Did you know that your future as a son or daughter of God is to become a judge in God’s kingdom? [See: Are We All God’s Children?]
Several Bible scriptures promise – and God’s word is sure! – that the “saints” or the people of God will rule with Jesus Christ on this earth as “kings and priests” after He returns here to set up God’s everlasting kingdom. See: Daniel 7:26-27; Revelation 2:26-27; 3:21; 5:3-10; and 20:6.
Psalms 96:13 and 98:9 assert that the LORD – Jesus Christ – “is coming to judge the earth,” and that with righteousness, truth, and equity. Isaiah 2:2, 4 also affirms that “in the latter days” – soon in our times – the LORD will rule over all the earth and “He shall judge between the nations and rebuke many people.”
Unlike in most of today’s democratic nations, where there is a so-called “division of powers” – where the executive branch is separate from and does not interfere with the work of the legislative (or law-making) branch and the judicial branch – Christ and His glorified saints will be both kings and judges over people and nations. An example of this is Israel’s King Solomon and his famous judgment over two women who each claimed to be the mother of the surviving baby, after the other baby had died (1 Kings 3:16-28).
What it takes to be a judge
What, then, does being a judge require? A look at this world’s judiciary system can give us helpful insights and tips. You may check these links: https://learn.org/articles/Judge_Become_a_Judge_in_5_Steps.htm and https://www.lawyersweeklyjobs.com/what-are-the-qualifications-for-becoming-a-judge>.
Judges are assigned to preside over a court of law. Here they hear arguments and evidence in cases brought up to the court. They may need to perform legal research before issuing any ruling. This is to ensure that the law of the land has been followed during court proceedings and that the court procedures are followed. Judges rule on the admissibility (or credibility) of evidence or testimony and may provide instructions to the jury when necessary. Judges are also involved in sentencing those convicted of a crime.
As such most countries require that a judge attend a government-accredited law school. After obtaining the degree of JD (Juris Doctor) or LLB (Bachelor of Law), one has to pass the bar exam in order to become a licensed lawyer. In addition, one has to have practiced as attorney for some period, in order to experience how courts of law operate.
A judge thus has to have basic knowledge of the country’s criminal law (which defines what acts or deeds are considered criminal), and its penal code (prescription of penalty for particular crimes).
The requirement for becoming a judge in God’s kingdom isn’t too different. One has to have a good knowledge and understanding of God’s moral law – God’s commandments, statutes, and ordinances. One also has to know God’s judgment for transgression of His law – which is what sin or iniquity is (1 John 3:4, KJV).
God’s law is contained in what the Jews call their Torah – the first five books of the Old Testament of the Holy Bible (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy – also called the “Pentateuch”). God’s law is elaborated on in the rest of the Bible – both the Old Testament and the New. [See: The Law of Christ.]
God’s judgments are specified in Exodus 21-22, and are also proclaimed by the Old Testament prophets and demonstrated or alluded to in the “writings” (Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Songs and the narrative books – from Joshua to Esther). Jesus Christ Himself made many pronouncements against sinners and urged them all to repent or else perish (Luke 13, 5). Revelation 20:8 is Jesus’ testimony about the destruction of all unrepentant sinners and wicked people in the “lake of fire” or the “second death.”
The apostle Paul admonished the brethren in Corinth to bring disputes among themselves to those in the Church of God who could judge over their case instead of resorting to the courts of the land which were administered by unbelievers or non-Christians. He told the Corinthian Christians that they were, ultimately, to judge even the angels (1 Corinthians 6:2-3).
This being the case, it behooves all Christians to be well acquainted with God’s laws and judgments. While God has promised to write His law in our hearts (Hebrews 8:7-11; 10:16), it might help further if we followed what God required the kings of Israel to do. Deuteronomy 17:18-19 commands that the king write a copy of the book of God’s law and read it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the LORD and carefully observe His law and statutes.
We can never over-learn God’s law in its depth and breadth (Psalm 36:6; 119:96; Romans 11:33)!
Pedro R. Meléndez, Jr.
18122021