The Faith I Live By

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The Saints Shall Judge the World, July 29

The Final End of Sin

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. 1 Corinthians 4:5. FLB 216.1

During the thousand years between the first and the second resurrection, the judgment of the wicked takes place. The apostle Paul points to this judgment as an event that follows the Second Advent. “Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come....” Daniel declares that when the Ancient of days came, “judgment was given to the saints of the most High.” Daniel 7:22. FLB 216.2

At this time the righteous reign as kings and priests unto God. John in the Revelation says: “I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them.” Revelation 20:4.... It is at this time that, as foretold by Paul, “the saints shall judge the world.” 1 Corinthians 6:2, 3. In union with Christ they judge the wicked, comparing their acts with the statute book, the Bible, and deciding every case according to the deeds done in the body. Then the portion which the wicked must suffer is meted out, according to their works; and it is recorded against their names in the book of death.81The Great Controversy, 660, 661. FLB 216.3

We shall not hear a charge against us on the ground of the outbreaking sins we have committed, but the charge will be made against us for the neglect of good and noble duties enjoined upon us by the God of love. The deficiencies of our characters will be held up to view. It will then be known that all who are so condemned had light and knowledge, were entrusted with their Lord's goods, and were found unfaithful to their trust.82The Youth's Instructor, June 8, 1893. FLB 216.4

Satan also and evil angels are judged by Christ and His people. Says Paul, “Know ye not that we shall judge angels?” 1 Corinthians 6:3.83The Great Controversy, 661. FLB 216.5

When the Judge of all the earth shall demand of Satan, “Why hast thou rebelled against Me, and robbed Me of the subjects of My kingdom?” the originator of evil can render no excuse. Every mouth will be stopped, and all the hosts of rebellion will be speechless.84The Great Controversy, 503. FLB 216.6