December 29

PART II.—Acts x. 42.

As the final judge of quick and dead, Jesus will display absolute integrity and righteousness. He will judge the world in “righteousness.” He is styled the “righteous judge.” None shall receive injustice at his hands. All then shall receive impartially, according to the works done in the body, whether good or bad. No appearance of wretchedness and anguish will move Jesus then, and no amount of bribe will prevent the administration of justice to all. His omniscience will render his decisions infallibly right, His eyes will pierce through every breast. At one glance he will discern the state of every heart. Hypocrisy will be utterly in vain. Every man will appear in his true character, amid the light which shall be thrown upon him, from the refulgent brightness of the countenance of the Judge. Then his almighty power will enable him to execute a righteous sentence upon every one who appears before him. At the expression of his displeasure, the wicked will suddenly depart into everlasting punishments. And at his command the righteous will be elevated to glory, honour, immortality, and eternal life. O, let us not forget that, the lips of Jesus are to pronounce the doom of every man.

Once he appeared exerting his wisdom, power and goodness, in the creation of our world, and in forming man for his own glory. After the apostasy, he appeared as the Redeemer, and by his suffering, and death, hath placed man within the reach of mercy. But at his second advent, he will appear, neither as the Creator, nor Redeemer, but as the Judge, and will examine the affairs, and decide the destiny of this world of ours for ever.