Tuesday, November 7, 2006
Matthew 25:31-32 "When the Son of Man . . . All nations will be gathered before Him . . ."
WHO? JESUS!
Every so often I receive from well-intentioned individuals an e-mail that speaks of one standing before the judgment seat. The general picture goes like this: The Father is behind the judge's bench, Satan is the prosecutor, and Jesus is the defender.
Scripture presents no such picture of the Day of Judgment. Yes, the Father and the Holy Spirit will be there on that day with Jesus. Yes, the devil will be present along with all his wicked angels. However, the Father has given into the hands of His Son Jesus the "gavel of judgment".
Two comforting passages come to mind as we consider who it is who will judge all peoples. The first is in Matthew 25, parts of verses 31 and 32: "When the Son of Man . . . All nations will be gathered before Him . . ." It is Jesus who shall sit in judgment on that day.
The second passage is in Romans 8 verses 33 and 34: "Who shall bring a charge against God's elect? It is God who justifies. Who is he who condemns? It is Christ who died, and further more is also risen, who is even at the right hand of God, who also makes intercession for us."
Does it get any better than this? Jesus, who saved me, is my judge, my jury, my defender!
"Bold shall I stand on that great day" because as Paul begins that comforting chapter in Romans 8 with these words: "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus."
Who will judge? Jesus, my crucified, risen and ascended Lord.
