Judge not?
"Judge not, lest ye be judged!" These words of Jesus are often hurled at those who hold to a traditional morality and confess Christ as their savior. Anyone who believes in Jesus must obviously never judge anyone about anything at any time.
This, however, is not possible. Jesus Himself makes judgments, rather harsh judgements at times. Saint Paul tells the Corinthian congregation to judge those inside the Church. And Jesus does not give men and women license to live however they please. He calls them from their sin-filled lives and into fellowship with Himself.
The point Jesus is trying to make in Matthew 7 is that we should hold others to the same standard to which we hold ourselves. As Christians this means we should be encouraged to call others to repentance when they sin against us. I certainly would want someone to point out my sins rather than let them go unchecked (as unpleasant of an experience as that might be).
If no one is ever judged then no one is called to repent. If no one is called to repent then no one is forgiven. And if there is no forgiveness there is only judgment before the throne of God, and that will be far less pleasant than being judged by your friends or family here on earth.
This, however, is not possible. Jesus Himself makes judgments, rather harsh judgements at times. Saint Paul tells the Corinthian congregation to judge those inside the Church. And Jesus does not give men and women license to live however they please. He calls them from their sin-filled lives and into fellowship with Himself.
The point Jesus is trying to make in Matthew 7 is that we should hold others to the same standard to which we hold ourselves. As Christians this means we should be encouraged to call others to repentance when they sin against us. I certainly would want someone to point out my sins rather than let them go unchecked (as unpleasant of an experience as that might be).
If no one is ever judged then no one is called to repent. If no one is called to repent then no one is forgiven. And if there is no forgiveness there is only judgment before the throne of God, and that will be far less pleasant than being judged by your friends or family here on earth.
This is also you "a mans" opinion.
ReplyDeleteMany people don't like listening to a pastor because he is simply "a man". After all, what right does a human have to speak for God?
DeleteThe problem with this thought is that it ignores the fact that throughout history God has chosen sinful men to speak for Him and lead His people. I am sure Moses, Elijah, Jeremiah, Peter, Paul or any of the prophets or apostles for that matter, would have much rather had God just doing the talking for them. They spoke the Word of God and were hated for it.
Yet let us not forget, that God actually did come down and do the talking....in the person and work of Jesus Christ...a man. How was He accepted? He was hated and murdered.
Let us give thanks for the men that God has used throughout history to proclaim His word, especially the Son of Man, Christ Jesus. He did not come to condemn the world, but to save it.
GOD will have the final say. If I go tohell fo living with and loving a erson of the same sex so be it. I am true to myself and I am a christian. GOD knows my heart. I trust in him. Peace be to you who judge and belittle using GOD to do so.
ReplyDeleteI am not sure what you mean by belittling. If I have done so please forgive me. But being true to yourself is no virtue. Being true to God is what is required. And being true to God means seeing yourself as God sees you: first as a sinner in need of forgiveness, then as a redeemed saint who is to walk in newness of life, not in our former sins. I for one am thankful that God calls me to repentance for all my sins and will not leave me comfortable in them. That will only lead to self-confidence, not confidence in Christ Jesus, who bled and died for me, and you.
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