The Revelation of Jesus Christ - The Herald

saints? Do ye not know that the saints (2) shall judge the world? and if the world (3) shall be
judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?'--1 Cor. 6:1,2.
"Here Paul refers to the coming trial of the world, when the overcomers of the present
trial, shall be their judges--judges, who like their Head, Jesus, will not only be able to assist
the world as their kings, but also to sympathize with them--having been themselves
tempted in all points. . . .
"This trial includes all the world (but not the saints--John 5:24), and is indeed the grand
prospect held out before them. By means of that trial, the entire groaning creation may be
delivered from the bondage of corruption into the glorious liberty (freedom from death) of
the sons of God."
The Scriptures are clear with regard to how the present conduct, deeds, etc., evil or good,
will affect the world in that trial day. The principles that will be in operation at that time
are embodied in the words of Christ to those who dwelt in the cities of Chorazin,
Bethsaida, and Capernaum:
"Then He began to censure the cities in which most of His miracles had been performed,
because they did not reform. Woe to thee, Chorazin! woe to thee, Bethsaida! For if those
miracles which are being performed in you, had been done in Tyre and Sidon, they would
long since have reformed in sackcloth and ashes. Therefore, I say to you, it will be more
endurable for Tyre and Sidon, in a Day of Judgment, than for you. And thou, Capernaum,
thou which art being exalted to heaven [in privilege] wilt be brought down to hades; for if
those miracles which are being performed in thee, had been done in Sodom, it had
remained till this day. But I say to you, that it will be more endurable for the land [people]
of Sodom, in a Day of Judgment, than for thee."--Matt. 11:20-24.
We learn from these words of our Savior that those who have opportunities now, and
neglect them, will receive the severer chastenings in that thousand-year trial day. The
punishments in that day will be in proportion to past guilt, but will be for correction. The
following we believe is well stated:
"Every sin indulged in now, every evil propensity cultivated, hardens the heart, and will
make the way back to purity and virtue at that time more difficult. On this account sins
willfully indulged in now will require punishment in that trial day of the world; and the
more deeply a person is dyed in willful sin now, the more severe will be the measures
required on the part of the great Judge to correct them.
"These punishments, however, will be corrective and will be designed for their discipline,
even as the chastenings of God to those now on trial to be His sons, are for their correction
and development in holiness.
"God's punishments at that time will always be administered in justice, tempered with
mercy and they will be relieved by His approval and reward to those who are exercised
aright by them. And it will be only when punishments, instructions, and encouragements