Topical Bible: Judgments: Sent for Correction

◄ Judgments: Sent for Correction ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, judgments sent for correction are divine interventions intended to guide, discipline, and restore individuals or nations to a righteous path. These judgments are not merely punitive but are imbued with a redemptive purpose, aiming to bring about repentance and spiritual renewal.

Old Testament Context

The Old Testament is replete with instances where God sends judgments as corrective measures. The Israelites, as God's chosen people, frequently experienced such judgments due to their disobedience and idolatry. In the Book of Judges, a cyclical pattern emerges where Israel falls into sin, faces oppression as a form of divine judgment, cries out to God, and is delivered by a judge. This cycle underscores the corrective nature of God's judgments, as seen in Judges 2:18-19 : "Whenever the LORD raised up a judge for them, He was with the judge and saved them from the hands of their enemies as long as the judge lived; for the LORD was moved to pity by their groaning under those who oppressed and afflicted them. But when the judge died, the people returned to ways even more corrupt than those of their fathers, following other gods to serve and worship them."

The prophets also convey this theme, with figures like Isaiah and Jeremiah warning of impending judgments while simultaneously calling for repentance. Isaiah 1:18-20 illustrates this dual message: "Come now, let us reason together, says the LORD. Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool. If you are willing and obedient, you will eat the best of the land. But if you resist and rebel, you will be devoured by the sword. For the mouth of the LORD has spoken."

New Testament Insights

In the New Testament, the concept of corrective judgment is further developed through the teachings of Jesus and the apostles. Jesus' parables often highlight the theme of judgment leading to correction and restoration. The Parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) exemplifies this, where the son's waywardness leads to hardship, prompting his return to the father—a metaphor for repentance and divine forgiveness.

The apostolic writings also emphasize corrective judgment within the church. In 1 Corinthians 11:32 , Paul addresses the Corinthian church regarding the Lord's Supper: "But when we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined so that we will not be condemned with the world." Here, Paul underscores that divine discipline serves to correct and preserve believers from ultimate condemnation.

Theological Implications

Theologically, judgments sent for correction reflect God's holiness, justice, and mercy. They affirm God's commitment to His covenant people, demonstrating that He does not abandon them to their sin but actively works to bring them back into right relationship with Him. Hebrews 12:6 encapsulates this principle: "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives."

These judgments also serve as a reminder of human accountability before God. They call believers to self-examination and repentance, fostering spiritual growth and maturity. The corrective nature of divine judgment is thus an integral aspect of God's redemptive plan, guiding His people toward holiness and deeper communion with Him.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Job 37:13
He causes it to come, whether for correction, or for his land, or for mercy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Jeremiah 30:11
For I am with you, said the LORD, to save you: though I make a full end of all nations where I have scattered you, yet I will not make a full end of you: but I will correct you in measure, and will not leave you altogether unpunished.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

"Hear the Word of the Lord, Ye Rulers of Sodom, Give Ear unto the ...
... would threaten a man with pure and unmixed judgments, if he ... in vain now to send a
rod, ye receive no correction. I sent the rod, that it might open your hearts ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon viii hear the word.htm

Psalm XVIII.
... "He hath sent down from ... For" with persevering contemplation I weigh "all His judgments,"
that is ... hath directed me to the end." And Thy correction, not suffering ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm xviii.htm

Letter clxxii. (AD 416. )
... I think anything said in them demands correction, but because ... regard to the variety
of men's judgments, "Let every ... the holy presbyter Firmus, we sent him last ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter clxxii a d 416.htm

vincentius of Thibari Said: "We Know that Heretics are Worse than ...
... Lord Himself also accepted, and sent the lepers ... judgment from heaven unless they
submitted to correction. ... preface to consider the remaining judgments of this ...
/.../chapter 44 85 vincentius.htm

Preface to the Emperor Charles V.
... in order that, after the removal and correction of such ... set forth and submit their
opinions and judgments in the ... as possible by letters that were to be sent out ...
/.../various/the augsburg confession of faith/preface to the emperor charles.htm

The Conclusion
... The double correction shows how firm is the decree that God ... Man, who had been "sent
forth" and "driven out ... also the true character of the judgments recorded in ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bullinger/commentary on revelation/the conclusion.htm

Circular Letter to the Clergy of the Arch-Deaconry of Suffolk.
... such a wickedness to pass without that correction which it ... land long enough the theatre
of God's judgments, and at ... And the end of their being sent on the earth ...
/.../prideaux/directions to church-wardens/circular letter to the clergy.htm

Psalm LXXIX.
... way here also by him the judgments are spoken ... even he, according to the prophecy
sent before concerning ... For although paternal correction most bravely and most ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxix.htm

A Prayer when one Begins to be Sick.
... whereby thou dost with thy temporal judgments draw me ... ends in inflicting upon me
this sickness and correction! ... vouchsafe, that as thou hast sent this sickness ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/bayly/the practice of piety/a prayer when one begins.htm

Letter Lxxxix. (AD 406. )
... to refuse to be humbled by the correction of their ... than the plaintiffs against whom
these judges pronounced judgments. ... the words of John: "He that sent me to ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxxix a d 406.htm