Topical Encyclopedia The concept of divine judgment is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing God's righteousness and justice. The judgment is depicted as an event that will encompass all of humanity, regardless of status, power, or influence. This universal judgment is often referred to as the judgment of the "small and great," indicating that no one is exempt from God's scrutiny.Biblical Foundation The notion that judgment will be held upon both the small and the great is rooted in several scriptural passages. Revelation 20:12 provides a vivid depiction of this event: "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books." This passage underscores the inclusivity of the judgment, where all individuals, regardless of their earthly status, will stand before God. Similarly, Romans 14:10-12 reinforces this idea: "You, then, why do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat. It is written: 'As surely as I live, says the Lord, every knee will bow before Me; every tongue will confess to God.' So then, each of us will give an account of himself to God." Here, the Apostle Paul emphasizes personal accountability before God, highlighting that every person will be subject to divine judgment. The Nature of the Judgment The judgment of the small and great is characterized by its impartiality and fairness. God, as the ultimate judge, is depicted as having perfect knowledge and understanding of each individual's life and actions. Acts 10:34-35 states, "Then Peter began to speak: 'I now truly understand that God does not show favoritism, but welcomes those from every nation who fear Him and do what is right.'" This passage affirms that God's judgment transcends human distinctions and biases. Furthermore, the judgment is not merely punitive but also revelatory. It serves to reveal the true nature of each person's heart and deeds. Ecclesiastes 12:14 declares, "For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil." This comprehensive evaluation underscores the thoroughness of God's judgment, where nothing is concealed from His sight. Implications for Believers and Non-Believers For believers, the judgment serves as a call to live righteously and in accordance with God's will. 2 Corinthians 5:10 reminds believers, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad." This awareness of impending judgment encourages a life of holiness and obedience. For non-believers, the judgment represents a sobering reality of accountability before a holy God. Hebrews 9:27 states, "Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment," highlighting the inevitability of this divine encounter. The judgment serves as a reminder of the need for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as the means of salvation. Conclusion The judgment of the small and great is a profound biblical truth that underscores the universality and impartiality of God's justice. It calls all individuals to a life of accountability, righteousness, and faith, recognizing that every action and thought will be brought to light before the divine throne. Torrey's Topical Textbook Revelation 20:12And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Judgment Upon Zacharias The General Resurrection The Great Assize Rejoicing Over Babylon's Destruction. By what virtues the Ancient Romans Merited that the True God ... Ripe for Gathering Of Deeper Matters, and God's Hidden Judgments which are not to be ... The Holy Ghost --The Great Teacher The Sermon on the Mount. Against Rash and Vain Swearing. Resources What is Judgment Day? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the Great White Throne Judgment? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that judgment begins at the house of God? | GotQuestions.org Judgment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Judgment: According to Opportunity and Works The Judgment of Christians, by the Gospel The Judgment of Heathen, by the Law of Conscience The Judgment of Jews, by the Law of Moses The Judgment: A Day Appointed For The Judgment: A First Principle of the Gospel The Judgment: Called The: Day of Destruction The Judgment: Called The: Day of Judgment and Perdition of Ungodly Men The Judgment: Called The: Day of Wrath The Judgment: Called The: Judgment of the Great Day The Judgment: Called The: Revelation of the Righteous Judgment of God The Judgment: Christ Will Acknowledge Saints At The Judgment: Devils Shall be Condemned At The Judgment: Final Punishment of the Wicked Will Succeed The Judgment: Neglected Advantages Increase Condemnation At The Judgment: None, by Nature Can Stand In The Judgment: Perfect Love Will Give Boldness In The Judgment: Predicted in the Old Testament The Judgment: Saints Shall be Rewarded At The Judgment: Saints Shall Sit With Christ In The Judgment: Saints Shall, Through Christ, be Enabled to Stand In The Judgment: Shall be Administered by Christ The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: All Men The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: All Nations The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: Quick and Dead The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: Small and Great The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: The Righteous and Wicked The Judgment: Shall be in Righteousness The Judgment: Shall be of All: Actions The Judgment: Shall be of All: Thoughts The Judgment: Shall be of All: Words The Judgment: Shall Take Place at the Coming of Christ The Judgment: The Books Shall be Opened At The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Faith The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Holiness The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Prayer and Watchfulness The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Repentance The Judgment: The Wicked Dread The Judgment: The Wicked Shall be Condemned In The Judgment: The Word of Christ Shall be a Witness Against the Wicked In The Judgment: Time of, Unknown to Us The Judgment: Warn the Wicked of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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