22. The Judgment

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THERE is a growing tendency to disbelief in a bodily resurrection. Higher critics have long ago discarded the idea, and even Christians of the more conservative type are tending the same way. They can see no need of a resurrection of the body if the future existence is wholly spiritual.

For the same reason they consider a future judgment unnecessary. If the soul is already enjoying the bliss of ethereal existence, or if it is already experiencing the tortures of the damned, it would seem incongruous to interpose a judgment. That should have taken place before the future state was decided upon, not after. Belief in immediate bliss or damnation after death makes a future judgment at the end of the world not only unnecessary but inconsistent.

The Bible is plain in its statements concerning these two subjects. There is a bodily resurrection. There is a judgment. The Bible teaches both. As we are here chiefly concerned with the judgment, we shall confine our study to it, only remarking in passing that it seems so much more satisfying to believe that the future existence of the saved will be molded somewhat on the original plan of the Garden of Eden, where Adam and Eve enjoyed existence on a plane not unlike our present one, yet without sin. It seems reasonable to believe that God has not abandoned His original plan. If He has not, there must be a resurrection of the body.

The idea of a judgment at the end of the world presupposes that men do not enter upon their punishment or reward at death. This seems reasonable quite apart from being supported by Bible evidence. Let us consider this a little more in detail.

Taking for granted a belief in punishment and reward, we would first remark that no man's record can be completely made up at death. His life is closed, but his influence continues his “works do follow” him. If we are responsible for our influence-and this must be admitted-the record cannot be made up fully until the end of time.

In saying this we do not wish to infer that a man has not sealed his destiny when he dies. We believe he has. All we wish to affirm is that unless the judgment presupposes identical punishment or reward for all, the record cannot be made up at death. It may, indeed, be argued that, it is known Whether a person is saved or lost, and that therefore he may provisionally be admitted to one place or another. This may be granted, but does not solve the difficulty. Even in earthly courts the outcome of a committed crime is awaited before judgment is pronounced. If, in a shooting fray a man is wounded, judgment is based not on the immediate effect but on the final outcome of the shooting. The wounded man may linger for a week or two, or even a month. The criminal cannot demand an immediate trial and judgment, based, as it would have to be, on the fact that the wounded man has not as yet died, and that hence the criminal was not guilty of murder.

A man is responsible for more than the immediate effect of his acts. It seems altogether more reasonable that the judgment be delayed until all the facts are in, at which time a just estimate can be arrived at. If we admit that some will be punished with many stripes and some with few (Luke 12:48), the judgment cannot and must not take place until all factors can be considered. This can be done only at the time God designates the end of the world. In harmony With this is the statement that God will “reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.” 2 Peter 2:9.

The Saints Are Judges

The wicked are to be judged by the righteous. “The saints shall judge the world.....The world

shall be judged by you.” 1 Corinthians 6:2. As the angels have their work to do in heaven, so the redeemed will have theirs. God makes His plans known to His own, and gives them responsibilities to bear. The saints are given both the privilege and the responsibility of judgment. Humanly speaking, God does not want to run any risk of dissatisfaction or questionings. It is conceivable that some persons will be lost who others thought should be saved. If someone is missed in heaven, a question might come up concerning him in the minds of others as to why. It may be a person who was dear to us, whom we loved and for whom we prayed. Now he is lost. We don't know the circumstances; we don't know why.

If we have had a part in the judgment. If we ourselves have looked into the case and examined the evidence. If after weighing all the factors, we have at last concluded that the man did not want to be saved and would not be happy in heaven, no question will ever arise in our minds as to the justice of what was done. We had a part in the judgment; we know. We were there. We are satisfied. Moreover, this arrangement assures both a just and a merciful judgment. Some of those who will be lost we have loved. We have prayed for them. We will be kind to them till the last. No one will be punished more than he deserves. God's plan assures that.

