Topical Encyclopedia Condemnation, in the biblical context, refers to the divine judgment and penalty that befalls individuals due to their sins and transgressions. It is a theme that runs throughout Scripture, highlighting the righteousness of God in administering justice according to the deeds of men.Biblical Basis for Condemnation The concept of condemnation is rooted in the holiness and justice of God. Scripture affirms that God is a righteous judge who cannot overlook sin. In Romans 2:6, the Apostle Paul writes, "God 'will repay each one according to his deeds.'" This principle underscores the idea that individuals are judged based on their actions, and those actions determine their standing before God. Old Testament Insights The Old Testament provides numerous examples of condemnation according to men's deserts. In Genesis 6:5-7, God observes the wickedness of humanity and decides to bring the flood as a form of judgment. The text states, "The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great on the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time." Here, the condemnation is directly linked to the pervasive sinfulness of mankind. Similarly, in the prophetic literature, the theme of condemnation is prevalent. The book of Ezekiel emphasizes personal responsibility and the consequences of sin. Ezekiel 18:30 declares, "Therefore, house of Israel, I will judge each of you according to your ways, declares the Lord GOD. Repent and turn from all your offenses, so that sin will not be your downfall." New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to affirm the principle of condemnation according to one's deeds. Jesus Himself speaks of this in John 5:28-29: "Do not be amazed at this, for the hour is coming when all who are in their graves will hear His voice and come out—those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment." Paul's epistles further elaborate on this theme. In Romans 3:23, he states, "for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." This universal condition of sinfulness places all humanity under the potential for condemnation. However, Paul also emphasizes the availability of justification through faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in Romans 8:1: "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." The Role of the Law The law serves as a standard by which sin is identified and condemned. Romans 7:7 explains, "What then shall we say? Is the law sin? Certainly not! Indeed, I would not have been aware of sin if not for the law." The law reveals the righteous requirements of God and the failure of humanity to meet those standards, thus leading to condemnation. Grace and Redemption While condemnation is a reality due to sin, the New Testament also presents the hope of redemption through Jesus Christ. John 3:17-18 states, "For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him. Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." This passage highlights the transformative power of faith in Christ, which offers a way out of condemnation. The grace of God, as revealed through the sacrifice of Jesus, provides the means by which individuals can be justified and reconciled to God, escaping the condemnation that their sins deserve. Conclusion Condemnation according to men's deserts is a fundamental biblical doctrine that underscores the justice of God in dealing with sin. While all have sinned and are deserving of condemnation, the message of the Gospel offers hope and redemption through faith in Jesus Christ, who bore the penalty of sin on behalf of humanity. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 12:37For by your words you shall be justified, and by your words you shall be condemned. Torrey's Topical Textbook 2 Corinthians 11:15 Library Further Description of the Divine Justice; Since the Fall of Man ... Anti-Pelagian Writings John iii. 17 "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God," &C. A Private Enquiry Hearken and Look; Or, Encouragement for Believers The Same Necessary and Eternal Different Relations Book v. --General Reply to Sundry of Marcion's Heresies. Chapter xxxiv An Essay on the Scriptural Doctrine of Immortality. Resources What are indulgences and plenary indulgences and is the concept biblical? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Tatian of Adiabene? | GotQuestions.org Does God punish us when we sin? | GotQuestions.org Condemnation: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Condemnation of the Wicked, an Example Condemnation: According to Men's Deserts Condemnation: Apostates Ordained To Condemnation: Chastisements are Designed to Rescue Us From Condemnation: Conscience Testifies to the Justice of Condemnation: Increased by Hypocrisy Condemnation: Increased by Impenitence Condemnation: Increased by Oppression Condemnation: Increased by Pride Condemnation: Increased by Unbelief Condemnation: Inseparable Consequence of Sin Condemnation: Saints are Delivered From, by Christ Condemnation: The Law is the Ministration of Condemnation: The Law Testifies to the Justice of Condemnation: The Sentence of God Against Sin Condemnation: Unbelievers Remain Under Condemnation: Universal, Caused by the Offense of Adam Related Terms Transgression (70 Occurrences) Licentiousness (10 Occurrences) Lasciviousness (9 Occurrences) |
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