Hello Beloved,

We have been studying the “epithets” for God. As a reminder, the Oxford English Dictionary defines an epithet as “an adjective or phrase expressing a characteristic quality or attribute of the person or thing mentioned.” Last month, we considered the epithet “Lawgiver” in relation to God. This month, we will consider the function of God as “Judge.” In being Judge, God has the authoritative right to discern what is moral, just, right, and good. As God is holy in His very nature, we can be assured that what is moral and just is directly reflective of His essence. As God is righteous in His character, He determines what is right and always knows what is the “right” thing to do. As God is the transcendent Creator, He purposed and planned the ultimate meaning and significance in His creation; and therefore, He affirms in accordance with His original plans what is “good.” God as Judge examines and evaluates deeds and works according to His righteous standards. God as Judge determines an appropriate punishment for those who break His standards. And God as Judge rewards the righteous in relation to His faithfulness. Further, we must remember that as God is the Judge, and we are not, He will put down and exalt whom He wills.

Consider these Biblical allusions to God in His role as “Judge.” In arguing for mercy on Sodom should there were but fifty righteous among the wicked, Abraham asked, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” Genesis 18:25 (ESV). Reflecting on the revelation of God in His creation, Asaph states, “Our God comes; he does not keep silence; before him is a devouring fire, around him a mighty tempest. He calls to the heavens above and to the earth, that he may judge his people . . . The heavens declare his righteousness, for God himself is judge! Selah” Psalm 50:3-6 (ESV). Again, Asaph states, “. . . it is God who executes judgment, putting down one and lifting up another” Psalm 75:7 (ESV). In the ninety-fourth Psalm, we are reminded that God is a God of vengeance, and in His justice, the psalmist requests that God “shine forth! Rise up, O judge of the earth; repay to the proud what they deserve! Psalm 94:1-2 (ESV). Yet, Isaiah reminds God’s people that God is gracious and “the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our lawgiver; the LORD is our king; he will save us” Isaiah 33:22 (ESV). God provided salvation through Jesus, His Son, yet Peter reminds us that Jesus is also “the one appointed by God to be judge of the living and the dead”
Acts 10:42 (ESV). It was the Apostle Paul, who in facing death considered his reward when writing, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth 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 also to all who have loved his appearing” 2 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV).

I am so grateful that God Who is righteous and just is also loving and compassionate. No matter how many times I read this illustration, the principle always rings true to illuminate the mercy of our righteous Judge.

Two men who had been friends and companions in their youth met in the police court, the one on the magistrate's bench, the other in the prisoner's dock. The case was tried and the prisoner was found guilty. Would the judge, in consideration of their friendship years before, forbear to pass judgment? No, he must fulfill his duty, justice must be done, the law of the land obeyed. He gave out the sentence—fourteen days' hard labor or a fine of $500. The condemned man had nothing to pay, so the prison cell was before him. But as soon as he had pronounced the sentence the judge rose from the bench, threw aside his magistrate's robes, and stepping down to the dock, stood beside the prisoner, paid his fine for him, and then said, "Now, John, you are coming home with me to supper." It is just so with the sinner. God cannot overlook sin. Justice must be done, and the sentence pronounced, but Christ Himself pays the debt and the sinner is free. (Bible Illustrations)

What a wonderful gift that God the righteous Judge gave when He sent His only Son to die for our sins. His Word calls us to respond in faith and repentance. Have you received this gift of amazing grace? If not, call us here at Grace Baptist Church and I would love to have a conversation with you about how you can have a right relationship with God. Until next time, this is Pastor Daniel writing, “May the Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit.”