A Fresh Perspective - 08/22/08
Both Judaism and early Christianity were influenced by a dualistic way of thinking inherited from an apocalyptic worldview that prevailed in the first two centuries before and after Christ. This dualistic orientation is reflected in a modified form in many of the judgment texts of the New Testament (see Matt. 25:31-46; John 5:28-29; Rom. 2:5-11).
The interesting and curious thing about these passages is that while grace is the dominant feature in the documents where the judgment texts are found, in the judgment texts themselves judgment is based on works, not grace—whether one has done good or done evil. Real life, of course, is not so clearly differentiated. How much good or evil does it take to get you on one side or the other?
I am convinced that the message of these texts is true in a spiritual and religious sense, but not in a literal sense. They bear witness to the truth that God will make all things right and that we must all give an account of our lives to God.
In the Christian tradition Jesus assumes the role of Judge. Jesus, during his earthly ministry would have spoken of God as judge and would have refused to put himself in that position. However, in the passing down of the Jesus traditions he takes on that function. Yale theologian Leander E. Keck writes: "When Jesus had the audacity to invite people to become his disciples he tacitly asserted his right to be the authority in their moral lives, to authorize their character and direction." Therefore, the step from Jesus the teacher who called disciples and the prophet who proclaimed the kingdom of God, to Jesus as the authorizing judge was an easy transition for the first followers of Jesus to make after God vindicated his life and work by raising him from the dead.
United Methodist Bishop Will Willimon tells about the time his father in law, a pastor, was attempting to comfort a grieving family whose son had just died while committing a crime. The family was not only in grief that their son had died, but in greater grief at the way he had died and what people were saying about him. This wise pastor said to the family: "Just remember, that when your son is judged neither I nor anyone else in this town will be making the judgment. The judge will be Christ, the one who is the embodiment of mercy."
That Jesus is our judge is good news. To employ some of the images from John's Gospel: Jesus, the light of the world, wants all people to walk in the light of God's love and grace. Jesus, the good shepherd, gives his life for the sheep. Jesus, the lamb of God, takes away the sin of the world.
I have no idea what it will mean to stand before "the judgment seat of Christ" (2 Cor. 5:10). I can't imagine how Christ will implement judgment or what it will consist of. But I am confident that whatever pain and suffering Jesus brings into our lives as judge of our moral and inner character such will be for the ultimate purpose of correction and redemption.
I will be at the Coffeetree Café in Frankfort on Wednesday afternoons at 12:00. I invite anyone interested in a dialogue about issues of faith to join me.