Can anyone help me find this?

[JudoMinja]

I remember being taught/told at some point that bishops and others in priesthood leadership positions- who hold a stewardship over a number of people- aid in determining the judgement of those people on judgement day. However, when I brought this up during our Relief Society lesson on the second coming of Jesus Christ, someone else was very quick to argue that such was not at all doctrine and was pure speculation. Since I couldn't remember where I'd heard/read it, I couldn't really back myself up. So, after church I decided to go searching for it.

All I could find in the actual scriptures on the topic referred to bishops as "judges in Israel", and this seemed to pertain only to their time as stewards on earth and their responsibilities in disciplinary councils. It did not seem to extend into any eternal responsibilities or seem to name them as participants in the judgement bar... I did, however, find clear statements that the apostles who were named during Christ's early ministry would help in the judgement, as would the apostles named from the Nephite/Lamanite people.

So, was this thought on bishops really just something speculative that I was assuming to be true, or does it have a foundation somewhere that I just am not finding? Since I can't find it in the actual scriptures, I'm sure it isn't doctrinal, but it would be nice to know if it actually came from somewhere (a conference talk, ensign article, etc), so I know it isn't just something I concocted in my own brain.

Thanks in advance for your help. You guys are awesome!

[beefche]

I've never heard that before. I know they are judges in Israel, but my understanding is that pertains to this life. My understanding is that the Lord's Apostles during his ministry will judge the 12 tribes.

[Traveler]

I remember being taught/told at some point that bishops and others in priesthood leadership positions- who hold a stewardship over a number of people- aid in determining the judgement of those people on judgement day. However, when I brought this up during our Relief Society lesson on the second coming of Jesus Christ, someone else was very quick to argue that such was not at all doctrine and was pure speculation. Since I couldn't remember where I'd heard/read it, I couldn't really back myself up. So, after church I decided to go searching for it.

All I could find in the actual scriptures on the topic referred to bishops as "judges in Israel", and this seemed to pertain only to their time as stewards on earth and their responsibilities in disciplinary councils. It did not seem to extend into any eternal responsibilities or seem to name them as participants in the judgement bar... I did, however, find clear statements that the apostles who were named during Christ's early ministry would help in the judgement, as would the apostles named from the Nephite/Lamanite people.

So, was this thought on bishops really just something speculative that I was assuming to be true, or does it have a foundation somewhere that I just am not finding? Since I can't find it in the actual scriptures, I'm sure it isn't doctrinal, but it would be nice to know if it actually came from somewhere (a conference talk, ensign article, etc), so I know it isn't just something I concocted in my own brain.

Thanks in advance for your help. You guys are awesome!

For some reason almost all of Christianity and much of LDS societies have adopted an extreme pagan view of the afterlife and judgment.

I do not believe that the judgment will be a private interview with G-d but rather a very open public forum of declaration or one’s mortal adventures. I also believe that anyone that wants to contribute will have that opportunity to add whatever they like or wish to. With that in mind I visualize that any negative comments or accusations that are made that Jesus Christ will be present and will point out that he personally took care of any and all debts because of anything of negative sinful nature.

I have no doubts but that priesthood holders given specific assignments to help individuals prepare each of us through covenant, ordinances, and commandments for the final judgment will be asked for specific input. For example, I believe Bishops will be asked to testify concerning a person’s fulfilling of callings and activities like attending tithing settlement and how an individual testified concerning if they were full tithe payers. I believe each of us will have the opportunity to provide our individual input concerning these things - but - and I believe this is most important. I do not believe that we can make any claim for any blessings (for the given example of tithing) pertaining to being a full tithe payer if we have neglected the covenant and those G-d appointed to administer (proctor) our covenants as his proxy.

On the other hand I do not believe that bishops will be asked (with very rare possible exceptions) if a person was kind to their spouse at all time - including at private times within their home.

The Traveler

[JudoMinja]

So Traveler,

Do you know if there's anything to back up what you've described? Or is this just conclusions you've come to on your own, based on what you think it will be like? I think I've always seen it kind of the same way you do, but can't find anything to back it up- so I'm wondering if it really is just personal speculation...

[Justice]

I have heard the Apostles of your day will aid in judgement, but I have no information on how that might work since there have been many apostles in my day. I have never heard that Bishops will be judges past their relase on earth.

[Traveler]

So Traveler,

Do you know if there's anything to back up what you've described? Or is this just conclusions you've come to on your own, based on what you think it will be like? I think I've always seen it kind of the same way you do, but can't find anything to back it up- so I'm wondering if it really is just personal speculation...

