Upon hearing the words - "Judgment Day" - most people think about the divine reckoning that will take place at the Great White Throne described in Revelation 20:11-15. Certainly, this is the final destination of all mankind. No one is wrong for considering this Judgment Day. However, the vast majority of times the prophets foresaw and declared the coming of divine judgment, they weren't speaking about the final destination of all mankind at the Great White Throne (Rev. 20:11-15). Rather, when they spoke of "judgment" they were foreseeing divine acts of war.
To discover the formation of this doctrine through Church History, we must follow the course of things from Abraham to David. The prophetic developments that took place between these two men expanded the divine objectives of war from the Canaanite Nations to the whole Earth, notwithstanding there were many episodes of sin and consequential divine wrath that frustrated and prolonged these objectives.
To discover the formation of this doctrine through Church History, we must follow the course of things from Abraham to David. The prophetic developments that took place between these two men expanded the divine objectives of war from the Canaanite Nations to the whole Earth, notwithstanding there were many episodes of sin and consequential divine wrath that frustrated and prolonged these objectives.
The Conquest of Canaan
Firstly, God judged the Canaanites through the Israelites by war (Gen. 15:16; Lev. 18:24-30, 20:22-27; Deut. 18:9-14). The Church of the Wilderness (Acts 7:38) was reared for this divine objective in accordance with the Abrahamic Covenant. The exact territory was specifically outlined to Abraham hundreds of years before the conquests of war began (Gen. 15:18-21), and God sent Moses to bring the people out of Egypt to inherit the Promised Land (Ex. 2:23-25, 3:7-10; 1 Chron. 16:12-19; Deut. 26:5-8).
However, sadly, after repeated provocations (Exhibit #1, Exhibit #2), the Exodus Generation fell from grace and came short of the promises made in the Abrahamic Covenant (Broken Promise / Oath: Num. 14:34, Num. 14:30, Heb. 4:1; Principle: Ezek. 16:59, 17:18-19). Church History tells the story (Progressive Provocations Leading to Reprobation: Exodus 32:10-14, Ex. 33:11-34:9, Deut. 9:6-29 (Ex. 17:8-16); Psalm 106:23 (Num. 11:1-3, 33-35, 12:13); Numbers 14:11-21; Num. 16:21-22; Num. 16:45-50). Therefore, of necessity, God commissioned the next generation (Joshua's Generation) to pick up the mantle of war to see the fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant.
The Rules of Warfare were clear. The preincarnate Christ was the Warrior Captain of the Host (Josh. 5:13-15). The Soldiers of the Host, the Israelites, being employed to execute the judgment written (Ps. 149:6-9), were successful in war through communion with the Warrior Captain (“the light of Thy countenance” – Ps. 44:1-3). The divine mandate of war required the total annihilation of all the Canaanites in the Promised Land according to Ex. 23:20-33, 34:11-14, Lev. 18:24-30, 20:22-27, Num. 33:51-56, Deut. 7:1-6, 16-19, 23-26, 12:1-4, 29-32, 18:9-14, 20:16-18, 23:1-17, Josh. 23:2-16, Judges 2:2-3. Loss or victory at war was always determined by the status of the people’s relationship with the Warrior Captain (Ezek. 39:22-29, Jer. 24:5-7). Whether individually or corporately, all things were dependent upon the Face of God being for or against the people (a spiritually tangible difference), which is the essence of their communion with the LORD (individually: Ps. 32:8, Ps. 33:18, Ps. 34:11-16, Ps. 145:18; corporately: Ezek. 15:7, Amos 9:4, Jer. 21:10, Jer. 24:6-7, Jer. 31:28, Jer. 44:27, Dan. 9:14). Therefore, the legitimacy of their faith was discernible through loss or victory at war.
However, sadly, after repeated provocations (Exhibit #1, Exhibit #2), the Exodus Generation fell from grace and came short of the promises made in the Abrahamic Covenant (Broken Promise / Oath: Num. 14:34, Num. 14:30, Heb. 4:1; Principle: Ezek. 16:59, 17:18-19). Church History tells the story (Progressive Provocations Leading to Reprobation: Exodus 32:10-14, Ex. 33:11-34:9, Deut. 9:6-29 (Ex. 17:8-16); Psalm 106:23 (Num. 11:1-3, 33-35, 12:13); Numbers 14:11-21; Num. 16:21-22; Num. 16:45-50). Therefore, of necessity, God commissioned the next generation (Joshua's Generation) to pick up the mantle of war to see the fulfillment of the Abrahamic Covenant.
