The Great Controversy The Great Controversy | Page 550

saints, to execute judgment upon all.” Jude 6, 14, 15. John declares that
he “saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were
opened: ... and the dead were judged out of those things which were
written in the books.” Revelation 20:12.
But if the dead are already enjoying the bliss of heaven or writhing
in the flames of hell, what need of a future judgment? The teachings
of God’s word on these important points are neither obscure nor
contradictory; they may be understood by common minds. But what
candid mind can see either wisdom or justice in the current theory?
Will the righteous, after the investigation of their cases at the judgment,
receive the commendation, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant:
... enter thou into the joy of thy Lord,” when th