Divine Judgment

Divine judgment refers to the act of God in which He dispenses justice, rewards righteousness, and punishes sin. It is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting God's holiness, righteousness, and sovereignty. Divine judgment is both individual and corporate, affecting nations and peoples as well as individuals.

In the Old Testament, divine judgment is often depicted through historical events, such as the Flood (Genesis 6-9), the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19), and the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12). These events demonstrate God's power and His intolerance of sin. The prophets frequently warned Israel and other nations of impending judgment due to their disobedience and idolatry. For instance, Isaiah 13:11 declares, "I will punish the world for its evil and the wicked for their iniquity; I will end the haughtiness of the arrogant and lay low the pride of the ruthless."

The New Testament continues the theme of divine judgment, emphasizing the final judgment at the end of the age. Jesus speaks of this in Matthew 25:31-46, where He describes the separation of the righteous from the wicked. The Apostle Paul also addresses divine judgment, stating 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.'"

The Book of Revelation provides a vivid portrayal of divine judgment, culminating in the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-15), where the dead are judged according to their works. This eschatological perspective underscores the ultimate accountability of all humanity before God.

Prophecy

Prophecy in the Bible is the communication of divine messages through human intermediaries, known as prophets. These messages often include foretelling future events, calling people to repentance, and revealing God's will and purposes. Prophecy serves as a means by which God guides, warns, and instructs His people.

The Old Testament is rich with prophetic literature, including the major prophets (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel) and the minor prophets (Hosea through Malachi). Prophets were called by God to speak His words, often in times of national crisis or moral decline. For example, Amos 3:7 states, "Surely the Lord GOD does nothing without revealing His plan to His servants the prophets."

Prophecy is not limited to the Old Testament. In the New Testament, John the Baptist is recognized as a prophet who prepares the way for Jesus (Matthew 11:9-10). Jesus Himself is considered the ultimate prophet, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament and revealing God's kingdom. In Acts 3:22 , Peter refers to Jesus, saying, "For Moses said, 'The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among your brothers. You must listen to Him in everything He tells you.'"

The New Testament also speaks of the gift of prophecy within the church, as seen in 1 Corinthians 14:1 : "Earnestly pursue love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy." This indicates that prophecy continues to play a role in the edification and guidance of the Christian community.

Prophecy and divine judgment are interconnected, as prophetic messages often include warnings of judgment and calls to repentance. The fulfillment of prophecy serves as a testament to God's faithfulness and the certainty of His promises.