"The JUDGEMENT"...
for God's People

Do human-beings "judge"... for God?
Do preachers, priests, rabbis, or imams judge... for God?
Do "churches" judge... for God?
Is it your duty to judge other humans... for God?
Do we human-individuals judge ourselves... for God?


A tablet from the on-going INTERNET BOOK, "The Doctor's Terrific Tablets"
( http://www.terrific-tabs.com )
by John N. Todd III, M. D. (link)

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John 5:24 (NRSV) (Jesus speaking): Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word, and believes Him who sent me, has eternal life... and does not come under judgment -- but has passed from death to life.

James 4: 12 (NRSV) There is one Lawgiver and Judge -- who is able to save, and to destroy. So then.... who are you to judge your neighbor?

Isaiah 33: 22 (NRSV) For the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our ruler; the LORD is our king. He will SAVE us.


"The Judgment" -- what is "The Judgment"; and when does "judgment" take place? Who judges whom? Are human-beings "authorized" to judge each other.... for God? Do you "judge" yourself.... and, if so, does your "self-appraisal" affect God's evaluation of you? Are there "special" human-beings.... priests, rabbis, imams.... or "religious" groups (churches), that are "assigned" to make judgments -- for God?

Do we earthly humans have anything at all to do with "the judgment"? What do you say? What are your thoughts?

Do certain institutional churches make "judgments" for God -- and, if so, who gives them authority to judge? Do preachers, priests, and rabbis "judge" -- for God.... by deciding who is "good", and sincere, and acceptable to God -- and who is false, and evil, and doomed to rejection by God?

Is God-the-Creator an austere, wrathful, retributive Deity -- who "keeps books" on each human-creature, throughout that "creature's" entire existence? (I think not!) Does God "spy" on every living human-animal, throughout a lifetime -- just waiting to catch some of us in "sin" or error -- so that "judgment" (then condemnation) can be imposed? (No!)

Whatever happened to God's forgiveness, and His mercy, and His understanding -- and His LOVE? Why was The Christ sent to this world, by God; and why did God allow God-Incarnate to be crucified? Why?.... except to indicate God's love for His people (link), and God's forgiveness of the "sins" of His people -- through the FAITH OF Jesus (the "faith" that Jesus believed, and accepted, and taught, and exemplified). (See link.)

Can "Godspeople" ever be confident, during this lifetime, that they (we) will not be "condemned" by God? What about after this worldly sojourn? Must "Christians" endure their entire existence on earth, never knowing, for sure, whether or not they have satisfied God? Must we humans wait until we are put on some type of arbitrary "scale", at "judgement day"; and only then find out whether or not we have "made the grade" -- for admission to heaven's "Kingdom of God"?

Note the following Biblical references. Read these out loud, to yourself. What do you "hear", about "judgment", as you read these scriptures?
2 Corinthians 5: 16-19 (NEB) From first to last, this has been the work of God. He has reconciled us men to Himself, through Christ -- and He has enlisted us in the service of reconciliation. What I mean is, that God was in Christ, reconciling the world to Himself -- no longer holding men's misdeeds (NIV "sins"; KJV and RSV "trespasses") against them -- and that He has entrusted us with the message of reconciliation.

1 Corinthians 4: 3 (Paul speaking) (NIV) I care very little if I am judged by you, or by any HUMAN court. Indeed, I do not even judge myself. 4 My conscience is clear -- but that does not make me innocent. IT IS THE LORD WHO JUDGES ME. 5 Therefore, judge nothing before the appointed time. Wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness; and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time, each will receive his praise -- from God.

Romans 8: 1 (NRSV) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life, in Christ Jesus, has set you free from the LAW OF SIN -- and of death. 3 For God has done what the Law, weakened by the flesh.... COULD NOT DO....

.... Same (Amplified Bible) 8: 1 There is now no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus.

Romans 3 (KJV)

19 Now we know that what things soever the Law saith, it saith to them who are under the Law: that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become GUILTY BEFORE GOD. 20 Therefore, by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified, in HIS sight -- for by the Law is the knowledge of sin. 21 But now, the righteousness of God, without the Law, is manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God, which is by faith OF Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe.

 Romans 3 (NIV)

19 Now we know that whatever the Law says, it says to those who are under the Law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. 20 Therefore NO ONE will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the Law. Rather, through the Law, we become conscious of sin. 21 But now, a righteousness from God (see link), apart from Law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe.

