[I watched till thrones were put in place, and the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like pure wool. His throne was a fiery flame, its wheels a burning fire; a fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him. A thousand thousands ministered to Him; ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him. The court was seated, and the books were opened] (Dan. 7:9, 10).
[And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and the books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.] [And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man] were all summoned before the throne (Rev. 20:12, 6:15).
What an appalling and dreadful scene of the great Judgment Day of the universe! Even in the courts of the world, when the judge asks the convict for his address with a loud voice, the convict is so shaken up with terror that he is unable to even utter one word. Then, who can dare stand without horror and fear in the great judgment hall of the universe in which the King of the universe, the Lord of lords, the God of heaven takes His seat?
The seat of the Supreme Judge is not like those lifeless thrones of kings and judges in the world; it is a living seat, moving with animation, praising God and also speaking on its own, which will appear before all the righteous and sinners of the whole world.
And the fiery flames coming forth from it is so exceedingly hot and dreadful that it can consume and melt the whole world, and no power of man or science can extinguish it. [A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him.] The attendants of the Supreme Judge are a thousand thousands and ten thousands times ten thousand standing before Him. Their power and might is so great that once, just one angel came down and slew one hundred and eighty-five thousand mighty men of the Assyrian army overnight - an army that wielded the greatest power all over the world at the time. These beings of such tremendous power and might are the heavenly hosts of the Lord, His civil and military officials. They are now standing as eyewitnesses to every act of Satan and his agents, and of all sinners in the world.
And in this great judgment hall, there stands a Lawyer (Advocate) who once as the Son of God, abandoned heaven and came down to be slain on the cross for sinners - Jesus Christ. [If anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous] (1 John 2:1). [He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them] (Heb. 7:25).
Jesus Christ is the unique Lawyer in this heavenly court of the universe who can plead for the sinners' behalf, saying, "This man is innocent. He is a righteous man. He has cleansed himself through My blood. He is fit for heaven." This Lawyer's pleading is so trustworthy and truthful that it is perfectly accepted by the Supreme Judge. Blessed are those for whom He pleads.
Now in this appalling and dreadful court of the universe which can not be described in words, the sight being so fearful, the Supreme Judge of the Universe sitting on the throne of fiery flame begins to speak toward the kings of the earth, the rich men, and Satan the instigator and his agents, all trembling with dark faces.
[Behold, it is written before Me: I will not keep in silence, but will repay - even repay into their bosom - your iniquities and the iniquities of your fathers together, says the Lord, who have burned incense on the mountains and blasphemed Me on the hills; therefore I will measure their former work into their bosom] (Isa. 65:6, 7).
In the courtrooms of this world, the charges are judged according to the severity of the crime, but in the heavenly court, trial begins by strict investigation of the motives that had been held in mind before the crime was originated, and all the secret purposes and motives that had been held throughout the lifetime. Every thought, every wrong word, every deed done, all hidden selfishness, every unjust account and every unfair dealing and thought, every big and small word and act of everyday, unfulfilled duties to their fellow men, wasted moments, every negligence, heaven-sent warnings or reproofs neglected, unimproved opportunities, forgetfulness of the Savior's claims, how often they gave to Satan thought and strength that belonged to God, and every thought, however small, that flashed upon the mind which may be forgotten by us, all of these are faithfully recorded in the book. Moreover, all sins that may have been committed if opportunity had permitted, absorption in the acquirement of worldly possessions or the enjoyment of earthly pleasure, the influence exerted for evil with its far-reaching results, are all passed in review before God and strictly investigated and judged. The Supreme Judge of the universe is never deceived by the appearance of piety in hypocrites. Beginning with those who lived first upon the earth, the case of every single person of each successive generation is presented, closing with the living. Every name is mentioned, every case closely investigated. Names are accepted, names rejected.
