Tag: authority to judge
The Millennial Reign!
Scripture reading for December 27th: Revelation 20
Key Scriptures for over-comers: Revelation 20:4-6 “I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the Word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his image and had not received his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years.”
Over-comers are revealed to John as sitting on thrones judging during the thousand year reign of Christ on earth. They were martyrs during the time of tribulation because of their refusal to worship the beast or his image, and they would not take his mark! Now they are rewarded with authority and given thrones of judgment!
Observations for over-comers: Over-comers keep their eyes on the prize and finish the race with anticipation! “The righteous will be glad when they are avenged, when they bathe their feet in the blood of the wicked. Then men will say, “Surely the righteous still are rewarded; surely there is a God who judges the earth.” (Psalm 58:10-11)
The Son as Judge!
Scripture reading for May 8th: John 5:24-47
“I tell you the truth, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be condemned; he has crossed over from death to life. I tell you the truth, a time is coming and has now come when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who hear will live. For as the Father has life in Himself, so He has granted the Son to have life in Himself. And He has given Him authority to judge because He is the Son of Man.” (John 5:24-27)
Jesus plainly told the Jews who were persecuting Him for healing on the Sabbath that He came from the Father and all His miracles were a result of seeing the Father at work. He further instructed them that whoever would hear His word and believe in the Father would have eternal life. Those who did not believe would be condemned and remain in death. God The Father was a life-giver and Jesus Christ was given the ability to speak life to those who would hear Him. Life was a characteristic of Jesus and the Father. This word for life is ‘zoe’, life eternal and complete.
Jesus went on to tell these people about a time coming in the future. “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out–those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned. By Myself I can do nothing, I judge only as I hear, and My judgment is just for I seek not to please Myself but Him who sent Me.” (John 5:28-30) Like God, Jesus will have the power to give life to the dead. At a specific time in the future, all the dead will hear Jesus voice calling them to life. Some will rise and be condemned. (Revelation 20:11-14) Some will rise and be rewarded with eternal life. (Daniel 12:2-3) (John 5:28) The Son will judge as He hears the Father declare the truth concerning each one from the Books of heaven.
These glimpses of the eternal role of Jesus Christ should bring reverence and a desire to be found doing good. We should honor the Father and the Son! Today might be the day of resurrection!