Judge of the Whole Earth

Just imagine it: two individuals competing for one thing they both desire, like two children wanting the last cookie. In these situations, a father must make the decision; he has to be the judge. He determines who will receive the treat, saying “yes” to one and “no” to the other, or figuring some other solutions out.

In the same way, a real judge presides over a courtroom, making decisions about right and wrong, and determining appropriate consequences. What a judge decrees stands firm; their authority is absolute, and their verdict is unalterable.

El Elyon, the Most High, is also a judge, but His rule extends far beyond any city or nation. He is the Judge of the Whole Earth, overseeing every individual—every person, regardless of age, gender, or status.

The day is coming when Jesus shall return, and God will execute His judgment. The Judge of the Whole Earth will take His place upon a "great white throne" and will open the Book of Life. This book contains the names of all who will receive eternal life as a gift from God. To enter this eternal life, you must be judged perfectly righteous in the eyes of God.

“And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15, ESV)

The lake of fire is a picture for us of the unimaginable horror that will endure for eternity. All will stand before this great white throne, before the Judge of the Whole Earth. That judgement will result in eternal bliss in with God or separation in hell.

“God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:14, ESV)

Consider this: every action you have ever taken will be laid bare. Every act of kindness, every moment of forgiveness, and every instance of truthfulness will be acknowledged. Conversely, every harmful action—every moment of anger, every act of unkindness, and every instance of taking what isn’t yours—will also be revealed. Nothing will escape notice; El Roi, the God Who Sees, is aware of it all.

In that moment, you would find yourself “guilty,” recognizing the weight of your sin and the just consequence of eternal separation from God. This is meant to be unsettling.

However, if you have placed your faith in Jesus as your Savior, if you belong to God’s family, then the penalty for your sin has already been paid. While we may not fully understand how this divine judgment will take place, we can imagine Jesus affirming, "He trusts in me, and I have borne his sins on the cross. I have granted him my perfect righteousness."

God's judgment will declare:

"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1, ESV)

For those who trust in Jesus, there will be no punishment—none at all—even though we rightly deserve it. Despite our many failings, there is no condemnation because Jesus has already taken our punishment upon Himself.

Naturally this ought to provoke immense joy—an eternal celebration filled with laughter and praise! There will be no more tears, sickness, pain, or sadness—only everlasting joy with Jesus and His people.

The judgment rendered by the Judge of the Whole Earth is unchangeable, for He is El Elyon, the Most High. He is Yahweh, the Unchanging One, who will always fulfill His promises. He is Yahweh-El Emeth, the LORD God of Truth, who cannot lie and has proclaimed that there is no punishment for those who trust in Jesus.