Topical Bible: Judgments: should be a Warning to Others

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In the biblical narrative, judgments serve as divine responses to human actions, often acting as warnings to others about the consequences of disobedience and sin. These judgments are not merely punitive but are intended to guide, correct, and instruct both the immediate recipients and future generations.

Old Testament Examples

1. The Flood (Genesis 6-9): The account of Noah and the Flood is one of the earliest and most significant examples of divine judgment. Humanity's widespread wickedness prompted God to cleanse the earth with a flood, sparing only Noah, his family, and pairs of every living creature. This event serves as a stark warning about the seriousness of sin and the necessity of righteousness. Genesis 6:5-7 states, "Then the LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great upon the earth, and that every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was altogether evil all the time. And the LORD regretted that He had made man on the earth, and it grieved Him in His heart. So the LORD said, 'I will blot out man, whom I have created, from the face of the earth—every man and beast and crawling creature and bird of the air—for I am grieved that I have made them.'"

2. Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18-19): The destruction of these cities is another profound example of judgment. Their sinfulness led to their complete annihilation by fire and brimstone. This event is frequently referenced in Scripture as a warning against immorality and a reminder of God's justice. Genesis 19:24-25 recounts, "Then the LORD rained down sulfur and fire on Sodom and Gomorrah—from the LORD out of the heavens. Thus He overthrew those cities and the entire plain, including all the inhabitants of the cities and everything that grew on the ground."

3. The Plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12): The ten plagues that God sent upon Egypt were judgments against Pharaoh and the Egyptian gods, demonstrating God's power and sovereignty. These plagues served as a warning to the Egyptians and a means of deliverance for the Israelites. Exodus 7:5 declares, "And the Egyptians will know that I am the LORD, when I stretch out My hand against Egypt and bring the Israelites out from among them."

New Testament Examples

1. Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11): In the early church, Ananias and Sapphira were struck dead for lying to the Holy Spirit about the proceeds from the sale of their property. This judgment served as a sobering warning to the early Christian community about the seriousness of deceit and hypocrisy. Acts 5:11 notes, "And great fear came over the whole church and all who heard about these events."

2. The Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10): The New Testament speaks of a future judgment for believers, where each will receive what is due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad. This serves as a warning to live righteously and faithfully. 2 Corinthians 5:10 states, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad."

Purpose and Implications

Judgments in the Bible are multifaceted, serving not only as retribution for sin but also as corrective measures and warnings. They underscore the holiness and justice of God, reminding humanity of the consequences of sin and the importance of obedience. These divine actions are intended to lead people to repentance and to foster a reverent fear of the Lord, as seen in Proverbs 9:10 : "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding."

Throughout Scripture, judgments are depicted as both immediate and eschatological, affecting individuals, communities, and nations. They serve as historical lessons and prophetic warnings, urging believers to live in accordance with God's will and to heed the lessons of the past.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Luke 13:3,5
I tell you, No: but, except you repent, you shall all likewise perish.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Judgments of God.
... theory of Providence, your theory of judgments, we will ... or disbelieve as they
choose"the warning of the ... that Christ is ruling us, we should look somewhat ...
/.../kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon xx the judgments of.htm

Solomon's Repentance
... messages of reproof and by severe judgments, He sought ... course, he gave special attention
to warning the youth ... the prime of manhood, when he should have found ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 5 solomons repentance.htm

A Message of Warning and Entreaty
... Lesson 29 A Message of Warning and Entreaty. ... advancement in the Christian life until
they should attain to the ... If then ye have judgments of things pertaining to ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 29 a message of.htm

A Warning to Believers
... The Apostle gives us this warning, "Let no man beguile ... do not care about these petty
judgments-seats of ... I think sometimes the Christian should have very much ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/a warning to believers.htm

The Last King of Judah
... and others whose messages of reproof and warning had been ... the hope of averting the
severest of His judgments. "Should ye be utterly unpunished?" He inquired. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 36 the last king.htm

The Ship on Fire --A Voice of Warning
... There is no distinction of persons in the judgments of God. ... of being sick of love
to Christ, he should have to ... mercy to be able to hear the trumpet of warning. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/the ship on firea voice.htm

On his Father'S Silence, Because of the Plague of Hail.
... I do not dwell on the judgments to come, to ... have obtained mercy; as the fir-tree
should howl, because ... fate, instead of being themselves a warning to others. ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/oration xvi on his fathers.htm

On Extreme Unction and Holy Orders
... mercy from God, who might have allowed them to continue in sin till His judgments
and condemnation ... Therefore you should take every warning coming from the ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 25 on extreme unction.htm

That the Ruler Relax not his Care for the Things that are Within ...
... also, with design to add fearfulness to the warning, He straightway ... the remedies
of counsel, saying, If then ye should have secular judgments, set them to ...
/.../leo/writings of leo the great/chapter vii that the ruler.htm

Ananias and Sapphira.
... of those visible and alarming judgments, which, contrary to ... and flattered themselves
that they should escape with ... their end ministers a solemn warning to others ...
/.../dick/lectures on the acts of the apostles/lecture vi ananias and sapphira.htm