![]() ![]() īasically, the notion of judging means settling a dispute, making things right. So closely are justice and judgment related that the two terms are constantly linked in Biblical texts, becoming almost a literary clich é. Numerous texts appeal to the divine decisions: "The Lord judge between you and me" (Gn 16.5 see also : Jgs 11.27 1 Sm 24.13). God fulfills the claims of this relationship particularly when He acts as judge. In turn, God shows forth His justice, His righteous acts, when He is faithful to the role which He Himself established in relation to Israel. There is, furthermore, the special relationship of man with God here again the just man is the one who fulfills the claims placed upon him by this relationship. Men move in many different relationships -familial, national, economic -each of which carries with it particular demands. In the Old Testament, however, conduct was measured not by an ideal norm but by the fulfillment of the various claims exacted by specific relationships with other men. By Western standards just conduct is considered as behavior conforming to an established ethical norm with absolute claims. Since this righteousness is necessary to regulate all the affairs of life, it can be described as the highest value in life. A man is just ( sadd īq ) if he is in a right relationship with God and his fellow men. The Biblical concept of judgment, however, can be clearly understood only in relation to the idea of justice, for it was the primary duty of a judge "to do justice" (see justice of god justice of men). The power that all religions generally attribute to their gods is best illustrated by the prerogative of judging, of issuing decrees and verdicts from which there is no appeal. The concept of God as a judge, imposing divine decisions upon men, is an idea that Israelite religion shared with surrounding pagans. This article will investigate the concept of God as judge, the particular judgment, and the general judgment. In the New Testament much emphasis is placed upon the bestowal of the divine prerogative of judgment upon Christ. Judgment is sometimes manifested in this life, but when the belief in an afterlife appears, God is seen primarily as eschatological judge. At the same time, it should encourage us with the prospect of receiving His lavish rewards if we serve Him faithfully during our time here on earth.The belief that God is judge of all men is found throughout Scripture. First John 2:28 says, "And now, little children, abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming." That is a sobering thought-we could be ashamed as we stand before the Lord. The greatest consequence of unfaithfulness here on earth is that it disappoints Christ. Sin and indifference cause us to pass up opportunities for service, which we would otherwise perform and be rewarded for. Sin and indifference result in a loss of power in our lives because sin grieves the Holy Spirit. That is why Paul exhorts us to "be careful how walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of time, because the days are evil" (Eph. That in turn means a loss of rewards, because we will not have used our time to His glory. Sin and indifference in this life rob us of our present desire for serving the Lord. It's a time of reward, not punishment.Īt the same time, while we won't be condemned for our sins, our present lives do affect what will happen at the Judgment Seat of Christ. This overall focus should keep us from worrying over every stupid thing we've ever done, or thoughtless sin we have committed. The term used there refers to a summing up and estimation of the total pattern of a believer's life. We will be recompensed for the deeds we have done, whether good or bad (2 Cor. Thus, the purpose of the judgment seat of Christ is to examine a Christian's total life. We know that He won't condemn us for our sins at that point, because Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." God gives rewards to the victors He does not whip the losers. ![]() Notice that Paul says each man's praise will come to him from God. That passage reveals Paul's emphasis on the judgment seat of Christ. Then each one's praise will come from God." ![]() First Corinthians 4:5 says the Lord will come and "bring to light the hidden things of darkness and reveal the counsels of the hearts. The purpose of the bema is an exhaustive evaluation of our lives. Only church-age saints will appear at that judgment, as shown in 2 Corinthians 5:10: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ." The Bible talks about the Judgment Seat of Christ-also referred to as the bema-in three places: Romans 14:10-12 1 Corinthians 3:10-4:5 and 2 Corinthians 5:1-10. What is the purpose of the Judgment Seat of Christ? ![]()
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