Often we Christians, especially we evangelicals, speak of judgment only in future terms. In fact this mindset is so entrenched in our churches and our culture that it is politically and theologically incorrect to label something "God's judgement" or even speak of person or nations being judged in this life, this world. Scripture, however, has more to say about judgment in this world than judgment in the next.
How did we get into this mindset? Let me name three contributing factors:
First, the extreme judgmentalism and legalism that developed as fundamentalism and later evangelicalism put us as humans on thrones of earthly judgment betrayed God purpose for judgment in this life.
Second, the "Do Not Judge" political movement in the churches twisted scriptures to protect the abusive and silence the innocent. This movement found theological proponents. But those proponents exercised poor exegesis and ignored the full counsel of scripture.
Third, Satan knew that the best way to stop the purpose of God's judgement in this life was to get judgment rejected by God's own children in union with its rejection by those most in need of God's active judgement in this life. Why? Because God's purpose for judgment in this life is redemptive. And Satan will do anything he can to stop redemption.
What is God's Purpose For Judgment In This Life?
Check out this message at the heart of a strong psalm of judgment- Psalm 83:
NLT Utterly disgrace them
until they submit to your name, O Lord.
until they submit to your name, O Lord.
NKJV So pursue them with Your tempest,
And frighten them with Your storm.
Fill their faces with shame,
That they may seek Your name, O
CEVMake them blush with shame,
And frighten them with Your storm.
Fill their faces with shame,
That they may seek Your name, O
CEVMake them blush with shame,
until they turn and worship
you, our LORD.
What is God's purpose for judgement in this life? -- The hope that God will grant us repentance leading us to a knowledge of the truth, and that we will come to our senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken us captive to do his will.
And What is Our Role Related to God's Judgment in This Life?
"Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will." 2 Timothy 2:23-26 NIV
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I owe my inspiration on this topic to: The Purpose of God's Judgment.
PHOTO:
Evening Cloud 9-23-2011 by Wayne Anson
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