Judgment

In the biblical context, judgment refers to the divine assessment and decision-making process regarding human actions, both individually and collectively. It is a central theme throughout the Scriptures, reflecting God's holiness, justice, and righteousness. The concept of judgment is multifaceted, encompassing both temporal judgments within history and the ultimate eschatological judgment at the end of time.

1. Divine Judgment in the Old Testament: The Old Testament frequently depicts God as the righteous judge who evaluates the deeds of nations and individuals. For instance, in Genesis 18:25, Abraham appeals to God's justice, saying, "Far be it from You to do such a thing—to kill the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous and the wicked are treated alike. Far be it from You! Will not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" This passage underscores the belief in God's fair and impartial judgment.

2. Judgment and the Law: The Mosaic Law provided a framework for justice among the Israelites, with God as the ultimate judge. Deuteronomy 1:17 instructs, "Show no partiality in judgment; hear both small and great alike. Do not be intimidated by anyone, for judgment belongs to God." This highlights the divine origin of justice and the expectation that human judges reflect God's standards.

3. Prophetic Warnings: The prophets often warned of impending judgment due to Israel's unfaithfulness. For example, in Isaiah 3:13-14, it is written, "The LORD arises to contend; He stands to judge the people. The LORD brings this charge against the elders and leaders of His people." Such passages emphasize the role of judgment as a corrective measure intended to bring about repentance and restoration.

4. Eschatological Judgment: The New Testament expands on the theme of judgment, particularly concerning the final judgment. In Matthew 25:31-32, Jesus describes the Son of Man coming in glory to judge the nations: "When the Son of Man comes in His glory, and all the angels with Him, He will sit on His glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before Him, and He will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats."

5. Judgment and Salvation: The New Testament also presents judgment in the context of salvation through Christ. John 5:24 states, "Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life." This highlights the assurance of salvation for believers, who are spared from condemnation through faith in Jesus.

Peace

Peace, in the biblical sense, is more than the absence of conflict; it is a state of wholeness, harmony, and well-being that originates from God. It is a recurring theme in both the Old and New Testaments, reflecting God's desire for His creation to live in harmony with Him and with one another.

1. Peace in the Old Testament: The Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," encompasses completeness, welfare, and tranquility. In Numbers 6:24-26, the Aaronic blessing invokes God's peace: "The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace." This blessing reflects the divine source of true peace.

2. Peace and the Messiah: The prophetic literature often associates peace with the coming of the Messiah. Isaiah 9:6 proclaims, "For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given, and the government will be upon His shoulders. And He will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." This prophecy points to the Messiah as the bringer of ultimate peace.

3. Jesus as the Source of Peace: In the New Testament, Jesus is identified as the fulfillment of the peace promised in the Old Testament. In John 14:27, Jesus assures His disciples, "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled; do not be afraid." This peace is distinct from worldly peace, rooted in the presence and promises of Christ.

4. Peace with God: The apostle Paul emphasizes that peace with God is achieved through justification by faith. Romans 5:1 states, "Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ." This peace is foundational to the believer's relationship with God, resulting from reconciliation through Christ's sacrifice.

5. Peace Among Believers: The New Testament also calls for peace within the Christian community. Ephesians 4:3 urges believers to "make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." This reflects the expectation that the peace of Christ should govern relationships within the body of Christ, fostering unity and love.

6. Eschatological Peace: The Bible concludes with a vision of ultimate peace in the new creation. Revelation 21:4 describes a future where "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the former things have passed away." This eschatological peace is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, where harmony is fully restored.