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To Judge, or Not to Judge? That is the Question.
by Jeffrey W. Mardis
Copyright ©2009 Jeffrey W. Mardis - All material on this web page is FREE for distribution.
"Judge not, that ye be not judged" (Matt 7:1) so goes out the cry of many Christians, pastors and church members of our day. This verse, having been misquoted and taken out of context so frequently, has given rise to a FALSE DOCTRINE which says that "Christians are not supposed to judge." I'm sure that you've heard this stated many times by well-meaning Christians, but IS IT TRUE? How does this false doctrine of nonjudgmentalism effect the body of Christ? If Christians are not supposed to judge, then what business do pastors have standing behind a pulpit and telling sinners to "repent and be saved"? Is this not passing judgment upon sinners? Obeying the Biblical command to "prove ALL things, hold fast that which is GOOD" (1 Thess. 5:21), this tract will seek the answers to these questions. To judge, or not to judge?: That IS the question.
Rightly Dividing the Word
The word "judge" appears 189 times in the Bible (not counting the words "judgment" or "judgeth" and other tenses of the word). While we know that Scripture does not contradict itself, many times it appears to do so due to wrong division or misapplication. A good example of a so-called "contradiction" of Scripture is easily illustrated when dealing with the subject of judgment. Note the following verses:
"Let us not therefore judge one another any more..." Romans 14:13
"...he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man." 1 Cor. 2:15
"Judge not, that ye be not judged." Matthew 7:1
"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." John 7:24
Does the Bible contradict? Of course not, but by using any of the above Scriptures, a case "for" or "against" judgment can easily be made. In order to avoid this problem of indiscriminately picking-and-choosing, we will obey the biblical command to "rightly divide" to word of Truth (see 2 Tim.2:15). With a proper division of Scripture, we can place each verse within it's correct context and thereby learn when it is RIGHT or WRONG for a Christian to pass judgement.
The word "judge" appears 189 times in the Bible (not counting the words "judgment" or "judgeth" and other tenses of the word). While we know that Scripture does not contradict itself, many times it appears to do so due to wrong division or misapplication. A good example of a so-called "contradiction" of Scripture is easily illustrated when dealing with the subject of judgment. Note the following verses:
"Let us not therefore judge one another any more..." Romans 14:13
"...he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man." 1 Cor. 2:15
"Judge not, that ye be not judged." Matthew 7:1
"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." John 7:24
Does the Bible contradict? Of course not, but by using any of the above Scriptures, a case "for" or "against" judgment can easily be made. In order to avoid this problem of indiscriminately picking-and-choosing, we will obey the biblical command to "rightly divide" to word of Truth (see 2 Tim.2:15). With a proper division of Scripture, we can place each verse within it's correct context and thereby learn when it is RIGHT or WRONG for a Christian to pass judgement.
Different Types of Judgment
For many Christians, the word "judge" or "judgment" brings to mind a picture of God sitting on His throne passing judgment upon the damned. While this is one form of judgment, it's not the only type of judgment mentioned in the Bible. Specifically, the word of God describes 6 different types of judgment. These various judgments are:
1. Self Judgment
2. Discerning Judgment
3. Choice Judgment
4. Authoritative Judgment
5. The Judgment Seat of Christ
6. Great White Throne Judgment
We will explore each of these different types of judgment with the Scriptures and determine their application in the life of a Christian. Please follow along in your King James Bible as we undertake this study of the written word of God.
For many Christians, the word "judge" or "judgment" brings to mind a picture of God sitting on His throne passing judgment upon the damned. While this is one form of judgment, it's not the only type of judgment mentioned in the Bible. Specifically, the word of God describes 6 different types of judgment. These various judgments are:
1. Self Judgment
2. Discerning Judgment
3. Choice Judgment
4. Authoritative Judgment
5. The Judgment Seat of Christ
6. Great White Throne Judgment
We will explore each of these different types of judgment with the Scriptures and determine their application in the life of a Christian. Please follow along in your King James Bible as we undertake this study of the written word of God.
