The concept of "Judgment to Continue" in the Bible refers to the ongoing and perpetual nature of God's judgment upon humanity and the world, as well as the continuous call for discernment and righteous judgment among believers. This theme is woven throughout the Scriptures, emphasizing both divine judgment and the responsibility of believers to exercise judgment in accordance with God's will.

Divine Judgment

The Bible consistently portrays God as the ultimate judge, whose judgments are righteous, just, and eternal. In the Old Testament, God's judgment is often depicted in the context of His covenant with Israel. For instance, in Deuteronomy 32:4, God is described as "The Rock, His work is perfect, for all His ways are just. A God of faithfulness without injustice, righteous and upright is He." This underscores the perfection and fairness of God's judgments.

The New Testament continues this theme, highlighting the role of Jesus Christ in the final judgment. In John 5:22, Jesus states, "Furthermore, the Father judges no one, but has assigned all judgment to the Son." This passage affirms the authority of Christ in executing divine judgment, a role that will culminate in the final judgment at the end of the age, as described in Revelation 20:11-15.

Ongoing Judgment

The concept of ongoing judgment is evident in the continuous call for repentance and the consequences of sin. In Romans 1:18, the Apostle Paul writes, "The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the ungodliness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness." This indicates that God's judgment is not only a future event but is also manifest in the present as a response to human sinfulness.

Moreover, the Bible teaches that God's judgment serves as a means of correction and purification for His people. Hebrews 12:6 states, "For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and He chastises every son He receives." This disciplinary judgment is ongoing and serves to refine believers, drawing them closer to holiness.

Judgment Among Believers

Believers are called to exercise judgment in their daily lives, discerning between right and wrong and making decisions that align with God's will. In 1 Corinthians 2:15, Paul writes, "The spiritual man judges all things, but he himself is not subject to anyone’s judgment." This passage highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers to make righteous judgments.

Furthermore, believers are instructed to judge within the church community, addressing sin and maintaining purity. In 1 Corinthians 5:12-13, Paul admonishes the church to judge those within its fellowship, stating, "What business of mine is it to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. 'Expel the wicked man from among you.'"

Eschatological Judgment

The Bible also speaks of a future, eschatological judgment that will bring the current age to a close. This final judgment is a central theme in biblical eschatology, where all individuals will stand before God to give an account of their lives. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus describes the separation of the righteous from the wicked, illustrating the eternal consequences of this judgment.

Revelation 20:12-13 provides a vivid depiction of the final judgment: "And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. The dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds."

Conclusion

The theme of "Judgment to Continue" encompasses the ongoing nature of God's righteous judgment, the call for believers to exercise discernment, and the anticipation of the final judgment. This concept serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty, justice, and the ultimate accountability of all creation to Him.