Judgment

In the Christian tradition, judgment refers to the divine assessment of human actions and the subsequent determination of eternal destiny. The Bible presents judgment as both a present reality and a future event. God's judgment is depicted as righteous, impartial, and inevitable, serving as a central theme throughout Scripture.

The Old Testament frequently portrays God as the ultimate judge of nations and individuals. For instance, 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 emphasizes God's enduring authority and His commitment to justice.

In the New Testament, the concept of judgment is further developed with the introduction of Jesus Christ as the appointed judge. John 5:22 states, "Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son." This highlights the role of Christ in executing divine judgment, underscoring His authority and divinity.

The final judgment, often referred to as the Day of the Lord, is a future event when all individuals will stand before Christ to be judged. Revelation 20:12 provides a vivid depiction: "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." This passage illustrates the comprehensive nature of the final judgment, where every action is accounted for.

Readiness

Readiness in the biblical context refers to the spiritual preparedness of individuals for the coming judgment and the return of Christ. The Bible consistently calls believers to live in a state of vigilance and moral integrity, anticipating the fulfillment of God's promises.

Jesus frequently taught about the importance of readiness through parables and direct exhortations. In Matthew 24:44 , He warns, "For this reason, you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour you do not expect." This admonition underscores the unpredictability of Christ's return and the necessity for constant preparedness.

The parable of the ten virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 further illustrates the theme of readiness. The wise virgins, who kept their lamps filled with oil, were prepared for the bridegroom's arrival, while the foolish ones were not. Jesus concludes the parable with the exhortation in Matthew 25:13 : "Therefore keep watch, because you do not know the day or the hour." This parable emphasizes the importance of spiritual vigilance and the consequences of neglect.

The Apostle Paul also addresses readiness in his epistles, urging believers to live in a manner worthy of their calling. In 1 Thessalonians 5:6 , he writes, "So then, let us not sleep as the others do, but let us remain awake and sober." Paul encourages a lifestyle characterized by alertness and self-control, reflecting an awareness of the imminent return of Christ.

In summary, the Bible presents judgment as a divine and just evaluation of human actions, with Christ as the appointed judge. Readiness is the state of spiritual preparedness that believers are called to maintain in anticipation of the final judgment and the return of Christ. These themes serve as a call to live righteously and vigilantly, in accordance with God's will.