It should be noted that the saints are to have a part in judging those whom they have known. If one purpose of God in allowing us to have a part in the judgment is to make sure that no doubt will ever arise in our minds, the saints must judge their own generation and their own acquaintances. This is both fearful and good. God must not run the risk of having someone say or think: “Some of my friends are lost, and 1 never had a chance to find out just what happened. 1 thought they would be saved. 1 understood them better than anyone else. I wish 1 had known a little more of their case.” Such a thing, of course, will never happen. God will see to that. Everyone will be satisfied as to the justice and the mercy of God. God's plan is rightly arranged. We shall know why certain people are lost. We shall have a part in their judgment.

No Judgment at Death

If what is said here is correct, there can be no judgment at death. A group of Christians are praying for a wayward young man. Day after day, year after year they pray, but without result. Then suddenly the young man dies. What about the judgment? Those who know him, those who have prayed for him, are still living. If the young man is to be judged by the saints immediately, they would all have to die immediately if they are to have a part in his judgment. Otherwise he would have to be judged by others, who did not know him. This holds true of all the wicked who have ever lived. They could not ordinarily be judged until a generation after their death, if they are to be judged by the saints. But not to be judged by the saints, or to be judged by others unknown to them, would frustrate God's plan and jeopardize it. We therefore hold that if the wicked are to be judged by the saints, they cannot be judged at death. God says the wicked are reserved unto the judgment at the end of the world.

While it is true that each generation best understands itself and should be judged in the light of its own knowledge, so that an Old Testament sinner should not be judged by New Testament standards, it is also true that before any consistent judgment can take place, there must be some knowledge as to general guiding rules and principles. This presupposes instruction and education, and this instruction must be based upon all factors involved. Christ's death must be reckoned with, also His atonement and teaching. just how, in view of this, could the saints of the first generations on earth have judged the wicked of their generation? It is evident that the idea of the saints having any part in the judgment must be given up if the judgment takes place at death. It is an admirable plan as God has conceived it. To have the saints take part in the judgment makes heaven a safe place and raises an effective barrier against further questionings and doubts.

Investigative Judgment

What about the judgment of the righteous? It is evident that some kind of investigation must take place before they are permitted to enter into eternal bliss. It must be decided whether their life and attitude warrant entrusting them with eternal life; and this decision must be arrived at before the Lord comes to take them home. It is no more reasonable to save the righteous and afterward have a judgment than to damn the wicked and afterward place them before the bar. But there is one difference. The wicked are not destroyed until the end of the thousand years. (Revelation 20A, 5) That gives abundant time to judge them after the Lord comes. But not so with the righteous. If they are to be judged at all, it any reward is to be meted out to them, their cases must be decided before the Lord comes. When He comes, His reward is with Him. (Revelation 22:12) Hence their status must be determined beforehand.

Some have objected to this teaching. They do not believe that there will be a judgment of the righteous before the Lord comes. Yet this seems only consistent. The cases of the righteous must be settled before the Lord comes-else how can it be known who is to be saved? If the objection be to the phrase investigative judgment which has been used, let another which is better be found. We are willing. It is not an executive judgment. The Bible calls it the “hour of His judgment” as contrasted with the day of judgment. (Revelation 14:7; Acts 17:31.) We believe investigative judgment best fits the case in regard to

the judgment of the righteous.

It seems eminently fitting that when the question of who are to be saved comes up, the angels should be present both to give their testimony and to follow the proceedings. (Daniel 7:9, 10) They have been vitally concerned in our welfare; they have been ministering spirits. Throughout the ages we are to associate and be with them, and they have a right to know who are to be admitted to the celestial abodes. This also is God's plan. The angels have experienced some of the results of sin. They have seen Lucifer apostatize. They have seen millions of angels go with him. They have seen the Savior suffer and die, and they know the misery which sin has caused. They are vitally interested in knowing who are to have eternal life. They have no desire to repeat the experience with sin through which they have passed. It is therefore God's wise plan that they have a part in the proceedings.