The Rules of Warfare were clear. The preincarnate Christ was the Warrior Captain of the Host (Josh. 5:13-15). The Soldiers of the Host, the Israelites, being employed to execute the judgment written (Ps. 149:6-9), were successful in war through communion with the Warrior Captain (“the light of Thy countenance” – Ps. 44:1-3). The divine mandate of war required the total annihilation of all the Canaanites in the Promised Land according to Ex. 23:20-33, 34:11-14, Lev. 18:24-30, 20:22-27, Num. 33:51-56, Deut. 7:1-6, 16-19, 23-26, 12:1-4, 29-32, 18:9-14, 20:16-18, 23:1-17, Josh. 23:2-16, Judges 2:2-3. Loss or victory at war was always determined by the status of the people’s relationship with the Warrior Captain (Ezek. 39:22-29, Jer. 24:5-7). Whether individually or corporately, all things were dependent upon the Face of God being for or against the people (a spiritually tangible difference), which is the essence of their communion with the LORD (individually: Ps. 32:8, Ps. 33:18, Ps. 34:11-16, Ps. 145:18; corporately: Ezek. 15:7, Amos 9:4, Jer. 21:10, Jer. 24:6-7, Jer. 31:28, Jer. 44:27, Dan. 9:14). Therefore, the legitimacy of their faith was discernible through loss or victory at war.
Under the leadership of God through Joshua, the Israelites broke the power of the Canaanite Nations. Their conquests of war were largely successful. Herein, the Church transitioned from the Wilderness into a Civilization, and this brings us to an important hallmark of Church History. For, eventually, in this context, the establishment of an earthly King in the government of Israel would profoundly affect the Israelite People. After all, this peculiar people and the government which ruled them was divinely intended to be THE KINGDOM OF GOD. Furthermore, the ultimate ruler of the Israelite Kingdom foretold to arise was declared to be a champion of salvation by this vehicle: THE KINGDOM OF GOD.
However, sin prolonged these things from taking the forefront of the biblical story line for several generations after Joshua. For, at the latter years of Joshua, the residue of the overwhelmingly defeated Canaanite Nations remained intact; and when due responsibility was laid upon the individual tribes to finish the work… they compromised (Joshua 13:13, 15:63, 16:10, 17:12-18, 18:3; Judges 1). Then, at the death of Joshua & the Elders (Josh. 24:31, Judges 2:7, 10), and through the people’s longstanding slackness (Josh. 18:3), Israel fell under the wrath of God (Judges 1:2-2:15). Fearfully, the next generation utterly forsook the God of Israel (Psalm 78:56-58; Judges 2:1-5; Psalm 106:34-36). Also, thereafter, despite various minor divine repentances in the subsequent generations (Judges 2:16-3:4), the covenantal objectives were largely stalled until the coming of David (“the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart” – 1 Sam. 13:14; Ps. 78:59-72).
However, sin prolonged these things from taking the forefront of the biblical story line for several generations after Joshua. For, at the latter years of Joshua, the residue of the overwhelmingly defeated Canaanite Nations remained intact; and when due responsibility was laid upon the individual tribes to finish the work… they compromised (Joshua 13:13, 15:63, 16:10, 17:12-18, 18:3; Judges 1). Then, at the death of Joshua & the Elders (Josh. 24:31, Judges 2:7, 10), and through the people’s longstanding slackness (Josh. 18:3), Israel fell under the wrath of God (Judges 1:2-2:15). Fearfully, the next generation utterly forsook the God of Israel (Psalm 78:56-58; Judges 2:1-5; Psalm 106:34-36). Also, thereafter, despite various minor divine repentances in the subsequent generations (Judges 2:16-3:4), the covenantal objectives were largely stalled until the coming of David (“the LORD hath sought him a man after his own heart” – 1 Sam. 13:14; Ps. 78:59-72).
The Conquest of Earth
David was an extraordinary trophy of grace. Truly. For, in his lifetime the Abrahamic & Mosaic Covenants came into fruition for the birth of the Davidic Covenant. Markedly, David was a war fighter ("the battles of the LORD" - 1 Sam. 25:28; Ps. 101). He relentlessly pursued the recovery of the Promised Land while praying to God for judgment - namely that he would get the victory in the fight and ultimately win the war (Ps. 7:8-13, 21:8-13, 50:4, 73:18-20, 135:14, 146:7-10; Ps. 18). However, as is evident in his latter years, David was in agony concerning what was unfulfilled in the Covenant (2 Sam. 23:1-7).
