THE QUESTION OF BIBLICAL JUDGMENT

Christians are often told that we are not to judge others but is it true that the Holy Bible tells us that we are not to make judgements? Did the Lord Jesus himself tell us not to judge others? Is it not necessary for us to make judgements every day of our lives? Of course, we do it without question.

What then is the truth? The writer, Bob Allen, has compiled the record with the aid of his computer and the software of BibleSoft. Clearly, the problem is one of making righteous judgement. Surely, as admirable as it may be, the record shows that those who avoid judging the behavior of others are taking the Lord's words out of context. But let us begin with the "hard sayings" of St. Paul because he affirms that "the law is holy, and the commandment is holy and just and good: (Romans 7:12). Paul actually internalizes God's commandments. "For I delight in the law of God, in my inmost self," (verse 22). The apostle denounces the idea that Christians, through faith, "overthrow the law". He declares instead that "we uphold the law" (Romans 3:31).

Here is the New Testament record:

Luke 7:43
and the Lord Jesus said unto him: "Thou hast rightly judged."

Luke 12:57
"Yea, and why even of yourselves judge ye not what is right?" (KJV)

"And why do you not even on your own initiative judge what is right?" (NAS)

"Tell me, why do you not judge for yourselves what is just?" (NAB)

"Why do you not of yourselves judge what is right?"
(LAMSA translation from Aramaic language of Christ and the Apostles.)

John 7:24
"Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment." (KJV)

"Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment." (NAS)

"Stop judging by appearances and make an honest judgment." (NAB).

"Do not judge by partiality, but judge a just judgment." (LAMSA)

1Cor.2:15-16
"But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." (KJV)

"But he who is spiritual appraises all things, yet he himself is appraised by no man. For who has known the mind of the Lord, that he should instruct him?" (NAS)

1Cor.2:15
"The spiritual man, on the other hand, can appraise everything, though he himself can be appraised by no one. 16) For, who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ." (NAB).

"But the spiritual man discerns every thing, and yet no man can discern him. (LAMSA)

Rom.6:13, 16, 18
"...Yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God." 16) Know ye not, that to whom ye yield yourselves as servants to obey, his servants ye are to whom ye obey; whether of sin unto death, or of obedience unto righteousness?" 18) Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness."

II Cor.11:15
Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works."

2 Tim. 2:15
"Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."

2 Pet. 3:13
"... according to His promise, look for New Heavens and a New Earth, herein dwelleth righteousness.

1John 2:29
"If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of Him." 3:10) "..whosoever doeth NOT righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother."

 

THE EVIDENCE SURELY INDICATES THAT CHRISTIANS ARE CALLED TO MAKE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENTS. MORE IMPORTANTLY CHRISTIANS ARE CALLED TO BE RIGHTEOUS. WHY? HERE AGAIN IS THE EVIDENCE:

Matt. 7:1-2
"Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgement ye judge, ye shall be judged: (KJV).

"Do not judge lest you be judged. For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you" (NAS).

"If you want to avoid judgment, stop passing judgment. Your verdict on others will be the verdict passed on you. The measure with which you measure will be used to measure you (NAB).

"Judge not, that you may not be judged. For with the same judgment that you judge, you will be judged, and with the same measure with which you measure, it will be measured to you. (LAMSA).

 

And from the Old Testament:

Deut. 1:16
"And I charged your judges at that time, saying, Hear the causes between your brethren, and judge righteously between every man and his brother, and the stranger that is with him."

Prov. 31:9
"Open thy mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy."

Isa. 16:5
"And in mercy shall the throne be established: and he shall sit in the tabernacle of David, judging, and seeking judgment, and hasting righteousness" (KJV).

"A throne will even be established in loving kindness. And a judge will sit on it in faithfulness in the tent of David; Moreover, he will seek justice and be prompt in righteousness" (NAS).

"A throne shall be set up in mercy, and on it shall sit in fidelity (in David's tent.) A judge upholding right and prompt to do justice" (NAB).

"In mercy shall a throne be established, and he shall sit upon it, in truth in the tabernacle of David, a judge who seeks justice and hastens righteousness" (LAMSA).