God has the Final Say

For since the creation of the world His invisible attributes are clearly seen, 

being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, 

so that they are without excuse, 

Romans 1:20

Much is said about judgment in the bible and yes, indeed, the bible instructs us that we are not to judge.  

Judge not, that ye be not judged.  For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.  And why beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye?  Matthew 7:1-3 

Many people take this to mean that wrong deeds by one is not to be called out by another; particularly in the body of Christ.  To gain a better perspective of judgement, consider how judgment is defined by the dictionary:

1.     The act or process of judging; the formation of an opinion after consideration or deliberation.
2.     An opinion or estimate formed after consideration or deliberation, especially a formal or authoritative decision.
3.     The mental ability to perceive and distinguish relationships; discernment.

From these definitions, we can say that judgment is not only the condemnation and sentencing of one's actions as most people think of judgment but also the ability to distinguish and discern right from wrong.

So scripturally while we are not to judge to condemn, there is judgment that takes place in the scripture as well as the scripture instruction on how to rightly divide righteous from unrighteous actions and thoughts.  To be sure, we do not judge to condemn but there is a judgement that takes place.  Be far more concerned with the merited judgement of God toward us.

Ö     Individually:  

Judgment determining individual eternal destiny will not be on a group basis. It will be on an individual basis.  Each person will be judged individually:  

The soul that sinneth it shall die. The son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son: the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him.  Ezekiel 18:20  

Ö     According To Truth:  

But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things.   Romans 2:2

Ö     On The Basis Of Personal Conduct:  

Each of us will stand before the judgment seat of Christ and will be judged according to our deeds. The Bible also calls this judgment according to " works":  

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in this body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.  2 Corinthians 5:10

Who will render to every man according to his deeds:   Romans 2:6

And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.  Revelation 20:12

God's record of man's "works" covers not only actions but also thoughts and motives.  God looks on the heart, not just on the outward appearance.

But the Lord said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.  1 Samuel 16:7

Ö     Without Partiality:  

The eternal judgment will be without partiality. This means without special favor.  People will not be judged on the basis of their wealth, social position, nationality, or education:

And if ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear:   1 Peter 1:17

To have respect of persons means to be influenced in judgment by some external factor of appearance, relationship, position, wealth, etc.  God's judgment is not influenced by any of these things:  

. . . for the Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart.   1 Samuel 16:7b

Ö     According To The Law:  

For as many as have sinned without law shall also perish without law: and as many as have sinned in the law shall be judged by the law;   Romans 2:12

Ö     According To Righteousness:  

And He shall judge the world in righteousness; He shall minister judgment to the people in uprightness.   Psalms 9:8

Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.   Psalms 96:13

Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.  Acts 17:31

But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasurest up unto thyself wrath against the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God;   Romans 2:5

Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing.    2 Timothy 4:8

Ö     According To Motives And Thoughts:  

Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.     1 Corinthians 4:5

In the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. (Romans 2:16)

God has the Final Say:

Be much more concerned about the judgment of God than the judgment of man; rightly or wrongly, as God is the only one who has the say so in where our soul spends eternity.

And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.  Matthew 10:28

And I say unto you my friends, Be not afraid of them that kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do.  But I will forewarn you whom ye shall fear: Fear him, which after he hath killed hath power to cast into hell; yea, I say unto you, Fear him.  Luke 12:4-5

(Biblical Studies)


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