The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Repentance
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The concept of divine judgment is a central theme throughout the Bible, serving as both a warning and a call to repentance. The certainty of God's judgment is presented as an undeniable truth, urging individuals to turn from sin and seek reconciliation with God.

Biblical Foundation

The certainty of judgment is rooted in the character of God as a just and righteous judge. Scripture affirms that God will judge the world with equity. In Acts 17:31, the Apostle Paul declares, "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." This passage underscores the assurance of judgment, anchored in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, who is appointed as the judge.

The Old Testament also speaks to the certainty of judgment. Ecclesiastes 12:14 states, "For God will bring every deed into judgment, along with every hidden thing, whether good or evil." This verse highlights the comprehensive nature of God's judgment, encompassing all actions and intentions.

A Call to Repentance

The certainty of judgment serves as a powerful motive for repentance. The awareness of impending judgment compels individuals to examine their lives and turn away from sin. In the New Testament, John the Baptist's ministry is a vivid example of this call. In Matthew 3:2, he proclaims, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near." The nearness of God's kingdom implies the imminence of judgment, urging people to prepare through repentance.

The Apostle Peter also emphasizes repentance in light of judgment. In 2 Peter 3:9-10, he writes, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some understand slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief." Here, God's patience is highlighted, providing time for repentance before the sudden arrival of judgment.

The Role of Jesus Christ

Jesus Christ plays a central role in the context of judgment and repentance. His teachings often included warnings about judgment, coupled with calls to repentance. In Luke 13:3, Jesus states, "No, I tell you. But unless you repent, you too will all perish." This direct warning underscores the necessity of repentance to avoid the consequences of judgment.

Moreover, Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection provide the means for repentance and forgiveness. In Romans 5:8-9, Paul explains, "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!" The atoning work of Christ offers salvation from the wrath of judgment, motivating individuals to repent and embrace the grace offered through faith.

The Urgency of Repentance

The certainty of judgment imparts a sense of urgency to the call for repentance. The unpredictability of the timing of judgment, as described in Matthew 24:36, "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father," serves as a reminder that repentance should not be delayed. The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 further illustrates the importance of being prepared for the coming judgment.

In conclusion, the certainty of divine judgment is a foundational biblical truth that serves as a compelling motive for repentance. Through the teachings of Scripture, the role of Jesus Christ, and the urgency of the message, individuals are called to turn from sin and seek the mercy and forgiveness of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Acts 17:30,31
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commands all men every where to repent:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Secondly, the Motives by which the Christian Religion Enforces the ...
... has been already said concerning the judgment of the ... obedience or disobedience, are
a motive perfectly agreeable ... general believe the truth and certainty of them ...
/.../xi proposition xi secondly the.htm

The Passing and the Permanent
... have boldness in the day of 'judgment,' for that ... ways and man's, and on the certainty
that the ... God's loving forgivingness is the strongest motive to repentance ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/the passing and the permanent.htm

The Angel of the Everlasting Gospel.
... The great motive, to be held forth to induce men to ... of idols to that of God, was
the certainty of the ... of wrath, and revelation of the righteous judgment of God ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the angel of the everlasting.htm

The Contents. The Introduction, Concerning the Causes of Atheism 1
... Another, drawn from Men's Conscience or Judgment of their own ... of Natural Religion,
and also the Certainty of a ... of True Repentance as a Motive to Obedience ibid ...
/.../the contents the introduction concerning.htm

The Importance of the Death of Christ in Preaching and in Theology
... The motive is in both cases a desire to safeguard ... has deep in the heart of it God's
judgment upon sin ... But when its certainty, completeness, and freeness are so ...
/.../denney/the death of christ/chapter 6 the importance of.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... 1213]325; makes forgiving harder, [1214]343; of Judgment is for ... 1503]216; everywhere
present, [1504]219; His longsuffering motive for repentance, [1505]ib ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Application of these Motives
... of your miserable neighbors would be motive sufficient to ... I will here show you the
certainty and sureness ... a reformation, will rise up in judgment against the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/baxter/the reformed pastor/article 4.htm

The Three Last Parables of the Per??an Series: the Unrighteous ...
... cause of its answer, but that the certainty of that ... avowedly [4669] inaccessible
to the highest motive, the fear ... I tell you, that He will do judgment on behalf ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter xix the three last.htm

Index of Subjects.
... with riches, [177]166; the root of all good, [178]291; true motive of, what, [179 ...
Judgment, The, why compared to threshing, [998]72; certainty of, [999 ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/index of subjects.htm

Fourthly; all the [Credenda, Or] Doctrines, which the True, Simple ...
... indeed discoverable with any kind of certainty by the ... after the resurrection and
the general judgment, wherein every ... What can be a more proper motive to piety ...
/.../xiii proposition xiii fourthly all.htm

Resources
What does it mean that the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about AIDS / HIV? Is AIDS / HIV a judgment from God? | GotQuestions.org

What are all the different judgments in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Judgment: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Subtopics

Judgment

Judgment Hall

Judgment Seat

Judgment: According to Opportunity and Works

Judgment: The General

Judgmental People

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

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The Judgment: The Certainty of, a Motive to Prayer and Watchfulness
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