In the Bible, judgment refers to God’s evaluation of the righteousness or unrighteousness of individuals, often culminating in a final reckoning at the end of time (Revelation 20:11-15). From an Adventist perspective, this includes a pre-advent investigative judgment that assesses believers’ lives before Christ’s second coming, emphasizing God’s fairness and mercy in His judicial process.
Scripture
9 “As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire.
10 A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.
11 “I looked then because of the sound of the great words that the horn was speaking. And as I looked, the beast was killed, and its body destroyed and given over to be burned with fire.”
12 As for the rest of the beasts, their dominion was taken away, but their lives were prolonged for a season and a time.
13 I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him.
14 And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed.
Judgment in the Bible: An Adventist View
From the Adventist perspective, judgment in the Bible holds a profound and multifaceted significance, emphasizing both accountability and hope. At the heart of this belief is the understanding of a pre-advent investigative judgment, which is rooted in the interpretation of key scripture passages such as Daniel 8:14, where it is foretold that “for 2,300 evenings and mornings; then the sanctuary shall be restored to its rightful state.” Adventists believe this indicates a specific period during which God reviews the lives of those who claim to follow Him, ensuring that justice is served before the second coming of Christ. This pre-advent judgment underscores the belief that God is not only merciful but also meticulous in His evaluation, taking into consideration the choices and faith of individuals throughout their lives.
In addition, the final judgment described in Revelation 20:11-15 illuminates the dual nature of God’s judgment: it ultimately leads to vindication for the righteous and accountability for the wicked. The idea of the “books” being opened suggests a detailed examination of one’s actions, reflecting God’s desire for transparency and truth (Revelation 20:12). This serves as a reassurance for believers, affirming that their faith and actions matter deeply in the scope of eternal life. As articulated in 2 Corinthians 5:10, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ,” this belief strengthens the notion that individuals are called not only to live righteously but also to participate in the transformative grace that empowers them to reflect Christ’s character, thereby fostering a relationship built on love and obedience in the anticipation of the ultimate restoration to come.
Expanding upon the theme of judgment from an Adventist perspective, the concept of judgment is intricately tied to the overall narrative of sin, redemption, and grace found throughout the scriptures. The book of Matthew highlights the teachings of Jesus concerning judgment, where He emphasizes that our words and actions will reveal our true character (Matthew 12:36-37). Here, it is understood that judgment is not merely an assessment but also a reflection of one’s inner spiritual condition. This aligns with the Adventist belief that God’s judgment will reveal the essence of a person’s relationship with Him, shedding light on the transformative power of grace in the lives of the faithful.
Moreover, the prophetic books, specifically those of Zechariah and Malachi, illustrate the judgment process as part of God’s broader plan for His people—a process that seeks purification and restoration. For instance, Zechariah 3 depicts a vision of Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, representing the assurance that God’s people will be cleansed and redeemed, even when they appear unworthy. This narrative reinforces the hope that through Christ, believers can be seen as righteous, despite their shortcomings. Similarly, Malachi presents a picture of God’s refining fire that purges and prepares His faithful servants for eternity. This assurance inspires Adventists to live lives of faithfulness, not out of fear of condemnation but out of gratitude for the grace that allows them to stand assured in judgment, knowing that their names have been recorded in the book of life through Christ’s redemptive sacrifice. Together, these themes advocate for a comprehensive view of judgment that encapsulates justice while simultaneously offering a profound promise of hope and renewal.
The Investigative Judgment
In the Adventist perspective, the concept of Investigative Judgment is pivotal. This belief posits that Christ entered the heavenly sanctuary to begin a process of judgment that assesses the lives of believers. This phase is seen as a prelude to the final judgment, where the faithful are vindicated, and their names are confirmed in the Book of Life. This process emphasizes the importance of personal accountability and the need for believers to live in accordance with God’s commandments, as their actions and faith will be scrutinized.
The Final Judgment
The Final Judgment represents the culmination of God’s plan for humanity, where all individuals will stand before God to account for their lives. In this view, the judgment is not merely punitive but serves to reveal God’s justice and mercy. The Adventist perspective emphasizes that this judgment will be based on the choices individuals have made in their lives, reflecting the character of God and the principles of His kingdom. It underscores the hope of redemption and the ultimate restoration of creation, where the faithful will receive eternal life.
The Judgment as a Reflection of God’s Character
In the Adventist understanding, judgment is intrinsically linked to the character of God. It is seen as an expression of His love, justice, and righteousness. Rather than being a mere legalistic process, judgment is portrayed as a means through which God’s nature is revealed. This perspective encourages believers to view judgment not with fear, but with hope, as it affirms God’s commitment to justice and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The judgment process is thus a demonstration of God’s desire for humanity to choose Him and to live in harmony with His will.