The Day of Atonement is a fit type of the day of judgment. It would be well for the reader to review the chapter on the Day of Atonement in the light of the present discussion. On that day there was a separation between the righteous and the wicked. The decision hinged entirely on who had confessed their sins and who had not. Those who had brought their offerings and complied with the ritual had their sins blotted out. The others were cut off.

We do not know of any record being kept in the sanctuary on earth as to who appeared during the year with a sacrifice. While possible, it is hardly likely that such a record was kept. We do know, however, that the blood placed on the horns of the altars (Jeremiah 17:1) in itself constituted a record. God had commanded sacrifices to be brought. We believe He respected His, own command and took notice of those who served Him in truth and uprightness. In His book they were recorded as faithful.

Of the judgment of the last day is written this: “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15. This text speaks definitely of the book of life, and says in effect that only those whose names are found in it are saved. Note the reading: “Whosoever was not found written in the book of life.” This suggests an examination of the book to find which names are there recorded. “Whosoever was not found.” What is this but an investigation? It is as though the command were given: “See whether this name is found in the book.” The report comes back, “I have found it,” or, “I have not found it.” Either report indicates an investigation. The expression, “Whosoever was not found,” justifies the contention that there is an examination of the record, resulting in a separation for salvation or condemnation.

Angels Have Part in Judgment

It seems so clear that there ought to be and must be an investigation of the record kept in heaven before the Lord comes, that the wonder is that any can seriously or honestly doubt it. It is true that God could in a moment, should He so desire, settle all questions as to the future destiny of everyone. With unerring accuracy He could consign one portion of mankind to be damned and another to be saved. But God could not do this, and at the same time allow angels and men to have a part in the judgment. And this is vital. God' must place every safeguard around the future existence. Men must, from their own investigation, be assured as to the justice of the punishment meted out. Angels who have been ministering spirits must be present when the saints are judged. For this reason books are kept. For this reason millions of angels are present at the judgment. (Daniel 7:10) God takes every step needed to make the future safe. Heaven and earth must be protected. God will not suddenly admit millions of human beings to the bliss of heaven and the privilege of eternal life without taking the angels into His confidence and counsel.

We say this reverently. The angels have passed through some sad experiences because of sin. They have seen millions of their fellow angels lost. They have seen Christ die on the cross. They have known of the sorrow of the Father because of sin. And should they not be interested in the question of the admittance of millions of redeemed sinners to eternal life? Should they not have some assurance that admitting men to heaven does not mean admitting sin? We speak after the manner of men. We believe they should have such assurance. And we believe that God gives it to them. They are present when the cases of the righteous are decided, as the saints have part in the judgment of the wicked. This constitutes an assurance for the future. No question ever will or ever can arise in the mind of anyone. God has seen to that.

The Thousand Years

The thousand years are a time of judgment. “I saw thrones,” said the revelator, “and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them.” Revelation 20:4. During this time the angels will have opportunity to become better acquainted with those who are to be heirs of salvation. We shall work with them in the judgment, which will concern both men and angels. As the little time before the coming of the Lord was an investigative judgment which concerned the righteous, so the thousand years are an investigative judgment which concerns the wicked. Their fate has already been decided, but other considerations made such a judgment necessary. Both men and angels have fellow creatures who will be lost and in whom they are interested. God safeguards all interests so that sin will not arise the second time. The angels have kept the record. Shall they have no part in the examination of the record when final decisions are made? They will have a part in the execution of the judgment (Revelation 20:1-3; 18:21; Ezekiel 9:1-11) At its conclusion they will give their testimony as to the justice of the decisions made. (Revelation 16:5, 7) This they can do only because they know the factors involved.

