The Judge, The Judged, The Judgment
Read the Text: Revelation 20
Memorize the Text:
Then I heard a loud voice from the throne: Look, God’s dwelling is with humanity, and he will live with them. They will be his peoples, and God himself will be with them and will be their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.
(Revelation 21:3-4, CSB)
Consider the Text: Revelation 20
The apostle John detailed the final war of the great spiritual battle that marks the ultimate victory of the Lord and the ultimate defeat of the evil one. Following that battle, the entire world faces the final judgment that brings forth the final status of humanity. Thus, Revelation 20 centers around the great judgment and the eternal aftermath. We need to understand the scene by recognizing the Judge, the judged, and the judgment.
THE JUDGE
The great last court scene occurs with Christ as the one, true, eternal Judge. The Father grants Christ the right to serve as the Judge over the great judgment in John 5:22. In Revelation 20, John now pens concerning the role of Christ as Judge. He proclaims judgment upon each individual because he holds all authority and power to declare judgment. This authority comes from the Father, and the power becomes evident as the judgment cannot be overturned or overcome.
Believers today have the hope of knowing the Judge personally. The believer stands before the last great judgment with the knowledge of finding their hope, peace, and identity in the Judge. As a result, the presence of Christ as the Judge must not lead to fear but should provide comfort and hope for the believer.
THE JUDGED
A judge declares judgment upon those who are being judged. Christ serves as the Judge over all humanity in the final great judgment. Thus, those judged include all humanity who has ever walked the earth. Christ judges those who follow Him and those who reject Him. No one escapes the promised moment of facing the Judge; as a result, all people stand before the Lord judged.
As the judged, believers face this moment resting and trusting in the justice and promises of the Lord. The believer must recognize that they will stand before the Lord and be asked to respond to their actions. What separates believers from others judged is that their status of righteousness does not rest in their activities or righteousness, but their righteousness rest in the Judge, Christ. At the same time, the believer understands that those judged in their rejection of the Judge face the eternal judgment of the Lord.
THE JUDGMENT
Christ proclaims a final judgment upon all of humanity. This judgment comes as certain and foundational. The decision cannot be overcome or overturned. The judgment occurs in one of two manners. First, those who reject the Lord will receive the judgment and eternal wrath of the Lord in the place of eternal torment known as Hell. Second, those who receive Christ as Lord and Savior receive the eternal reward of Heaven and being in the eternal presence of the Lord.
The believer rests in the hope of eternity. The believers rest in the promise of dwelling with the Lord and receiving the blessing of the Lord. The promises provide hope here and now and motivate believers to live faithfully in the Lord. As we near the end of Revelation, may we not be overcome by fear or intrigue, but may we find hope, peace, and promise in the reality of the coming Day of Judgment.
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