Self Judgement
"For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged." 1 Cor. 11:31
This first type of judgment consists of a daily self-analysis. It is here where the battle between a Christian's born-again spiritual nature and his fleshy, carnal nature takes place. This judgment is the attempt to bring our lives, both physically and spiritually, in alignment with the Scriptures (Romans chapters 6, 7, & 8 have much to say about this battle with the flesh). A benefit of self judgment is the ability to judge others without hypocrisy. This is the context of the often misquoted verse of Matthew 7:1-5.
"(1) Judge not, that ye be not judged. (2) For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (3) And why thou beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (4) Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? (5) Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast the mote out of thy brother's eye." Matthew 7:1-5
The key to this verse can be found in Matthew 7:5 where it states; "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brothers eye." This Scripture is clear: one must judge HIMSELF before he judges his neighbor. Please note that this is not a Scripture AGAINST judgment. To the contrary, with the words "first" and "then" in verse 5, this verse lays out the order in which proper judgment can be applied (read the verses again). FIRST, judge yourself and conform your life to the Scriptures. SECOND, you can "see clearly" to judge your brother. A clear exposition of this verse destroys the modern false doctrine of Christian nonjudgmentalism. What's the lesson taught here? Don't be a hypocrite. That is, don't pass judgement on someone else when you're doing the exact same thing (also see Luke 6:37-42). Christian "self judgement" helps prevent you from being a hypocrite.
"For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged." 1 Cor. 11:31
This first type of judgment consists of a daily self-analysis. It is here where the battle between a Christian's born-again spiritual nature and his fleshy, carnal nature takes place. This judgment is the attempt to bring our lives, both physically and spiritually, in alignment with the Scriptures (Romans chapters 6, 7, & 8 have much to say about this battle with the flesh). A benefit of self judgment is the ability to judge others without hypocrisy. This is the context of the often misquoted verse of Matthew 7:1-5.
"(1) Judge not, that ye be not judged. (2) For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again. (3) And why thou beholdest thou the mote that is in thy brother's eye, but considerest not the beam that is in thine own eye? (4) Or how wilt thou say to thy brother, Let me pull out the mote out of thine eye; and, behold, a beam is in thine own eye? (5) Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast the mote out of thy brother's eye." Matthew 7:1-5
The key to this verse can be found in Matthew 7:5 where it states; "Thou hypocrite, first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brothers eye." This Scripture is clear: one must judge HIMSELF before he judges his neighbor. Please note that this is not a Scripture AGAINST judgment. To the contrary, with the words "first" and "then" in verse 5, this verse lays out the order in which proper judgment can be applied (read the verses again). FIRST, judge yourself and conform your life to the Scriptures. SECOND, you can "see clearly" to judge your brother. A clear exposition of this verse destroys the modern false doctrine of Christian nonjudgmentalism. What's the lesson taught here? Don't be a hypocrite. That is, don't pass judgement on someone else when you're doing the exact same thing (also see Luke 6:37-42). Christian "self judgement" helps prevent you from being a hypocrite.
Discerning Judgement
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man." 1 Cor. 2:14-15
This type of judgment, also known as "righteous judgment" (John 7:24), is aimed outwardly towards the world and not towards yourself. This judgment consists of the ability to accurately DISCERN between truth and error of people, places, things and ideas based upon sound Bible doctrine (Heb. 5:13-14). This type judgment, which is a mark of spirituality, is to be exercised by the Christian AT ALL TIMES (1 Cor. 2:15). Those Christians who do not execute this type judgment are known as "carnal" Christians or "babes in Christ" (1 Cor. 3:1-3). The result of this judgment acts as a defense against false doctrine. Because the church at Corinth lacked proper spiritual discernment, they were steeped in error. Likewise, in the book of Hebrews, the Jews are rightly accused of being "unskillful in the word" because they had not recognized Jesus Christ as their Messiah. Because of this lack of growth in the word of God, the Jews were unable to swallow the "strong meat" of the Scriptures and had to feed on its milk instead. Hebrews 5:13-14 says; "For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to DISCERN both good and evil." In other words, because they were unexercised and babes in the Scriptures, they had no spiritual discernment. This parallels the problem of the Corinthian church of whom Paul states; "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?" (1 Cor. 3:1-3) Note that the Corinthians are saved, born-again, Christians whom Paul calls "brethren", yet they are accused of being CARNAL, UNSPIRITUAL, BABES in Christ who cannot handle the "strong meat" of the Gospel! Is this not a reflection of the Church today?
