Topical Encyclopedia The concept of a divinely appointed day of judgment is a central theme in Christian eschatology, reflecting the belief that God will ultimately judge the actions of every individual. This day is often referred to as "The Day of the Lord" or simply "The Judgment," and it is depicted as a time when God's justice will be fully revealed and executed.Biblical Foundation The Bible provides numerous references to this appointed day of judgment, emphasizing its certainty and the righteousness of God's judgment. In the Old Testament, the prophets frequently spoke of a coming day when God would judge the nations and establish His justice. For instance, the prophet Joel declares, "The LORD thunders from Zion and utters His voice from Jerusalem, and the heavens and the earth tremble. But the LORD is a refuge for His people, a stronghold for the people of Israel" (Joel 3:16). In the New Testament, the theme of judgment is further developed, with Jesus Christ Himself affirming the reality of this future event. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns, "But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken" (Matthew 12:36). This underscores the comprehensive nature of the judgment, where even words are subject to divine scrutiny. The Role of Jesus Christ Central to the New Testament understanding of the day of judgment is the role of Jesus Christ as the appointed judge. The Apostle Paul, in his address to the Athenians, proclaims, "For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead" (Acts 17:31). This passage highlights the resurrection of Jesus as the assurance of His authority to judge. Furthermore, in the Gospel of John, Jesus states, "Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son" (John 5:22). This delegation of judgment to Christ emphasizes His divine authority and the fulfillment of God's redemptive plan through Him. The Nature of the Judgment The day of judgment is characterized by its finality and impartiality. The Apostle Paul writes to the Romans, "For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: 'As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.' So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God" (Romans 14:10-12). This passage underscores the universality of the judgment, where every individual, regardless of status or background, will be accountable to God. The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of the final judgment, where John describes, "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened" (Revelation 20:11-12). This imagery conveys the awe-inspiring and solemn nature of the event, as well as the comprehensive record of human deeds. Implications for Believers and Unbelievers For believers, the day of judgment is both a source of hope and a call to holy living. The Apostle Peter exhorts, "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar, the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and its works will be laid bare. Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to conduct yourselves in holiness and godliness" (2 Peter 3:10-11). This passage encourages believers to live in anticipation of the Lord's return, striving for righteousness and godliness. For unbelievers, the day of judgment serves as a warning of the consequences of rejecting God's offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. The writer of Hebrews cautions, "Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). This underscores the urgency of responding to the gospel message, as the opportunity for repentance is limited to this life. Conclusion The appointed day of judgment is a pivotal event in the biblical narrative, affirming God's justice and sovereignty. It serves as a reminder of the moral accountability of all humanity and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive purposes through Jesus Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 17:31Because he has appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he has ordained; whereof he has given assurance to all men, in that he has raised him from the dead. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 2:16 Library Of the Day of Judgment. Fast-Day Service The Day of Judgment. Extracted from a Sermon by Hugh Latimer ... On the Last Judgment and the Resurrection, Hell, Purgatory, and ... Coming Judgment of the Secrets of Men The Life of Mr. John Scrimzeor. Jeremy Taylor -- Christ's Advent to Judgment The Resurrection of the Dead, and Eternal Judgment: Sermon xxvii. Knox's Book of Common Order. Resources What is Judgment Day? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Great White Throne Judgment? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that judgment begins at the house of God? | GotQuestions.org Judgment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Judgment: According to Opportunity and Works The Judgment of Christians, by the Gospel The Judgment of Heathen, by the Law of Conscience The Judgment of Jews, by the Law of Moses The Judgment: A Day Appointed For The Judgment: A First Principle of the Gospel The Judgment: Called The: Day of Destruction The Judgment: Called The: Day of Judgment and Perdition of Ungodly Men The Judgment: Called The: Day of Wrath The Judgment: Called The: Judgment of the Great Day The Judgment: Called The: Revelation of the Righteous Judgment of God The Judgment: Christ Will Acknowledge Saints At The Judgment: Devils Shall be Condemned At The Judgment: Final Punishment of the Wicked Will Succeed The Judgment: Neglected Advantages Increase Condemnation At The Judgment: None, by Nature Can Stand In The Judgment: Perfect Love Will Give Boldness In The Judgment: Predicted in the Old Testament The Judgment: Saints Shall be Rewarded At The Judgment: Saints Shall Sit With Christ In The Judgment: Saints Shall, Through Christ, be Enabled to Stand In The Judgment: Shall be Administered by Christ The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: All Men The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: All Nations The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: Quick and Dead The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: Small and Great The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: The Righteous and Wicked The Judgment: Shall be in Righteousness The Judgment: Shall be of All: Actions The Judgment: Shall be of All: Thoughts The Judgment: Shall be of All: Words The Judgment: Shall Take Place at the Coming of Christ The Judgment: The Books Shall be Opened At The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Faith The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Holiness The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Prayer and Watchfulness The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Repentance The Judgment: The Wicked Dread The Judgment: The Wicked Shall be Condemned In The Judgment: The Word of Christ Shall be a Witness Against the Wicked In The Judgment: Time of, Unknown to Us The Judgment: Warn the Wicked of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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