If God won the War, Why isn't It Over?

 

Judging the Judgment

 

There are certain issues about the judgment which have not received adequate attention.

For whose sakes is the judgment held?

Does God need to make up His mind on some matters?

What aspects of the sin problem are being dealt with now that were not dealt with at the cross?

Having been justified apart from works,"For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law." Romans 3:28; " However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness." Romans 4:5 why is the believer and the record of his works brought up for consideration in the judgment?"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad." 2 Corinthians 5:10; "You, then, why do you judge your brother? or why do you look down on your brother? For we will all stand before God's judgment seat." Romans 14:10; "My conscience is clear, but that does not make my innocent. It is the Lord who judges me. Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God." 1 Corinthians 4:4, 5.

Who are the protagonists in the judgment?

What are the real, central issues being debated in this cosmic courtroom?

In the following pages, we will seek an understanding of these larger issues. These brief chapters may at best serve only as thought-stimulators. But it is this author's conviction that our great need is to place the judgment in the midst of a larger theological framework in which it makes absolutely good sense and does not conflict with what we already understand of God and how He works. Other matters -- the date for the judgment, the exact architecture of the heavenly sanctuary, and Jesus' physical location during the final atonement -- can all be better understood after this basic framework is settled. The far more crucial matter is to see the final, pre-advent judgment as a necessary and soundly Biblical part of God's plan to end the sin problem in the universe.

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This page maintained by Allen Roy. Last updated 09/20/99.