How to Embrace Divine Justice for a Better Faith Journey
Embracing divine justice is a transformative step in your faith journey, inviting you to see the world through God’s eyes and to act with compassion and integrity. Start by reflecting on the stories of justice in the Bible, like the parable of the Good Samaritan, which teaches us that true love for our neighbor transcends societal boundaries. Allow these narratives to inspire you to seek fairness and mercy in your own life, recognizing that divine justice is not merely about punishment but about restoration and healing. Engage in prayer, asking God to open your heart to the injustices around you and to guide you in being an agent of change. Remember, embracing divine justice means standing up for the marginalized and oppressed, embodying Christ’s love in action. As you do this, you’ll find that your faith deepens, and your relationship with God flourishes, as you align your heart with His desire for a just and loving world.
Bible References to Judgment in Scripture:
Revelation 14:6-12: 6 Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and language and people.
7 And he said with a loud voice, “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come, and worship him who made heaven and earth, the sea and the springs of water.”
8 Another angel, a second, followed, saying, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great, she who made all nations drink the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality.”
9 And another angel, a third, followed them, saying with a loud voice, “If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives a mark on his forehead or on his hand,
10 he also will drink the wine of God’s wrath, poured full strength into the cup of his anger, and he will be tormented with fire and sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and in the presence of the Lamb.
11 And the smoke of their torment goes up forever and ever, and they have no rest, day or night, these worshipers of the beast and its image, and whoever receives the mark of its name.
12 Here is a call for the endurance of the saints, those who keep the commandments of God and their faith in Jesus.
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14: 13 The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.
14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.
Matthew 25:31-46: 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.
32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.
33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.
34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.
35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me,
36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.
37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
38 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?
39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?
40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
41 “Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.
42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink,
43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.
44 Then they also will answer, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?’
45 Then he will answer them, saying, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’
46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.
Romans 14:10-12: 10 Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;
11 for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.”
12 So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.
2 Corinthians 5:10: 10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil.
1 Peter 4:17-18: 17 For it is time for judgment to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
18 And “If the righteous is scarcely saved, what will become of the ungodly and the sinner?”
Revelation 20:11-15: Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.
12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.
13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done.
14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
John 5:22-30: 22 The Father judges no one, but has given all judgment to the Son,
23 that all may honor the Son, just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father who sent him.
24 Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.
25 “Truly, truly, I say to you, an hour is coming, and is now here, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God, and those who hear will live.
26 For as the Father has life in himself, so he has granted the Son also to have life in himself.
27 And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man.
28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice
29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.
30 “I can do nothing on my own. As I hear, I judge, and my judgment is just, because I seek not my own will but the will of him who sent me.”
Acts 17:30-31: 30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent,
31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
Hebrews 9:27-28: 27 And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
28 so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.
Revelation 22:12-14: 12 “Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.
13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
14 Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates.
Matthew 12:36-37: 36 I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak.
37 For by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.
1 Corinthians 4:4-5: 4 For I am not aware of anything against myself, but I am not thereby acquitted. It is the Lord who judges me.
5 Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.
Revelation 3:5-6: 5 The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels.
6 He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches.
Malachi 3:1-5: 1 “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts.”
2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner’s fire and like fullers’ soap.
3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord.
4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.
5 “Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the Lord of hosts.”
Isaiah 33:22: 22 For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us.
Psalm 96:10-13: 10 Say among the nations, “The Lord reigns! Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved; he will judge the peoples with equity.”
11 Let the heavens be glad, and let the earth rejoice; let the sea roar, and all that fills it.
12 Let the field exult, and everything in it! Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy.
13 For he comes, for he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in his faithfulness.
Jeremiah 17:10: 10 “I the Lord search the heart
and test the mind,
to give every man according to his ways,
according to the fruit of his deeds.”
Zephaniah 1:14-18: 14 The great day of the Lord is near, near and hastening fast; the sound of the day of the Lord is bitter; the mighty man cries aloud there.
15 A day of wrath is that day,
a day of distress and anguish,
a day of ruin and devastation,
a day of darkness and gloom,
a day of clouds and thick darkness,
16 a day of trumpet blast and battle cry against the fortified cities and against the lofty battlements.
17 I will bring distress on mankind, so that they shall walk like the blind, because they have sinned against the Lord; their blood shall be poured out like dust, and their flesh like dung.
18 Neither their silver nor their gold
shall be able to deliver them
on the day of the wrath of the Lord.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.