Topical Encyclopedia
JudgmentIn the biblical context, judgment refers to the divine and human processes of discerning right from wrong, often culminating in a decision or decree. It is a central theme throughout Scripture, reflecting God's holiness, justice, and authority over creation.
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Divine Judgment: God's judgment is portrayed as perfect and just, reflecting His omniscience and righteousness. 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 underscores the belief that God's judgments are inherently fair and righteous.
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Human Judgment: Humans are also called to exercise judgment, though their capacity is limited and fallible. In the New Testament, Jesus warns against hypocritical judgment in
Matthew 7:1-2: "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 highlights the importance of humility and self-awareness in human judgment.
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Final Judgment: The Bible speaks of a final judgment, where all individuals will stand before God.
Revelation 20:12 describes this event: "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books." This eschatological judgment emphasizes accountability and the ultimate fulfillment of God's justice.
RighteousnessRighteousness in the Bible is closely linked to the character and will of God, representing moral purity, justice, and adherence to divine law. It is both an attribute of God and a standard for human conduct.
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God's Righteousness: God's righteousness is intrinsic to His nature.
Psalm 11:7 states, "For the LORD is righteous; He loves justice. The upright will see His face." This affirms that God's actions and decrees are always in alignment with His righteous character.
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Imputed Righteousness: In Christian theology, particularly in the writings of Paul, righteousness is imputed to believers through faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 3:22-24 explains, "And this righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus." This doctrine emphasizes that righteousness is a gift from God, not earned by human effort.
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Practical Righteousness: Believers are called to live righteously, reflecting God's character in their actions.
1 Peter 1:15-16 exhorts, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'" This call to holiness underscores the transformative power of God's grace, enabling believers to pursue a life of righteousness.
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Righteousness and Justice: The Bible often pairs righteousness with justice, indicating their interconnectedness.
Proverbs 21:3 states, "To do righteousness and justice is more desirable to the LORD than sacrifice." This highlights that true righteousness involves acting justly and upholding God's standards in all areas of life.
In summary, judgment and righteousness are foundational concepts in the Bible, reflecting God's nature and His expectations for humanity. They serve as guiding principles for understanding divine justice and the moral responsibilities of believers.
