The Judgment
What is Judgment? Judgment is rendering of a decision upon a given situation, based on an established standard, in light of evidence or certain circumstances. Therefore, perfect judgment at all times comes from the perfect being - God, The Perfect Judge. There is no injustice or "change like shifting shadows" in Him and from Him flows everything "good and perfect" (James 1:17).
In Scripture, there are many judgments. Some judgments have been proclaimed and executed, others are still future. Some of the judgments still future are - The Great White Throne Judgment, Sheep/Goat Judgment and Bema Seat or Judgment Seat of Christ.
Judgement is upon all humanity and creation. A decision has been made by God in light of humanity's colossal mistake - sin. This sin or disobedience and/or rebellion toward God, which was an infected virus that humanity accepted from the Father of Lies, will result in death. Paul clearly states this consequential situation to the believers in Rome and down through the ages when he said -
"For the wages [payment] of sin is death, ..." (Romans 6:23).
So the consequence of humanity's mistake is physical and spiritual death - a disconnect from relationship with Father God. The bleak, end result is a judgment in the courtroom of heaven after physically dying. The writer of Hebrews says, "...people are destined to die once, and after that face judgment..." (Hebrews 9:27). The original Greek word for "judgment" is krisis (kree-sis) meaning justice, specifically divine law; accusation, condemnation and damnation. This sentencing, execution and destination of the judged by God is forthcoming in an awesome, literal manifestation many biblical scholars call The Judgment or The Great White Throne Judgment.
I would venture to say that none of us likes to be judged or hear that we begin or lives behind the 8-ball of judgement. I chuckle at how easily we make judgements, surface or of substance, fair or not, on-the-fly or thought out while not truly comprehending the severity of humanity's judged condition as we enter the world upon birth.
John said that those who remain in unbelief toward Christ continue to have the virus of sin, therefore remain in their condemnation or judgement.
"...whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son." (John 3:18)
One of the judgments that has already occurred is one that I call The Calvary Judgment. All sin, by everyone - past, present and future - was judged and paid for with the life of Christ Jesus on the cross. However, this act of paying the ransom for all our transgressions would not hold any power if Jesus were still dead in his tomb and defeated by death, hades and the grave. However, "Death could not hold Him, the grave could not keep Him from rising again..." (Glorious Day - Living He Loved Me, by Casting Crowns)
So, The Good News is "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him." (John 3:16-17)
John continues by stating our triumph over condemnation, over judgment is only found through faith in Christ, "Whoever believes in Him is not condemned,".
Paul admonished the Roman Christians and believers throughout the ages - "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit who gives life has set you free from the law of sin and death." (Romans 8:1-3)
After Paul states the payment of sin is death in Romans 6:23, he immediately tells us what and who this remedy is - "but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord."
There is a judgment over humanity that was proclaimed, still stands and will be executed or manifested to the fullest one day for those who do not accept The Answer, Christ Jesus, to our mistake(s), our condition.
At one time, the perfect God had a perfect relationship with humanity, Adam and Eve. Because of our disobedience and self-dependency, there were heavy consequences delivered - the human condition was degraded and our relationship with God demanded a perfect Redeemer. This pictures how perfectly humanity fell from favor or grace. But we did not fall from His perfect love.
Yes, we are judged. Yes, there will be a Judgement. Yes, we can avoid that which our nature deserves. The Restorer, The Redeemer - Christ Jesus - has taken for us all The Judgment.
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