The concept of judgment in Christian theology is a pivotal theme that underscores the ultimate accountability of humanity before God. Central to this doctrine is the belief that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, will be the appointed judge of all mankind. This belief is deeply rooted in Scripture and is affirmed by various passages throughout the New Testament.

Biblical Foundation

The New Testament provides clear evidence that Christ will administer judgment. In the Gospel of John, Jesus Himself declares, "Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son" (John 5:22). This passage highlights the divine authority granted to Christ, emphasizing His role as the ultimate judge.

Further, in Acts 17:31, the Apostle Paul, speaking to the people of Athens, affirms this truth: "For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead" . Here, the resurrection of Christ is presented as the assurance of His appointed role as judge.

The Nature of Christ's Judgment

Christ's judgment is characterized by righteousness and truth. In 2 Timothy 4:1, Paul charges Timothy "in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of His appearing and His kingdom" . This passage underscores the comprehensive nature of Christ's judgment, encompassing both the living and the dead, and highlights the eschatological aspect of His return.

The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of Christ's role in judgment. Revelation 19:11 describes a vision of Christ: "Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war" . This imagery conveys the majesty and authority of Christ as He executes divine judgment.

The Criteria of Judgment

The criteria by which Christ will judge are rooted in His teachings and the moral law of God. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus provides a parable of the sheep and the goats, illustrating the basis of His judgment. He states, "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne" (Matthew 25:31). The passage goes on to describe how individuals will be judged based on their actions, particularly their treatment of "the least of these" (Matthew 25:40).

Moreover, in Romans 2:16, Paul writes, "This will come to pass on that day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel" . This indicates that Christ's judgment will extend beyond outward actions to the very thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The Assurance of Believers

For believers, the judgment administered by Christ is not a cause for fear but a source of hope and assurance. In Romans 8:1, Paul declares, "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus" . This assurance is grounded in the redemptive work of Christ, who has borne the penalty of sin for those who trust in Him.

The Apostle John echoes this sentiment in 1 John 4:17: "In this way, love has been perfected among us, so that we may have confidence on the day of judgment; for in this world we are just like Him" . The love of God, manifested in Christ, provides believers with confidence as they anticipate the final judgment.

Conclusion

The doctrine that Christ shall administer judgment is a cornerstone of Christian eschatology, affirming His divine authority and the ultimate accountability of all humanity. Through His righteous judgment, Christ will fulfill God's plan of justice and redemption, bringing to completion the hope of eternal life for those who believe.John 5:22,27
For the Father judges no man, but has committed all judgment to the Son:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Acts 10:42
And he commanded us to preach to the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 14:10
But why do you judge your brother? or why do you set at nothing your brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 5:10
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 has done, whether it be good or bad.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

That in the Books of the Old Testament, Where it is Said that God ...
... But in the Old it is not so definitely declared as in the New that the judgment
shall be administered by Christ, that is, that Christ shall descend from heaven ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 30 that in the books.htm

What the Apostle Paul Wrote to the Thessalonians About the ...
... the first sin of the rational creatures; and, being seduced, they shall be judged
in that last and manifest judgment administered by Jesus Christ, who was ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 19 what the apostle paul.htm

Parables of the Mustard-Seed, and of the Leaven Transition to the ...
... This Judicial Exclusion Will Be Administered by Christ, Who ... followed up by a fervent
judgment, the severity ... all ye workers of iniquity; there shall be weeping ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxx parables of the mustard-seed.htm

The Second Epistle to the Thessalonians an Absurd Erasure of ...
... The Final Judgment on the Heathen as Well as the Jews Could Not Be Administered
by Marcion's ... who are afflicted, rest, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed ...
/.../tertullian/the five books against marcion/chapter xvi the second epistle to.htm

Of the Endless Glory of the Church.
... But by God's final judgment, which shall be administered by His Son Jesus Christ,
there shall by God's grace be manifested a glory so pervading and so new ...
/.../augustine/city of god/chapter 17 of the endless glory.htm

The Priesthood of Christ
... it in the equal balances of their judgment, they plainly ... not to encroach on your
comfort, we shall omit any ... The Fruits of the Office thus Administered, and the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

As to the Charge that they Bring against Us...
... Church, or, at least, if it has been already administered without, the ... sure that
what is written concerning the day of judgment, "Then shall the righteous ...
/.../writings in connection with the donatist controversy /chapter 9 35 as.htm

The Judgment.
... Now shall be brought before thee and all men, how ... "IGNORANCE" CONDEMNED AT THE JUDGMENT. ...
supposing that entrance should have been quickly administered to him ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxvi the judgment.htm

The Westminster Larger Catechism
... Question 90: What shall be done to the righteous at the day of judgment. ...
Question 166: Unto whom is Baptism to be administered? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/anonymous/the westminster larger catechism/

On the Power of the Church in Administering Justice, or on ...
... and correctly known, to those by whom the discipline shall be administered; and
that it be ... he does not fulfill those hopes according to the judgment and the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation lvii on the power.htm

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