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Title: Here Comes the Judge
Date: Jul 15, 2010
Topic(s): Salvation
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 5:10, Romans 13:4, Romans 14:1-12, Revelation 1:12-16

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A.W. Tozer wrote this stinging remark: "I think that most Christians would be better pleased if the Lord did not inquire into their personal affairs too closely. They want Him to save them, to keep them happy, and to take them off to heaven at last, but not to be too inquisitive about their conduct or services."*

The idea of a loving Savior who turns a blind eye to sin is nothing new, but is it the portrait of Christ we see in the Bible? Let's look at John's vision of the Savior to find the answer.

What Does God Say?

"Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking with me. And having turned I saw seven golden lampstands; and in the middle of the lampstands I saw one like a son of man, clothed in a robe reaching to the feet, and girded across His chest with a golden sash.

"His head and His hair were white like white wool, like snow; and His eyes were like a flame of fire.

"His feet were like burnished bronze, when it has been made to glow in a furnace, and His voice was like the sound of many waters.

"In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp two-edged sword; and His face was like the sun shining in its strength" (Revelation 1:12-16, NASB).

• John describes Jesus, literally, from head to toe. List the descriptive terms that John uses to portray Jesus' physical form. How do you think these descriptions apply to Jesus as a judge?
• Out of Jesus' mouth came a sharp two-edged sword (Revelation 1:16). Compare Romans 13:4 (speaking of earthly rulers) and Hebrews 4:12 (referring to the Holy Spirit). What would John's description imply about Jesus' purpose?
• What was John's response to this sight? How would you respond?

My Thoughts

The meek and gentle Jesus you may have learned about in Sunday school is not the One we find here in Revelation. John portrays Him as an awesome and fearful judge. No wonder many people fear standing before Him.

But if you know Christ as your Savior, you don't need to fear Him as your Judge. Believers still will be judged, but it will be a judgment for rewards, not salvation (2 Corinthians 5:10).

My Part

Live each day in the realization that judgment is coming. While Christians don't need to fear God's judgment when it comes to salvation, they need to live in conscious awareness that what they do each day will bring rewards or not. Name at least one thing you will do differently this week because you are aware of Christ's coming judgment.

*A.W. Tozer, That Incredible Christian, Christian Publications.

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