The Saints Will Judge the Wicked
The Bible teaches that the saints will judge the wicked. Jesus said to His disciples, “that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Luke 22:30). And He also added, “Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration, when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel” (Matthew 19:28).
Also, John the Revelator spoke of the same truth: “I And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: . . . and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years” (Revelation 20:4). In this verse, the word Judgment (Gr. Krima) means “sentence,” “verdict,” or “a decision rendered.” Here krima seems to mean the authority to give a sentence. The saints sit upon thrones, which means that they are the ones who will pass the verdict. This verse does not point to a sentence in favor of the saints but rather on the wicked.
Revelation 20:4 is also a reference to Daniel 7:22, where the prophet wrote that “judgment was given to the saints of the most High.” This work of judgment referred to by the apostle John is without a doubt the same that was written by the apostle Paul: “Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? … Know ye not that we shall judge angels?” (1 Corinthians 6:2, 3).
Therefore, from all the above verses, we can conclude that the work of judgment will involve a thorough investigation of the records of wicked men and the apportioning of the punishment to be given to them. The destruction of the sinners has already been done by their voluntary rejection of God’s offer of salvation through Christ, by which rejection they have intentionally chosen eternal death.
The examination of the life records of the sinners will enable the redeemed to see the justice of God with those who remain rebellious to the end (Revelation 15:3). So every man will be convinced of the sure dealings of God in the obliteration of the evil ones. Then, in gratitude, every knee will bow to God for His goodness (Philippians 2:10-11).
In His service,
BibleAsk Team
