Divine Judgement: God's Righteous Appraisal of Humanity

As the Creator, God has the sovereign right to establish the parameters for His creation and to evaluate humanity's response to His revealed will. He is the chief judge of all (Ps 94:2; Heb 13:4), and because He is holy and righteous, His judgements are executed with perfect fairness (Ps 96:13, 98:9).

God's Judgment Throughout Scripture

In the Bible, God's judgement is expressed through various forms of punishment, including specific sentences or calamities. Some sins were dealt with immediately in the past, such as Adam and Eve's initial transgression (Gen 3:14-24). Other notable examples include the flood, the confounding of languages during the construction of the Tower of Babel, and the Israelites being taken captive by the Babylonians due to disobedience to God (Gen 6:5-7, 11:1-8; Jer 2:17,19).

God, in His merciful discipline, addresses sin in the lives of believers in the present so that we might reform our lifestyle (Heb 12:5-11; 1 Pet 4:17). Other judgements for sin are reserved for the future, such as the coming tribulation and Judgment Day, particularly for those who fail to accept Christ's deliverance (2 Thes 1:6-10; Jud 1:6; Rev 6:1-16:21).

Some interpret natural disasters as a form of divine judgement, occurring when widespread sin causes people to move away from the protective covering of walking in God's ways. However, such adverse events and life's trials are consequences of living in a world adversely affected by sin. Nevertheless, any such events should always prompt us to seek God and repent for any waywardness (Lk 13:1-5).

Universal Judgment

After death, all humanity faces the final judgement where "God will give to each person according to what they have done" (Mt 16:27; Rom 2:6-10, 14:12; Rev 22:12). God's righteous judgement will separate believers and non-believers based on their faith in Him, as demonstrated by their response to His revealed will (Gen 18:25; Mt 13:30).

God is loving and does not desire that any should perish in hell, yet He is also just and fair. If people rebel and ignore the gift of salvation, He has no alternative but to banish them to hell along with those who claim to be Christians but have failed to live as He directed, for "Not all who call me Lord will receive eternal life – only those who do my will" (Mal 3:18-4:3; Mt 7:20-23, 10:32-33, 11:21-24; Mk 8:38; 2 Pet 3:9).

Sin must be accounted for

The heart of the gospel is salvation through Christ, escaping from God's condemnation on the day of judgment. This salvation is God's gift to be received by faith in Jesus Christ and in submission to His Lordship (Jn 3:16-18, 5:24; Act 4:12, 16:30-31; Rom 10:9; 1 Thes 5:8-9).

Individual Accountability

Jesus (and the words He spoke) will judge everyone on the Day of Judgment (Jn 5:22,27, 12:47-48; Act 10:42, 17:31; 2 Tim 4:8; Heb 4:12-13). Divine judgment is impartial, based on the knowledge or revelation received, together with the law of God instinctively known in the conscience and revealed in nature. Such understanding is available to every individual, including those who have never heard the gospel proclaimed (Eccl 3:11; Lk 12:47-48; Jn 5:30; Rom 1:20, 2:1-2,6,15-16; Rev 20:12).

As Christians, while our eternal destination is secure, having already been released from God's condemnation into a new life, we will give account of every ungodly thought, action, word, and secret unless we have repented of it, with the blood of Jesus cleansing it from our record (Eccl 3:17, 11:9, 12:13, 14; Ezek 18:20-24; Mt 5:27-28, 10:42, 12:36-37; Rom 2:16; 1 Cor 4:5; 1 Jn 1:9).

Are you covered by the blood of Jesus?

Before the judgment seat of Christ we will be examined as to how we have lived and used the abilities and opportunities given to us. We will be rewarded accordingly, for though we live under God's grace, this does not exempt us from being judged for laziness or tolerating sin in our lives (Mt 16:27; Jn 5:24; Rom 14:10,12; 1 Cor 3:10-15; 2 Cor 5:10-13). Of utmost importance is obedience to 'the Word', for "Blessed are those who hear the Word of God and obey it". Consequently, those who have lived aright will be commended by the Lord for their faithfulness (Mt 25:14-29, 35-46; Lk 11:28; 1 Jn 4:17).

Just as there are various levels of rewards in heaven, it is assumed there are various degrees of punishment in hell based on the evil committed by unbelievers. While escaping everlasting doom is solely reliant on the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf at the cross, it is our responsibility to continue to walk in that new way of life (and not in the old way of 'the flesh'), bearing the fruit of the new life, proving we are truly born again (Jn 8:31, 13:35, 15:8; Eph 2:8-9; Col 1:10).

Some people say God is 'too nice' to send people to hell! Yes, He is loving and merciful, yet "Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?" He is also honourable in keeping His Word. Prior to Adam and Eve sinning, God declared, 'If you disobey Me and sin you will die' – indicating an eternal separation from Him, the source of real life (Gen 2:16-17, 18:25).

If you are living in obedience to Christ you are safe

Again, the Bible declares, "The person who sins shall die…The wages of sin is death" (Ezek 18:4; Rom 6:23). Even though we are all sinners, there is a way of escape from this predicament, with the blood of Jesus cleansing those who avail themselves of the provision (Mt 26:28; Jn 3:16; Eph 1:7; 1 Jn 1:7). Love and justice come together in the character of God.

Reflection and Application

Examine your life: Are there areas where you have drifted from God's protective covering?

Consider the balance between God's love and His justice in your understanding of His character.
Reflect on how you are using the abilities and opportunities God has entrusted to you.
Evaluate whether your life demonstrates the fruit of being truly born again in Christ.