“And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.”
(Acts 10:42)
Christ is not only the Savior of His people, He is also the appointed Judge of all mankind. The One who was despised, rejected, condemned, and crucified by sinful men now reigns in glory and has been appointed by the Father to judge both the living and the dead. As a result, every tongue shall confess His lordship, and every knee shall bow before His throne.
The day of judgment will reveal the majesty of Christ to the whole creation; no one will escape His summons. Kings and servants, rich and poor, learned and unlearned, believers and unbelievers alike shall appear before His judgment seat. Nothing shall be hidden from His perfect knowledge, for He knows every thought, every word, every motive, and every deed.
Christ’s judgment is perfectly righteous. He cannot be deceived, bribed, or persuaded by appearances. His verdicts are altogether just, for righteousness is inherent in His very nature. Every sentence He pronounces will display the holiness, wisdom, and justice of God.
But for those who trust in Him, this Judge is also their Redeemer. The One before whom they will stand is the very One who bore their sins, fulfilled all righteousness on their behalf, and intercedes continually for them. So His people need not dread condemnation, for they have already been justified by His grace and clothed in His perfect righteousness.[1]
He who once came in humility shall return in unspeakable glory and majesty. Every eye will see Him. His glory will exceed all earthly splendor, and the whole creation will acknowledge that He alone is worthy to judge the world.
Blessed be the Lord Jesus Christ, for He is both the righteous Judge and the gracious Savior. His judgment will be terrible to the impenitent, but full of hope to those who belong to Him for He shall vindicate His people, destroy every enemy, and establish His everlasting kingdom in perfect righteousness.
Contemplations:
- Remembering That Christ Shall Judge Me. I tend to be preoccupied with my daily responsibilities while forgetting that one day I will stand before Christ. This truth calls me to examine my heart, confess my sins, and to walk carefully before the Lord each day.
- Resting In My Redeemer. The Judge before whom I will one day stand is the very Savior who loved me and gave Himself for me. My faith rests entirely in His righteousness and not in anything within myself.
- Living For Eternal Approval. The opinions of this world rise and fall, but Christ’s judgment is final and perfect. I therefore desire His approval above every earthly commendation and to order my life according to His Word.
- Longing For His Appearing. The return of Christ is not just the end of history; it is the beginning of everlasting joy for His people. I want to love His appearing and to await that day with faith, hope, and holy expectation.
Prayer (Supplication):
Righteous Father, I come before You in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, whom You have appointed to be the Judge of the living and the dead. I acknowledge that You are perfectly holy, perfectly just, and perfectly true in all Your judgments.
Grant me grace to live in the light of that coming day when I will stand before Christ. And let the certainty of His return keep me humble, watchful, and obedient.
Search my heart to reveal every sinful way within me and lead me to repentance and renewed faith in my Savior. Let me never trust in my own righteousness, but only in the perfect obedience and atoning sacrifice of Christ.
Strengthen my faith when I am tempted to fear. Remind me that my Judge is also my Redeemer, my Advocate, and my Shepherd. Cause me to rest in His finished work and to rejoice that there is no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus.
Prepare me to meet my Lord with confidence and joy. Help me use every opportunity to glorify You, to love Your people, to proclaim Your truth, and to live in a manner worthy of the gospel.
And may the expectation of Christ’s glorious appearing purify my heart, direct my steps, and increase my longing for the everlasting kingdom where righteousness dwells.
I ask all these things through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior, Amen.
Further Scripture References:
2 Tim. 4:1; John 5:22; Acts 17:31; 1 Peter 4:5
[1] William Jenkyn, An Exposition upon the Epistle of Jude, ed. James Sherman (Edinburgh; London: James Nichol; James Nisbet & Co., 1865), 147-148.
