- JUDGMENT SEAT (Matthew 27:19), a portable tribunal (Gr. bema)
which was placed according as the magistrate might direct, and from which
judgment was pronounced. In this case it was placed on a tesselated
pavement, probably in front of the procurator’s residence. (See
GABBATHA.) - JUDGMENTS OF GOD (1.) The secret decisions of God’s will (Psalm
110:5; 36:6). (2.) The revelations of his will (Exodus 21:1; Deuteronomy
6:20; Psalm 119:7-175). (3.) The infliction of punishment on the wicked
(Exodus 6:6; 12:12; Ezekiel 25:11; Revelation 16:7), such as is mentioned
in Genesis 7; 19:24,25; Judges 1:6,7; Acts 5:1-10, etc. - JUDGMENT, THE FINAL the sentence that will be passed on our actions
at the last day (Matthew 25; Romans 14:10, 11; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2
Thessalonians 1:7-10).
The judge is Jesus Christ, as mediator. All judgment is committed to him
(Acts 17:31; John 5:22, 27; Revelation 1:7). “It pertains to him as
mediator to complete and publicly manifest the salvation of his people and
the overthrow of his enemies, together with the glorious righteousness of
his work in both respects.”
The persons to be judged are, (1) the whole race of Adam without a single
exception (Matthew 25:31-46; 1 Corinthians 15:51, 52; Revelation
20:11-15); and (2) the fallen angels (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6).
The rule of judgment is the standard of God’s law as revealed to men, the
heathen by the law as written on their hearts (Luke 12:47,48; Romans
2:12-16); the Jew who “sinned in the law shall be judged by the law”
(Romans 2:12); the Christian enjoying the light of revelation, by the will of
God as made known to him (Matthew 11:20-24; John 3:19). Then the
secrets of all hearts will be brought to light (1 Corinthians 4:5; Luke 8:17;
12:2,3) to vindicate the justice of the sentence pronounced.
The time of the judgment will be after the resurrection (Hebrews 9:27;
Acts 17:31).
As the Scriptures represent the final judgment “as certain [Ecclesiastes
11:9], universal [2 Corinthians 5:10], righteous [Romans 2:5], decisive [1
Corinthians 15:52], and eternal as to its consequences [Hebrews 6:2], let
us be concerned for the welfare of our immortal interests, flee to the refuge
set before us, improve our precious time, depend on the merits of the