The problem of both the Jews and the Corinthian church was the same: they BOTH were insufficient in DISCERNMENT because they did not JUDGE with the Scriptures. Without proper Scriptural knowledge, good and evil CANNOT be distinguished between. Hebrews 4:12 states; "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is A DISCERNER of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Discerning judgment can also be found in Scriptures such as 1 John 4:1 where we are told to "try the spirits whether they are of God". In 1 Thessalonians 5:21 we're admonished to "prove all things; hold fast that which is good". Since the Scriptures tell us that "the whole world lieth in wickedness"., and that in the last days "evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived". (see 1 John 5:19 & 2 Tim. 3:13), Christians of today need to be proficient in Discerning Judgement? When was the last time you judged the world?
"But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man." 1 Cor. 2:14-15
This type of judgment, also known as "righteous judgment" (John 7:24), is aimed outwardly towards the world and not towards yourself. This judgment consists of the ability to accurately DISCERN between truth and error of people, places, things and ideas based upon sound Bible doctrine (Heb. 5:13-14). This type judgment, which is a mark of spirituality, is to be exercised by the Christian AT ALL TIMES (1 Cor. 2:15). Those Christians who do not execute this type judgment are known as "carnal" Christians or "babes in Christ" (1 Cor. 3:1-3). The result of this judgment acts as a defense against false doctrine. Because the church at Corinth lacked proper spiritual discernment, they were steeped in error. Likewise, in the book of Hebrews, the Jews are rightly accused of being "unskillful in the word" because they had not recognized Jesus Christ as their Messiah. Because of this lack of growth in the word of God, the Jews were unable to swallow the "strong meat" of the Scriptures and had to feed on its milk instead. Hebrews 5:13-14 says; "For every one that useth milk is unskillful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to DISCERN both good and evil." In other words, because they were unexercised and babes in the Scriptures, they had no spiritual discernment. This parallels the problem of the Corinthian church of whom Paul states; "And I, brethren, could not speak unto you as unto spiritual, but as unto carnal, even as unto babes in Christ. I have fed you with milk, and not with meat: for hitherto ye were not able to bear it, neither yet now are ye able. For ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?" (1 Cor. 3:1-3) Note that the Corinthians are saved, born-again, Christians whom Paul calls "brethren", yet they are accused of being CARNAL, UNSPIRITUAL, BABES in Christ who cannot handle the "strong meat" of the Gospel! Is this not a reflection of the Church today?
The problem of both the Jews and the Corinthian church was the same: they BOTH were insufficient in DISCERNMENT because they did not JUDGE with the Scriptures. Without proper Scriptural knowledge, good and evil CANNOT be distinguished between. Hebrews 4:12 states; "For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is A DISCERNER of the thoughts and intents of the heart."
Discerning judgment can also be found in Scriptures such as 1 John 4:1 where we are told to "try the spirits whether they are of God". In 1 Thessalonians 5:21 we're admonished to "prove all things; hold fast that which is good". Since the Scriptures tell us that "the whole world lieth in wickedness"., and that in the last days "evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived". (see 1 John 5:19 & 2 Tim. 3:13), Christians of today need to be proficient in Discerning Judgement? When was the last time you judged the world?
A Misunderstanding
The idea that only a sinless, perfect person can judge others is a misconception. Many times when Christians are trying to exercise sound judgement, the world screams; "He that is without sin cast the first stone". But, born-again, saved sinners have the AUTHORITY to judge both people and things provided that their judgment is in accord with the Scriptures and not hypocritical. Since Jesus Christ was the ONLY sinless and perfect man to walk this earth, it would seem that ONLY HE would have the authority to discern between good and evil, and in essence this is true. But, fortunately once a sinner is born-again by the Spirit of God, they now receive that SAME Spirit of Truth which indwelt the Lord Jesus Christ (see John 14:17, 15:26 & 16:13). Hence the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:15-16; "But he that is spiritual JUDGETH ALL THINGS, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but WE HAVE the MIND of Christ." Do you want to be a more spiritual Christian? START JUDGING!
