Topical Bible: The Heathen: God: Will Finally Judge

◄ The Heathen: God: Will Finally Judge ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of God's final judgment upon the heathen, or those who do not acknowledge the God of Israel, is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. This judgment is portrayed as both inevitable and righteous, reflecting God's holiness and justice.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding God's judgment on the heathen. In Genesis 18:25, Abraham appeals to God's justice, saying, "Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" This rhetorical question underscores the belief that God, as the ultimate judge, will execute justice perfectly.

The prophets frequently spoke of God's impending judgment on the nations. Isaiah 13:11 declares, "I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity; I will end the arrogance of the proud and humble the pride of the ruthless." Similarly, Ezekiel 25-32 contains a series of oracles against various nations, emphasizing that God's judgment extends beyond Israel to all peoples.

New Testament Revelation

The New Testament continues this theme, affirming that God's judgment will be universal and final. In Acts 17:30-31, Paul addresses the Athenians, stating, "Although God overlooked the ignorance of earlier times, He now commands all people everywhere to repent. For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead." Here, the resurrection of Jesus is presented as assurance of the coming judgment.

The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in Romans 2:5-6, "But because of your hard and unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of wrath, when God’s righteous judgment will be revealed. God 'will repay each one according to his deeds.'" This passage highlights the personal responsibility of each individual and the certainty of divine retribution.

The Book of Revelation

The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of God's final judgment. Revelation 20:11-15 describes the great white throne judgment, where the dead are judged according to their deeds. "Then I saw a great white throne and Him who was seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books."

This apocalyptic vision underscores the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, encompassing all humanity, and the ultimate separation of the righteous from the wicked.

Theological Implications

The doctrine of God's final judgment on the heathen serves several theological purposes. It affirms God's sovereignty and justice, ensuring that evil will not go unpunished. It also underscores the necessity of faith and repentance, as salvation is offered through Jesus Christ. The certainty of judgment serves as a call to evangelism, urging believers to share the gospel with all nations.

Throughout Scripture, the theme of God's judgment on the heathen is a sobering reminder of His holiness and the ultimate accountability of all people before their Creator.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 2:12-16
For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Thou Shalt have no Other Gods Before Me.
... He is a God who will not leave it unavenged if men turn from Him, and will not cease
to be ... all idolatry, and, on account of it, both heathen and Jews ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/luther/the large catechism/thou shalt have no other.htm

The Seven Books of Arnobius Against the Heathen
... 48 But some one will perhaps say that the care of such a god has? ... The Seven Books
of Arnobius Against the Heathen Christian Bookshelf. >.
/.../arnobius/the seven books of arnobius against the heathen/

The vineyard of the Lord
... and greed caused them to be despised even by the heathen. ... Let Israel hope in God. ...
glad day His eternal purpose for the house of Israel will finally be fulfilled ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/the vineyard of the lord.htm

Elucidations.
... them to be oracles of a certain sort, by which God permitted the heathen to be ... Finally,
and to close the subject, the reader will readily forgive me ...
//christianbookshelf.org/lactantius/the divine institutes/elucidations.htm

"Hear the Word of the Lord, Ye Rulers of Sodom, Give Ear unto the ...
... Shall not God rank you in judgment with those heathen families ... is the word of the
eternal, and true, and faithful God, and that not one jot of it will fail ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon viii hear the word.htm

Though in Almost Every Age There have Indeed Been in the Heathen ...
... and numberless superstitions, which overspread the face of the heathen world, but ...
indispensable obligation; and were able to deduce the will of God only by ...
/.../vi proposition vi though in.htm

God.
... cleanse the heart and brace the will they became ... makers of rain 'mong the bubbles
of the heathen? ... his most distinctive contributions to our knowledge of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/jeremiah/1 god.htm

The Historical Situation
... the defilements and snares of the heathen life round ... his reward when God should finally
judge the world ... soul's sensitiveness of response to God's will and God's ...
/.../rhees/the life of jesus of nazareth/i the historical situation.htm

Of Atheistical Discourse.
... ever bring them so much as to the Heathen Elysium, much ... And therefore those who have
no fear of God to restrain ... and at least be civil, though they will not be ...
/.../allestree/the government of the tongue/section iii of atheistical discourse.htm

In the Outer Court
... The magi from a heathen land came to the manger with ... I be lifted up from the earth,"
He said, "will draw all ... the praise of men rather than the approval of God. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 68 in the outer.htm