In the biblical narrative, judgment is not merely a demonstration of divine justice but also a profound revelation of God's glory. Throughout Scripture, God's judgments serve to manifest His holiness, righteousness, and sovereign authority over creation. This concept is woven into the fabric of both the Old and New Testaments, illustrating how divine judgment reveals the character and glory of God.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament provides numerous instances where God's judgment reveals His glory. In the Exodus narrative, the plagues upon Egypt are not only acts of judgment against Pharaoh's hardened heart but also a demonstration of God's supremacy over the gods of Egypt. As God declares in Exodus 9:16 , "But I have raised you up for this very purpose, that I might display My power in you and that My name might be proclaimed in all the earth." Here, judgment serves as a means to reveal God's power and to make His name known.

Similarly, the judgment upon Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) underscores God's holiness and justice. The destruction of these cities is a testament to God's intolerance of sin and His commitment to righteousness. The narrative reveals that God's judgments are not arbitrary but are deeply rooted in His moral nature, thus reflecting His glory.

Prophetic Literature

The prophetic books often highlight the theme of judgment as a revelation of God's glory. The prophet Isaiah speaks of a time when God's judgment will bring about a new creation, where His glory will be fully revealed. Isaiah 66:18 states, "For I know their works and their thoughts; the time is coming to gather all nations and tongues, and they will come and see My glory." Here, judgment is intertwined with the ultimate revelation of God's glory to all nations.

Ezekiel also emphasizes this theme, particularly in the context of the judgment upon Israel and the surrounding nations. In Ezekiel 28:22 , God declares, "I will display My glory in your midst. Then they will know that I am the LORD, when I execute judgments against her and am sanctified through her." The judgments serve to affirm God's identity and holiness, revealing His glory to both Israel and the nations.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the theme of judgment as a revelation of glory reaches its fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The cross, as the ultimate act of judgment against sin, is simultaneously the supreme revelation of God's glory. In John 12:31-32 , Jesus states, "Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out. And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all men to Myself." The crucifixion is both a moment of judgment and a revelation of divine love and glory.

The Book of Revelation further elaborates on this theme, portraying the final judgment as the ultimate revelation of God's glory. Revelation 15:4 proclaims, "Who will not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name? For You alone are holy. All nations will come and worship before You, for Your righteous acts have been revealed." The eschatological judgment is depicted as a time when God's glory will be fully unveiled, leading to universal acknowledgment and worship.

Theological Implications

Theologically, the concept of judgment as a revelation of glory underscores the inseparability of God's justice and His glory. Divine judgment is not merely punitive but is revelatory, serving to disclose God's nature and purposes. It affirms that God's glory is manifested not only in acts of creation and redemption but also in His righteous judgments.

This understanding calls believers to a posture of reverence and awe, recognizing that God's judgments are an integral part of His divine plan to reveal His glory to the world. It also serves as a reminder of the hope that, through judgment, God's ultimate purpose of glorifying Himself and restoring creation will be accomplished.