The mightiest conqueror upon the earth cannot call back the record of even a single day. Our acts, our words, even our most secret motives, all have their weight in deciding our destiny for weal or woe. Though they may be forgotten by us, they will bear their testimony to justify or condemn. That is why Jesus said, [If your right eye causes you to sin, pluck it out and cast it from you; for it is more profitable for you that one of your members perish, than for your whole body to be cast into hell.] (Matt. 5:29, 30).
On the other hand, the Supreme Judge of the universe has another book in which are accurately recorded the good deeds of His people, [Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name] (Mal. 3:16, NIV).
In this Book of Life are written all good deeds of those who honor Him and think upon His name, and every act of charity that may not have been known to others nor rewarded during their lifetime. To list them, they are as follows: every good purpose, motive and thought of faith, every good word, every evil overcome and every temptation resisted, all the acts of love and good deeds, every word of tender pity expressed, every act of sacrifice that is not made known to others, every suffering and sorrow endured for the sake of God and Christ, the influence exerted for good with its far-reaching results, faithful and sincere acts, all the persecutions, insults, contempt and scornful treatments received until the final moments and martyrdom. These are all faithfully recorded. [And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water ... assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward] (Matt. 10:42).
[For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether it is good or whether it is evil] (Eccles. 12:14). In the Supreme Judgment Hall of Justice, everything is judged according to the great principle of heaven, "reap as sown." [So then each of us shall give account of himself to God] (Rom. 14:12). [For whatever a man sows, that he will also reap] (Gal 6:7). [Those who have done good] are judged favorably, receiving great reward and eternal life while [those who have done evil] reap punishment and death. And everyone who has existed on earth will settle all accounts of what he has sown throughout his life.
We should be grateful to the Supreme Judge of the universe that there is no misjudgment, partiality, taking bribes, or injustice with Him, contrary to unjust human judges of this earth. [Now therefore, let the fear of the Lord be upon you; take care and do it, for there is no iniquity with the Lord our God, no partiality, nor taking of bribes] (2 Chro. 19:7).
Now the Supreme Judge of the universe, the living God sitting above all the chief judges, is speaking toward all judges of the world today, [Woe to men mighty at drinking wine, woe to men valiant for mixing intoxicating drink, who justify the wicked for a bribe, and take away justice from the righteous man.] [Cursed is the one who takes a bribe to slay an innocent person.] [Behold, it is written before Me I will not keep silence, but will repay - even repay into their bosom] (Isa. 5:22, 23, Deut. 27:25, Isa. 65:6). But [he who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, he who despises the gain of oppressions, who gestures with his hands, refusing bribes, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed, and shuts his eyes from seeing evil, he will dwell on high, his place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; bread will be given him, his water will be sure your eyes will see (God) the King in His beauty ... they will see the land (heaven that is very far off] (Isa. 33:15-17).
* The Joyful Day of Judgment
[Now as he (Paul) reasoned about righteousness ... and the judgment to come, Felix was afraid and answered, `Go away for now'] (Acts 24:25). [When His disciples heard it, they were exceedingly amazed, saying, `Who then can be saved?] (Matt. 19:25).
Today, when all people in the world hear about the future judgment, whether they serve God or not, they all say in fear with one voice, [What shall we do"] (Acts 2:37), as the governor Felix, who did not serve God, and the disciples who served Him, all equally feared. But we of this age are to know the true meaning of what Jesus said, [For God did not send His Son into the world, to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved] (John 3:17).
At first, in this peaceful universe, no one had ever known or heard the word "judgment." It was only when Satan, the outrageous one of the universe rebelled against God and broke the peace and order of the universe by killing and injuring precious lives of numerous angels and men, that this new word "judgment" began to be introduced.
God has two purposes for judgment. One is to protect and promote the lives and happiness of His children who willingly obey the laws and rules that He has set up for order and happiness of the universe. The other is to eradicate the evil ones who break the order and laws of the universe, who constantly commit murder and robbery, so that He may wipe away the evil ones and restore the everlasting peace and order of the universe.
