“And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Heb. 9:27
God has always existed as judge over His creation. We only need to understand how, when and why He Judges. These will guide us in our endeavours in life.
“And we know that the judgment of God is according to truth against them that practise such things.”
Romans 2:2. (God is The True Judge, therefore, man must not judge his fellow man.)
“And behold I come quickly, and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be” Rev. 22:11
The Yoruba culture believe in the judgment of God. We believe that even if you do bad things secretly, the All Seeing Eye of God sees you and will repay you openly.
Muslims believe that the present life is only a trial- preparation for the next realm of existence. A day will come when the whole universe will be destroyed and the dead will be resurrected for judgment by God. On that day, Muslims believe that people will be rewarded by God according to their beliefs and deeds.
In the Holy Bible, many examples of God’s judgments were written – Adam, Eve and the Serpent were apportioned judgment, (Gen. 3:14-19). Cain was cursed when he killed his brother Abel, (Genesis 4:11-12). When God determined to punish Sodom and Gomorrah, He passed judgment and the sentence was carried out, (Genesis 4:11-12).
The previous judgment of God on David is being played out on the descendants of David – the children of Israel – that the sword will not depart from the house of David.
These and many more points to God as the Judge of all.
In the New Testament (the 2nd Era) God sent His only begotten Son Jesus Christ, to come and teach man the LOVE of God. He came and fulfilled His purpose on earth successfully and then returned to His father in heaven. Despite all these, man still refuse to acknowledge God and His commandments.
Some of Jesus’ parables illustrated that, judgment is a process that eventually leads to a decision and a reward or punishment.
The parables of the Talents (Matt. 25:14-30). Labourers in the vineyard (Matt. 20:1-16) and Ten Virgins (Matt. 25:1-13) to mention a few – all help to clarify that, judgment is a process after which comes a reckoning.
In the Great Divine Holy order of the Third Era, we also believe that the dead shall be judged. The judgement begins forty days after the demise. The records of the soul shall be reviewed to determine whether he will become a Saint to be given another divine assignment in the celestial realm, or he will reincarnate for correction of his poor performance. Everyone has a limited time of reincarnation after which he will finally be judged by God.
God has called all human beings to serve Him; He has equally appointed members of this Holy Order and gave everyone a charge; to have a positive impact on the world around us and the universe at large. We are to reach for those who have not known the truth about God. This we are to do without fear or shame. We are to love genuinely. We must build up our knowledge of the God and be ready to take the step of faith, in obedience to God’s will so that we will be able to assist mankind to fulfil God’s purposes on earth.
God is the Judge over all His creations. It is in His power to decide and carry out righteous and merciful Judgments.
May we be found worthy at the day of judgement, according to our godly beliefs and living. Amen.
