Topical Bible: The Blessed: Saints at the Judgment Day

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The concept of "The Blessed" in the context of the Judgment Day refers to those who have been sanctified and redeemed through faith in Jesus Christ, and who will be rewarded with eternal life in the presence of God. This entry explores the biblical basis for the blessedness of the saints at the final judgment, drawing from scriptural references and theological insights.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible presents the Judgment Day as a time when all individuals will stand before God to give an account of their lives. For the saints, this day is one of vindication and reward. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus describes the final judgment, where the righteous are separated from the wicked. He says to the blessed, "Come, you who are blessed by My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world" (Matthew 25:34). This passage highlights the predetermined nature of the saints' inheritance, emphasizing God's sovereign grace.

The Apostle Paul also speaks of the blessedness of the saints in his epistles. In 2 Timothy 4:8, he writes, "From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing" . This crown of righteousness symbolizes the reward for those who have lived faithfully in anticipation of Christ's return.

Characteristics of the Blessed

The blessed are characterized by their faith in Jesus Christ and their perseverance in righteousness. In the Beatitudes, Jesus describes the qualities of those who are blessed, including being poor in spirit, merciful, pure in heart, and peacemakers (Matthew 5:3-10). These attributes reflect a life transformed by the Holy Spirit, aligning with God's will.

The Book of Revelation provides further insight into the blessedness of the saints. Revelation 20:6 states, "Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years" . This verse underscores the eternal security and honor bestowed upon the saints, who are set apart for a special role in God's kingdom.

The Role of Faith and Works

While salvation is by grace through faith, the Bible also emphasizes the importance of works as evidence of genuine faith. James 2:26 declares, "As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead" . The blessed are those whose faith is demonstrated through their actions, reflecting the transformative power of the Gospel in their lives.

In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), Jesus illustrates the principle of stewardship and accountability. The faithful servants who wisely invest their master's resources are commended and rewarded, while the unfaithful servant faces judgment. This parable reinforces the idea that the blessed are those who actively engage in the work of the kingdom, using their gifts and opportunities for God's glory.

Eternal Inheritance

The ultimate reward for the blessed is eternal life in the presence of God. Revelation 21:3-4 paints a vivid picture of this future reality: "And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, 'Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away'" . This promise of a new heaven and a new earth encapsulates the hope and joy that await the saints.

The blessedness of the saints at the Judgment Day is a central theme in Christian eschatology, offering assurance and encouragement to believers. Through faith in Christ and a life of obedience, the saints are assured of their place in God's eternal kingdom, where they will experience the fullness of His presence and the joy of everlasting life.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Matthew 25:34
Then shall the King say to them on his right hand, Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

All Saints' Day
... Friends of God, who are the most blessed of all here ... strong winds and bad times,
then the Saints mourn over ... that we shall be put in mind of the Judgment Day. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/tauler/the inner way/sermon xxv all saints day.htm

Love in the Blessed Ones.
... dwell in the hearts of all the saints; shall have ... His perfect beauty and to radiate
His blessed, cherishing rays. After the day of judgment the Holy Spirit can ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxiv love in the blessed.htm

The Judgment.
... Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared ... have place to walk in
among my saints and angels ... At the day of judgment, Israel will be sufficiently ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxvi the judgment.htm

The Communion of Saints.
... shall be turned into a rich and blessed experience. ... as it does until after the judgment
Day, and the ... still detracts from the full communion of saints, yet even ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxv the communion of saints.htm

Heaven.
... of God, that he at the day of judgment should so ... and more, there are the angels and
the saints; there is ... in heaven, when we shall enjoy this blessed state of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxvii heaven.htm

Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death ...
... O blessed, ever blessed be that God, who, when yonder ... by their ministry; and all
the saints, in honour ... Christ, and where Christ shall sit in judgment, shall be ...
/.../bayly/the practice of piety/3 meditations of the blessed.htm

The Return of Christ to the Earth Itself.
... Human sentimentality has pictured our blessed Lord as being so ... The saints who are
one with Christ, then made "like ... all the heathen shall see My judgment that I ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/7 the return of christ.htm

The Sect Everywhere Spoken Against
... left to be filled up by all His saints, who were ... And I also know somewhat of God's
blessed grace, how ... he could have it in full measure until the judgment day. ...
/.../bevan/three friends of god/chapter xlii the sect everywhere.htm

On the Last Judgment and the Resurrection, Hell, Purgatory, and ...
... Then all shall see our Blessed Lord coming in the ... A second reason for a general judgment
is to show ... justice of their punishment; also that the saints may have ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 37 on the last.htm

Coming Judgment of the Secrets of Men
... to the right, and says, "Come, ye blessed," with infinite ... as Paul's gospel was true
the judgment will come. ... O ye saints, come hide yourselves again beneath the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/coming judgment of the secrets.htm