In order for the Holy Spirit to teach you truth from error, it is essential that you be well versed and exercised in the Scriptures, for only in God's written word can there be found absolute truth. The Scriptures are THE KEY (Luke 11:52) to righteous judgment and in them (the King James Bible) we have our authority.
The idea that only a sinless, perfect person can judge others is a misconception. Many times when Christians are trying to exercise sound judgement, the world screams; "He that is without sin cast the first stone". But, born-again, saved sinners have the AUTHORITY to judge both people and things provided that their judgment is in accord with the Scriptures and not hypocritical. Since Jesus Christ was the ONLY sinless and perfect man to walk this earth, it would seem that ONLY HE would have the authority to discern between good and evil, and in essence this is true. But, fortunately once a sinner is born-again by the Spirit of God, they now receive that SAME Spirit of Truth which indwelt the Lord Jesus Christ (see John 14:17, 15:26 & 16:13). Hence the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 2:15-16; "But he that is spiritual JUDGETH ALL THINGS, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? but WE HAVE the MIND of Christ." Do you want to be a more spiritual Christian? START JUDGING!
In order for the Holy Spirit to teach you truth from error, it is essential that you be well versed and exercised in the Scriptures, for only in God's written word can there be found absolute truth. The Scriptures are THE KEY (Luke 11:52) to righteous judgment and in them (the King James Bible) we have our authority.
Choice Judgement
"And Jesus answered and said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged." Luke 7:40-43
This type of judgment is the easiest to understand, because it simply consists of making a choice. All men, saved or lost, have the ability to exercise this form of judgement. Note that in the above verse, Jesus Christ asks Simon the Pharisee a question saying; "tell me". This implies that the Lord wanted him to answer the question. Simon is not trying to discern between good or evil, nor is he judging himself, yet his decision is classified as a judgment by the words of Christ himself who states; "Thou hast rightly judged." Suppose that Simon had given the wrong answer, what then? Christ would have probably responded; "Thou hast wrongly judged", or something similar. The point here is that the judgment by the Pharisee was a choice. What's the conclusion? Every time you choose, you judge.
"And Jesus answered and said unto him, Simon, I have somewhat to say unto thee. And he saith, Master, say on. There was a certain creditor which had two debtors: the one owed five hundred pence, and the other fifty. And when they had nothing to pay, he frankly forgave them both. Tell me therefore, which of them will love him most? Simon answered and said, I suppose that he, to whom he forgave most. And he said unto him, Thou hast rightly judged." Luke 7:40-43
This type of judgment is the easiest to understand, because it simply consists of making a choice. All men, saved or lost, have the ability to exercise this form of judgement. Note that in the above verse, Jesus Christ asks Simon the Pharisee a question saying; "tell me". This implies that the Lord wanted him to answer the question. Simon is not trying to discern between good or evil, nor is he judging himself, yet his decision is classified as a judgment by the words of Christ himself who states; "Thou hast rightly judged." Suppose that Simon had given the wrong answer, what then? Christ would have probably responded; "Thou hast wrongly judged", or something similar. The point here is that the judgment by the Pharisee was a choice. What's the conclusion? Every time you choose, you judge.
Authoritative Judgement
"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth." Jeremiah 23:5
Whether saved or lost, Authoritative Judgment is exercised by those in a place of authority or hold a reigning office. Kings, presidents, governors, priests, parents, teachers, bosses, legal judges, etc. occupy the place of this type judgment. During the thousand-year reign of the Lord Jesus Christ, the saints will also occupy this place of authority alongside their Saviour. "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgement was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." (Rev. 20:4) Please note that before the saints inherit this authority, they do not have this type of judgment (Read the verse again).
"Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth." Jeremiah 23:5
Whether saved or lost, Authoritative Judgment is exercised by those in a place of authority or hold a reigning office. Kings, presidents, governors, priests, parents, teachers, bosses, legal judges, etc. occupy the place of this type judgment. During the thousand-year reign of the Lord Jesus Christ, the saints will also occupy this place of authority alongside their Saviour. "And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgement was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years." (Rev. 20:4) Please note that before the saints inherit this authority, they do not have this type of judgment (Read the verse again).
The Judgment Seat of Christ
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." 2 Cor. 5:10
This type of judgment belongs only to the Lord Jesus Christ. No unsaved person will appear at this judgment seat, for the judgment seat of Christ is a judgment upon the WORKS of a Christian. The works which are being judged have NO bearing on the salvation of the Christian, they only determine the rewards which he will receive. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 states; "(11) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (12) Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; (13) Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. (14) If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. (15) If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." The context of these Scriptures is Paul speaking to the church at Corinth (see 1 Cor. 1:2), so it's clear these are saved persons to whom he speaks. The "chief corner stone" (Eph. 2:20 & 1 Ptr. 2:6) of their salvation mentioned in verse 11 is the Lord Jesus Christ. The additional "stones" built upon the foundation of Christ (i.e. gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay & stubble.) are the WORKS of a man AFTER his salvation. It is the quality of these works done for the sake of Christ Jesus which are judged by fire. Please note that NOWHERE in these Scriptures does it mention the "man" being burned, verse 13 specifically states "the fire shall try every man's work" and verse 15 says "if any man's work shall be burned". It is the WORK which burns and NOT the man. Plainly, this is not a reference to Hell, for in Hell, it is the man who burns and not his works. The main purpose of this judgment is to dispense REWARDS to the saved who have earned them.
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad." 2 Cor. 5:10
This type of judgment belongs only to the Lord Jesus Christ. No unsaved person will appear at this judgment seat, for the judgment seat of Christ is a judgment upon the WORKS of a Christian. The works which are being judged have NO bearing on the salvation of the Christian, they only determine the rewards which he will receive. 1 Corinthians 3:11-15 states; "(11) For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. (12) Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; (13) Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. (14) If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. (15) If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire." The context of these Scriptures is Paul speaking to the church at Corinth (see 1 Cor. 1:2), so it's clear these are saved persons to whom he speaks. The "chief corner stone" (Eph. 2:20 & 1 Ptr. 2:6) of their salvation mentioned in verse 11 is the Lord Jesus Christ. The additional "stones" built upon the foundation of Christ (i.e. gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay & stubble.) are the WORKS of a man AFTER his salvation. It is the quality of these works done for the sake of Christ Jesus which are judged by fire. Please note that NOWHERE in these Scriptures does it mention the "man" being burned, verse 13 specifically states "the fire shall try every man's work" and verse 15 says "if any man's work shall be burned". It is the WORK which burns and NOT the man. Plainly, this is not a reference to Hell, for in Hell, it is the man who burns and not his works. The main purpose of this judgment is to dispense REWARDS to the saved who have earned them.
Great White Throne Judgment
"(11) And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (12) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (13) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (14) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (15) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:11-15
By far, this is the most prominent idea of judgment: God sitting upon his throne passing judgment upon the unsaved dead. Unlike the Judgment seat of Christ, this is a judgment of MEN (Note that it is the MEN that burn in the lake of fire and NOT their works). Fortunately, born-again Christians do not have to worry about this final judgement, for our sins were judged at the cross of Calvary when the Lord Jesus Christ took upon himself the sins of the world and He bore the Judgement of God in our place (Praise the Lord!). Peter states; "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who HIS OWN SELF bare OUR SINS in HIS OWN BODY on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (1 Ptr. 2:23-24) You can either carry the burden of your own sins and stand before the Great White Throne of God or you can lay your sins at the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ and accept HIS payment. Do you actually believe that your OWN righteousness can stand up to the righteous judgment of an Holy, Eternal, Sinless, God? The choice is up to you.
