judgment

Trusting in our Faithful Creator

So often we can get caught up in thinking things should be a certain way; we become discouraged because something didn’t happen like we wanted, or we are surprised because circumstances seem unfair or overwhelming. We forget God’s perfect love for us in providing all that is needed for our sake and His glory.

1Peter 4:17-19 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God? AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER? Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

Chapter 4 of 1Peter began with the suffering of Christ and ends with the honor we have as His children to suffer for His glory. These last three verses continue to expand on the blessings of being God’s children, and even though difficulties may arise because of our faith, the outcome is our righteousness in Christ. But what about those who are not of the household of God? Our hearts should be moved towards compassion. God allows His children to be disciplined through adversity yet continues to care for them; those who are not His will suffer far more, facing eternal destruction.

For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God. We are to expect judgment. The Greek word used is krima, meaning a decision - the function or the effect, for or against; avenge, condemned, condemnation, damnation, and judgment. “… the severe trial which would determine character”, … “trials test the value of our profession”, Barnes. If we are not guilty, having trusted in the work of Christ on the cross, then the trials we face will be used for our correction and instruction, to strengthen our faith and trust in God, for our sanctification.

1Corinthians 11:32 But when we are judged, we are disciplined by the Lord so that we will not be condemned along with the world.

1Peter 1:7 so that the proof of your faith, being more precious than gold which is perishable, even though tested by fire, may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ;

… and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

To those who are guilty, having rejected Jesus, the trials that come upon them are for their ultimate destruction resulting in condemnation for eternity. Compare the outcome for both the saved and unsaved:

1Peter 4:13 but to the degree that you share the sufferings of Christ, keep on rejoicing, so that also at the revelation of His glory you may rejoice with exultation.

2Thessalonians 1:8-9 dealing out retribution to those who do not know God and to those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These will pay the penalty of eternal destruction, away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power,

The choice – eternal blessing or endless pain and suffering.

“What shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God? How miserable, how dreadful will be the end of all those that would not obey the gospel! Implying, that they shall be in a much worse condition if God take them in hand. If he spare not his children, much less will he his enemies. If the one sip of the cup of God's wrath, the other shall wring out the dregs, and drink them”, Ps 75:8. Matthew Poole’s Commentary.

Consider. Judgment will happen. Will we be approved by God, having a genuine faith and trust in Jesus? Or will our ‘faith’ be discredited, showing us to be hypocrites, disobedient to God’s word?

Romans 2:5-10 But because of your stubbornness and unrepentant heart you are storing up wrath for yourself in the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God, who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS: to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life; but to those who are selfishly ambitious and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. There will be tribulation and distress for every soul of man who does evil, of the Jew first and also of the Greek, but glory and honor and peace to everyone who does good, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.

Matthew 25:32-34 "All the nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats; and He will put the sheep on His right, and the goats on the left. "Then the King will say to those on His right, 'Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.

Consider. A good parent would not allow their child to be undisciplined. They would correct their mistakes, punish their sin, and bring to notice their unyielding ways. All because the parents know that their loving guidance will prove to help them in the future. Think how much more our perfect loving Father will correct his children who wander off the path of righteousness. There is solace in knowing that Jesus paid the price for our sin. Even through trials, we are assured that God’s hand will hold us secure, that His love is victorious, and we can endure in His strength.

There is no lasting security in anything other than the name of Jesus.

1Peter 4:18 AND IF IT IS WITH DIFFICULTY THAT THE RIGHTEOUS IS SAVED, WHAT WILL BECOME OF THE GODLESS MAN AND THE SINNER?

Peter uses a quote from Proverbs 11:31, If the righteous will be rewarded in the earth, how much more the wicked and the sinner!

The Christians were to travel through many perils, and the circumstances around them would render difficulties at every turn, yet those who prevailed would be saved because of God’s perfect plan. Think of Jesus life, death, and resurrection. Only through His suffering could any be called righteous. Think of your own testimony and the circumstances which led you to accept Jesus as your Savior. Often, it is through problems which seem heavier than a mere human can possibly bear. If it is through so much trial that those who are inclined to truth are saved, imagine the suffering that will come upon those who reject Jesus.

Acts 14:22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying, "Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God."