Since the rebellion of Satan, a division of forces has taken place in the universe. Those who obey and observe the law of God and His order have been the object of hatred and abhorrence to Satan and his agents, and a great number of them have been persecuted and murdered at the hands of those who are evil.
But our Father who is [merciful and gracious, long-suffering, and abounding in goodness and truth] (Ex. 34:6), and who has kept His patience thus far, will cease His long-suffering and stand up to execute judgment between good and evil, between the righteous and the wicked. There has never been judgment in this universe since the beginning nor will there ever be one in the future. After this unique judgment is over, there will never again be another mention of its word and it will be forever forgotten in our peaceful kingdom of the universe. Then, all heavenly beings will enjoy order, peace, and happiness forever that the Father restores for them.
Now, His primary purpose for judgment is to expose the truth for His children who, without sin have been dragged by the wicked, disgraced and condemned without a definite charge, persecuted, imprisoned, beaten, stabbed and thrust with a spear to death, and burned at the stake under false accusations - the only reason being that they loved God and obeyed His commandments. He will display their tearful appeal before the whole universe and give them great reward and blessing before all.
Therefore, Jesus, when He was on earth, said, [Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.] [In the world you will have tribulation] but [let not your heart be troubled.] [Shall God not avenge His own elect, who cry out day and night to Him, though He bears long with them? I tell you that He will avenge them speedily] (Matt. 10:28, John 16:33, 14:1, Luke 18:7, 8).
In Revelation is also well described the scenes of the saints slain by enemies under false charges, entreating the Father of heaven, [When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, `How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those (The wicked) who dwell on the earth?'] (Rev. 6:9, 10). And the merciful Father, the Sovereign Lord in compassion gave each one of them [a white robe] [and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed] (Rev. 6:11).
Now, as the number of His saints is filled and His call for His rebellious children which has lasted thousands of years ceases, our heavenly Father stands up to begin His final judgment in answer to the prayers of His victimized children. However dreadful the scene of the courtroom may be and however numerous the charges may be, God's children who obey the word and commandments which is the foundation of heaven's order and prosperity, should rejoice with happiness for they have been forgiven their [iniquity, transgression and sin] (Ex. 34:7) by the wonderful grace and the precious blood of His Son. It will be a day of a great reward and glory for those who obey Him, to be exhibited before the whole universe.
On the other hand, those who persecuted the saints who loved His words and commandments more than their own lives, will stand before the throne, both great and small, and the books will be opened which contain every record of their evil deeds that they have ever committed while they were alive, and they will be judged by what is written in the books (Rev. 20:12).
[The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one (who had persecuted the saints) according to his work. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire] (Rev. 20:13-15).
At last, the outrageous Satan and his agents who had devoted themselves to tempting others, fraud, robbery, and murder for such a long period of time in our universe, have all been wiped out forever. The great controversy between good and evil has ceased and peace of the universe restored. All heavenly beings, angels and all His creatures who have been watching our Father's impartial judgment from the beginning to the end, are filled with admiration, and with one accord give gratitude, praise, reverence, and glory to Him for His long-suffering, mercy, love, and fair judgment of the good and the wicked.
Oh, Sovereign Lord, our holy and true Father, [righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; mercy and truth go before Your face] (Ps. 89:14).
[And I heard the angel of the waters saying: `You are righteous, O lord, the One who is and who was and who is to be, because You have judged these things. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets ... for it is their just due'] (Rev. 16:5, 6).
[And I heard another from the altar saying, `Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments'] (Rev. 16:7).
[And every creature which is in heaven and on earth and under the earth and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, I heard saying: `Blessing and honor and glory and power be to Him who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb forever and ever!' Then the four living creatures said, ‘Amen!' And the twenty-four elders fell down and worshipped Him who lives forever and ever] (Rev. 5:13, 14).
[And I saw ... those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name ... saying, Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O king of the saints! ... For you alone are holy. For all nations shall come and worship before you, for Your judgments have been manifested] (Rev. 15:2, 4).
Rejoice my brethren who now weep on earth.
