Scriptural Examples of God's Character and Judgment
Scriptural Examples of God's Character and Judgment
The biblical concept of God's character is deeply intertwined with his judgment, showcasing his righteousness, justice, and holiness. According to Psalm 36:6, "Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judging is like the great deep; O Lord, you give life to man and beast" [3]. This verse highlights God's righteousness and judgment as fundamental aspects of his character.
The scriptures provide numerous examples of God's character and judgment. In the Old Testament, the story of the flood (Genesis 7) and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 19:24-25) demonstrate God's judgment on the wicked [1]. The Psalmist affirms that God's "righteousness is like the highest mountains, his justice like the great deep" (Psalm 36:6), emphasizing the vastness and reliability of God's judgment [3].
God's character is also revealed through his attributes, including righteousness, justice, and holiness. Torrey's Topical Textbook highlights that God's righteousness is "very high" (Psalm 71:19), "abundant" (Psalm 48:10), and "everlasting" (Psalm 119:142) [2]. The righteousness of God is a recurring theme in the Psalms, with Psalm 97:2 stating, "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of his throne" [2].
The New Testament continues this theme, with 2 Thessalonians 1:5 referring to God's judgment as an "example of the just judgment of God" [4]. The apostle Peter writes that God's judgment begins with his household, purifying them before judging the wicked (1 Peter 4:17) [5]. This concept is echoed in Jude 1:4, which warns against false teachers who "crept in unawares" and were "before ordained to this condemnation" [6].
The biblical account of God's judgment is not limited to punishment; it also encompasses his mercy and love. Psalm 33:4-7 describes God's word as displaying his character and power, highlighting the connection between his judgment and his loving nature [7]. The Psalmist also notes that God's "inhabitants of heaven, who well know God's character, attest His righteousness as a judge" (Psalm 50:6) [8].
The early Church Fathers, such as John Chrysostom, also reflected on the nature of God's judgment. In his Homilies on John and Hebrews, Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of understanding God's judgment as a manifestation of his character [9].
Sources
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Judgments of God — (1.) The secret decisions of God's will (Ps. 110:5; 36:6). (2.) The revelations of his will (Ex. 21:1; Deut. 6:20; Ps. 119:7-175). (3.) The infliction of punishment on the wicked (Ex. 6:6; 12:12; Ezek. 25:11; Rev. 16:7), such as is mentioned in Gen. 7; 19:24, 25; Judg. 1:6, 7; Acts 5:1-10, etc.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Righteousness of God, The — Is part of his character -- Ps 7:9; 116:5; 119:137. Described as Very high. -- Ps 71:19. Abundant. -- Ps 48:10. Beyond computation. -- Ps 71:15. Everlasting. -- Ps 119:142. Enduring for ever. -- Ps 111:3. The habitation of his throne. -- Ps 97:2. Christ acknowledged -- Joh 17:25. Christ committed his cause to -- 1Pe 2:23. Angels acknowledge -- Re 16:5. Exhibited in His testimonies. -- Ps 119:138,144. His commandments. -- De 4:8; Ps 119:172. His judgments. -- Ps 19:9; 119:7,62. His word. -- Ps 119:123. His ways. -- Ps 145:17. His acts. -- J”
- Psalms “Psalms 36:6 (BBE) — Your righteousness is like the mountains of God; your judging is like the great deep; O Lord, you give life to man and beast.”
- II Thessalonians “II Thessalonians 1:5 (DRC) — For an example of the just judgment of God, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which also you suffer.”
- 1 Peter (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Peter 4:17: 4:17 God’s judgment is often pictured as beginning with God’s household—i.e., with his own people—as a means of purifying them (Jer 25:29; Ezek 9:5-6; Mal 3:1-6).”
- Jude (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jude 1:4: certain men--implying disparagement. crept in unawares--stealthily and unlawfully. See on Pe2 2:1, "privily shall bring in damnable heresies." before . . . ordained--Greek, "forewritten," namely, in Peter's prophecy Jde 1:17-18; and in Paul's before that, Ti1 4:1; Ti2 3:1; and by implication in the judgments which overtook the apostate angels. The disobedient Israelites, Sodom and Gomorrah, Balaam and Core, and which are written "for an example" (Jde 1:7, and Jde 1:5-6, Jde 1:11). God's eternal character as the Punisher of sin, as set forth in Scriptu”
- Psalms (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Psalms 33:4: 33:4-7 God’s word displays his character and his power.”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 50:6: The inhabitants of heaven, who well know God's character, attest His righteousness as a judge.”
- CCEL/NPNF (Eastern Orthodox) “John Chrysostom, Homilies on John & Hebrews: ; cure of, 199 , 200 . Parents, obedience to, how limited, 74 ; virtue of, aggravates the children's guilt, 75 . Participation, Christ received not grace by, 47 . Paschal Lamb, a type of Christ crucified, 319 . Passion of Christ, the, foretold darkly, its benefits plainly, 95 ; voluntary, 199 ; a proof that His promise of life to man should be fulfilled, 217 ; in what sense the cause of the Father's love towards Him, ib. ; proves His Resurrection, how, 218 ; His peculiar power shown therein, ib. ; was voluntary, ib. ; not commanded, but consented to”