Judgment

In the biblical context, judgment refers to the divine and human processes of discerning right from wrong, often leading to the administration of justice. The concept of judgment is deeply rooted in the character of God, who is portrayed as the ultimate judge of all creation. The Bible frequently emphasizes God's righteous judgment, which is both fair and impartial.

In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for judgment, "mishpat," is often used to describe God's ordinances and decisions. For instance, in Deuteronomy 32:4 , it is declared, "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." This verse underscores the perfection and fairness of God's judgments.

The role of human judges is also significant in the Old Testament. Leaders like Moses and the appointed judges of Israel were tasked with executing God's laws and ensuring justice among the people. Exodus 18:21 advises, "But select capable men from all the people—men who fear God, trustworthy men who hate dishonest gain—and appoint them as officials over thousands, hundreds, fifties, and tens."

In the New Testament, the Greek word "krisis" is often used for judgment. Jesus Christ speaks extensively about judgment, both in terms of God's final judgment and the discernment required of His followers. In John 5:22 , Jesus states, "Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son." This passage highlights the authority of Christ in the final judgment.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept of judgment, particularly in relation to the return of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 5:10 , he writes, "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive his due for the things done in the body, whether good or bad."

Justice

Justice in the Bible is closely linked to righteousness and is a fundamental aspect of God's nature. The biblical understanding of justice involves the right ordering of relationships and the equitable treatment of individuals, reflecting God's moral law.

In the Old Testament, justice is a central theme in the Law and the Prophets. Micah 6:8 succinctly captures the essence of biblical justice: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" This verse emphasizes the active pursuit of justice as a divine requirement.

The Psalms frequently celebrate God's justice, as seen in Psalm 89:14 : "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; loving devotion and truth go before You." Here, justice is depicted as foundational to God's rule and governance.

In the New Testament, justice is embodied in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. He challenges social injustices and calls His followers to a higher standard of righteousness. In Matthew 23:23 , Jesus rebukes the Pharisees, saying, "Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! You pay tithes of mint, dill, and cumin, but you have disregarded the weightier matters of the law: justice, mercy, and faithfulness."

The early church also grappled with issues of justice, particularly in the distribution of resources and care for the marginalized. James 1:27 highlights the practical outworking of justice: "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Throughout Scripture, judgment and justice are intertwined, reflecting God's desire for a world where His righteousness prevails and His people live in harmony with His will.