The Great Commission. Miscellaneous Writings of C. H. Mackintosh, vol. IVMackintosh, Charles Henry
Religion
The Great Commission. Miscellaneous Writings of C. H. Mackintosh, vol. IV
Mackintosh, Charles Henry
Theology
It is important that the reader should understand that the word used
by our Lord in the above passage is not "condemnation" but "judgment."
He assures the believer that he shall never come into judgment; and
this, too, be it observed, in immediate connection with the statement
that "the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto
the Son" (ver. 22). And, again, "For as the Father hath life in
Himself, so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; and hath
given Him authority to execute judgment also, because He is the Son of
man" (ver. 26, 27).
Thus, then, the One to whom all judgment is committed--who alone has
authority to execute judgment, by the Father's just decree--this
blessed One assures us that if we hearken to His Word, and believe on
Him that sent Him, we shall never come into judgment at all.
This is clear and conclusive. It must tranquillize the heart
completely. It must roll away every cloud and mist, and conduct the
soul into a region where no question can ever arise to disturb its
deep and eternal repose. If the One who has all judgment in His hand,
and all authority to execute it--if _He_ assures me that I shall never
come into judgment, I am perfectly satisfied. I believe His Word, and
rest in the happy assurance that whatever the judgment-seat of Christ
may prove to others, it cannot prove unfriendly to me. I know that the
word of the Lord endureth for ever, and that the Word tells me I shall
never come into judgment.
But it may be that the reader finds it difficult, if not impossible,
to reconcile this entire exemption from judgment with the solemn fact
stated by our Lord, that "for every idle word that men shall speak,
they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment." But there is
really no difficulty in the matter. If a man has to meet judgment at
all, he must give account for every idle word. How awfully solemn the
thought! There is no escaping it. Were it possible for a single idle
word to be let pass, it would be a dishonor to the judgment-seat. It
would be a sign of weakness and incompetency which is utterly
impossible. It were blasphemy against the Son of God to suppose that
a single stain could escape His scrutinizing gaze. If the reader comes
into judgment, that judgment must be perfect, and, hence, his
condemnation must be inevitable.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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