“The Father loves the Son, and hath given all things into His hands.” John 3:35. We may not be sure why the Father has given all things into the hands of the Son, but the statement occurs so many times that it is clear God wants us to know it. In addition to the statement quoted above, note the following: “Thou has put all things in subjection under His feet.” Hebrews 2:8. “All things are delivered unto Me of My Father.” Matthew 11:27 (Luke 10:22). “Thou has given Him power over all flesh.” John 17:2. This power includes judging. “The Father judges no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son.” John 5:22. Christ is “ordained of God to be the judge of quick and dead.” Acts 10:42. God will “judge the world in righteousness by that Man whom He hath ordained.” Acts 17:31. This includes the execution of the judgment, for the Father “hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of man.” John 5:27. This granting of authority to the Son may all be summed up in the sweeping statement of Christ Himself: “All power is given unto Me in heaven and in earth.” Matthew 28:18. This leaves no doubt as to the extent of the power given Him. It is till power in heaven and earth.

These statements become interesting in view of their wording. The Father was in possession of all these powers, but for some reason He bequeathed them to the Son. Notice how God has “given,” “put,” “delivered,” “committed,” “given . . . authority” to, “ordained,” His Son. All that the Father had He gave to the Son. God at some time in the past put all things under Christ, told Him to reign, to execute judgment, and gave Him all power in heaven and earth.

The whole controversy reveals a trait in the character of God that is most comforting. God could have treated the rebels differently. He would not have needed to heed the charges placed against Him by Satan. But He submitted His case to be decided upon the basis of the evidence presented. He could afford to wait and let created beings decide for themselves. He knew that His case was just and that it could stand investigation. He was eminently fair and just in all respects.

This gives us ground for believing that the judgment to come will be conducted along lines that will measure up to the highest conceptions of justice and right, not to say mercy. God is not revengeful. He is not waiting for an opportunity to “pay back.” He wills that all men be saved and come to repentance. He takes no delight in the death of the wicked.

There are some things, however, that God cannot do. He would be happy to save all, but it would not be best to do so. For this there are several reasons. Many do not wish to be saved on the terms that alone can ensure life. The rules which God has laid down for our guidance are the rules of life, and not arbitrary decrees. Society cannot exist, either here or in heaven, if men do not stop killing one another. That seems so evident that no one will attempt to dispute it.

Killing has its root in hatred. It would not be safe to permit one who hates his brother-or who hates anyone-to live in heaven with others. To expect peace and harmony under such conditions would be folly. Men have abundantly demonstrated that hatred leads to murder. It needs no more demonstration. If God expects to have a peaceful heaven, He must exclude murderers. That means He must exclude all who hate.

But it means more. Love is the only effective antidote for hate. Only he who loves is safe. Absence of love means hatred sooner or later. Hence, love becomes one of the laws of life. Only he who loves complies with the law; hence only he has the right to live. That right should not be jeopardized by permitting hatred to flourish. Those who cherish hatred in their lives, violate the law of life. It would not be safe to save such, even should they want to be saved. There must be no murderers in heaven, no violators of the commandment which says, “Thou shall not kill.” The same argument holds true with respect to all the

other commandments.

When God therefore admits men and angels to sit in judgment, He does more than merely take them into partnership. This is important. For the sake of the future it is necessary. We need the assurance that a personal part in the judgment will give us. But more is involved. When God admits saints and angels to a part in the judgment, they are in reality passing upon God's work. The rules, the principles, the laws governing men and angels, come under scrutiny. In a certain sense God is being judged. (Romans 3A.)

In the light of these statements the fact that men and angels at the end of the controversy express their belief in the justice of God takes on added significance. The great question always has been: Is God just,, or are Satan's accusations true? At the end of the controversy the angel of the waters says, “Thou art righteous, 0 Lord.” Revelation 16:5. Another angel says. “Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Thy judgments.” Verse 7. “Much people in heaven” say, “Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honor, and power, unto the Lord our God: for true and righteous are His judgments.” Revelation 19:1,2. Those who have been victorious over the beast and the image say, “Just and true are, Thy ways, Thou King of saints.” Revelation 15:3. And as God resumes the throne, “a great multitude” “as the voice of mighty thundering” shout, “Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigns.” Revelation 9:6. But God does not reign alone. When “the kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ” (Revelation 11:15), when the accuser is finally cast down, then the throne of God and the Lamb shall be set up. Glorious consummation of our hope! (Revelation 12:10; 22:5)

 

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