Page 353 - Way of Life Encyclopedia of the Bible Christianity. Based on the King James Bible

JUDGMENT

Christ (Jn. 1:12), and the children of the devil—those better test ourselves according to 2 Co. 5:17: “If any
who reject Christ (Jn. 8:44). When any of the “children man be IN CHRIST, he is a new creature: old things are
of the wicked one” get into the professed church of passed away; behold, all things are become new.” If
Christ, as they have always done, a definite procedure this change has not taken place, our profession is vain.
for God’s children is set forth in His Word. First, it is Elements in Judgment: The New Testament Greek word
their duty to tell them that they have “neither part nor that is most often translated “judge” or “judgment” is
lot” in Christ (see Acts 8:21-23 and context). If the “krino.” On the one hand, it means to distinguish, to
children of the devil do not leave voluntarily, as is decide, to determine, to conclude, to try, to think and
generally the case, God’s children are commanded to to call in question. That is what God wants His
“purge out” these unbelievers (1 Co. 5:7). But God’s children to do as to whether preachers, teachers and
people have disobeyed His Word about this, and so their teachings are true or false to His Word. The
unbelievers have gotten into control, as is now the case Apostle Paul writes: “And this I pray, that your love
in most denominations. Therefore, those who purpose may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in
to be true to Christ and His Word are commanded to all judgment; that ye may approve things that are
“come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith excellent” (Ph. 1:9-10). A wrong idea of love and lack
the Lord” (2 Co. 6:17), regardless of property or any of knowledge and judgment causes God’s people often
other considerations. When we obey God’s Word, we to approve things that are anything but excellent in
can trust Him to take care of all the consequences of God’s sight. The epistle to the Hebrews tells us that
our obedience. [See Tares.] mature believers, that is, those who are of “full age,”
Other Matters to Be Judged: Immoral conduct of are those who by reason of use have their senses
professed believers in Christ is to be judged. 1 exercised to discern both good and evil” (He. 5:14). On
Corinthians chapter 5 tells a sad story and closes with the other hand, the Greek word “krino”—judge or
the Apostolic injunction, “Therefore put away from judgment—means to condemn, to sentence, and to
among yourselves that wicked person” (2 Co. 5:13). punish. This is God’s prerogative, for He has said,
Disputes between Christians concerning “things that “Venegeance is Mine, I will repay, saith the Lord” (Ro.
pertain to this life” (1 Co. 6:3) should be judged by a 12:19). Thus Christians are to exercise discernment,
tribunal of fellow Christians instead of going before but not vengeance.
unbelievers in the civil courts. The whole sixth chapter Guard against a Wrong Attitude; Christians should
of 1 Corinthians makes clear God’s plan for His people watch against the tendency of the flesh to assume a
in this regard. And some startling truths are here critical and censorious attitude toward those who do
revealed: First, “the saints shall judge the world.” not share our opinions about other matters than those
Second, “we shall judge angels” (1 Co. 6:2-3). Beloved, which have to do with Bible doctrine and moral
are we letting God prepare us for this high place? We conduct. Rather than “pick to pieces” our brethren in
ought to judge ourselves. “Examine yourselves, Christ, it is our privilege and duty to do everything we
whether ye be in the faith; prove your own selves” (2 can to encourage their spiritual upbuilding. We ought
Co. 13:5). “For if we would judge ourselves, we should to love and pray for one another and consider
not be judged. But when we are judged, we are ourselves lest we be tempted.
chastened (child trained) of the Lord, that we should A Final Word: If you are saved, my reader, let us not
not be condemned with the world” (1 Co. 11:31-32). forget that “we must all appear before the judgment
What a change and what a blessing it would be if we seat of Christ” (2 Co. 5:10). It will be well with those
would judge our own faults as uncharitably as we do who are studying God’s Word, walking in the light of it,
the faults of others—and if we would judge the failings living for Christ and the salvation of souls. It will go ill
of others as charitably as we do our own! And with those who have accepted Christ but who are
Christians could save themselves much chastening of living for the things of this world. If you are a mere
the Lord if they would judge and confess and cease professor of Christ, or profess nothing, my friend, may
their disobedience to God. And, O, how much I lovingly remind you that “judgment must begin at the
dishonour and lack of fruit would our blessed Lord be house of God; and if it first begin at us, what shall the
spared! end be of them that obey not the Gospel?” (1 Pe. 4:17).
Limitations of Human Judgment: We are not to judge JERUDelay not another moment to ask God for Christ’s
scruples. God forbids our judging our brethren sake to forgive your sins. Surrender your heart and will
concerning the eating of certain kinds of food, keeping to the loving Saviour who died for you. Make Him the
of days, etc. Romans 14; 1 Co. 10:23-33; and Col. Lord of your life. Happy and blessed will you be, now
2:16-17 cover this subject. We are also not to judge and forever (This study on “Judge Not” is by the late
motives. See 1 Co. 4:1-5. Only God can see into the Franklin G. Huling).
heart and know the motives that underlie actions. We JUDGMENT. All men must stand before God to be
are also not to judge who is saved. “The Lord knoweth judged for their earthly lives. All judgment has been
them that are His” (2 Ti. 2:19). We cannot look into
anyone’s heart and say whether or not they have given to Jesus Christ (Jn. 5:22; Ac. 17:30-31). Just as
accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as their personal there are different groups of resurrections, there are
Saviour, if they profess that they have. But we had also different judgments. Before God, all men are not in

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