Judgment in the New Covenant Age

Question 1

God is judge

Answer 1

• Just as the cycles in the O.T ended in judgment, so will it be in our age
• the events are beyond this earth, therefore so are the terms to describe it; apocalyptic
• God is the only omniscient being, and therefore renders ultimate just judgment
• Battle between good and evil climaxes in the book of Revelation
• God and god alone is worthy of worship
• Jesus is revealed in trans-human manner. He is pictured majestically and divinely (John is overwhelmed by Him), not a meek and mild figure
• Also pictured as a slain lamb
• Judgment begins with the house of God, Jesus disciplines most of the 7 churches

Question 2

God judges the church

Answer 2

• Judgment is not always bad
• Is to be instructive/prophetic for churches of all ages
• Commendation is also given to most churches
• Theological/moral issues are also at the heart of both commendation and judgment
• The initial judgment on churches is to lead to repentance, and avoid ultimate judgment

Question 3

Punitive judgment is poured out on the ungodly

Answer 3

• ungodly are summed up under the rubric of Babylon
• God revealed His name through Shem, and the ‘Semitic Zion’ becomes the centre point of glory
• The ‘tower’ of Babylon is juxtaposed to the Mount of Zion; evil ever fighting righteousness
• In Revelation, Babylon trades on the ‘sea’ or ‘waters’, the abode of the underworld in Jewish parlance. (Thrown down with violence like a millstone into the sea)
• The new Jerusalem, come down out of heaven, and is thus a mountain. Zion wins.

Question 4

Final fulfilment of the prophets

Answer 4

During the new heavens & the new earth

• Ultimate judgment is poured out on Babylon & all aligned with her; the beast, the prophet, and all the ungodly as they are thrown into the fiery abyss, a second death that is conscious and sentient.
• Born once, die twice. Born twice, die once.
• The seventh cycle has ended in judgment upon the pagan nations, and with newness forever for the people of God