These facts are decisive proof that the righteous are judged before
they are raised.
But we have a still more explicit statement yet to notice. Says our Lord: "But
they which shall be accounted worthy to obtain that world, and the resurrection
from the dead," etc. Then it is certain that the act of accounting worthy to obtain
the resurrection from among the dead, and a part in the world to come, does
precede the resurrection of the righteous. But this act of accounting men worthy
of a part in the kingdom of God is the very act of acquitting them in the judgment.
The investigative judgment in the cases of the righteous is, therefore, past before
their resurrection. As the resurrection of the just is at the advent of Christ, it
follows that they pass their examination, and are counted worthy of a place in the
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kingdom of God, before the Saviour returns to the earth to gather them to
himself.
It is proved, therefore, that the resurrection of the saints to immortal life is
declarative of their final acceptance before God. Whatever of investigation is
requisite for the final decision of their cases, must take place before the Saviour
in mid-heaven utters the word of command to his angels. "Gather my saints
together unto me." Ps.50:5; Matt.24:31. The act of accounting them worthy must
precede all this. The saints alone are to be caught up to meet Christ in the air.
1Thess.4:17. But the decision who these saints are, who shall thus be caught up,
rests not with the angels who execute the work, but with the Judge, who gives
them their commission. We cannot, therefore, avoid the conclusion that the
investigation in the cases of the righteous precedes the coming of the Saviour.
Let us now consider an important proposition.
1. This period of investigative judgment is ushered in by a solemn
proclamation to the inhabitants of the earth; and this investigative work embraces
the closing years of human probation. This is a very important statement. But it is
susceptible of being clearly proved.
And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting
gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and
kindred, and tongue, and people, saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give
glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come; and worship him that made
heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters." Rev.14:6,7.
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The gospel of Christ is "the power of God unto salvation to everyone that
believeth." Rom.1:16. No other gospel than this can be preached, not even by an
angel from heaven. Gal.1:8. Whence it follows that the angel of Rev.14:6,7,
preaching the everlasting gospel, represents so