Sing with joy my brothers and sisters who worry over the word of the Lord.
Sing with joy my brothers and sisters who are persecuted for keeping His commandment.
Sing the song of triumph you who have forsaken the glories of the world.
You who are falsely accused of now, praise God for His righteousness and justice.
You who are now dragged to be baptized in blood, behold Him sitting on His judgment seat in heaven, for He will highly exalt your sorrow and unfair suffering and loyalty before the whole universe and recompense you with great reward.
But,
You who commit evil today, be in dread.
You who defy against God, be startled.
You who persecute His saints, be mournful.
You who kill the saints, throw yourself down on your knees and wail, for He will come and judge you by His law of justice and throw you into the fire.
Thus the great controversy between good and evil has finally ended. Satan and sinners and all sins have vanished forever. The whole universe has become clean. The vibration of joy and harmony of all creatures echoes throughout the whole universe. Light, life and joy issuing from God extends to endless space. From a particle of an atom to the great wide world, all creatures animate or inanimate in their untainted beauty and perfect joy exclaim that God is love.
* Our Father Wailing in His Judgment Seat
Let me draw a conclusion by raising a question to you, my grateful readers. Our father, longsuffering and slow to anger, in His judgment, has thrown into the fire Satan and his angels, and innumerable wicked ones who had rebelled against Him. Now, after killing His only Son and destroying His numerous children, how do you think He now feels in His heart? Should He feel refreshed and gratified? Or should He feel otherwise?
Most answers I have heard until now was, "He must feel refreshed and relieved."
When I was a junior high school student, we had a teacher who won the respect of all students. He was as friendly to us as a father. In contrast to his muscular and dreadful appearance, he was very gentle and compassionate to all the students. He used to advise and counsel and instruct us with love as if we were his own children. Though he was the teacher in charge of student discipline, no one punished by him assumed an attitude of defiance or vengeance against him in contrast to the other teachers. He was an energetic person and a man of integrity who cultivated a big rice field before and after school every morning and evening even as he taught. He used to say, "I will never look old even if I reach sixty." We all believed him for he had such a healthy and strong body.
After many years, as we became dignified youths in the community, we heard unbelievable news that he had passed away. We were overwhelmed with sorrow, as if we had lost our own parents or close relative, because it was totally beyond our expectations for someone so nice and strong, whom we thought would never grow old even at the age of sixty, to die so suddenly. Shocked, we inquired as to the reason of his sudden death. We found out that he had a son whom he had brought up with all him mental and physical sacrifice. With the highest hopes and expectations for his son, he sent him to Seoul to study in order to make him a great man. But this son, neglecting his studies became involved with a girl, and when his love was rejected by her, he returned to his boarding room and committed suicide by taking poison. As soon as his father heard this news, he came up to Seoul, to his son's boarding room and opened the door. His son whom he had brought up with all his sacrifice and love, working unceasingly to pay his son's tuition, was now a cold, dead body. What a deplorable scene it was! So the father dragged the dead body of his son and loaded him into a car, going not to his hometown but to the crematorium to burn the body to ashes. He handed the dead body to the crematory and after receiving the ashes, he went to the river and scattered them on the water saying, "I was fooled by this boy. I was fooled by this boy."
Who could have imagined that these would be his last words? As soon as he got home, he began to do nothing but drink. No matter how strong a man he might have been, how long could his body have sustained the hard liquor? As we heard this story, we did not know what to say. Only a sorrowful regret remained in my heart, that if he had believed in God and brought him up in His way, he could have avoided this tragedy.
Now, let's return to the story of our heavenly Father. All the evil angels and innumerable wicked ones who were thrown into the lake of fire were also His own children whom He Himself had begotten and raised. They were His real children just as we are whom our Father had had the greatest expectations and desires for. He had poured out His greatest love and sacrifice in order to make these children come back to Him.