1Peter 4:12 Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though some strange thing were happening to you;

Read this remark penned by Spurgeon, “A solemn question! Answer it, each one of you, if you are still unsaved. Where will you appear? Oh, be wise, and fly to Jesus; enlist beneath his banner, cost you what it may. May the Lord lead you to do so”.

1Peter 5:8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.

1Corinthians 10:12 Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall.

The bottom line: For those who insist on following sin there is awaiting eternal condemnation. But for those seeking to follow God, even though tested, they can trust in His perfect plan.

1Peter 4:19 Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

Psalm 31:5 Into Your hand I commit my spirit; you have ransomed me, O LORD, God of truth.

2Timothy 1:12 For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

Psalm 37:5-6 Commit your way to the LORD, trust also in Him, and He will do it. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light and your judgment as the noonday.

Are you confident in God’s faithfulness, that He will guide you through all difficulties for His glory?

1Corinthians 10:13 No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.

Going back to the beginning of this Chapter, Christians are to expect trouble yet also can expect the protection of God’s hand on their lives here on earth and for eternity. In the meantime, we are to love one another, encourage one another, be hospitable towards one another, and serve one another with the gifts and strengths God has given, knowing this is God’s plan and His will prevails. We are to make certain our speech glorifies God and even through trials we are to keep on rejoicing, looking to God’s future glory and the promise of our salvation. We will suffer difficulties because of our union with Christ but we are to make certain our suffering is not of our own sin and waywardness.

“In this great work, watchfulness, prayer; faith, and obedience, are indispensably necessary. He who does not walk with God here cannot see nor enjoy him hereafter”, Adam Clarke’s Commentary.

Carefully read 1Peter 4:19 again –

Therefore, those also who suffer according to the will of God shall entrust their souls to a faithful Creator in doing what is right.

When I read this, I am reminded that I simply do not need to understand everything – the why, the what, the how or even how come. Where I need to put my energy and thoughts is in trusting that God not only has all things in His hands but that He is doing, and will do, everything according to His plan, at the perfect time, in the perfect way, for His ultimate glory and our good. So often we can get caught up in thinking things should be a certain way; we become discouraged because something didn’t happen like we wanted, or we are surprised because circumstances seem unfair or overwhelming. We forget God’s perfect love for us in providing all that is needed for our sake and His glory.

Matthew 7:9-11 “Or what man is there among you who, when his son asks for a loaf, will give him a stone? “Or if he asks for a fish, he will not give a snake, will he? “If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give what is good to those who ask Him!

Romans 8:28;31 And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose. … What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who is against us?

Psalm 56:10-11 In God, whose word I praise, in the LORD, whose word I praise, in God I have put my trust, I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?

2Corinthians 5:5-7 Now He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge. Therefore, being always of good courage, and knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord-- for we walk by faith, not by sight--

To entrust our souls to God means that we present ourselves to Him for protection. The KJV reads, “commit the keeping of their souls”. This is a continuous action – keep on committing, and is a banking term as in ‘to deposit’. This same term is used in 1Timothy 1:18, 2Timothy 2:2, and Luke 23:46.

1Timothy 1:18-19 This command I entrust to you, Timothy, my son, in accordance with the prophecies previously made concerning you, that by them you fight the good fight, keeping faith and a good conscience, which some have rejected and suffered shipwreck in regard to their faith.

2Timothy 2:2 The things which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.

Luke 23:46 And Jesus, crying out with a loud voice, said, "Father, INTO YOUR HANDS I COMMIT MY SPIRIT." Having said this, He breathed His last.

Be reminded of who it is you are trusting – your faithful Creator. Jesus’ example was to trust the Father.

When I read this, calm enters my soul. Rest, peace, and assurance flood out any thoughts of confusion, anxiousness, and fear. Our faithful Creator, our Father, the One who knows us best and died for us because He loves us more than we can imagine, is taking care of us. We are unable to save ourselves; we are unable to save our souls; God alone is able.

We can place ourselves confidently in our Creator’s hands. God will always fulfill His promises to those who are seeking to follow Him. As we continue trying to do what is right, serving one another in His strength, we can be certain God will take care of the rest.

