In the biblical narrative, judgments from God serve as a means to instruct His people in righteousness. The concept of divine judgment is not merely punitive but is intended to guide individuals and nations toward a deeper understanding and practice of righteousness. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, emphasizing that God's judgments are both corrective and redemptive.

Purpose of Judgments

The primary purpose of divine judgments is to bring about repentance and a return to righteous living. In the Old Testament, the prophets frequently warned Israel and other nations of impending judgments due to their disobedience and idolatry. These warnings were accompanied by calls to repentance, highlighting that God's desire was for His people to turn from their wicked ways and embrace His statutes.

Isaiah 26:9 states, "For when Your judgments come upon the earth, the inhabitants of the world learn righteousness." This verse encapsulates the didactic nature of divine judgments, suggesting that through experiencing God's corrective actions, people are led to understand and practice righteousness.

Examples in Scripture

1. The Flood: The judgment of the flood in Genesis 6-9 serves as a profound example of God's response to widespread wickedness. While the flood was a severe judgment, it also marked a new beginning for humanity through Noah, who "found favor in the eyes of the LORD" (Genesis 6:8). This event underscores the principle that judgment is intended to cleanse and restore, leading survivors to a renewed commitment to righteousness.

2. The Exodus: The plagues of Egypt, as described in the book of Exodus, were judgments against Pharaoh and the gods of Egypt. These judgments demonstrated God's power and sovereignty, compelling the Israelites to recognize Him as the one true God. The deliverance from Egypt was not only a physical liberation but also a call to spiritual fidelity and obedience to God's laws.

3. The Babylonian Exile: The exile of Judah to Babylon was a significant judgment due to persistent idolatry and injustice. Yet, through the prophets, God promised restoration and a new covenant. Jeremiah 24:7 declares, "I will give them a heart to know Me, that I am the LORD. They will be My people, and I will be their God, for they will return to Me with all their heart." The exile served as a period of reflection and transformation, ultimately leading to a renewed commitment to God's covenant.

New Testament Perspective

In the New Testament, the theme of judgment leading to righteousness is further developed. Jesus' teachings often included warnings of judgment, urging His followers to live righteously. In Matthew 7:21-23 , Jesus warns that not everyone who calls Him "Lord" will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only those who do the will of His Father. This underscores the importance of righteous living as evidence of genuine faith.

The Apostle Paul also addresses this theme, particularly in Romans 2:4 , where he writes, "Or do you disregard the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness leads you to repentance?" Here, Paul emphasizes that God's judgments, coupled with His kindness, are intended to lead individuals to repentance and righteous living.

The Role of the Church

The Church is called to proclaim the message of repentance and righteousness in light of God's judgments. Believers are to understand that divine discipline is an expression of God's love, as stated in Hebrews 12:6 , "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." This discipline is meant to produce a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it (Hebrews 12:11).

In summary, the biblical concept of judgments is intricately linked to the learning and practice of righteousness. Through divine judgments, God seeks to correct, instruct, and ultimately restore His people to a right relationship with Him, characterized by obedience and holiness.Isaiah 26:9
With my soul have I desired you in the night; yes, with my spirit within me will I seek you early: for when your judgments are in the earth, the inhabitants of the world will learn righteousness.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

His Future Work
... this judgment seat of Christ, He will lead His Saints ... or any such thing; but that
it should be holy ... and will therefore be visited by these righteous judgments. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/iii his future work.htm

Hezekiah
... of the chief men of Judah to lead out in ... and that mercy would be shown those who
should worship there. ... But the terrible judgments befalling the ten tribes were ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 28 hezekiah.htm

Solomon
... Give the king Thy judgments, O God,. ... and high endeavor, principles that are
heaven-born and that lead to godliness, principles that should govern every ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 1 solomon.htm

Concerning Things Performed Over those Fallen Asleep.
... back to our own most just possessions (or judgments). ... our sacred tradition holds,
by learning these, through ... things,"and that the child should lead the rest ...
/.../dionysius/ecclesiastical hierarchy/caput vii i concerning things.htm

The Impending Conflict
... To deceive men, and thus lead them to transgress God's law ... the sins which have called
down judgments upon the ... If the law were not binding, why should any fear ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 36 the impending conflict.htm

The Impending Conflict.
... To deceive men, and thus lead them to transgress God's law ... the sins which have called
down judgments upon the ... If the law were not binding, why should any fear ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /36 the impending conflict.htm

Some General Uses from this Useful Truth, that Christ is the Truth ...
... seek after the Spirit, whom Christ hath promised to lead us into ... trusting to our
own understandings, or to the judgments of other men; nor should we look ...
/.../brown/christ the way the truth and the life/chapter xii some general uses.htm

A Warning to Believers
... of Christ: do not care about these petty judgments-seats of ... I think sometimes the
Christian should have very much the ... man sway your conscience so as to lead you ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 61 1915/a warning to believers.htm

Truth Hidden when not Sought After.
... religious matters God has willed that men should differ," and ... say beforehand whether
they may not lead him on ... find reason to suspect our own judgments of what ...
/.../newman/parochial and plain sermons vol viii/sermon xiii truth hidden when.htm

Article vi: of Confession and Satisfaction.
... these spectacles [such outward ceremonies] usually lead astray the ... We are speaking
of the judgments of men and ... time this hatred against you should break forth. ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 16 article vi of.htm

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