How persistently He had kept pleading to them! How many tears He must have shed! And how much He had cared for them! It was for them that He gave His only Son; that is why He could not allow Himself to open final judgment upon them, but delayed it for six thousand years. A parent's love for a child, whether it is of God or of man, makes them faint-hearted and grievous upon the loss of their own. If the dry-hearted human father felt such tormenting sorrow as to give up his own life after disposing with his own hands the dead body of his own son who had betrayed him, how then can our heavenly Father full of mercy and love pronounce with His own lips a death sentence on His own children, whom He had begotten and raised before all the universe, no matter how righteous the law of heaven might be? The agony and torment are beyond our imagination. Moreover, how much more painful and loathsome for Him to carry out the execution of His children whom He Himself has sentenced with His own lips! This is something even human parents cannot easily do. If a mortal human parent, who had lost just one of his children followed his child to his death, who is able to describe the heart of our heavenly Father, or comfort Him who has lost almost all His children to the fire except for a few?
Now I would like to ask a question to every parent in this world, "Can you dare sentence your own child to death with your own mouth and execute the sentence with your own hands?"
If evil, mortal human parents of this earth cannot sentence their own child to death nor carry out the execution themselves, how then can our heavenly Father, who is full of love, give up His innumerable children so mercilessly? And so, in His heart of infinite love, a great hole is made after the judgment that neither man nor angels can fill. Behold, the great hole in the heart of our heavenly Father! All mankind on earth, all angels of heaven, and all evil angels who were driven out from heaven into this earth, listen to His heart-wrenching voice, "I've been fooled! I've been fooled!" Do you not hear the sigh from His mouth?
Wail you, O heaven, all the earth, and all the inhabitants of the universe! Wail for our Father's sorrow! Wail for His wounded, broken, ruptured heart! Wail for Him who has lost all His children except for a few! This is why He has delayed the day of judgment for six thousand years, taking staggering and heavy steps toward the seat of judgment. Neither heaven nor angels, nor anyone can penetrate the depth of His blood-shedding agony and sorrow that pierces His heart as He weeps on His judgment seat.
Dear brothers and sisters of the human race! From now on, what sort of life would you like to live? Will you enlarge the great hole in the heart of the One who has loved you so much? Or will you become His good, honorable sons and daughters who practice filial piety toward Him by living a true and virtuous life, filling His vacant heart? This is a decision that no one but you have the unique right to make.
Our heavenly Father's tearful call for us is still echoing vividly today, [Return, O backsliding children] (Jer. 3:14). [Return, you backsliding children] (Jer. 3:22). [Gather yourselves together ... before the day passes like chaff, before the Lord's fierce anger comes upon you] (Zeph. 2:1, 2).
[How can I give you up, O Ephraim! How can I hand you over, O Israel! ...My heart churns within Me, My sympathy is stirred] (Hosea 11:8).
[Come now, and let us reason together ... though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool] (Isa. 1:18). [I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake; and I will not remember your sins] (Isa. 43:25).
[I have blotted out, like a thick cloud, your transgressions, and like a cloud, your sins. Return to Me, for I have redeemed you] (Isa. 44:22).
['As I live,' says the Lord God, 'I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live. Turn, turn from your evil ways! For why should you die, O house of Israel?'] (Ezek. 33:11).
['For a mere moment I have forsaken you, but with great mercies I will gather you. With a little wrath I hid My face from you for a moment; but with everlasting kindness I will have mercy on you,' says the Lord Your Redeemer] (Isa. 54:7, 8).
Hymn
1. Come home! Come home! You who are weary at heart,
For the way has been dark, and so lonely and wild;
Refrain: O prodigal child! Come home! Home!
Oh Come home! Come home!
Come, O come home!
2. Come home! Come home! For we watch and we wait,
And we stand at the gate, while the shadows are piled;
3. Come home! Come home! From the sorrow and blame,
From the sin and the shame, and the tempter that smiled.
4. Come home! Come home! There is bread and to spare,
And a warm welcome there. Then, to friend reconciled.
No comments:
Post a Comment