Topical Encyclopedia The title of "Judge" ascribed to Jesus Christ is deeply rooted in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting His divine authority and role in executing judgment. This title underscores His sovereignty, righteousness, and the fulfillment of God's plan for justice.Old Testament Foreshadowing The concept of a divine judge is prevalent throughout the Old Testament, where God is often depicted as the ultimate judge of His people and the nations. This role is prophetically attributed to the Messiah, who would come to establish justice and righteousness. Isaiah 11:3-4 speaks of the coming Messiah: "He will not judge by what His eyes see, nor decide by what His ears hear. But with righteousness He will judge the poor, and with equity He will decide for the lowly of the earth." New Testament Fulfillment In the New Testament, Jesus is explicitly identified as the Judge appointed by God. This role is affirmed in several passages, highlighting His authority to judge both the living and the dead. In John 5:22, Jesus declares, "Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son." This passage emphasizes the transfer of judicial authority from the Father to the Son, establishing Jesus as the ultimate arbiter of divine justice. Judgment of Believers and Unbelievers The New Testament further elaborates on the scope of Jesus' judgment. Believers are assured of a judgment that leads to reward, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:10: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad." This judgment is not for condemnation but for the evaluation of one's works and faithfulness. Conversely, Jesus' role as judge also encompasses the judgment of unbelievers. Acts 17:31 states, "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." This passage underscores the certainty and universality of Christ's judgment, which will be executed with perfect justice. The Final Judgment The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of the final judgment, where Jesus, as the righteous judge, will execute the ultimate judgment upon all humanity. Revelation 20:11-12 describes this scene: "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." The Righteous Judge Jesus' role as judge is characterized by His perfect righteousness and impartiality. 2 Timothy 4:8 refers to Him as "the righteous Judge," highlighting His fairness and the assurance that His judgments are true and just. This title assures believers of the integrity and justice of Christ's judgments, providing comfort and hope in His ultimate reign. In summary, the title of "Judge" attributed to Jesus Christ encapsulates His divine authority, the fulfillment of prophetic expectations, and His role in executing God's perfect justice. Through His judgments, both present and future, Jesus affirms His sovereignty and the ultimate realization of God's righteous kingdom. Nave's Topical Index Acts 10:42And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. Nave's Topical Index Library On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ... Cli. Letter or Address of Theodoret to the Monks of the ... Hypocrisy Answer to Eunomius' Second Book . The Life and Death of Mr. Badman, Resources Who is Jesus Christ? | GotQuestions.orgIs there power in the name of Jesus? | GotQuestions.org Is Jesus God? Did Jesus ever claim to be God? | GotQuestions.org Jesus: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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