Many church-goers typically consider the word "judgment" to refer to God's post-mortem evaluation of every human-being who ever sets-foot on the Planet-Earth. I am not satisfied by that narrow and limited and restricted "churchy" definition of "Biblical" ("theological") judgment. I have considered a number of alternative "plausible" implications and intentions of the Biblical use of terms related to "the judgment" -- and I want to share these with the readers -- and let them compare my "spiritual" thoughts, with theirs


(A "computer search" of the entire Bible reveals the following findings concerning the use of words that have-to-do with "judging". The words "judgement" and "judge" and "judged" and "judging" are used 251 times in the Old Testament", and 140 times in the New Testament. There are clearly several different definitions of these "judge" words -- depending mainly upon the context of the scriptures in which these words appear. Some of the definitions implied in the Biblical usage of the word "judge" and "judgment" are as follows: decision; determination; evaluation; verdict; decree; estimate; opinion; understanding; conclusion...... and others. Furthermore, the word "judgment" is used alternatively, or interchangeably, with the word "condemnation" (condemn, condemned), in the various Biblical translations.)

When we who claim to be "God's people" read our Bibles; and when we meditate, and pray, and concentrate on God and His words, and His language, and His message -- which definition should you and I accept as the "correct" spiritual explanation of words indicating "judgment" by God? Who's "opinion" matters -- to God? And.... who decides which definition and interpretation you and I should accept as "the truth" -- the truth that God intends? I doubt that any human-being can authoritatively answer that question -- regardless of how "advanced" an individual claims to be in "the church" -- or however far-along an un-churched individual may be in his spiritual quest).  

So, in what follows, I will continue my "considerations" (for myself) -- and my "rhetoric" for the reader -- with several additional questions concerning "judgment". You answer these questions, for yourself.... based on your "conviction" of what God intends His sheep (link) to perceive, concerning judgment. Then, read and contemplate the Biblical references that follow, below.

1. Does God repeatedly "judge" His already-accepted individuals -- and, if so, when does that "judgement" take place? For those individuals who have already been "included" by God, isn't it likely that "judgment" ("evaluation"), by God, is a continuous and on-going process -- throughout one's earthly life -- during which time God guides and corrects and teaches each individual Child-of-God (link).... and disciplines them; and directs them to "paths of righteousness"? An affirmative answer to this question is clearly stated in the following scripture: 


1 Corinthians 11: 31 (NIV) But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. 32 When we are JUDGED by the Lord, we are being disciplined -- so that we will NOT be condemned with the world.

.......Same (NEB) 32 When, however, we do fall under the Lord's judgement, He is disciplining us, to save us from being condemned with the rest of the world.

John 12: 31 (NRSV) (Jesus speaking): NOW is the judgment of this world. NOW the ruler of this world will be driven out.      

2. The next important question (which is really a statement): Is it not "spiritually" ("Biblically") true that God's chosen ("accepted") individuals never "come up for judgement", as the following scriptures from John 3 and John 5 (quoting God-Incarnate) clearly state: 
John 3: 18 (NASV) He who believes in Him (the Son) is not judged. He who does not believe has been judged already; because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God.

Same (Amplified Bible) He who believes on Him...... is not judged (he who trusts in Him NEVER comes up for judgement -- for him there is no rejection; NO condemnation -- he incurs no damnation). 

John 5: 24 (NIV) (Jesus speaking): Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word, and believes Him (God) who sent me, has eternal life; and does not come under judgment -- but has passed from death, to life.
 
3. Could it be that "judgement" takes place at the very moment that a Godsperson is "awakened" by God to the "truth of God"...... and thus "included" among God's accepted individuals -- "God's people" (link)?

4. Does God's judgment-process (God's evaluation of His people for "election", or "acceptance", or "salvation") take place during earthly existence -- or "before the beginning of time"? Or, in accordance with traditional thought, does "final acceptance" by God await God's autopsical judgment? Note the following, on this question: 
Ephesians 1: 4 (NEB) "In Christ, He chose us, BEFORE the world was founded, to be dedicated, to be without blemish in His sight; and He destined us -- such was His will and pleasure -- to be ACCEPTED as His sons, through Jesus Christ."

Ephesians 1: 11 (NIV): "In Him we were also chosen (link) -- having been predestined according to the plan of Him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of His will".  

Psalm 139: 13 (NRSV) For it was you who formed my inward parts. You knit me together in my mother's womb.... 15 My frame was not hidden from you, when I was being made in secret -- intricately woven in the depths of the earth. 16 Your eyes beheld my unformed substance. In your book were written ALL the days that were formed for me -- when none of them as yet existed.  

