The Crucifixion as a Mockery, Witness, and Warning of the Judgment

by George L. Mitton

Overview

ABSTRACT: In its action, setting, and arrangement, the crucifixion may be viewed as a stark mockery of the final judgment scene. This article provides a brief review of the relevant scriptures, considered together with some related apocryphal and other early Christian writings of interest in regard to the crucifixion. These sources point to the interpretation that the gospel writers saw in the crucifixion a striking symbolism that can provide a strong reminder, witness, and warning of the coming judgment. The Lord is seen in the crucifixion as at once representing His humility in submitting Himself to be judged and, conversely, His authority and power to be the judge of all. The crucifixion signifies the concept of a reciprocal or two-way judgment, as emphasized in the Book of Mormon, where mankind first judges the Lord, and later are to be judged accordingly by Him in return.

Product Details

BN ID:	2940161294345
Publisher:	Interpreter Foundation
Publication date:	04/17/2019
Series:	Interpreter: A Journal of Latter-day Saint Faith and Scholarship , #32
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Sales rank:	575,775
File size:	347 KB

About the Author

George L. Mitton was raised in Logan, Utah. Following military service, he served in the British Mission (1949-51) and later in many Church callings. He graduated with a master’s degree in political science at Utah State University and did additional graduate studies at the University of Utah and Columbia University. He is retired from a career in education and state government in Oregon, and now lives in Provo, Utah. He assisted for a decade as an associate editor of FARMS Review and published there, in Dialogue and in BYU Studies. He is on the Board of Advisors of The Interpreter Foundation. Married to the former Ewan Harbrecht, they have four children, 20 grandchildren, and 28 great grandchildren.