work, that at this time engages our attention. The work to be accomplished is of
immense magnitude. The judgment relates (1) to all the righteous; (2) to all the
wicked; (3) to all the evil angels. The number of cases, therefore, to be acted
upon at this grand tribunal exceeds our powers of conception. We must not,
however, suppose that there will be any difficulty on the part of the Judge in
acting upon every case individually. Far from this, "there is a time there for every
purpose and for every work." The judgment, indeed,
6
pertains to an immense number of beings; yet every one of them shall give
account of himself to God. Rom.14:12. It will not relate to so vast a number as to
make it otherwise than a strictly personal matter. Nor will there be aught of
confusion or disorder in that final reckoning. God has plenty of time for the work,
and he has no lack of agents to do his bidding. That he has order in this work,
the Scriptures clearly teach.
1. The righteous are to judge the wicked; yet the righteous are themselves to
pass the test of the judgment. Whence it follows that the judgment must pass
upon the righteous before they can sit in judgment upon the wicked.
This is a very important proposition. That it is truthful we know from the
express testimony of the Scriptures.
"Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be
judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? Know ye not that
we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life?" 1Cor.
6:2,3.
"And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto
them; and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus,
and for the word of God, and which had not worshiped the beast, neither his
image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and
they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." Rev.20:4.
"I beheld, and the same horn made war with the saints, and prevailed a