At the fruition of the Abrahamic & Mosaic Covenants in the birth of the Davidic Covenant, the divine objectives prophetically expanded to include ALL NATIONS. Literally, the scope of the Kingdom was enlarged from THE PROMISED LAND to THE WORLD. Therefore, in the same way the Israelites were used by God in war to judge the Canaanite Nations for the setting up of the Kingdom of God on location (and therein the will of God was being enforced among these peoples), lo and behold: the government would be expanded worldwide in absolute dominance for the enforcement of God's will EVERYWHERE.
Remember, the Davidic Covenant includes all of what God directly covenanted with David to accomplish (2 Sam. 7, 1 Chron. 16) - when God spoke to David about the stature and glory of the Coming Kingdom (1 Chron. 16:23-36; Ps. 96, 97, 98) and the total domination of its reigning King (Ps. 45, 87, 65, 66, 67, 148, 149). Furthermore, because the Heathen Nations of the Earth don't desire to relinquish their territories and confess the King of Israel as their personal Lord, this means war.
Remember, the Davidic Covenant includes all of what God directly covenanted with David to accomplish (2 Sam. 7, 1 Chron. 16) - when God spoke to David about the stature and glory of the Coming Kingdom (1 Chron. 16:23-36; Ps. 96, 97, 98) and the total domination of its reigning King (Ps. 45, 87, 65, 66, 67, 148, 149). Furthermore, because the Heathen Nations of the Earth don't desire to relinquish their territories and confess the King of Israel as their personal Lord, this means war.
“let men say among all nations,
THE LORD REIGNETH” – 1 Chron. 16:31
“HE COMETH TO JUDGE THE EARTH”
– 1 Chron. 16:33
“HE SHALL JUDGE THE WORLD IN RIGHTEOUSNESS”
– Ps. 9:7-8, 16-20; 96:10, 13, 98:9
THE LORD REIGNETH” – 1 Chron. 16:31
“HE COMETH TO JUDGE THE EARTH”
– 1 Chron. 16:33
“HE SHALL JUDGE THE WORLD IN RIGHTEOUSNESS”
– Ps. 9:7-8, 16-20; 96:10, 13, 98:9
In biblical language, the Coming of the Kingdom of God in worldwide dominance implies a world war; and, seeing that divine judgment is war, the prophetically declared forewarning to all mankind comes in the words: "HE COMETH TO JUDGE THE EARTH" (1 Chron. 16:33). Literally, there's no other practical means of the Kingdom of God being established worldwide (any other definition of the Kingdom would warrant serious explanation). Explicitly, this too was revealed to David - namely, that the Kingdom would be established worldwide by war (Ps. 2, 110, 83, 46, 118, 58, 21, 144, & 104).
"I wept much, because no man was found worthy..." - Rev. 5:4
Certainly, David should have galloped into the prophetic vision by war and conquest to realize the glory of these divine objectives, but by reason of his manhood he couldn't. He fell exceedingly short! Likewise, the subsequent Kings and their generations declined into many episodes of divine wrath, and these repeated provocations frustrated the vision and warranted the coming of Assyria & Babylon instead. Unsurprisingly, God didn't hide this from David either (Babylonian Captivity: Ps. 79, 88, 89, 137, 126, 107; Ps. 14:7, 53:6).
God's intention to judge the backslidden Church through the conquests of Assyria and Babylon was made abundantly clear by the ministries of the prophets. Truly, this is a Day of Judgment all by itself (Heb. 10:30-31; Deut. 32:35-36). Howbeit, the only reason God was judging the Church in this way was because they refused to judge themselves (Isa. 1:21 [O.T.], 1 Cor. 11:31[N.T.]). For, in ideal circumstances, judgment would flourish through divinely empowered Church Officers (and hereby the saints would judge themselves), but because the backsliders forsook judgment, the LORD was circumventing Covenantal Idealism (E.g. #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6) in the exercise of judgment to accomplish the same objective by another means.
In such circumstances - amidst the void of judgment (Isa. 5:7) - the eyes of prophets would be opened to behold something impending on the horizon. Literally, the prophetic use of the word "judge" meant war, only this time God was using Heathen Nations to judge the backslidden Church (Judgment through Assyria / Babylon: Isa. 1:27, 3:13-14, 4:4, 5:16, 26-30, 10:5-19, 28:17-22). The prophets heralded the message with all boldness, calling it, "the Day of the LORD", while maintaining the witness first revealed to David - namely, that the Kingdom of God would eventually come in worldwide dominance even after Babylon took over the world (Judgment upon Assyria / Babylon: Isa. 2:4, 10-22, 11:3-4, 26:8-10, 30:18, 27-33, 32:1-4, 33:5-6, 22, 34:1-10, 42:1-4, 51:4-5). Therefore, what was first revealed to David was later elaborated upon by Isaiah and all the prophets.
