The Presence of God, the Judge

God is everywhere. This is a fact that can neither be ignored nor changed. But, what if God were not everywhere, or rather, what if God chose not to be everywhere? God's presence is everywhere, but it has different purpose in different places.

John Mason writes: "The presence of God's glory is in heaven; the presence of His power on earth; the presence of His justice in hell; and the presence of His grace with His people. If he denies us His powerful presence we fall into nothing; if He denies us His gracious presence we fall into sin; if He denies us His merciful presence we fall into hell."

God's glory, power, injustice, mercy and grace are His to use as He pleases. He could have withheld these attributes from us. Instead, God chose to show us who He is. God never shied away from the fact that He is a jealous and just God. Our Father in heaven demands justice, and people will be faced with consequences of their actions committed here on earth. There is no person who will be able to escape the judgment of God-though some will receive mercy.

When people think of what will happen to them when they die, they are more prone to think about their final destination (be that heaven or hell). Yet, each person will go through a due process. And during that process, we will be within the presence of God, the Judge. Some will be told, "Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into your rest." Others will be told, "Depart from me, I never knew you." Whether the verdict is good or bad, each will experience the judgement from God.

Living Life