Why does God bring judgment if He is loving? The Lord is like a parent; to correct us, the Lord must bring judgment in this lifetime. Although it makes Him sad to do so. Hebrews 12:11 No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way. [1]
The Lord brings judgment because He wants us to turn to Him and repent of our sins to be forgiven and transformed. John the Baptist preached a message of repentance to the ordinary people and the religious leaders in the wilderness of Judea. The religious leaders knew about the Lord, but many did not have a relationship with Him. John may have baptized them, but would their lives demonstrate fruit from their repentance, or were they going through the motions?
John the Baptist Called Out the Religious Leaders
The religious leaders may have fooled the people, but John the Baptist knew they were not deceiving the Lord. Because John wanted them to repent, he boldly challenged them. Matthew 3:8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. 9 Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 10 Even now, the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire. [2]
In His mercy, the Lord tried to get their attention before it was too late by plainly telling them they were heading to hell if they did not change. The message of John was sobering then, and it is also sobering today for those who refuse the gift of salvation. There will come a day when each person enters eternity, and without faith in Jesus, you will suffer from God’s wrath.
Judgment in Eternity
The Lord judges the sins of humanity, but it is not God’s desire to bring judgment in eternity but that all people come to the knowledge of Jesus Christ. John 3:17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him. [3] The Lord wants every person in the world to go to heaven, but some will choose to turn away from Him. Thus, He will be forced to bring them eternal condemnation.
In God’s mercy, He never tires of calling people to repentance so they can turn away their sins and receive salvation. Our Lord Jesus died on the cross to bring forgiveness and restoration if we will receive it. If He calls you today to repent, humble yourself and turn to Him while there is still time, for no one knows what tomorrow will bring.
Why does God bring judgment? To learn more, listen here:
https://podpoint.com/light-of-christ-church-podcast/john-prepares-the-way
[1-3] Tyndale House Publishers. (2015). Holy Bible: New Living Translation . Tyndale House Publishers.