God's intention to judge the backslidden Church through the conquests of Assyria and Babylon was made abundantly clear by the ministries of the prophets. Truly, this is a Day of Judgment all by itself (Heb. 10:30-31; Deut. 32:35-36). Howbeit, the only reason God was judging the Church in this way was because they refused to judge themselves (Isa. 1:21 [O.T.], 1 Cor. 11:31[N.T.]). For, in ideal circumstances, judgment would flourish through divinely empowered Church Officers (and hereby the saints would judge themselves), but because the backsliders forsook judgment, the LORD was circumventing Covenantal Idealism (E.g. #1, #2, #3, #4, #5, #6) in the exercise of judgment to accomplish the same objective by another means.
In such circumstances - amidst the void of judgment (Isa. 5:7) - the eyes of prophets would be opened to behold something impending on the horizon. Literally, the prophetic use of the word "judge" meant war, only this time God was using Heathen Nations to judge the backslidden Church (Judgment through Assyria / Babylon: Isa. 1:27, 3:13-14, 4:4, 5:16, 26-30, 10:5-19, 28:17-22). The prophets heralded the message with all boldness, calling it, "the Day of the LORD", while maintaining the witness first revealed to David - namely, that the Kingdom of God would eventually come in worldwide dominance even after Babylon took over the world (Judgment upon Assyria / Babylon: Isa. 2:4, 10-22, 11:3-4, 26:8-10, 30:18, 27-33, 32:1-4, 33:5-6, 22, 34:1-10, 42:1-4, 51:4-5). Therefore, what was first revealed to David was later elaborated upon by Isaiah and all the prophets.
“Repent ye: for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand” - Matt. 3:1-2
“The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the Gospel” - Mk. 1:15
“The time is fulfilled, and the Kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the Gospel” - Mk. 1:15
Of course, all these doctrines were echoed and enlarged by the prophets and apostles of the New Testament. Therefore, the gaze of those who look for the fruition of the Kingdom of God is pointed towards another King who must arise to take up the mantle and fulfill the word of prophecy - Jesus of Nazareth, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah (Rev. 5). Another King more worthy than David must arise to fulfill the vision; and, accordingly, He must do so by war and conquest (Rev. 19:11-16).
My reader, this is THE GOSPEL ("the LORD reigneth” – 1 Chron. 16:31; Ps. 93:1 (Rev. 4); Ps. 96:10 (1 Chron. 16:31); Ps. 97:1, 99:1; “God reignteh” – Ps. 47:8; “the God of Jacob…which executeth judgment” – Ps. 146:5-10). David was the first one to come to understand the Gospel of the Kingdom of God in the fullest sense of all its implications worldwide. Then, Isaiah coined the term that was later proclaimed by John the Baptist & Christ (Matt. 4:23, 9:35, 11:5, 24:14, Mk. 1:1, 14-15, 8:35, 10:29, 13:10, 16:15, Lk. 2:10, 4:18-19, 7:22, 9:6); and, in every instance the message was declared by Isaiah, the Good Tidings was the coming of the Kingdom of God in worldwide sovereignty by war and conquest ("Good Tidings…Behold your God!” – Isa. 40:9-11; “One that bringeth Good Tidings” – Isa. 41:27; “My Servant” – Isa. 42:1-7, 13-14; “Good Tidings…Thy God reigneth!” – Isa. 52:7; “Good Tidings” – Isa. 61:1-2).
“HE SHALL JUDGE THE WORLD IN RIGHTEOUSNESS”
– Ps. 9:7-8, 16-20; 96:10, 13, 98:9
“a DAY in the which HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD IN RIGHTEOUSNESS
by that Man” – Acts 17:31
– Ps. 9:7-8, 16-20; 96:10, 13, 98:9
“a DAY in the which HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD IN RIGHTEOUSNESS
by that Man” – Acts 17:31
What David foresaw of old, and Isaiah elaborated upon, the apostles and prophets of the New Testament clarified and enlarged. The "Man" is clearly identified (Acts 17:31). The one David foresaw in the prophecy, "HE SHALL JUDGE THE WORLD IN RIGHTEOUSNESS" (Ps. 96:10, 13, 98:9), is clarified in a near exact quotation by the apostle Paul, when he said, "HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD IN RIGHTEOUSNESS by that Man" (Acts 17:31). In accordance with Biblical Prophecy, Paul knew what this "DAY" of worldwide JUDGMENT entailed. It is the most highly anticipated DAY of the New Testament, the most fearful reference point essential to pastoral rhetoric, and the most dreadful situation forthcoming upon mankind (Rev. 8:13, 12:12; "Christ-Centered Preaching").
