Topical Encyclopedia The concept of the "Word of God" as the standard of judgment is a foundational tenet in Christian theology, emphasizing the authority and sufficiency of Scripture in determining moral and spiritual truth. The Bible, regarded as the divinely inspired Word of God, serves as the ultimate criterion by which all human actions and beliefs are measured, particularly in the context of divine judgment.Scriptural Authority and Judgment The Bible asserts its own authority as the Word of God, a standard by which all are judged. In John 12:48 , Jesus declares, "There is a judge for the one who rejects Me and does not receive My words; the word that I have spoken will judge him on the last day." This passage underscores the belief that the teachings of Christ, as recorded in Scripture, will serve as the basis for judgment. The Apostle Paul reinforces this idea in Romans 2:16 , stating, "This will come to pass on that day when God will judge men’s secrets through Christ Jesus, as proclaimed by my gospel." Here, Paul emphasizes that the gospel message, rooted in the Word of God, is integral to the judgment process. The Role of Scripture in Moral and Spiritual Discernment The Word of God is not only the standard for future judgment but also serves as a guide for moral and spiritual discernment in the present. Hebrews 4:12 describes the Word as "living and active, sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart." This vivid imagery illustrates the penetrating power of Scripture to reveal truth and expose falsehood. Psalm 119:105 further highlights the guiding role of Scripture: "Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." The Word of God illuminates the path of righteousness, providing clarity and direction in a world often shrouded in moral ambiguity. The Infallibility and Sufficiency of Scripture The doctrine of the infallibility and sufficiency of Scripture is central to understanding its role as the standard of judgment. 2 Timothy 3:16-17 affirms, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for instruction, for conviction, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be complete, fully equipped for every good work." This passage asserts that Scripture, being divinely inspired, is wholly reliable and adequate for guiding believers in all aspects of life. The Final Judgment and the Word The eschatological dimension of the Word of God as the standard of judgment is vividly portrayed in Revelation. Revelation 20:12 describes the final judgment: "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and there were open books. And one of them was the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books." The imagery of books being opened suggests that the divine record, aligned with the Word of God, will be the basis for judgment. In conclusion, the Word of God stands as the ultimate standard by which all are judged, both in this life and in the life to come. Its authority, infallibility, and sufficiency provide the foundation for moral and spiritual discernment, guiding believers in righteousness and preparing them for the final judgment. Nave's Topical Index John 12:48He that rejects me, and receives not my words, has one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. Nave's Topical Index Romans 2:16 Library It is the Ultimate Standard for Regulating Conduct. Necessity of Contemplating the Judgment-Seat of God, in Order to ... Moreover, as to this Word which is Written in the Gospel... Note C. --Chap. vii George Muller and his Second Conversion Match-Making. The Judgment Upon Zacharias His Future Work Inspiration of Scripture. --Gospel Difficulties. --The Word of God ... The Investigative Judgment. Conversion --Varied Phenomena or Experience. Resources How can Jesus and the Bible both be the Word of God? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the GOD's WORD Translation (GW)? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to be doers of the Word in James 1:22? | GotQuestions.org Word: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Word of God: Called: Book of the Law Word of God: Called: Book of the Lord Word of God: Called: Good Word of God Word of God: Called: Holy Scriptures Word of God: Called: Law of the Lord Word of God: Called: Oracles of God Word of God: Called: Scriptures Word of God: Called: Scriptures of Truth Word of God: Called: Sword of the Spirit Word of God: Called: Word of Christ Word of God: Called: Word of God Word of God: Called: Word of Life Word of God: Called: Word of Truth Word of God: Compared: To a Two-Edged Sword Word of God: Compared: To Seed Word of God: Conviction of Sin from Reading Word of God: Fulfilled by Jesus Word of God: Not to be Added To, or Taken From Word of God: Not to be Handled Deceitfully Word of God: Searching of, Commanded Word of God: Taught by the Apostles Word of God: Texts of, to be Written on Door-Posts Word of God: The People Stood and Responded by Saying "Amen" Word of God: The Standard of the Judgment Word of God: To be Read Publicly Word of God: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Related Terms Sanctification (13 Occurrences) Stumblingstone (2 Occurrences) Stumbling-stone (3 Occurrences) Stumbling-block (20 Occurrences) |
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