Yes! See D&C 84. This is often called the scripture concerning the oath and covenant of the priesthood and all that receive the priesthood - this would include the ordinances of the priesthood. Pay particular attention to verses 33 - 38.

I would also wonder what some people are thinking when they raise their hand in sustaining various individuals at general conference, stake conference, ward conference and other meetings where individuals are sustained to callings.

The Traveler

[Blackmarch]

For some reason almost all of Christianity and much of LDS societies have adopted an extreme pagan view of the afterlife and judgment.

I do not believe that the judgment will be a private interview with G-d but rather a very open public forum of declaration or one’s mortal adventures. I also believe that anyone that wants to contribute will have that opportunity to add whatever they like or wish to. With that in mind I visualize that any negative comments or accusations that are made that Jesus Christ will be present and will point out that he personally took care of any and all debts because of anything of negative sinful nature.

I have no doubts but that priesthood holders given specific assignments to help individuals prepare each of us through covenant, ordinances, and commandments for the final judgment will be asked for specific input. For example, I believe Bishops will be asked to testify concerning a person’s fulfilling of callings and activities like attending tithing settlement and how an individual testified concerning if they were full tithe payers. I believe each of us will have the opportunity to provide our individual input concerning these things - but - and I believe this is most important. I do not believe that we can make any claim for any blessings (for the given example of tithing) pertaining to being a full tithe payer if we have neglected the covenant and those G-d appointed to administer (proctor) our covenants as his proxy.

On the other hand I do not believe that bishops will be asked (with very rare possible exceptions) if a person was kind to their spouse at all time - including at private times within their home.

The Traveler

Whether or not its 1 on 1 with God (which i doubt, i believe that God will be the final judge, and that there will be others there that will go over our life and/or testify for or against us), it certainly won't be private. the verse that says where it will be as if our sins were shouted from the rooftops to all comes to mind.... And that if I could ever get the chance, i'd love to be able to plead for various people I know.

Edited November 16, 2011 by Blackmarch

[Martain]

Why are the Apostles to be Judges at that great day with Christ?

Because they have been or will be, called and set apart, by priesthood authority, authorized to administer in such a position.

While this does not mean that a Bishop in this world will be extended such a calling, neither does it preclude the possibility.

Suffice to say, we do not know and I agree that to say we do, either way, would be opinion.

Although if you find something conclusive to prove the point either way, I'm more than willing to reverse my statement.

[Traveler]

Whether or not its 1 on 1 with God (which i doubt, i believe that God will be the final judge, and that there will be others there that will go over our life and/or testify for or against us), it certainly won't be private. the verse that says where it will be as if our sins were shouted from the rooftops to all comes to mind.... And that if I could ever get the chance, i'd love to be able to plead for various people I know.

I think G-d may ask for our opinions but in reality I believe we will have the final say. I do not believe that someone that begs for mercy - even at the final judgement - will be turned away.

At the same time - I do not believe we will promise to be different. With nothing to hide I do not think this will be a difficult problem for anyone to solve. I am 100% sure no one will have to have G-d explain what needs to happen next.

The Traveler

[kiwiblue]

When I was called for the third time as a Bishop, that I would be responsible as one of the Judges in Israel for the things that happened in my time and the area that I served in and would be involved on judgement day.

I have never found any reference to this so would be intrigued if someone else finds a reference.

[laronius]

A couple of thoughts. I'm not sure exactly how any previously mortal being could assist in the judging. Perhaps they can be a witness to what happened but not the judge. Even bishops now must rely on God via the Spirit to render a righteous judgement. I think the judgement will be no less personal than Christ appearing to the Nephites and inviting each to come feel his wounds.

As concerning the apostles judging the 12 tribes I think this is not a judging of individuals but rather a declaration that the gospel was indeed taught among them and they are therefore accountable for what they know.

In the end I don't really see the need for anyone to make accusations. We will know that God knows and that's all there is to it. Jesus will be our Advocate and God will be our Omniscient Judge and no one will walk away feeling that they had been cheated, except by themselves.

[zil2]

27 minutes ago, laronius said:

In the end I don't really see the need for anyone to make accusations.

IMO, Satan will be the accuser, there ranting and raving about how we don't deserve mercy due to all our sins.

Meanwhile, a search of the Church website for the phrase "judge in Israel" yields a lot of results.  Some may be helpful.