The concept of divine judgment is a central theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the holiness and righteousness of God and the accountability of humanity. The Bible consistently teaches that, by nature, no human being can stand justified before God in their own merit. This entry explores the biblical basis for this doctrine, highlighting key passages and theological insights.

Human Sinfulness and Inability

The Bible clearly articulates the universal sinfulness of humanity. In Romans 3:10-12, the Apostle Paul quotes the Old Testament, stating, "There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away; they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one." This passage underscores the inherent sinfulness of all people, affirming that no one can claim righteousness on their own.

Furthermore, Isaiah 64:6 declares, "All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away." This vivid imagery illustrates the inadequacy of human righteousness in the sight of a holy God.

The Holiness of God

God's holiness is a fundamental attribute that sets Him apart from His creation. In Habakkuk 1:13, it is written, "Your eyes are too pure to look on evil; You cannot tolerate wrongdoing." This verse highlights the absolute purity of God, who cannot tolerate sin in His presence. The holiness of God demands that sin be judged and dealt with justly.

The Role of the Law

The Law, given through Moses, serves to reveal the sinfulness of humanity and the impossibility of achieving righteousness through human effort. Romans 3:20 states, "Therefore no one will be justified in His sight by works of the law. For the law merely brings awareness of sin." The Law acts as a mirror, reflecting the moral failures of humanity and pointing to the need for divine intervention.

The Necessity of Divine Grace

Given the universal sinfulness of humanity and the holiness of God, the Bible emphasizes the necessity of divine grace for salvation. Ephesians 2:8-9 proclaims, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Salvation is presented as a gift from God, not something that can be earned or merited by human effort.

The Role of Jesus Christ

Central to the Christian understanding of judgment and salvation is the role of Jesus Christ. Romans 5:8-9 declares, "But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Therefore, since we have now been justified by His blood, how much more shall we be saved from wrath through Him!" Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection provide the means by which believers are justified and reconciled to God.

The Final Judgment

The Bible speaks of a final judgment where all individuals will stand before God. Revelation 20:12 describes this scene: "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 judgment underscores the accountability of every person and the necessity of being found in Christ to stand justified.

In summary, the Bible teaches that by nature, no one can stand justified before God. Human sinfulness, the holiness of God, and the inadequacy of the Law highlight the need for divine grace and the redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Through faith in Him, believers are justified and can stand confidently in the face of divine judgment.Psalm 130:3
If you, LORD, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who shall stand?
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 143:2
And enter not into judgment with your servant: for in your sight shall no man living be justified.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Romans 3:19
Now we know that what things soever the law said, it said to them who are under the law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mordecai and Esther
... They are none of them vital. ... make it, as certain as the oneness of human nature can
make it ... convince the world of sin, of righteousness, and judgment can make it ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/mordecai and esther.htm

"And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up ...
... Nature is a "bullock unaccustomed with the yoke," and so it ... Judgment hath had as
much terror, mercies as much ... of Belial, briers and thorns, that none may come ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon xviii and there is.htm

1 John iii. 4-7
... lowering the standard of moral judgment, and recognizing ... of men, the Apostle infers
that none can stand in fellowship ... as such, in its essential nature and idea ...
//christianbookshelf.org/neander/the first epistle of john/1 john iii 7-apr.htm

The Sermon of the Seasons
... of grace will be over, and the reign of judgment will come ... I love to get into the
field of nature on a large ... out of man's power; and yet they are none the less ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 32 1886/the sermon of the seasons.htm

On the Wedding Garment
... It is true, indeed, that none ought to approach the ... bar of God in the day of judgment."
I do ... from the guilt, " sanctified " saved from the nature, of sin ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 120 on the wedding.htm

That Thy Resurrection Might be Believed among the Gainsayers, they ...
... If then none comprehended Thy Mother, who shall suffice for Thee ... 465] Thy judgment
is mighty ... If a man should seek after Thy Nature, it is hidden in Heaven in the ...
/.../hymns and homilies of ephraim the syrian/hymn viii that thy resurrection.htm

We are Worshippers of one God, of Whose Existence and Character ...
... a fundamental human right, a privilege of nature, that every ... account He has appointed
an eternal judgment, when both ... A Christian is enemy to none, least of all ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/tertullian/to scapula/chapter ii we are worshippers.htm

The Three Witnesses
... in vain do you re-judge his judgment, and act ... curb the will, and change the entire
nature of man ... he puts forth his omnipotent energy none can stand against him. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 20 1874/the three witnesses.htm

The Millennium in Relation to Sin.
... down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver. ... nothing without, can alter fallen
and depraved human nature. ... Devil will meet with swift judgment""And fire ...
/.../pink/the redeemers return/7 the millennium in relation.htm

Can Our Dead Speak to Us?
... But none need be deceived by the lying claims of ... in them; or, Where is the God of
judgment?" Malachi 2:17 ... stated in the Scriptures concerning the nature of man ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/white/the great controversy/chapter 34 can our dead.htm

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