In what way will believers "judge angels" (1 Cor 6.3), and when will this take place?
It is interesting that this is the only reference in Scripture to believers judging angels. It is quite a revelation of truth. Paul brings this before the Corinthians to ask them why is it that, with such a prospect and role before them, they feel incompetent to judge things pertaining to this life, especially matters between brethren. With such a great destiny it is inconsistent to go outside to the world to settle internal difficulties in the assembly. It is another evidence in the New Testament of how future privileges, prophetically speaking, should shape our lives now and affect the testimony of the assembly.
I do not regard the judgment in a judicial or penal sense as some do, referring it to the Great White Throne judgment when, say they, angels shall be judged by God and the Church. This would mean that the angels are fallen angels, but surely such judgment on that solemn day is the prerogative of God alone. I much prefer to take the word "judge" in the sense of administration. For example, in Matthew 19.28 the Lord speaks of the disciples sitting "upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel". We are not to understand by this that they will sit in judicial judgment. It means presiding over the twelve tribes – administering their affairs. So believers are to be exalted above angels and will preside over them. In the light of this the Corinthians should be able to preside over things in the assembly and settle disputes within. In the Millennium, angels will be subordinate to Christ and to the Church. The angels are, I believe, the holy angels and not the fallen beings. The good angels will not be called to judgment.
When will such administration of angels take place? It must be during the millennial reign of Christ. I regard Hebrews 2.5 to be helpful here: "For unto the angels hath he not put in subjection the world to come". From this verse we learn that angels will not be in a position of administration during the one thousand years, but rather Christ Himself will rule in equity and justice and, in association with Him, the subjects of His Kingdom, the Church.
John J Stubbs
How can students answer questions on evolution when being taught by atheistic teachers and lecturers?
The assumption is being made by the respondent that the questioner is making reference to students who are believers in the Lord Jesus Christ.
Perhaps the best approach to be adopted is for such a question to be answered as follows: "I have been taught and it is widely accepted that..." - in order to provide the answer that is expected. However, it would certainly not be out of order for the student to conclude with a sentence or two along the following lines: "I would like to point out that, as a Christian, I am a ‘creationist’ and I believe the Biblical record as set out in the opening two chapters of the book of Genesis; there we read, ‘In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth’ (Genesis 1.1). It needs to be borne in mind that ‘evolution’ is just a theory".
Christian teachers who are required to teach "evolution" as part of a syllabus need much wisdom in handling the subject, but might be well advised to adopt an approach similar to that outlined above. The present writer appreciates that there is a narrow line to be trodden in such issues in view of current legislation; nevertheless, the individual needs to be able to stand by the courage of his/her convictions.
David E West
What can parents do when children are being taught false religions in school? Should they insist that their children leave the class during these lessons?
Firstly, it should be pointed out that current legislation permits parents to withdraw their child from religious education classes as well as from religious acts of worship in schools. It is not a question of "insisting" but of simply exercising their right so to do.
Christianity is not, of course, a religion, albeit James writes, "Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world" (James 1.27), the expression "Pure religion" being used to set in contrast that which is unreal and deceptive.
What we as Christians firmly believe are "false religions" form part of the syllabus of most Religious Instruction courses. Perhaps it would be wise for children of Christian parents to be exposed to such teachings at school in order that they might appreciate the emptiness of these religions when set against the truths of the Christian faith presenting One, even the Lord Jesus Christ, the very Son of God, as risen from the dead.
In the final analysis, a decision has to be made by parents faced with such issues, bearing in mind the particular circumstances in which their child is found.
David E West