“As our Creator we may come to him, and look to him for his protection and care. He made us. He had a design in our creation. He so endowed us that we might live for ever, and so that we might honour and enjoy him. He did not create us that we might be miserable; nor does he wish that we should be. He formed us in such a way that, if we choose, we may be eternally happy. In that path in which he has appointed us to go, if we pursue it, we may be sure of his aid and protection. If we really aim to accomplish the purposes for which we were made, we may be certain that he will show himself to be a "faithful Creator;" one in whom we may always confide”, Albert Barnes’ NT Commentary.

“A faithful creator; able and willing to sustain, comfort, and bless them under all trials, and in due time to save them with an everlasting salvation”, Family Bible Notes.

John Wesley’s Notes gives a good summary of 1Peter 4:19 –

Let them that suffer according to the will of God- Both for a good cause, and in a right spirit.

Commit to him their souls- (Whatever becomes of the body) as a sacred depositum.

In well doing- Be this your care, to do and suffer well: He will take care of the rest.

As unto a faithful Creator- In whose truth, love, and power, ye may safely trust.

Lord, keep us from sin, help us to remain focused on doing Your will through serving others well, let us not become distracted by sin around us or the ill-meaning of others, preserve us in holiness for Your glory. Whatever we may suffer here on earth, let us remember it is temporary; our eternal home awaits.

“Observe here, 1. A cautionary direction given, that in all our sufferings we take care that we suffer according to the will of God: that is, for what is according to God's will, either to be believed or practised by us, for asserting and maintaining the purity of the Christian doctrine and worship; and when our patience under such sufferings is as extensive and intensive as God requires, when our patience is as large and as lasting as our troubles, then may we be said to suffer according to the will of God.

Observe, 2. The special privilege allowed to such sufferers as suffer according to the will of God: they may commit the keeping of their souls to God in well-doing, as unto a faithful Creator.

Learn hence, 1. That when men suffer really and truly for well-doing, they may with confidence and great assurance commit their lives, and all that is dear unto them, to the special care of the divine providence; either God will keep us from, or support us under, trials, when we thus commit ourselves to him”, William Burkitt New Testament.

Unwavering and Upright

Because God’s judgments are straight, there is no deviation to His execution of right and wrong. He is not only perfectly righteous, God is also faithful in His righteousness.

Psalm 119:137 Part Two

Ps 119:137 Righteous art Thou, O LORD, and upright are Thy judgments.

In the first half of this verse we looked at the righteousness of God. He is morally pure. His character is guiltless in all areas. He is the essence of perfection. Because of God’s absolute holiness, peace amidst circumstances that seem unfair will resonate in your soul. Your heart will remain calm with the knowledge that God is righteous.

Psalm 119:137 also says God’s judgments are upright. Literally meaning they are straight. You’ve heard the idiom “on the straight and narrow path”. It means you’re following an honest way. According to the Cambridge Dictionary it may be taken from Matthew 7:14 which says, "For the gate is small, and the way is narrow that leads to life, and few are those who find it.” Because God’s judgments are straight, there is no deviation to His execution of right and wrong. He is not only perfectly righteous, God is also faithful in His righteousness. Hence, all His judgments are right. Again, we see God always acting within His character, without exception.

De 32:4 "The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; A God of faithfulness and without injustice, Righteous and upright is He.

Ps 119:137 (RSV) Righteous art thou, O LORD, and right are thy judgments.

Adam Clarke’s Commentary says this of Ps 119:137: all thy dispensations to men [are upright].

Ver. 137. -- David's great care, when he was under the afflicting hand of God, was to clear the Lord of injustice. ‘Oh! Lord, saith he, there is not the least show, spot, stain, blemish, or mixture of injustice, in all the afflictions thou hast brought upon me. I desire to take shame to myself, and to set to my seal, that the Lord is righteous, and that there is no injustice, no cruelty, nor no extremity in all that the Lord hath brought upon me.’ He sweetly and readily subscribes unto the righteousness of God in those sharp and smart afflictions that God exercised him with. "Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments." God's judgments are always just; he never afflicts but in faithfulness. His will is the rule of justice; and therefore a gracious soul dares not cavil nor question his proceedings. --Thomas Brooks.

cavil: quibble or raise trivial questions

Think again about our litmus test. God’s word. His absolute righteousness. His perfect judgment. As God’s children, convinced of His purity, we have examples to follow.

