Judgment

In the biblical context, judgment refers to the discernment and decision-making process that aligns with God's standards of righteousness and justice. The Bible presents judgment as both a divine prerogative and a human responsibility, emphasizing the importance of aligning one's judgments with God's revealed truth.

Divine Judgment

God's judgment is a central theme throughout Scripture, reflecting His holiness, justice, and sovereignty. The Bible portrays God as the ultimate judge who evaluates the hearts and actions of individuals and nations. In Genesis 18:25, Abraham acknowledges God's role as the righteous judge: "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?" .

The New Testament further emphasizes God's judgment through Jesus Christ. In John 5:22, Jesus states, "Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son" . This highlights the authority of Christ in executing divine judgment, which will culminate in the final judgment as described in Revelation 20:11-15.

Human Judgment

While ultimate judgment belongs to God, humans are called to exercise discernment and judgment in their daily lives. The Bible encourages believers to judge righteously, avoiding hypocrisy and superficial assessments. In Matthew 7:1-2, Jesus warns, "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 underscores the importance of humility and self-awareness in judgment.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the issue of judgment within the Christian community. In 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, he writes, "What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. 'Expel the wicked man from among you'" . Here, Paul distinguishes between judging those within the church and leaving the judgment of outsiders to God, emphasizing the need for maintaining purity and accountability within the body of Christ.

Personal Convictions

Personal convictions refer to the deeply held beliefs and values that guide an individual's behavior and decision-making. These convictions are often shaped by one's understanding of Scripture, conscience, and the leading of the Holy Spirit.

Biblical Basis for Personal Convictions

The Bible acknowledges the role of personal convictions in the life of a believer, particularly in matters where Scripture does not provide explicit commands. Romans 14 is a key passage that addresses the issue of personal convictions among believers. In Romans 14:5, Paul writes, "One person regards a certain day above the others, while someone else considers every day alike. Each one should be fully convinced in his own mind" . This verse highlights the importance of being fully persuaded in one's own mind regarding personal convictions.

Respecting Differences in Convictions

The Bible calls for mutual respect and love among believers, even when personal convictions differ. Romans 14:10-13 advises, "Why, then, do you judge your brother? Or why do you belittle your brother? For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat... Therefore let us stop judging one another. Instead, make up your mind not to put any stumbling block or obstacle in your brother’s way" . This passage encourages believers to avoid passing judgment on others' convictions and to prioritize unity and edification within the church.

Living According to Convictions

Believers are encouraged to live according to their personal convictions while maintaining a clear conscience before God. In Romans 14:22-23, Paul states, "Keep your belief about such matters between yourself and God. Blessed is the one who does not condemn himself by what he approves. But the one who has doubts is condemned if he eats, because his eating is not from faith; and everything that is not from faith is sin" . This emphasizes the importance of acting in faith and integrity, ensuring that one's actions align with their convictions and do not lead to self-condemnation.