Topical Encyclopedia The concept of judgment is a foundational principle within the Christian Gospel, deeply rooted in the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments. It encompasses the divine assessment of human actions and the ultimate determination of eternal destinies. The judgment is portrayed as both a present reality and a future event, reflecting God's righteousness, justice, and mercy.Biblical Foundation The Bible presents God as the ultimate judge, whose judgments are true and righteous. In the Old Testament, the concept of judgment is often associated with God's covenant relationship with Israel. For instance, Psalm 9:7-8 declares, "But the LORD abides forever; He has established His throne for judgment. He judges the world with justice; He governs the people with equity." This passage underscores God's sovereign authority and His commitment to justice. In the New Testament, the theme of judgment is further developed, particularly in the teachings of Jesus Christ. Jesus speaks of a final judgment where all individuals will be held accountable for their lives. In Matthew 25:31-32 , Jesus describes the scene: "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats." The Nature of Divine Judgment Divine judgment is characterized by its fairness and impartiality. Romans 2:6-8 states, "God 'will repay each one according to his deeds.' To those who by perseverance in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality, He will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow wickedness, there will be wrath and anger." This passage highlights the principle that God's judgment is based on one's actions and the condition of the heart. The judgment is also depicted as inevitable and comprehensive. Hebrews 9:27 affirms, "Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment." This underscores the certainty of judgment for every individual, emphasizing the need for readiness and accountability. Judgment and the Gospel The Gospel message is intrinsically linked to the concept of judgment. The proclamation of the Gospel includes a call to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ as the means of escaping condemnation. John 3:16-18 encapsulates this message: "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life. 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." The Gospel offers the assurance of salvation and the promise of eternal life to those who accept Christ, while also warning of the consequences of unbelief. This dual aspect of the Gospel—salvation and judgment—serves as a powerful motivator for evangelism and personal holiness. The Role of Believers Believers are called to live in light of the coming judgment, striving to reflect God's righteousness in their lives. 2 Corinthians 5:10 reminds Christians, "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." This awareness of future accountability encourages believers to pursue a life of faithfulness and obedience. Furthermore, believers are entrusted with the responsibility of proclaiming the Gospel, warning others of the impending judgment, and inviting them to receive God's grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The urgency of this mission is underscored by the reality of judgment and the eternal destinies at stake. Conclusion The judgment is a central tenet of the Christian faith, reflecting God's holiness and justice. It serves as both a warning and a promise, urging individuals to seek reconciliation with God through Jesus Christ. As a first principle of the Gospel, the judgment calls for a response of faith, repentance, and a commitment to live according to God's righteous standards. Torrey's Topical Textbook Hebrews 6:2Of the doctrine of baptisms, and of laying on of hands, and of resurrection of the dead, and of eternal judgment. Torrey's Topical Textbook Greek 4102. pistis -- faith, faithfulness ... but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God ... And this, not as we had expected, but they first. ... of faith at work in you," "the operating-principle of faith ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4102.htm - 18k Library How Each one Ought to Prepare Himself for the Future Resurrection. Scripture the Criterion by which Truth and Heresy are ... The Journey to Jerusalem - Chronological Arrangement of the Last ... The Sermon on the Mount. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xii. 32, "Whosoever Shall Speak ... The Lost Sheep. Relation of the Pharisees to the Sadducees and Essenes, and to the ... The Fight for the Gospel; Or, Moravians and Rationalists, 1775 ... "But Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God, and his Righteousness, and ... The Place of Chrysostom in the History of Exegesis. Resources What is the Judgment Seat of Christ / Bema Seat of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happens at the final judgment? | GotQuestions.org What does it means that mercy triumphs over judgment (James 2:13)? | GotQuestions.org Judgment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Judgment: According to Opportunity and Works The Judgment of Christians, by the Gospel The Judgment of Heathen, by the Law of Conscience The Judgment of Jews, by the Law of Moses The Judgment: A Day Appointed For The Judgment: A First Principle of the Gospel The Judgment: Called The: Day of Destruction The Judgment: Called The: Day of Judgment and Perdition of Ungodly Men The Judgment: Called The: Day of Wrath The Judgment: Called The: Judgment of the Great Day The Judgment: Called The: Revelation of the Righteous Judgment of God The Judgment: Christ Will Acknowledge Saints At The Judgment: Devils Shall be Condemned At The Judgment: Final Punishment of the Wicked Will Succeed The Judgment: Neglected Advantages Increase Condemnation At The Judgment: None, by Nature Can Stand In The Judgment: Perfect Love Will Give Boldness In The Judgment: Predicted in the Old Testament The Judgment: Saints Shall be Rewarded At The Judgment: Saints Shall Sit With Christ In The Judgment: Saints Shall, Through Christ, be Enabled to Stand In The Judgment: Shall be Administered by Christ The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: All Men The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: All Nations The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: Quick and Dead The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: Small and Great The Judgment: Shall be Held Upon: The Righteous and Wicked The Judgment: Shall be in Righteousness The Judgment: Shall be of All: Actions The Judgment: Shall be of All: Thoughts The Judgment: Shall be of All: Words The Judgment: Shall Take Place at the Coming of Christ The Judgment: The Books Shall be Opened At The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Faith The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Holiness The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Prayer and Watchfulness The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Repentance The Judgment: The Wicked Dread The Judgment: The Wicked Shall be Condemned In The Judgment: The Word of Christ Shall be a Witness Against the Wicked In The Judgment: Time of, Unknown to Us The Judgment: Warn the Wicked of Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |