God’s Mercy in the Courts of Heaven

 “A Thoughtful Judgment: God’s Mercy in the Courts of Heaven”

Scripture Foundation:
Daniel 7:9–10, 13–14, 22, 26–27
Genesis 18:17–32

A Courtroom in Heaven

Imagine a courtroom where the Judge is also your Advocate, where the books are open—not to condemn you—but to show how far God has gone to save you. That is the picture Daniel gives us in Daniel 7.

The prophet sees a vision: thrones set in place, the Ancient of Days taking His seat, and “the court was seated, and the books were opened” (Dan. 7:10). This is the Investigative Judgment, a process in heaven that reveals both the justice and mercy of God. It shows us the heart of the plan of salvation.

The Focus of the Judgment: God’s People

In Daniel 7:9–10, the heavenly judgment scene begins. But this judgment isn’t about a random display of power. The focus becomes clear in verse 22: "judgment was made in favor of the saints of the Most High." This is not about God trying to find a reason to exclude people from His kingdom—it’s about declaring who truly belongs to Him.

This divine courtroom is not hostile. God is not eager to punish, but to vindicate His people. The judgment is for them, not against them.

The Verdict: Victory for the Saints

Daniel 7:26–27 reveals the end of the process: the arrogant little horn power is destroyed, and “the kingdom and dominion... shall be given to the people, the saints of the Most High.” This is the verdict: God's people inherit the eternal kingdom.

This is stunning. Despite our weakness, despite the accusations of the enemy (Rev. 12:10), the judgment concludes with God’s faithful people receiving the kingdom. That verdict doesn’t just reveal justice—it reveals the grace embedded in God’s plan from the beginning.

A Glimpse of the Plan of Salvation

So what does this tell us about salvation?

• It tells us that salvation is not a cold, mechanical process.

• It’s not just about whether we’ve made mistakes—because we all have.

• It’s about who we have trusted. Have we clung to Christ, the Son of Man who appears before the Ancient of Days (Dan. 7:13–14)?

The judgment scene shows us a transfer of dominion—from evil powers to the Son of Man, and ultimately to the saints. Christ receives the kingdom, and then shares it with those who are His. This is the heart of the gospel: Christ wins, and He wins for us.

Abraham: God’s Thoughtful Judgment on Display

This scene in Daniel echoes another moment in Scripture when God reveals His character as a Judge: the conversation between Abraham and God about Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18:17–32).

God didn’t just wipe Sodom off the map without thought or explanation. Instead, He says, “Shall I hide from Abraham what I am doing?” Then He invites Abraham into a dialogue about justice.

Abraham boldly asks, “Will You destroy the righteous with the wicked?” And God patiently replies, again and again, that if He finds even 10 righteous people in the city, He will spare it.

What do we learn from this?

• God does not judge rashly.

• He considers. He reasons. He looks for reasons not to destroy.

• He reveals His justice to His people and allows room for intercession.

This mirrors the judgment in Daniel 7. God opens the books. He invites review. He is transparent. His goal is not destruction, but redemption.

A Just and Saving Judge

When we see God as a judge, we often think of fear. But in Daniel 7, and in Abraham’s story, we see something different: a Judge who loves justice but delights in mercy.

• He does not rush to punish.

• He takes time to examine, to weigh, to seek the best for His people.

• The end result of the judgment is that the saints receive the kingdom.

Let us take comfort in this: the same God who spoke patiently with Abraham is the God presiding in the heavenly court. The same Christ who died for us stands before the Father on our behalf.

So when the books are opened, what will they show? Not just your failures—but Christ’s faithfulness. And that, friends, is a judgment you can rejoice in.

If you’ve been afraid of judgment, remember this: the one who judges you also died for you. Today, place your trust in the Son of Man. He stands for you. And one day soon, He will give you the kingdom. Let us live each day as citizens of that coming kingdom.

More: Lesson 10 - Upon Whom the Ends Have Come