Topical Encyclopedia JudgmentIn the biblical context, judgment refers to the discernment and decision-making process regarding right and wrong, often associated with God's ultimate authority to judge humanity. The Bible presents judgment as both a present reality and a future event. God's judgment is depicted as righteous, just, and impartial, reflecting His holy nature. The Old Testament frequently addresses God's judgment upon nations and individuals. For instance, in the book of Genesis, God judges the world through the flood (Genesis 6-9) and the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19). The prophets often warned Israel and surrounding nations of impending judgment due to sin and idolatry, as seen in Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel. In the New Testament, judgment is further developed with the coming of Jesus Christ. Jesus speaks of judgment in terms of both present accountability and future reckoning. In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus warns, "But I tell you that men will give an account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken" (Matthew 12:36). The Apostle Paul reiterates this theme, emphasizing that all will stand before God's judgment seat (Romans 14:10). The final judgment is a significant eschatological event described in Revelation, where the dead are judged according to their deeds (Revelation 20:12). Believers are assured of salvation through faith in Christ, who bore the penalty of sin, yet they are also called to live righteously, knowing they will give an account to God. Hypocrisy Hypocrisy, in the biblical sense, refers to the act of pretending to have virtues, moral beliefs, or religious convictions that one does not truly possess. It is a form of deceit and insincerity, often condemned in Scripture as contrary to the genuine faith and righteousness God desires. The Old Testament addresses hypocrisy primarily in the context of Israel's religious practices. The prophets frequently rebuked the Israelites for their outward religious observances that lacked true devotion and obedience to God. Isaiah declares, "These people draw near to Me with their mouths and honor Me with their lips, but their hearts are far from Me" (Isaiah 29:13). In the New Testament, Jesus strongly condemns hypocrisy, particularly among the religious leaders of His time. The Pharisees and scribes are often criticized for their outward displays of piety that mask inner corruption. In Matthew 23, Jesus pronounces a series of "woes" upon them, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence" (Matthew 23:25). Jesus teaches that true righteousness exceeds mere external compliance with the law and must stem from a transformed heart. He warns against judging others hypocritically, urging His followers to first examine their own lives: "Why do you look at the speck in your brother’s eye, but fail to notice the beam in your own eye?" (Matthew 7:3). The epistles continue this theme, urging believers to live authentically and sincerely. The Apostle James exhorts Christians to be doers of the word, not merely hearers, emphasizing the importance of genuine faith expressed through actions (James 1:22-25). In summary, the Bible presents judgment as an essential aspect of God's character and plan, while hypocrisy is consistently denounced as a serious moral failing. Believers are called to live in light of God's righteous judgment, avoiding hypocrisy by cultivating sincerity and integrity in their faith and conduct. 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) |