5. Now..... consider another "alternative" possibility (reflecting the opinion of some.) Does "judgement" take place immediately after one's physical life (that is, after death) on this earth? Or..... is there a "probationary" time, like a "purgatory". Or, must we who claim to be "Christians" lie in the graveyard for a period of time, before we go before one or more "judgments" in the presence of a heavenly "tribunal" -- of some sort?  (Readers will doubtless answer according to their own traditional beliefs, and interpretations. The question is: which of these numerous possible interpretations of the "truth of God" -- is indeed "true", in God's sight?)

6. Can Godspeople ever be confident, during our worldly lifetime, that they (we) will never be condemned and "rejected" by God? What about after this earthly existence? Must "Christians" live their entire lives on earth, never knowing whether or not they have satisfied God? Must we humans wait until we are put on some type of arbitrary "scale" at "judgement day", and only then find out whether or not we have "made the grade"? (Suppose your "score" at the "Gate of Heaven", on "Judgment Day"..... turns out to be 49% good, and 51% "bad". Does that mean that you have failed in life, and that you must therefore spend the rest of an eternal existence in some type of "Hell"?) Note the following Biblical answer to that question:

Romans 8: 1 (NRSV) There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life, in Christ Jesus, has set you free from the Law of SIN -- and of death. 3 For God has done what the Law, weakened by the flesh, could not do, by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh.... and to deal with sin, He condemned sin in the flesh, 4 so that the just requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh -- but according to the Spirit.

7. And, a major point for you and me to consider: Is my "acceptance" by God -- God's "judgment" of me -- contingent upon my joining an earthly institutional "church of men"? That is, must I be approved by a "church" -- before God will consider me? Must I be "baptized", or "circumcised"? Can a church "judge" me -- and exclude me from the love of God, and from acceptance by God? If I must "accept" a church's doctrine, before God will consider me -- which one of the numerous church-denominations should I believe? (Must I join your church!)

8. And.... another important question: Has God "pre-judged" and excludud Jews and Muslims, Buddhists and Hindu's.... and others.... from His consideration -- because they do not "accept" the doctrine that you or I approve?
(I will give my understanding here, by quoting a paragraph from later [below] in this "tablet"):

Doesn't it become ludicrous to think that any human-beings -- in or out of an institutional church -- should arrogate to themselves the right to "include" certain human-beings (and to exclude others).... for acceptance into the Kingdom of God .... based on rigid man-made "religious" (doctrinal) criteria -- or based on human restrictive and exclusionary concepts and opinions concerning the INTENTION and PLAN of God ! ! !

9. Do any human-beings -- either in the "church", or outside "organized" religion -- have anything whatsoever to do with God's evaluation of us human-beings? Look at the following references from the Bible of God:
James 4: 12 (NRSV) There is one Lawgiver and Judge -- who is able to save, and to destroy. So then, who are you to judge your neighbor?

Isaiah 33: 22 (NRSV) For the LORD is our judge; the LORD is our ruler; the LORD is our King. He will SAVE us. (See link Salvation is God's decision -- not man's.)
 
1 Corinthians 2: 13 (NIV) This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom -- but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. 14 The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God -- for they are foolishness to him; and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. 15 The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: 16 "For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct Him?" 

Deuteronomy 1: 17 (NIV) Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of any man -- for judgment belongs to God. 

Romans 2: 1 (NIV) You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge the other, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. 2 Now we know that God's judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. 3 So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them -- and yet you do the same things.... do you think you will escape God's judgment?

Ezekiel 34: 11 et seq. (NEB) I myself (God) will ask after my sheep, and go in search of them. I will bring out from every nation, and gather them in from other lands, and lead them home...... 22 Therefore, I will SAVE my flock, and they shall be ravaged no more. I (God) will judge between one sheep and another.

Now, see what else God says. Some of the scriptures quoted below are repeated, from the section above. Read these verses out loud, so that you may "hear" God speaking again, while you "see" His words. These scriptures respond to the questions mentioned above -- and they also "touch" some of the other questions that you and I may have wondered about.

(Major) John 3: 18 (NASV) He who believes in Him (the Son) is not judged. He who does not believe has been judged already; because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten son of God.

Same (Amplified Bible) He who believes on Him is not judged (he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgement -- for him there is no rejection, no condemnation -- he incurs no damnation).

1 Thessalonians 5: 9 (NEB) For God has not destined us to the terrors of judgment, but to the full attainment of salvation, through our Lord Jesus Christ. 

