Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." Acts 17:30-31
As sure as the day of God’s judgment is appointed, and therefore will take place…
As sure as the standard by which all will be judged is the perfect holiness of God…
And as sure the only hope of surviving that judgment is forgiveness of sin, available only through faith in Christ Jesus…
It is also a sure thing that our Savior, Jesus, is likewise the One who sits on the judgment seat (Acts 17:31). If this verse is not clear enough, consider Jesus’s words in Matthew 7:22-23:
Many will say to Me in that day, 'Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?' And then I will declare to them, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!' (emphasis added)
Clearly Jesus identifies Himself as the Judge. Does that mean God the Father is not the judge? No, it is, rather, a reminder that God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit are all three, one God. And as God is our Judge, all three members of the Trinity are our Judge.
What a beautiful truth that the One who judges (Jesus) is also the One who secures forgiveness for those who trust in Him!