God the Righteous and Majestic Judge

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Psalm 75-76

 

But I will declare forever,
I will sing praises to the God of Jacob.

(NKJV)

 

We live in a New Covenant of grace with God that began after Jesus' death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. However, while God is gracious in saving sinners like us, He remains a righteous judge. One’s relationship with God after they are saved is both gracious and righteous, something praised by Asaph in these two psalms.  

 

In Psalm 75, Asaph begins by giving thanks to God because His wondrous works declare His name is near (Psalm 75:1). When God chooses the proper or appointed time, He will judge uprightly (Psalm 75:2). Even if all the inhabitants of the earth are dissolved, God will correct things, setting up firm pillars (Psalm 75:3). The boastful must not deal boastfully, nor the wicked lift up themselves on high with pride and speak with a stiff neck (Psalm 75:4-5). Exaltation does not come from the east, west, or south, for God is the judge, putting down one and exalting another (Psalm 75:6-7). In His hand the Lord has a cup of red wine that He pours out with the wicked drinking down the dregs (Psalm 75:8). Asaph will forever declare the praises of the God of Jacob, with the horns of the wicked cut off, and the horns of the righteous exalted (Psalm 75: 9-10).

 

In Psalm 76, Asaph declares that God is known in Judah with His name great in Israel (Psalm 76:1). In Salem of Jerusalem is His tabernacle with His dwelling place in Zion, where He broke the arrows of the bow and the shield and sword of battle (Psalm 76:2-3). The Lord is more glorious and excellent than the mountains of prey where the stouthearted are plundered and where they have sunk into their sleep, with none of the mighty men finding the use of their hands (Psalm 76:4-5). At the rebuke of the Lord, both the chariot and horse were cast into a dead sleep (Psalm 76:6).

 

The Lord Himself is to be feared with no one able to stand in His presence once He is angry (Psalm 76:7). The Lord caused judgment to be heard from heaven with the earth fearing and remaining still (Psalm 76:8). When God arose in judgment, the oppressed of the earth were all delivered (Psalm 76:9). Surly the wrath of man shall praise the Lord with the Lord girding Himself with the remainder of His wrath (Psalm 76:10). Asaph says to make vows to the Lord our God and to pay them with all who are around the Lord bringing presents to Him who should be feared (Psalm 76:11). The Lord shall cut off the spirit of princes, with Him awesome to the kings of the earth (Psalm 76:12).

 

These two psalms are songs of Asaph written for the chief musician. Psalm 75 is a song of thanksgiving for God’s righteous judgment, with Psalm 76 a song praising the majesty of God in judgment.

 

• God’s righteous judgment – In this psalm, Asaph states that at the proper or appointed time, God will judge uprightly (Psalm 75:2). In Psalm 75:3, Asaph gives us an idea when this judgment will occur, a time when the inhabitants of the earth are dissolved with firm pillars set up. God’s judgment is righteous, rewarding the righteous while condemning the unrighteous. (John 3:16-18).
• God’s majestic judgment – God’s judgment is also majestic, something to be feared, but also praised (Psalm 76:7-10).

 

In this dispensation of grace, the love and mercy of God are extolled, for it is through God’s grace that we are saved (Ephesians 2:8-9). However, we must not forget that God is still a God of judgment, but that His judgment is righteous and majestic. Since one is not saved because of what they have done but in accordance with their belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus in their hearts, Judgment from God is based on belief, not works. There are two judgments that will occur, one for those choosing to believe and one for those choosing not to believe.

 

·         Judgment of believers – This judgment is referred to in scripture as the judgment seat of Christ, which will occur for those raptured when the Lord takes his church to heaven (2 Corinthians 5:9-11). Those participating in this judgment will spend eternity with the Lord, with this judgment to determine the rewards they will receive for the work they have done in serving the Lord.

·         Judgment for unbelievers – This judgment is referred to in Scripture as the Great White Throne Judgment, occurring at the end of the Millennial reign of Christ for one thousand years (Revelation 20:11-15). Those participating in this judgment are those choosing not to believe in Jesus as their Savior, accepting his gift of grace (Romans 6:23). This judgment is a sentencing of death for those choosing not to believe, or what is referred to as the second death.

 

Everyone reading this post is encouraged to escape the Great White Throne Judgment by accepting the gift of salvation through the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 6:23). If you have never made this decision, I encourage you to do so by praying with me now.

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

 If you meant what you just prayed, know God has forgiven all your sins and that you now have a relationship with God and are a child of God (Romans 8:16). Like any relationship, it grows as we get to know each other. While God already knows all about us, we must study the Bible, the word of God, to learn more about Him. If you just prayed, I encourage you to find a Church that teaches the truth of the Bible so you can learn more about the Lord. May God convict, challenge, and bless everyone reading this post.