We are to show an example of righteousness towards others,

We are to be faithful to living out God’s commands,

We are to be obedient to act in a manner that represents His true character, and

We are to trust in all His ways.

“The righteousness of God, the infinite rectitude and perfection of his nature. As he is what he is, so he is what he should be, and in everything acts as becomes him; there is nothing wanting, nothing amiss, in God; his will is the eternal rule of equity, and he is righteous, for he does all according to it.” Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible

The truths we’ve considered in Psalm 119:137

Lead us to conviction of our own sin because God is always right.
Lead us to obedience. Why would we not follow what we know is right?
Lead us to trust in His ways and His timing because God’s plans are perfect even if I can’t see or understand them.
Lead us to adoration of God because He is 100% right in all His ways. How could we not worship Him?
Lead us to look to His promises with faith that He will return and restore His kingdom because He says so, therefore it’s true!
Lead us to focus on the hope we have for our future because in Christ it is certain, it is glorious, it is what we look forward to, and it is why we have been created.

Apply these truths to your life and circumstances right now. How are you encouraged to think or act differently because of these truths?

For example, look at the first bullet point again. It says, the truths we’ve considered lead us to conviction of our own sin because God is always right.

Consider. Standing before a righteous God, understanding more completely what that means, causes my sin to be more evident. It is so easy to ignore or accept what we might regard as the ‘small’ errors in our lives. It is always less difficult to look at the sin of others around me and to look at what they should or should not be doing or saying. I may even assume to know their motives and then judge them on my [usually wrong] thinking. However, if I place myself at the feet of the One who is Holiness Himself, I am quickly stripped of my own delusion about who I am and forced to remember the incredible need I have for a Savior. In fact, thinking upon God’s perfect righteousness and judgment, causes a certain holy fear of Him that leads to a want of obedience. I am God’s child but I am not free from the presence or temptation of sin. Because God must act according to His character, I can expect my sin to be dealt with. I can count on suffering the consequences of sin. Remember what Psalm 119:137 says: Righteous art Thou, O LORD, and upright are Thy judgments. When I begin to fully realize Jesus’ voluntary, suffering death for me, I am caused to recognize the necessity of my complete obedience to Him and thus address the sin that continues to reside in my heart.

Spurgeon, in his Treasury of David, gives us these beautifully written words. “The sinful courses of God's children occasion bitterness enough; they never venture upon sin, but with great Joss. [Joss: a graven image or idol. Perhaps referring to how easy it is for someone or something to become our motivation rather than God] If Paul give way to a little pride, God will humble him. If any give way to sin, their pilgrimage will be made uncomfortable. Eli falls into negligence and indulgence, then is the ark of God taken, his two sons are slain in battle, his daughter-in-law dies, he himself breaks his neck. Oh! The wonderful tragedies that sin works in the houses of the children of God! David, when he intermeddled with forbidden fruit, was driven from his palace, his concubines defiled, his own son slain; a great many calamities did light upon him. Therefore the children of God have cause to fear; for the Lord is a just God, and they will find it so. Here upon earth he hath reserved liberty to visit their iniquity with rods, and their transgression with scourges. I must press you to imitate God's righteousness: "If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him".

Mt 5:48 "Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

Ro 12:2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

Jas 1:4 And let endurance have [its] perfect result, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

There is a standard set for us on this earth. Just because we know we cannot attain perfection here amongst a sinful world, does not take away the responsibility we have to continue to reach for it.

Complacency over even the smallest sin should drive us to concern and lead us to immediate action. We give up because the fight is hard and it is continuous. I’ve said and thought the words, “When I get to heaven, then I won’t struggle with _____________” (fill in the blank). While this is absolutely true, and a really comforting thought, I am in no way excused for the sin in my life while on this earth. It is a big deal! Jesus died for me. I cannot take that truth lightly. We need to continuously be reaching for the goal.

Read this verse most of us are probably familiar with.

Heb 4:12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

God’s word is living and active! It does change lives! We can be victorious over the temptation of sin. I love the illustration presented in Jeremiah about God’s word.

Jer 23:29 "Is not My word like fire?" declares the LORD, "and like a hammer which shatters a rock?

