The Bible teaches that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, the Savior of the world, will be judge of all. “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (John 5:22). The only way this may be proven false is to show that the statement does not represent the will of God. Given the teaching of the Bible, this can not be done.
Proof for All
Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead (Acts 17:31).
Note, there is evidence for all to know that Christ will be their judge. This is shown to be true in the following manner: Since the Bible is a historically reliable document, we may know and have confidence in what it teaches. The historical reliability of the Bible is here assumed, but it may be demonstrated. We have argued this for years in our Christian Evidences Class and the notes from this class are available from the Florida School of Preaching. You may also consult the field of Textual Criticism for this science is of great importance in demonstrating the historical reliability of our biblical text. If the Old Testament teaches that Christ was to be raised from the dead, and if the New Testament proves that Christ did rise from the dead, then what the Bible teaches about Judgment is true. The Old Testament teaches that Christ was to be raised from the dead (Psalm 2;16:8ff; 110; Isa. 53). The New Testament teaches that Christ did rise from the dead (Matthew, Mark, Luke, John, Acts 2;17:2-3). Therefore, what the Bible teaches about judgment is true; and, what the Bible teaches about judgment is that Christ will judge the world.
Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you; And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power; When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day (2 Thess. 1:6-10).
In Second Thessalonians 1:6-10 as well as others (Heb. 9:27; Ecc. 12:14; Matt. 25:31-46), we are taught that the judgment over which Christ will preside will be universal. It will include believers and unbelievers. Since the judgment is universal, the law by which judgment will be decided must be universal. The universal law by which we will be judged is the New Testament that was sealed in the blood of the Christ, our Judge and Lord (Matt. 26:28; Heb. 9:15-17).
Deity Implied and Needed
The Bible presents God as the judge of all, for example: “Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you” (2 Thess. 1:5-6; see also 2 Tim. 4:1 ). In other passages it teaches that Jesus will judge. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad” (2 Cor. 5:10). The whole of anything is the sum of its parts. Since this is true, we do not have the complete picture of the judgment until we consider all that is presented in the Bible about judgment. When we have all the facts before us, we learn that Christ is to be the Judge. If God is going to judge the world, and if Christ is going to judge the world, then there must be a close relationship between Christ and God. Students of the Bible know that the term “God” is a broader term than Father.
Deity must judge because of the following: (1) The inner thoughts and attitudes of people play a part in their eternal destiny (Ecc.12:14; Matt. 5:21-37). Deity alone may properly evaluate attitudes and thoughts. (2) The totality of actions, their motivating elements as well as their (fruits) consequences must be considered when rendering proper judgment. Only deity knows everything, and only deity can make a proper decision on all actions and motives. (3) This world does not always render justice to its inhabitants. There is a world to come that must be considered when justice is administered.
In view of these as factors as well as others, only deity may properly judge and administer proper retribution. Jesus, “God with us,” is qualified in every way to be our judge. He has also been appointed by Divine decree to be our judge.
Conclusion
For there is no respect of persons with God. For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law; (For not the hearers of the law are just before God, but the doers of the law shall be justified. For when the Gentiles, which have not the law, do by nature the things contained in the law, these, having not the law, are a law unto themselves: Which shew the work of the law written in their hearts, their conscience also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another;) In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel” (Rom. 2:11-16).
In view of Jesus being our Judge, the following points need serious and sober reflection: (1) When we stand before the Judge of the world, we will stand before the one who made us. (2) We will stand before Him who has served us as Mediator before the throne of God in this world. (3) We will stand before Him who died for us. (4) We will stand before the one who knows our inner most thoughts and feelings as well as our actions. (5) We must not forget these words: “For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge his people. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God” (Heb. 10:30-31).
