Topical Encyclopedia 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 17:30,31And 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 ... The Passing and the Permanent The Angel of the Everlasting Gospel. The Contents. The Introduction, Concerning the Causes of Atheism 1 The Importance of the Death of Christ in Preaching and in Theology Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians. Application of these Motives The Three Last Parables of the Per??an Series: the Unrighteous ... Index of Subjects. Fourthly; all the [Credenda, Or] Doctrines, which the True, Simple ... Resources What does it mean that the Holy Spirit will convict the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment? | GotQuestions.orgWhat 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 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) |