Topical Encyclopedia IntroductionThe concept of judgment in the Bible encompasses both human and divine perspectives. It involves discernment, decision-making, and the administration of justice. The Bible provides guidance on how judgment should be exercised by individuals and authorities, as well as insights into God's ultimate judgment. Human Judgment 1. Discernment and Wisdom: The Bible encourages believers to exercise discernment and wisdom in judgment. Proverbs 3:21-22 states, "My son, do not lose sight of this: Preserve sound judgment and discernment. They will be life to your soul and adornment to your neck." This highlights the importance of maintaining sound judgment as a vital aspect of a righteous life. 2. Judging Others: Jesus' teachings in the New Testament emphasize caution in judging others. In Matthew 7:1-2 , He instructs, "Do not judge, or you will be judged. For with the same judgment you pronounce, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you." This passage warns against hypocritical or harsh judgment, urging believers to reflect on their own shortcomings before judging others. 3. Righteous Judgment: The Bible calls for righteous judgment, which aligns with God's standards. John 7:24 advises, "Stop judging by outward appearances, and start judging justly." This verse underscores the need for fairness and integrity in judgment, avoiding superficial assessments. 4. Role of Authorities: Scripture acknowledges the role of authorities in executing judgment. Romans 13:1-4 explains that governing authorities are established by God to maintain order and justice. Verse 4 states, "For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer." Divine Judgment 1. God's Righteous Judgment: God's judgment is portrayed as perfect and just. 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 affirms God's sovereignty and fairness in His judgments. 2. Judgment Day: The Bible speaks of a future day of judgment when all individuals will be held accountable before God. Revelation 20:12 describes this event: "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and there were open books. And one of them was the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books." 3. Mercy and Judgment: While God's judgment is just, His mercy is also emphasized. James 2:13 states, "For judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment." This verse highlights the balance between justice and mercy in God's character and serves as a reminder for believers to practice mercy in their own judgments. 4. Christ as Judge: The New Testament reveals that Jesus Christ will be the judge of all humanity. Acts 17:31 proclaims, "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 affirms Christ's authority and role in executing divine judgment. Conclusion The Bible provides comprehensive teachings on judgment, emphasizing the need for discernment, fairness, and mercy in human judgment while affirming the righteousness and inevitability of divine judgment. Believers are called to reflect God's justice and mercy in their interactions with others, recognizing that ultimate judgment belongs to God. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia Judging JudgmentJUDGING JUDGMENT juj'-ing, juj'-ment: Often in the Old Testament for "to act as a magistrate" (Exodus 18:13 Deuteronomy 1:16; Deuteronomy 16:18, etc.), justice being administered generally by "elders" (Exodus 18:13-27), or "kings" (1 Samuel 8:20) or "priests" (Deuteronomy 18:15); applied to God as the Supreme Judge (Psalm 9:7, 8; Psalm 10:18; Psalm 96:13 Micah 4:3, etc.; Psalm 7:8 "Yahweh ministereth judgment," vividly describes a court scene, with Yahweh as Judge). Greek 2920. krisis -- a decision, judgment ... Spelling: (kree'-sis) Short Definition: judging, divine judgment Definition: judging, judgment, decision, sentence; generally: divine judgment; accusation. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2920.htm - 7k 1341. dikaiokrisia -- righteous judgment 2919. krino -- to judge, decide 350. anakrino -- to examine, investigate 1252. diakrino -- to distinguish, to judge 2922. kriterion -- a law court Strong's Hebrew 8199. shaphat -- to judge, govern... 93), judged (22), judges (36), judges decide (1), judges governed (1), judges...judged (1), judging (5), plead (1), pleads (1), pronounce judgment (1), ... /hebrew/8199.htm - 6k Library That Although God is Always Judging, it is Nevertheless Reasonable ... Whether {Synesis} (Judging Well According to Common Law) is a ... Whether {Gnome} (Judging Well According to General Law) is a ... Judging, Asking, and Giving Of the Judgment of Christ, of Christians, and of the Soul. The Fourteenth Chapter: Avoiding Rash Judgment Whether Judgment is an Act of Justice? On Avoiding Rash Judgment Whether any Men Will Judge Together with Christ? Whether at the Coming Judgment the Angels Will be Judged? Resources Does God hate? If God is love, how can He hate? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about forbearance? | GotQuestions.org What is the Tribulation? How do we know the Tribulation will last seven years? | GotQuestions.org Judging: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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