3221.—Beginning of the Judgment
By Editor
Does Christ begin with His judgment on those who have joined the church? If so, at what time does He commence to judge the heathen, or those who know not God, or are non-church-members? G. N. As to the fact of His beginning the judgment with His own, we have two statements in Holy Scripture. One is found in Eze. 9:6, where the destroying angel goes forth to visit punishment upon the wicked. It is said that they began at the "ancient men which were before the house;" that is, the professed people of God. In 1 Peter 4:17 we read the statement, "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God?" That would probably be true from generation to generation as the cases are considered in the judgment; but just when the time is that the Lord will begin with the righteous of one generation or the wicked of one generation or of all generations we do not know. He has not revealed that to us. In fact He has indicated that none are to know those times which the Lord keeps to His own purpose. One admonition to His children always is to be ready.