The picture that comes to mind is one of seeking gold deeply imbedded in quartz. My husband and I have purposefully collected both large and small pieces of rock. Then, either out in the field or at home, we begin the process of smashing these pieces of quartz with a strong hammer to get to the tiny bits of gold scattered throughout. This is what God’s word does. It shatters sin. It refines us just like fire, melting away that which is not good and exposing what is beautiful.

Consider again how God would have you personally apply the truths in Psalm 119:137: Righteous art Thou, O LORD, and upright are Thy judgments. Ask yourself this question. I’ve shared some of my heart in hopes that you will be encouraged to do your own soul searching.

- My life in general is affected because I am much more apt to look at my own responsibility toward sin. There is so much work to be done in myself, that I don’t really have the time nor should I take the time to be concerned for what others are doing or not doing. This is a weight lifted off my shoulders! Remembering it is God’s work is refreshing!

- My personal circumstances are affected because my focus remains on God and His righteousness. The circumstances in my life are exactly what He is allowing in order to cause me to become the child He has designed me to be. This truth affords Peace! In all things. I can move through whatever God has given me, knowing it is in His perfect plan.

My actions are affected when God’s truths are applied to my life.

- Concentrating on the areas of my own life that need attention certainly reminds me to be gracious and patient towards those around me as I am reminded we all have the same need of God’s saving grace. Thinking upon what He has done for me even while I don’t deserve any of it is humbling. This is good! A heart of humility is soft and moldable.

- When my thoughts are centered on Christ and my heart is teachable and flooded with Who He is and What He has done for me, I cannot help but radiate His love in all things. I am drawn towards seeing the hope even in what seems truly difficult. I look forward to the promise that I can trust that God is working. This produces joy in my heart even amidst hardship or uncertainty or sorrow.

- I don’t have to understand everything! I am not expected, nor am I able, to have an answer for everything! This is a great revelation and one that truly lifts a burden I can place on myself. Because God is always right, I can look at what He says, accept what He is doing, and not forfeit my time and energy to that which is not my responsibility. Each day is a gift given to me by Him that is filled with exciting possibility for honoring Him as my Father. How much fun is that?! I don’t have to live in discouragement because of my sin, it has been covered! I don’t have to be worried or anxious for circumstances now or in the future, He has it covered! I can glory in the true fact that God is righteous in all things. And He has called me His child!

- Lastly, but perhaps most important, I truly fear sin. I don’t want to be caught up in sin. I am cautious to not allow sin to be harbored in my heart. I take measure against being fooled by sin’s craftiness. This causes me to desire to engulf myself in Truth. I need God’s word to direct me because I am weak.

God is righteous in His very character which means all judgment from Him is absolutely equitable. And He is always faithful to execute His judgment.

“Jehovah both saith and doth that which is right, and that alone. This is a great stay to the soul in time of trouble. When we are most sorely afflicted, and cannot see the reason for the dispensation, we may fall back upon this most sure and certain fact, that God is righteous, and his dealings with us are righteous too. It should be our glory to sing this brave confession when all things around us appear to suggest the contrary. This is the richest adoration -- this which rises from the lips of faith when carnal reason mutters about undue severity, and the like.” Treasury of David

Please. Listen with your ears and your heart to the truths God is showing you through His word. Take the time to God’s truths to your life. The Bible is not just a book to read and feel good about. God’s word is not meant to be an intellectual exercise. It is a book that is living and it will change you through the work of the Holy Spirit. Dig in and watch the transformation as God guides you into a deeper relationship with Him. After all, He loves you enough to have sent Jesus.

1Jo 2:29 If you know that He is righteous, you know that everyone also who practices righteousness is born of Him.

Joh 17:3 "And this is eternal life, that they may know Thee, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom Thou hast sent.

My God Understands

…coverage was flooded with news and reports on the mass shooting in a small church in Texas. What stuck in my mind is the pastor’s reply to the question of “Why do you think this happened?” He answered, “I don’t understand, but my God does”.

$C:\Users\Sharyn\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\INetCache\Content.Word\praying.jpg$ “My God Understands”

As I was listening to CNN on the radio in my car yesterday on the way home from the grocery store, the coverage was flooded with news and reports on the mass shooting in a small church in Texas. What stuck in my mind is the pastor’s reply to the question of “Why do you think this happened?” He answered, “I don’t understand, but my God does”.