"the Righteous Judgment of God" - Rom. 2:5
“In the DAY when God shall JUDGE the secrets of men by Jesus Christ
according to my GOSPEL.” – Rom. 2:16
“the Righteous Judgment of God” – 2 Thess. 1:3-12
"the EVERLASTING GOSPEL...the Hour of His JUDGMENT is Come" - Rev. 14:6-7
“In the DAY when God shall JUDGE the secrets of men by Jesus Christ
according to my GOSPEL.” – Rom. 2:16
“the Righteous Judgment of God” – 2 Thess. 1:3-12
"the EVERLASTING GOSPEL...the Hour of His JUDGMENT is Come" - Rev. 14:6-7
Speaking of this, Paul forewarned both believers and nonbelievers by telling them about "the Righteous Judgment of God" in "the Day of Wrath" in Romans 2:4-11, because the coming of the Kingdom of God in judgment is the "GOSPEL" (Rom. 2:16). Literally, "the EVERLASTING GOSPEL" is "the Hour of His JUDGMENT" (Rev. 14:6-7). It lasts 1,335 Days. It culminates in the revelation of Jesus Christ from heaven with his mighty angels in flaming fire for the dealing out of vengeance upon Babylon's World (2 Thess. 1:3-10); and, believe it or not, this is a message of love and hope. This is Good News. Howbeit, only to those who are in right-standing in the eyes of Christ (Lk. 21:34-36).
Therefore, the N.T. ministers of Christ repeatedly warned that "the Judge" was coming (Jas. 5:9, Jude 1:14-15). Even so, Jesus of Nazareth will pick up where Joshua left off - He will lead the people of God into the exploits of war to inherit the earth and fulfill the vision revealed to David. This is "the Revelation of Jesus Christ" (Rev. 1:1-3). These judgments are the acts of Christ in the End of the World (Rev. 6:10, 11:18, 14:7, 16:5, 17:1, 18:10, 19:2), and at the accomplishment of these judgments the Earth will be conquered and the Kingdom of God will be established worldwide for the commencement of the Millennial Reign of Christ ("God Almighty…hast reigned” – Rev. 11:17-19; “the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth” – Rev. 19:6; “The Everlasting Gospel” – Rev.14:6-13; “King of Saints…Thy judgments are made manifest” – Rev. 15:3-4).
Then, after a 1,000 years of glory are accomplished, and theretofore judgment flourished worldwide (Rev. 20:4-6, Lk. 19:11-27, Ps. 149:6-9, Zech. 14), all the dead will appear before the Great White Throne in the most climactic moment of judgment to date - "JUDGMENT DAY" (Rev. 20:12-13). Officially, this is the end of divine judgment. It's all over. "It is done." (Rev. 21:6).
Therefore, the N.T. ministers of Christ repeatedly warned that "the Judge" was coming (Jas. 5:9, Jude 1:14-15). Even so, Jesus of Nazareth will pick up where Joshua left off - He will lead the people of God into the exploits of war to inherit the earth and fulfill the vision revealed to David. This is "the Revelation of Jesus Christ" (Rev. 1:1-3). These judgments are the acts of Christ in the End of the World (Rev. 6:10, 11:18, 14:7, 16:5, 17:1, 18:10, 19:2), and at the accomplishment of these judgments the Earth will be conquered and the Kingdom of God will be established worldwide for the commencement of the Millennial Reign of Christ ("God Almighty…hast reigned” – Rev. 11:17-19; “the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth” – Rev. 19:6; “The Everlasting Gospel” – Rev.14:6-13; “King of Saints…Thy judgments are made manifest” – Rev. 15:3-4).
Then, after a 1,000 years of glory are accomplished, and theretofore judgment flourished worldwide (Rev. 20:4-6, Lk. 19:11-27, Ps. 149:6-9, Zech. 14), all the dead will appear before the Great White Throne in the most climactic moment of judgment to date - "JUDGMENT DAY" (Rev. 20:12-13). Officially, this is the end of divine judgment. It's all over. "It is done." (Rev. 21:6).
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