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Think on These Things: Daniel foretells that judgement coming before Jesus returns

The coming judgment is referred to more than 1,000 times in the Bible. Daniel gives us an insight into that event...

Many have wondered and feared the coming judgment, which is referred to more than 1,000 times in the Bible. But those who have accepted Jesus as Saviour and are obedient to him should have no fears or worries. Daniel gives us an insight into that event.

“I watched as thrones were put in place and the Ancient One sat down to judge. His clothing was as white as snow, his hair like whitest wool.” (Daniel 7:9)

The judgment is set, the thrones are put in place and God the Father sits down to judge.

“He sat on a fiery throne with wheels of blazing fire, and a river of fire flowed from his presence.” (Daniel 7:9, 10)

Daniel describes the throne but it is evident that he is lost for words to describe the glory of the throne and he describes the number of angels attending the judgment as innumerable!

“Millions of angels ministered to him, and a hundred million stood to attend him. Then the court began its session, and the books were opened.” (Daniel 7:10)

All are going to be judged by what is written in the books. There are different books mentioned in the Bible so that all can have a clear understanding of how all are going to be judged. And the standard by which all are going to be judged is the Ten Commandments, according to James.

The Bible refers to the “book of life.” And that is where we all need to have our names written. “A book of remembrance.” A “book of iniquity.” All our sins are recorded there. And a “book of the peoples.” Both Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived (other than Jesus), and Matthew wrote that every thought is judged. And Paul says that there is nothing hidden from God and we will be judged accordingly.

Then Daniel saw “someone who looked like the son of man coming with the clouds of heaven. He approached the Ancient One and was led into his presence. He was given authority, honor, and royal power over all the nations of the world, so that people of every race and nation and language might serve Him.” (Daniel 7:13, 14)

Jesus is introduced as coming into God’s presence and at the end, “His dominion is an everlasting dominion which will not pass away; and his kingdom is one which will not be destroyed. … The Ancient One came and judged the holy people of the Most High. Then the time arrived for the holy people to take over the kingdom.” (Daniel 7: 14, 22)

So, before Jesus returns, the judgment sits, everyone whoever lived is judged and a decision is made in heaven to see who will be taken to heaven when Jesus returns the second time.

Ian Cotton is the retired pastor of the Creston Seventh-day Adventist Church.