Judge of All Living, July 19

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad.—2 Corinthians 5:10JNN 213.1

Under the inspiration of Satan, the Jews had chosen a robber and a murderer in the place of Christ, and with this company they had bound themselves for the judgment of the last day. Pilate had said, pointing to Christ, “Behold your King.” But with determined voice the chief priests and rulers cried out, “Away with Him, away with Him, crucify Him.” Pilate said, “Shall I crucify your King?” and the chief priests answered, “We have no King but Caesar” (John 19:14, 15). And Pilate delivered Him, in whom he declared he could find no fault at all, to be scourged—the most cruel, unmerciful punishment that can be given to a human being.JNN 213.2

But He who submitted to the humiliation and suffering of the cross here, in the council of God was to have the fullest compensation and ascend the throne, acknowledged by all the heavenly universe to be the King of saints. He had undertaken the work of salvation, and He showed before the worlds unfallen and the heavenly family that the work He had begun He was able to complete.JNN 213.3

The heavenly universe, and the fallen world, both saints and sinners, should recognize in Him who was crucified the Judge of all living. Every crown that is given to the saints of the Most High will be bestowed by the hands of Christ—those hands that cruel priests and rulers condemned to be nailed to the cross. The marks of those wounds will be as bright beams coming forth from His hands. It is Christ who gives men the grace of repentance. His merits were accepted by the Father in behalf of every soul that will help to compose the family of God. His bruised and wounded hands alone can give them the consolation of life, eternal life.JNN 213.4

A solemn time will be the day of final decision.... Then is it not of tremendous importance to us individually that our works be right works?—Manuscript 39, 1898.JNN 213.5

Further Reflection: How can Jesus be both my Advocate and Judge?JNN 213.6