December 28

Judge of quick and dead.—Acts 10:42.

JESUS is the Creator of all things, and he upholdeth all things by the word of his power. All the arrangements of mercy in redemption are left to his management and control; so that he is "Lord of all." In like manner, the final judgment of men and angels devolves upon him. He will occupy the great and final tribunal, and will decide the destiny of the countless myriads of accountable beings who shall stand before him. As the Judge of the human race, he is admirably qualified for the execution of the dread and momentous undertaking. He will sit upon the throne of his glory in the nature of those who stand before him. He will appear in the character of a brother, to every child of Adam's posterity. He will thus be able to enter minutely into all the particular feelings of each case: he will be able to sympathise with human weakness: he will know what allowance to make for the influence of an ungodly world, and for the fearful attacks of the Prince of Darkness: he will know also the capabilities and talents each has possessed, and be able to decide upon the precise return each individual should make to him. Being in our nature, he will be disposed to exercise his compassion and pity to the very utmost bounds, consistently with the purity of his nature and the rectitude of his laws. How cheering is the consideration that Jesus will be Judge—he who hath redeemed us, and has so greatly exhibited his love to our fallen race. Yet this will greatly aggravate the condemnation of unbelievers at that day. For then their condemnation will not so much arise from violating the principles of justice, as trampling under foot the brightest displays and offers of grace. Such will be condemned for rejecting the love of God, and refusing salvation obtained by the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb slain. And that lamb will then be upon the throne. And the wrath of that lamb (and who can tell what it comprehends?) will be the portion of the cup of unbelievers for ever and ever.