(Major) John 5: 24 (NIV) (Jesus speaking): Very truly, I tell you, anyone who hears my word, and believes Him (God) who sent me, has eternal life; and does not come under judgment -- but has passed from death, to life.  

(Major) Romans 8: 1 (NIV) Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus; 2 because through Christ Jesus, the Law of the Spirit of life set me free from the Law of sin, and death.

Same (Amplified Bible) 8: 1 Therefore, there is no condemnation (no adjudging guilty of wrong) for those who are in Christ Jesus. 

(JNT note about 1 Corinthians 11: 31 -- a "biggie", repeated from above, indicating God's "on-going" judgment, and "disciplining".... or "disciple-ing", as I like to think.)

.....1 Corinthians 11: 31 (NIV) But if we judged ourselves, we would not come under judgment. 32 When we are judged by the Lord, we are being disciplined, so that we will not be condemned with the world.

Same (NRSV) But if we judged ourselves, we would not be judged. 32 But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined, so that we may not be condemned along with the world.

Same (NEB) When, however, we do fall under the Lord's judgement, He is disciplining us, to save us from being condemned with the rest of the world.  

Deuteronomy 1: 17 (NIV) Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of any man, for judgment belongs to God. 

John 8: 15 (NRSV) Jesus speaking: You judge by human standards; I judge no one. 16 Yet even if I do judge, my judgment is valid; for it is not I alone who judge, but I and the Father who sent me.

John 12: 47 (NRSV) (Jesus speaking): I do not judge anyone who hears my words, and does not keep them; for I came not to judge the world, but to save the world.    

John 9: 39 (NRSV) Jesus said, "I came into this world for judgment, so that those who do not see may see.... and those who do see may become blind.  

John 12: 31 (NRSV) (Jesus speaking): NOW is the judgment of this world. NOW the ruler of this world will be driven out.  

Psalm 96: 11 .....then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the LORD; for He is coming -- for He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with His truth.

Romans 2: 29 (NIV) .....Circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit -- not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men -- but from God.

Ezekiel 34: 11 et seq. (NEB) I myself (God) will ask after my sheep, and go in search of them. I will bring out from every nation, and gather them in from other lands, and lead them home...... 22 Therefore, I will SAVE MY FLOCK -- and they shall be ravaged no more. I (God) will JUDGE between one sheep and another.


My conclusion -- my current understanding -- based on what I have been led to believe -- is that "judgment" is unrelated to man-made (or church-made) creeds and deeds and appraisals and determinations that we humans concoct -- either about ourselves, or about other human-beings. "Judgment" -- whether now, in this life.... or later -- at-or-after death..... is like "salvation", and forgiveness, and "grace" -- it is ALL God's doing.

I "sense", based on the scriptures quoted above, that God's "judgment" -- God's evaluation -- has already occurred, for those whom God has "chosen" -- for those whom God has included among His people. Godspeople do not need to wring their hands, and worry throughout a lifetime, about whether or not they have satisfied God -- and whether they have fulfilled a "list of requirements" for admission to the "Eternal Kingdom".

"Judgment" is certainly NOT a specific denominational process, or decision.... in which hierarchical, heavily-robed, fully-frocked figures arrogate to themselves the right and the power to decide -- for God -- just which humans have "made-the-grade".... and which ones of us have "failed"..... in the eyes of God Almighty.

Doesn't it become ludicrous to think that any human-beings -- in or out of the institutional church -- should arrogate unto themselves the right to "include" certain human-beings (and to exclude others).... for "acceptance" into the Kingdom of God.... based on rigid man-made "religious" (doctrinal) criteria -- or based on human restrictive and exclusionary opinions and concepts of the INTENTION and PLAN of God! (See link Circumventing God.)

God made the Universe -- and everything in it. My belief is that God designed and molded each human-being, for God's own purposes. God's creations do indeed satisfy God's on-going "judgment" of them, individually.

If God's people "fall-short", in some way.... then God changes and re-directs each one, day-by-day.... and "prunes" and re-molds them; alters their paths; teaches them, encourages them; disciplines them; punishes them.... and LOVES them.... all to cause each of His people to "respond" within the precise plan and purpose that God has formulated, all along.... so that "terminal", post-mortem judgment, condemnation, and rejection, by-God.... need not be pondered, feared and dreaded by God's people

Our Sovereign God does not change His plans for those whom He has created -- in order to "DIGNIFY" the fickle whims of human-individuals, or churches-of-humans.... or to "humor" the vagaries of humanistic opinions, notions, and concoctions.

3/28/07