I just got through reading an article that reports the charges against Saddam Hussein have been dropped for his murder of 180,000 Kurds. The chief justice in Baghdad said the reason for dropping the charges was that “the death of defendant Saddam was confirmed.”
If only that were the case…
Of course it’s futile to prosecute anyone in this life who is dead physically, and that’s why the charges were dropped. But that is not the end… Saddam still exists, he is “alive.”
In Hebrews 9:27 it is written, “It is appointed to man once to die and after this the judgment…” So while the temporal charges against Saddam have been dropped, he still faces another trial before THE Supreme Court. But this time there will be a few differences from his trial here on earth.
Difference #1: Saddam will not be defiant as he stands before this court.
Difference #2: Saddam will not be able to rant at The Judge (God).
Difference #3: Saddam will not have a lawyer or advocate of any kind pleading his case.
Difference #4: There will be no doubt about the evidence presented in this case.
Difference #5: Saddam will confess his guilt willingly.
Difference #6: Saddam will agree with the verdict of guilt pronounced upon him.
Every person, without exception, will face a final time of judgment after death. At that time God Himself is the Judge, Jury, and Executioner. It will be the most just and fair trial anyone ever receives. No one (!) will argue they were treated unfairly or that their punishment is cruel or unusual.
The difference between believers and unbelievers regarding judgment is that God’s wrath for believers was settled at the cross. Thus the time of evaluation for them is in relation to rewards (See 1 Corinthians 3:12-16). If their works pass the test, they will be rewarded. If not, they will suffer loss but will enter heaven (In my terminology) “smelling like smoke.”
So let’s lay up treasures in heaven that cannot be lost (Matthew 6:19-20)!