"(11) And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. (12) And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. (13) And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. (14) And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. (15) And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." Revelation 20:11-15
By far, this is the most prominent idea of judgment: God sitting upon his throne passing judgment upon the unsaved dead. Unlike the Judgment seat of Christ, this is a judgment of MEN (Note that it is the MEN that burn in the lake of fire and NOT their works). Fortunately, born-again Christians do not have to worry about this final judgement, for our sins were judged at the cross of Calvary when the Lord Jesus Christ took upon himself the sins of the world and He bore the Judgement of God in our place (Praise the Lord!). Peter states; "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously: Who HIS OWN SELF bare OUR SINS in HIS OWN BODY on the tree, that we, being dead to sins, should live unto righteousness: by whose stripes ye were healed." (1 Ptr. 2:23-24) You can either carry the burden of your own sins and stand before the Great White Throne of God or you can lay your sins at the feet of the Lord Jesus Christ and accept HIS payment. Do you actually believe that your OWN righteousness can stand up to the righteous judgment of an Holy, Eternal, Sinless, God? The choice is up to you.
Conclusion
Having briefly reviewed "judgment" from the King James Bible, we've observed that it's pertinent to place the word in its context before drawing any conclusions. We've seen that judgment is a very important matter in the Bible, it's such a notable subject in fact, that there is an entire book named after it – the book of Judges. Righteous judgment plays an essential part in the life of any Christian, whether it's judgment of yourself; dividing truth from falsehood or simply making godly choices. ALL of these are valid forms of judgment. Proper division is always necessary when studying God's words in order to get light from the Scriptures (see 2 Tim. 2:15). I've heard many Christians say; "I know that Christians are not supposed to judge, but ..." But what? Are you passing judgment even though you do not believe Christians are supposed to judge? Do you know what that makes you? It makes you a hypocrite. Hypocritical judgment is forbidden by the Scriptures. The silly notion that "Christians are not suppose to judge" is propagated by those who are ignorant of the truth, like Jesus said to the sadducees; "...ye do err, not knowing the scriptures..." (Matt. 22:29). As long as Christians continue to feed only on the "milk" of the word, they will remain to be carnal, unspiritual, babes in Christ never realizing that when it comes to correct, Scriptural, God-given judgment, the King James Bible is our perfect, preserved, infallible, eternal standard given to us by God from which we have our AUTHORITY to JUDGE.
"For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." Matthew 7:29
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11
"Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?" 1 Corinthians 6:2
""I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?" 1 Corinthians 6:5
Having briefly reviewed "judgment" from the King James Bible, we've observed that it's pertinent to place the word in its context before drawing any conclusions. We've seen that judgment is a very important matter in the Bible, it's such a notable subject in fact, that there is an entire book named after it – the book of Judges. Righteous judgment plays an essential part in the life of any Christian, whether it's judgment of yourself; dividing truth from falsehood or simply making godly choices. ALL of these are valid forms of judgment. Proper division is always necessary when studying God's words in order to get light from the Scriptures (see 2 Tim. 2:15). I've heard many Christians say; "I know that Christians are not supposed to judge, but ..." But what? Are you passing judgment even though you do not believe Christians are supposed to judge? Do you know what that makes you? It makes you a hypocrite. Hypocritical judgment is forbidden by the Scriptures. The silly notion that "Christians are not suppose to judge" is propagated by those who are ignorant of the truth, like Jesus said to the sadducees; "...ye do err, not knowing the scriptures..." (Matt. 22:29). As long as Christians continue to feed only on the "milk" of the word, they will remain to be carnal, unspiritual, babes in Christ never realizing that when it comes to correct, Scriptural, God-given judgment, the King James Bible is our perfect, preserved, infallible, eternal standard given to us by God from which we have our AUTHORITY to JUDGE.
"For he taught them as one having authority, and not as the scribes." Matthew 7:29
"These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so." Acts 17:11
"Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters?" 1 Corinthians 6:2
""I speak to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you? no, not one that shall be able to judge between his brethren?" 1 Corinthians 6:5
