03.09.2013 Views

Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof - New Leaven

Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof - New Leaven

Systematic Theology, by Louis Berkhof - New Leaven

SHOW MORE
SHOW LESS

You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles

YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.

exactly twenty-four hours, since the word “day” is also used in a more indefinite sense<br />

in Scripture. On the other hand, however, the interpretation of some of the<br />

Premillenarians, that it is a designation of the whole millennial period, cannot be<br />

regarded as a plausible one. When the word “day” is used to denote a period, it is a<br />

period which is, as a whole, characterized <strong>by</strong> some special characteristic, usually<br />

indicated <strong>by</strong> the genitive that follows the word. Thus “the day of trouble” is the period<br />

that is characterized throughout <strong>by</strong> trouble, and “the day of salvation” is the period<br />

which is in its entirety noted for its outstanding display of God’s favour or grace. And it<br />

certainly cannot be said that the millennial period of the Premillenarians, while<br />

beginning and ending with a judgment, is throughout a period of judgment. It is rather<br />

a period of joy, of righteousness and of peace. The outstanding characteristic of it is<br />

certainly not that of judgment.<br />

G. THE STANDARD OF JUDGMENT.<br />

The standard <strong>by</strong> which saints and sinners are judged will evidently be the revealed<br />

will of God. This is not the same for all. Some have been privileged above others, and<br />

this naturally adds to their responsibility, Matt. 11:21-24: Rom. 2:12-16. This does not<br />

mean that there will be different conditions of salvation for different classes of people.<br />

For all those who appear in judgment entrance into, or exclusion from, heaven, will<br />

depend on the question, whether they are clothed with the righteousness of Jesus<br />

Christ. But there will be different degrees, both of the bliss of heaven and of the<br />

punishment of hell. And these degrees will be determined <strong>by</strong> what is done in the flesh,<br />

Matt. 11:22,24; Luke 12:47,48; 20:47; Dan. 12:3; II Cor. 9-6. The Gentiles will be judged <strong>by</strong><br />

the law of nature, inscribed in their hearts, the Israelites of the old dispensation <strong>by</strong> the<br />

Old Testament revelation and <strong>by</strong> that only, and those who have enjoyed, besides the<br />

light of nature and the revelation of the Old Testament, the light of the gospel, will be<br />

judged according to the greater light which they have received. God will give to every<br />

man his due.<br />

H. THE DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE JUDGMENT.<br />

Here we should distinguish:<br />

1. THE COGNITIO CAUSAE. God will take cognizance of the state of affairs, of the<br />

whole past life of man, including even the thoughts and secret intents of the heart. This<br />

is symbolically represented in Scripture as the opening of the books, Dan. 7:10; Rev.<br />

20:12. The pious of the days of Malachi spoke of a book of remembrance written before<br />

814

Hooray! Your file is uploaded and ready to be published.

Saved successfully!

Ooh no, something went wrong!