Topical Encyclopedia
JudgmentIn the biblical context, judgment refers to the divine assessment and decision-making process regarding human actions, thoughts, and intentions. It is a central theme throughout Scripture, reflecting God's holiness, justice, and righteousness. The concept of judgment is multifaceted, encompassing both temporal judgments in history and the ultimate eschatological judgment.
1.
Divine Judgment: God's judgment is portrayed as both immediate and future. In the Old Testament, God often judges nations and individuals for their actions. For example, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19) and the plagues of Egypt (Exodus 7-12) are instances of divine judgment. The prophets frequently warned Israel of impending judgment due to their disobedience (e.g.,
Isaiah 1:18-20,
Jeremiah 25:4-7).
2.
Final Judgment: The New Testament emphasizes the final judgment, where all individuals will stand before God. Jesus speaks of this in
Matthew 25:31-46, describing the separation of the righteous from the wicked. The Apostle Paul reiterates this in
Romans 14:10-12, stating, "For we will all stand before God’s judgment seat." The Book of Revelation provides a vivid depiction of the final judgment, where the dead are judged according to their deeds (
Revelation 20:11-15).
3.
Criteria of Judgment: Scripture indicates that judgment is based on one's response to God's revelation and the moral law written on the heart (
Romans 2:14-16). Faith in Jesus Christ is the ultimate criterion for salvation and favorable judgment (
John 3:16-18). Believers are assured that there is no condemnation for those in Christ (
Romans 8:1).
4.
Judgment and Believers: While believers are saved from eternal condemnation, they will still face a form of judgment known as the "judgment seat of Christ" (
2 Corinthians 5:10). This judgment evaluates the works of believers to determine rewards (
1 Corinthians 3:12-15).
ApprovalApproval in the biblical sense often relates to God's acceptance and commendation of individuals based on their faith and obedience. It is closely linked to the concept of righteousness and living in accordance with God's will.
1.
Divine Approval: God's approval is granted to those who live by faith and adhere to His commandments.
Hebrews 11 provides a list of individuals who received God's approval through their faith, such as Abel, Enoch, and Noah.
Hebrews 11:6 states, "And without faith, it is impossible to please God."
2.
Approval through Righteousness: Righteousness, as defined by adherence to God's standards, is a key factor in receiving divine approval. The Psalms frequently highlight the blessedness of the righteous who find favor with God (
Psalm 1:1-3,
Psalm 5:12).
3.
Approval in the New Testament: The New Testament emphasizes that approval comes through faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 4:3 cites Abraham's faith as being "credited to him as righteousness." Believers are called to live in a manner worthy of their calling, seeking to please God in all things (
Colossians 1:10).
4.
Human Approval: While divine approval is paramount, Scripture also addresses the issue of seeking human approval. Jesus warns against performing righteous acts to be seen by others (
Matthew 6:1-6). The Apostle Paul advises believers to seek God's approval rather than human approval, stating, "For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God?" (
Galatians 1:10).
In summary, judgment and approval are intertwined themes in the Bible, reflecting God's justice and grace. Judgment serves as a reminder of God's holiness and the accountability of humanity, while approval underscores the importance of faith and obedience in the believer's life.
