His kingdom and who is condemned. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance and faith in Christ.

Test Your Knowledge

Scrolling down slowly will hide the answer until you can make your choice.

1.What metaphor is used in the sermon to describe humanity’s sinful condition?

A) A train

B) A ship

C) A plane

D) A car

Answer: A)

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2.According to Scripture, what does the sermon state about escaping judgment?

A) It is possible to evade judgment through good deeds.

B) Judgment is inevitable and unavoidable.

C) Only certain nations will be judged.

D) Judgment can be postponed.

Answer: B)

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3.Who is referred to as the judge in the judgment of nations?

A) John the Baptist

B) Moses

C) The Holy Spirit

D) The Son of Man

Answer: D)

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4.What does the sermon encourage individuals to do in light of the message of judgment?

A) Continue living without concern for actions.

B) Seek to reconcile with God through faith.

C) Focus solely on self-improvement.

D) Ignore the warnings of judgment.

Answer: B)

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5.Who is the judge in the final judgment of the nations?

A) The Father

B) The Holy Spirit

C) Jesus Christ

D) The apostles

Answer: C)

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6.When does the judgment of the nations occur according to the sermon?

A) Before the tribulation

B) During the tribulation

C) At the second coming of Christ

D) After the millennium

Answer: C)

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7.What is the primary basis for the judgment of the nations?

A) Their level of religious knowledge

B) Their treatment of Christ’s followers during the tribulation

C) Their social status

D) Their military power

Answer: B)

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8.What happens to the unrighteous (goats) at the judgment?

A) They are given another chance to repent

B) They enter the millennial kingdom

C) They are cast into everlasting fire

D) They are sent to purgatory

Answer: C)

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9.What happens to the economic system of the world before the judgment?

A) It grows stronger

B) It is destroyed in a single hour

C) It is taken over by a global government

D) It becomes more dependent on gold and silver

Answer: B)

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Listen & Read Along

See the full transcript and listen to this sermon here:

1334 Oct 21, 1973

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Study Guide

15-The-Destruction-Of-The-Nations-5

In this lesson, the following questions will be addressed:

Outline

I.Introduction
A.Metaphor of the runaway train
B.Overview of impending judgment
II.Biblical Basis for Judgment
A.Psalms references
B.New Testament scriptures
III.Inevitability of Judgment
A.The nature of sin and its consequences
B.God’s holiness and response to sin
IV.The Return of Christ
A.Timing and circumstances of judgment
B.Role of Christ as the judge
V.Call to Action
A.Importance of faith and repentance
B.Responsibility of believers

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Outline 2

I.Introduction to the Judgment of the Nations
A.The certainty of God’s judgment on sin
B.Biblical examples of God’s justice
II.The Coming Judgment
A.The increasing wickedness of humanity
B.Christ’s return as the culmination of judgment
III.The Details of the Judgment
A.The judge: Jesus Christ (Matthew 25, John 5)
B.The time: At Christ’s return after the tribulation (Matthew 25:31, Revelation 19)
C.The place: Earth, specifically Jerusalem and the Valley of Decision (Zechariah 14, Joel 3)
D.The subjects: Living Gentiles, judged individually (Matthew 25:32)
E.The criteria: Their response to Christ and His people during the tribulation
IV.The Outcome of the Judgment
A.The righteous (sheep) enter Christ’s kingdom
B.The unrighteous (goats) condemned to everlasting punishment
V.Final Call to Repentance
A.The seriousness of rejecting Christ
B.Encouragement to trust in Christ for salvation

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Study Questions

1)What metaphor is used to illustrate humanity’s trajectory towards judgment, and what does it signify?

The sermon uses the metaphor of a “runaway train” plummeting down a mountainside to illustrate humanity’s trajectory toward judgment. This metaphor signifies that, like a train with failed brakes, humanity is hurtling uncontrollably toward a catastrophic crash, reflecting the unstoppable and escalating nature of sin that inevitably leads to God’s final judgment.

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2)How do the Scriptural references from both the Old and New Testament reinforce the concept of inevitable judgment?

The sermon shows that both Old and New Testament scriptures consistently affirm that God’s judgment is an inevitable consequence of sin. Old Testament passages—such as Psalm 90:8, Psalm 139:11, Psalm 140:11, Proverbs 13:21, and Isaiah 3:11—illustrate that sin cannot be concealed from God and that its natural outcome is retribution, much like the principle that “whatever a man sows, that he reaps.”

In the New Testament, texts like Romans 1:18, John 5:22‑27, and Matthew 25 emphasize that Jesus Christ has been given authority to execute judgment and that His return will definitively separate the righteous from the unrighteous. Prophetic passages in Revelation and other New Testament writings further reinforce that divine judgment is not arbitrary but the necessary and just result of humanity’s response to God’s moral law. Together, these Scriptural references create a unified message: God’s judgment is both certain and unavoidable.

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3)In what way does the sermon depict the relationship between sin and its consequences?

