The concept of Judgment of God in Christianity
Judgment of God, according to Christianity, refers to the divine assessment of human actions and intentions, determining accountability for one's choices throughout life. It emphasizes God's role as a righteous judge, evaluating both individuals and nations in light of moral conduct, with implications for salvation or punishment. This concept is integral to understanding life's purpose and the consequences of actions, as expressed through various doctrines within Protestantism, Catholicism, and Early Christianity, highlighting divine justice and the ultimate fate of the soul.
Synonyms: Divine judgment, Divine retribution, God's verdict, Heavenly judgment, Divine justice, Celestial judgment, Spiritual assessment, Divine decree
In Finnish: Jumalan tuomio; In German: Das Gericht Gottes; In Spanish: Juicio de Dios; In Malay: Penghakiman Tuhan; In Swedish: Guds dom; In Dutch: Oordeel van God; In German: Gottesurteil; In French: Jugement de Dieu
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Christian concept of 'Judgment of God'
From: Ante-nicene Fathers
(1) The time was at hand when by the judgment of God, the captives were to pay the penalty proper to their deserts, indicating divine intervention.[1] (2) This is the ultimate decision or assessment made by a higher power, which is the observer and witness of all actions, and is preferred to man.[2] (3) The text emphasizes that the character of a good man depends on the judgment of God and not on the errors of the people.[3] (4) This concept involves divine assessment of actions, and the text notes that certain individuals disregard it, indicating a defiant attitude towards spiritual accountability and the consequences thereof.[4] (5) The judgment of God is something that even figures such as Minos or Rhadamanthus, or their father, will not escape, indicating the ultimate accountability for one's actions.[5]
From: Expositions of Holy Scripture
(1) The judgment of God is what a Christian man should joyfully accept, as it is one which a Christian man should joyfully accept.[6] (2) The term is used to describe the reason for the photograph of the crimes, which are bringing destruction upon the people, because of their actions.[7] (3) The theological interpretation that the capture of Jerusalem was a punishment for sins.[8] (4) The divine assessment based on truth, determining a person's eternal standing based on their character.[9] (5) The divine assessment of human actions and intentions, emphasizing the inevitability of accountability for one's deeds.[10]
From: A Dictionary of the Bible (Hastings)
(1) Another interpolated observation centered on the judgment of God, which served to explicitly correct some complaints of Koheleth to which he objected, adding layers of interpretation.[11] (2) A process in biblical times where difficult legal questions were resolved by seeking divine input or guidance, often through appointed individuals qualified to inquire of God.[12] (3) The doctrine signifying God as a righteous judge who executes judgment upon nations and cities, illustrating His authority and moral governance.[13]
From: A Cyclopedia of Biblical literature
(1) The action of God in evaluating and holding individuals accountable for their life choices and behaviors.[14] (2) The judgment pronounced by the prophet Elijah against Ahab and his house, signaling divine disfavor due to their actions.[15] (3) The divine punishment foretold upon Eli's house due to his failure to properly discipline his sons, communicated through the young prophet Samuel.[16]
From: Bible cyclopedia, critical and expository
(1) The divine assessment of human actions that is emphasized in Ecclesiastes as a critical aspect of understanding life's purpose.[17]
From: Summa Theologica (English translation)
(1) The divine evaluation of humanity's actions in light of Christ's suffering and you can reach salvation.[18] (2) The divine assessment that warrants the invocation of God's name in oaths.[19] (3) The moral and just judgment believed to be made by a deity, contrasting with human judicial actions.[20] (4) The divine assessment of right and wrong, serving as the ultimate standard for human judgment.[21] (5) The divine assessment of human actions, particularly in relation to sin and repentance.[22]
From: The Existence and Attributes of God
(1) The divine assessment of human actions, particularly in relation to moral or ethical behavior.[23] (2) The divine decree or understanding that those who commit sins are deserving of consequences.[24] (3) God's assessment of humanity, based on His absolute sovereignty and justice, towards which no complaints can be raised.[25]