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Perspective:-
You may know there is a judgment." Job 19:29c
Job wanted his friends to be watchful of the Day of Judgment even as they were blaming him for his sufferings. It is true, whether a suffering saint or a careless sinner, realization of the coming judgment can transform anyone entirely. No wonder the scripture repeatedly call upon the readers to consider this time of recompense seriously. Cf. Psa 58: 10, 11; Ecc 11:9; 12:13, 14; 2Peter 2:3ff etc. Judgments of God found in the Bible can be classified in to three sections.
a. Judgments in the past.
That which already taken place, like the judgment of Lucifer and the other fallen angels, judgments that took place in the garden of Eden, on the cross, and the other number of judgments that we see in history. New Testament writers emphatically say that all these are examples for us. Cf.1Cor 10:11; 2Peter 3:6.
b. Judgments in the future.
Most people are aware of this aspect of divine judgment albeit without much clarity. The word of God speaks of various levels of judgments in the future, judgment of the saints, Israel, nations, and the judgment at the white throne etc.
c. Judgments today. .
One of the most neglected aspects of divine judgment is this. The word of God refers to various kinds of judgments that are taking place today. Judgment by believers themselves, by the local church, and by God Himself as chastening are three major judgments that are happening in the present dispensation.
A clear understanding of these judgments in its different context and connotations will help us in many ways. It will open our eyes to the glory and perfections of our God. Ezek 25:11; 39:21, 22; Exo 9: 14 16. That in turn will make one to fear God, obey His commandments, and be humble etc. cf. Ecc 12:13, 14; 2Chro 12:6 etc.
Comforts & cautions
For Job, the anticipation of judgment made him bold and strong. A child of God who lives in Gods ways will find the truth of judgments very comforting and encouraging. Cf. Job 19:29b', Psa 58:11; 98:9; 1Peter 2:23. Whatever may be the response of others or complex conditions in life, the consciousness that God will judge righteously, gives inexpressible consolation.
Similarly as Job rightly exhorts his friends, such awareness should also stop us from a judgmental attitude. Our words and deeds must be guided and controlled by this thought that God is a righteous judge. Alas many deliberately forsook this thought and already reaping the consequences. Peter has well said, For the time has come for judgment to begin at the housed of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the end of those who do not obey the gospel of God? 1Peter 4:17
Our God reigns, He is a righteous judge. History proves it, and He will faithfully carry out all His promises in future. Let us open our eyes and see the hands of this divine judge today itself and live accordingly. Acts 17:30, 31
"Surely there is a reward for the righteous; Surely He is God who judges in the earth." Psalm 58:11
Out line:-
Seven forms of Judgments in 1 Corinthians
- Motive judgment. 4:5
- Self-judgment. 11:31
- Divine Judgment 12:32
- Assembly judgement. 6:5
- World judgment 6:2
- Angelic judgment. 6:3
- Civil judgment. 7:7
T.B
Anecdote: -
Loopholes to escape
Just before the death of actor W.C. Fields, a friend visited Fields' hospital room and was surprised to find him thumbing through a Bible. Asked what he was doing with a Bible, Fields replied, "I'm looking for loopholes." (Yes, to escape judgment!)
study: -
Ten things about confession
Whether a sinner or saved believer, while confessing their sins needs to understand few biblical truths related to confession. For a sinner confession is to get saved. For a born again child of God confession is needed to mend or strengthen fellowship. A sinners confession may be different from a believers confession as far as the content is concerned. The following are some principles both should bear in mind.
1. It is an indispensable experience of a Christian.
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For salvation. (Forgiveness-cleansing.) Romans.10:9 cf. Rich young ruler (Luk18:23) and the Pharisee (Luke. 18:13) could not be saved only because they were reluctant to confess. You cannot simply laugh and be saved. With regret, sorrow and even tears one should confess sins.
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For reconciliation. 1John.1:9 to be restored- to mend the broken fellowship. More
Worthy Quotes:-
Persecution
The modern Gospel: A God without wrath bringing people without sin in to a kingdom without judgment through a Christ without a cross.
_____________________ H. Richard Niebuhr
If you took all the references to judgment out of the Bible,
you would have little Bible left.
_________ Billy Graham
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