The sermon depicts the relationship between sin and its consequences as a natural, inevitable process where sin inherently sows the seeds of its own judgment. It emphasizes that when individuals live in sin, they essentially set in motion a self-executing law—“Whatever a man sows that he reaps”—meaning that the consequences of sin are not imposed through arbitrary divine intervention but are the natural outcome of violating God’s moral law. As the sermon illustrates, even without active divine interference, the destructive effects of sin will manifest, much like a runaway train that accelerates uncontrollably toward a catastrophic crash. This portrayal underscores that the moment and manner of judgment are built into the very nature of sin, ensuring that every sinful action ultimately brings about its own just punishment.

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4)What role does Christ play in the judgment of nations according to the sermon?

According to the sermon, Christ plays the role of the judge in the judgment of nations. It is stated that the judgment has been committed to Him, as indicated in John 5:22, where it says that the Father has given all judgment unto the Son. The sermon emphasizes that Christ, referred to as the Son of Man, will return in glory to execute this judgment, separating the nations based on their actions and determining their eternal destinies—some will be welcomed into His kingdom, while others will face judgment.

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5)How can individuals respond to the message of accountability presented in the sermon?

Individuals can respond to the message of accountability presented in the sermon by recognizing the importance of personal faith and repentance. The sermon encourages people to acknowledge their sinful nature and seek reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. This involves confessing their sins and asking for forgiveness, effectively inviting Christ to take control of their lives.

The sermon illustrates this response as a simple, heartfelt prayer, where one can express belief in Jesus Christ and a desire for transformation. This act of faith not only signifies acceptance of God’s grace but also aligns with the notion that individuals are responsible for their actions and will ultimately face judgment based on their decisions.

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6)According to the sermon, why is God’s judgment inescapable?

According to the sermon, God’s judgment is inescapable because sin inherently carries its own consequence. The speaker explains that when a person lives in sin, they set in motion the inevitable retribution—much like sowing what one will eventually reap. Scriptural passages underscore that nothing can be hidden from God; even secret sins are exposed, and natural consequences occur without any need for active divine intervention. This concept is likened to a runaway train with failed brakes: humanity, overwhelmed by sin, hurtles uncontrollably toward an unavoidable, catastrophic judgment.

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7)What is the significance of Jesus being referred to as both the Son of Man and the Son of God in John 5?

The sermon explains that the dual titles highlight two distinct aspects of Jesus’ authority. As the Son of God (mentioned in John 5:25), Jesus is associated with divine power—particularly demonstrated in His ministry of resurrection, which requires a miraculous, supernatural intervention. In contrast, when He is referred to as the Son of Man (as in John 5:27), the focus shifts to His role as judge. This title emphasizes that His judgment is not a miraculous act but rather the inevitable natural consequence of sin—where “whatever a man sows, that he reaps.” In other words, while His divine nature enables the resurrection of the dead, His authority as the Son of Man to pronounce judgment simply brings about the expected results of a life lived in sin without needing additional divine intervention.

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8)How does the treatment of Christ’s followers during the tribulation serve as a basis for judgment?

According to the sermon, the treatment of Christ’s followers during the tribulation serves as a critical basis for judgment because it directly reveals the authenticity of one’s faith. In Matthew 25, the King explains that when individuals provide food, drink, shelter, and care for the needy—essentially for “the least of these”—they are, in effect, serving Jesus Himself. During the tribulation, many of Christ’s followers will be vulnerable and in need of support, such as the unmarked believers and itinerant preachers. Those who compassionately care for these followers demonstrate genuine faith and align themselves with Christ, thus earning the blessing of entering His kingdom. Conversely, neglect or rejection of these followers indicates a lack of true faith, leading to condemnation. This standard, set forth in Scripture, underscores that the natural consequences of one’s actions toward Christ’s followers during a time of crisis are both a reflection of one’s heart and a decisive factor in God’s final judgment.

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9)What is the meaning of the “Valley of Decision” in Joel 3, and how does it relate to Christ’s return?

According to the sermon, the “Valley of Decision”—a term drawn from Joel 3—represents the designated gathering place where the final judgment of the living nations occurs at Christ’s return. When Jesus touches the Mount of Olives, He splits it open, creating this valley as a physical and symbolic location for judgment. Its name, “Valley of Decision,” signifies that this is the critical moment and place where each individual’s eternal fate is determined based on their response to Christ and His followers during the tribulation. In essence, the valley embodies the decisive point in history when the nations are confronted with the consequences of their actions, underscoring the final and irrevocable nature of God’s judgment.

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10)How does the destruction of the world’s economic system in Revelation 18 prepare the way for judgment?

According to the sermon, the destruction of the world’s economic system as depicted in Revelation 18 serves as a preparatory act for final judgment by dismantling the corrupt and materialistic foundations of human society. The economic system, symbolized by Babylon, is shown to have been built on ungodliness—where the kings and merchants profited from sin. Its sudden collapse, occurring “in one hour,” leaves the world stripped of its false security and wealth, exposing the inherent consequences of a life lived apart from God. This collapse not only serves as a direct manifestation of God’s wrath against sin but also clears the way for Christ’s return by eliminating the structures that have long perpetuated human iniquity. With the economic system in ruins, the stage is set for the final judgment, as the remnants of society witness firsthand the inevitable downfall of a system built on unrighteousness.


To see all the lessons in this series click on the 1973 Prophecy tag below.