Chapter 10

God’s Judgment

Sections

An understanding of God’s judgment is needed to understand God himself, and also his salvation for people. Additionally, the topic of God’s judgment contains some of the most awe-inspiring teaching, and even reasons for hope for God’s people.

Reasons for God’s Judgment

God’s judgment is to punish sin

[Daniel, to God:] All Israel has broken your law and turned away by not obeying you. Therefore you have poured out on us the judgment solemnly threatened in the law of Moses the servant of God, for we have sinned against you.   Daniel 9:11 NET

God’s judgment is to discipline his people

[Paul, to believers:] But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned with the world.   1 Corinthians 11:32 NET

God’s judgment is to punish the wicked

But by the same word the present heavens and earth have been reserved for fire, by being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of the ungodly.   2 Peter 3:7 NET

The Justice of God’s Judgment

God judges fairly

[David, to God:] You are fair and honest in your judgments, and you have judged in my favour.   Psalms 9:4 GNT

God judges correctly

“Yes, Lord God Almighty, your judgments are true and fair.”   Revelation 16:7b GW

God repays people according to what they have done

[Paul, speaking of God’s final judgment:] On that day everyone will see God’s right judgments. 6God will reward or punish every person for what that person has done.   Romans 2:5b-6 NCV™

God gives fair warning of judgment

[God:] There are times, Jeremiah, when I threaten to uproot, tear down, and destroy a nation or kingdom. 8 But if that nation I threatened stops doing wrong, I will cancel the destruction I intended to do to it.   Jeremiah 18:7-8 NET

What God says here regarding nations is also applicable to individuals.

The Wicked and God’s Judgment

People may question God’s apparent lack of judgment regarding the wicked

[Jeremiah:] Lord, when I bring my case to you, you are always right. But I want to ask you about the justice you give. Why are evil people successful? Why do dishonest people have such easy lives?   Jeremiah 12:1 NCV™

But in due time God does take action against the wicked

[God:] To me belong vengeance and recompense. In due time their feet will slip, because their time of calamity is near and the things prepared for them draw near.   Deuteronomy 32:35 ISV

Pray for persecuted Christians