InstaStudy

The Judgements of God

A study exploring the righteous and just judgements of the one true God throughout scripture, examining their purpose, manifestations, and the ultimate call to repentance and salvation through Jesus Christ.

1. The Nature of God as Judge

1.1 God's Sovereignty and Righteousness

Verses: Psalm 7:11; Isaiah 45:21; Romans 3:5-6
  • God alone possesses ultimate authority and is the supreme arbiter of justice.
  • His judgments are always righteous, reflecting His perfect character and holiness.
  • There is no higher court or authority to question God's decrees.

1.2 Jesus Christ, the Appointed Judge

Verses: John 5:22; Acts 10:42; 2 Timothy 4:1
  • The one God, manifested in the flesh as Jesus Christ, has been given all authority to judge.
  • Jesus' role as Judge demonstrates His full deity and power.
  • All humanity will stand before Christ for judgment.

1.3 God's Patience and Mercy

Verses: 2 Peter 3:9; Romans 2:4; Lamentations 3:22-23
  • God's judgments are often preceded by long-suffering and opportunities for repentance.
  • His mercy is evident in His desire for all to come to salvation.
  • Delay in judgment is not weakness, but an expression of His enduring love.

2. Reasons for God's Judgements

2.1 Sin and Disobedience

Verses: Romans 1:18; Galatians 6:7-8; Hebrews 10:26-27
  • God's judgments are a direct consequence of humanity's rebellion against His divine law.
  • Every act of sin carries a spiritual penalty and separates us from God.
  • Persistent disobedience hardens the heart and invites divine wrath.

2.2 Rejection of Truth and Light

Verses: John 3:19-20; Romans 1:21-25; 2 Thessalonians 2:10-12
  • Those who deliberately refuse to acknowledge God and His truth incur His judgment.
  • Suppressing the truth leads to spiritual darkness and moral decay.
  • God gives people over to their own depravity when they reject His light.

2.3 Unbelief and Impenitence

Verses: Mark 16:16; John 3:18; Revelation 21:8
  • The ultimate condemnation comes from a refusal to believe in Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
  • Lack of repentance for sins committed seals one's fate before God.
  • Faith in Christ is the only escape from the coming judgment.

3. Manifestations of God's Judgements

3.1 Historical Judgements (Old Testament Examples)

Verses: Genesis 6:5-7; Exodus 12:12; Numbers 16:31-33
  • God has historically intervened with severe judgments against widespread wickedness.
  • These events serve as warnings and demonstrations of His power and justice.
  • Even in judgment, God often preserved a remnant.

3.2 National and Societal Judgements

Verses: Jeremiah 18:7-10; Proverbs 14:34; Romans 1:26-32
  • Nations and societies that turn away from God's principles can experience decline and calamity.
  • Moral decay and injustice invite divine discipline upon a people.
  • God can use other nations or natural events as instruments of His judgment.

3.3 Personal Consequences of Sin

Verses: Romans 6:23; Galatians 6:7; Proverbs 13:21
  • Individuals experience the consequences of their sin in this life, both spiritually and sometimes physically.
  • Sin brings separation from God, guilt, and spiritual death.
  • God's discipline on believers is a form of judgment intended for correction and growth.

4. The Ultimate Judgement

4.1 The Great White Throne Judgment

Verses: Revelation 20:11-15; Daniel 7:9-10
  • This is the final and universal judgment for all who have not received salvation through Christ.
  • Books will be opened, and all will be judged according to their works.
  • The outcome for the unrighteous is eternal separation from God in the lake of fire.

4.2 The Judgment Seat of Christ (Bema Seat)

Verses: 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:10-12; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15
  • Believers will stand before Christ to give an account of their lives and service.
  • This judgment is not for salvation, but for the evaluation of works and the awarding of rewards.
  • Works done for Christ will endure, while those done for self will be burned away.

4.3 Eternal Destinies

Verses: Matthew 25:46; John 5:28-29; Revelation 21:7-8
  • The ultimate judgment results in two eternal destinies: eternal life with God or eternal punishment.
  • God's justice demands that sin be punished, and His love provides a way of escape.
  • The choice made in this life determines one's eternal abode.

5. Responding to God's Judgement

5.1 Repentance and Conversion

Verses: Acts 2:38; Acts 3:19; Luke 13:3
  • The only way to escape God's wrath is through genuine repentance and turning to Him.
  • Repentance involves a change of mind, heart, and direction from sin to God.
  • God calls all people everywhere to repent.

5.2 Faith in Jesus Christ

Verses: John 3:16; Romans 10:9-10; Ephesians 2:8-9
  • Salvation from judgment is received by grace through faith in Jesus Christ.
  • Believing in Jesus means acknowledging Him as the one true God and Savior.
  • Faith in Christ leads to forgiveness of sins and eternal life.

5.3 Living a Life of Obedience and Holiness

Verses: 1 Peter 1:15-16; Hebrews 12:14; Romans 12:1-2
  • Those who have received salvation are called to live lives that reflect God's holiness.
  • Obedience to God's word demonstrates genuine faith and love for Him.
  • Living righteously is a continuous process of sanctification by the Spirit of God.