Only God sees clearly a man’s heart and motives. We can only speculate what may have driven someone to take the lives of so many innocent people. There are specialists who are looking at the past history of the criminal. Violence has been reported at earlier times in his life. Why? Can we fully comprehend what is in the mind and heart of another? Perhaps, there are those who can try in order to possibly prevent the reoccurrence of a similar act.

But, what we do know, is God understands. He knows perfectly what is going on. He alone has every answer. So where does this drive us? Hopefully, to Truth. To the Word. To what we can know.

1Ch 28:9 "As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a whole heart and a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts, and understands every intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will let you find Him; but if you forsake Him, He will reject you forever.

Job 28:20-24 "Where then does wisdom come from? And where is the place of understanding? 21 "Thus it is hidden from the eyes of all living, and concealed from the birds of the sky. 22 "Abaddon and Death say, 'With our ears we have heard a report of it.' 23 "God understands its way; And He knows its place. 24 "For He looks to the ends of the earth, And sees everything under the heavens.

Ps 33:14-15 From His dwelling place He looks out On all the inhabitants of the earth,15 He who fashions the hearts of them all, He who understands all their works.

We can know that God understands. We can know that God will deliver perfect and righteous judgement.

1Sa 2:10a "Those who contend with the LORD will be shattered; against them He will thunder in the heavens, The LORD will judge the ends of the earth;

1Ch 16:33 Then the trees of the forest will sing for joy before the LORD; For He is coming to judge the earth.

Ps 9:8 And He will judge the world in righteousness; He will execute judgment for the peoples with equity.

Ps 50:6 And the heavens declare His righteousness, For God Himself is judge. Selah.

Ps 96:13 Before the LORD, for He is coming; for He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness, and the peoples in His faithfulness.

Ps 135:14 For the LORD will judge His people, And will have compassion on His servants.

Ec 3:17 I said to myself, "God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man," for a time for every matter and for every deed is there.

Isa 11:4 But with righteousness He will judge the poor, And decide with fairness for the afflicted of the earth; And He will strike the earth with the rod of His mouth, And with the breath of His lips He will slay the wicked.

Eze 18:30 "Therefore I will judge you, O house of Israel, each according to his conduct," declares the Lord GOD. "Repent and turn away from all your transgressions, so that iniquity may not become a stumbling block to you.

Eze 24:14 "I, the LORD, have spoken; it is coming and I shall act. I shall not relent, and I shall not pity, and I shall not be sorry; according to your ways and according to your deeds I shall judge you," declares the Lord GOD.'"

We can know that we can be saved from the judgement of death for our own sin.

Joh 3:17 "For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world should be saved through Him.

Joh 12:44-50 And Jesus cried out and said, "He who believes in Me does not believe in Me, but in Him who sent Me. 45 "And he who beholds Me beholds the One who sent Me. 46 "I have come [as] light into the world, that everyone who believes in Me may not remain in darkness. 47 "And if anyone hears My sayings, and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world, but to save the world. 48 "He who rejects Me, and does not receive My sayings, has one who judges him; the word I spoke is what will judge him at the last day. 49 "For I did not speak on My own initiative, but the Father Himself who sent Me has given Me commandment, what to say, and what to speak. 50 "And I know that His commandment is eternal life; therefore the things I speak, I speak just as the Father has told Me."

Mr 16:16 "He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned.

Peace can be found outwardly in conditions of tranquility with others but true and lasting peace is only through a right relationship with God. Spiritual peace is possible even in a fallen world filled with violence.

1Co 14:33 for God is not a God of confusion but of peace, as in all the churches of the saints.

Jas 3:16-17 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. 17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

What we do know is we have something valuable to share with those who are hurting and injured and frightened by circumstances beyond their control. What we can do is pray for all those affected by sin in this world that they might know that God does in fact understand. That He will ultimately right what is wrong and that true peace in this difficult time is found in His mercy available to all those who believe in Him.

Tag: judgment

Trusting in our Faithful Creator

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Unwavering and Upright

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My God Understands

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