Case Closed. The jury is in, the verdict read ... case closed! Few thoughts could be more sobering. The day is fast approaching when every person who has ever lived will have their lives reviewed before the all-knowing eyes of God (2Cor5:10). But dont let this alarm you - take heart! On four occasions when the book of Revelation mentions the great judgment, it brings forth praise and thanksgiving! But did you know that the Bible mentions judgment more than a thousand times? Almost every Bible writer refers to it, so its importance cannot be overemphasized. In the next few minutes, youre going to get a real eye-opener in this neglected subject. First Phase of the Final Judgement. 1. The angel Gabriel gave Daniel the prophecy of the 1844 heavenly judgment. The first phase of the judgment is called the pre-advent judgment because it takes place before Jesus second coming. What group of people will be considered in the first phase of the judgment? When does it end? Judgment must begin at the house of God. 1 Peter 4:17. He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. And, behold, I come quickly and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. Rev22:11, 12. (See also 1 Timothy 3:15.) Answer: It ends just before the second coming of Jesus. Those (living and dead) who claimed to be Christians--the house of God--will be considered in the pre-advent judgment. (Started 1844) 2. Who presides at the judgment? Who is the defense attorney? The judge? The accuser? Who are the witnesses? The Ancient of days did sit, ... his throne was like the fiery flame. The judgment was set, and the books were opened. Daniel 7:9, 10. We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 1 John 2:1. The Father ... hath committed all judgment unto the Son. John 5:22. The Devil, ... the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night. Revelation 12:9, 10. These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God. Revelation 3:14. (See also Colossians 1:12-15.) Answer: God the Father, the Ancient of days, presides in the judgment. He loves you very much (John 16:27). Satan is your only accuser. In the heavenly court, Jesus, who loves you, your best friend will be your attorney, judge, and witness. And He promises that judgment will be given in favour of the saints. Daniel 7:22. 3. What is the source of evidence used in the pre-advent judgment? By what standard will all be judged? Since God already knows everything about every person, why have a judgment? The judgment was set, and the books were opened. Daniel 7:10. The dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. Revelation 20:12. They ... shall be judged by the law of liberty. James 2:12. We are made a spectacle [theater] unto the world, and to angels, and to men. 1 Corinthians 4:9. Answer: Evidence for court comes from books in which all details of ones life are recorded. For the faithful, the record of prayer, repentance, and forgiveness of sin will be there for all to see. The records will prove that Gods power enables Christians to live changed lives. God is pleased with His saints and will delight in sharing the evidence of their lives. The judgment will confirm that there is no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. Romans 8:1. The Ten-Commandment law is Gods standard in the judgment (James 2:10-12). Breaking His law is sin (1 John 3:4). The righteousness of the law will be fulfilled by Jesus in all of His people (Romans 8:3, 4). To claim that this is impossible is to doubt Jesus word and His power. The judgment is not to inform God. He is already fully informed (2 Timothy 2:19). However, the redeemed people will be coming to heaven from a world that has been degraded by sin. Both the angels and the inhabitants of other unfallen worlds would certainly feel uneasy about admitting anyone to Gods heavenly kingdom who might start sin all over again. Thus, the judgment will open to them every detail and answer every question. Satans real aim has always been to discredit God as unfair, ruthless, unloving, and untruthful. This makes it even more important for all beings in the universe to see firsthand how extremely patient God has been with sinners. The vindication of Gods character is the prime purpose of the judgment (Revelation 11:16-19 15:2-4 16:5, 7 19:1, 2 Daniel 4:36, 37). Note that the praise and glory are given to God for the way He handles the judgment.
Posted on: Mon, 21 Oct 2013 14:31:58 +0000
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