Without Judgment, Life Doesn't Make Sense (Tom Schreiner)
May 13, 2024
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Tom Schreiner, a professor from Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, discusses the necessity of judgment for making sense of life and maintaining order in society. Topics include embracing God's inscrutable justice, exploring the origins and symbolism of hell, the role of works and judgment in Christian faith, discussing judgment with children, and the emotional struggles of the doctrine of final judgment.
Understanding the final judgment is crucial to grasp the significance of sin and God's grace.
Biblical narratives and events serve as precursors to the final judgment day, showcasing the consequences of our actions.
Deep dives
The Importance of the Final Judgment Doctrine
Understanding the final judgment is crucial to grasp the significance of sin and God's grace. The doctrine provides order and structure in life, showcasing the consequences of our actions. Imagining a world without consequences highlights the necessity of judgment. C.S. Lewis' reflections on the implications of hell stress the importance of divine justice.
Exploring God's Judgment in History and the Bible
The historical and biblical perspectives on judgment reveal its essential nature in fostering justice and accountability. Biblical narratives and events, such as the flood and Sodom and Gomorrah, serve as precursors to the final judgment day. Jesus interprets past judgments as foreshadowing the ultimate accountability at the end.
Key Concepts of the Final Judgment in the New Testament
New Testament terminology like 'destruction' and 'judge' underline the outcome and assessment inherent in judgment. Biblical descriptions portray a courtroom setting where verdicts are declared and punishment is assigned. Terms like 'eternal punishment' and 'lake of fire' symbolize the lasting consequences of judgment.
Challenges and Pastoral Considerations on Discussing Judgment
Navigating the topic of judgment can be emotionally challenging, especially when contemplating the fate of loved ones. Balancing the biblical doctrine of judgment with personal emotions requires an understanding of God's justice and grace. Parents sharing this doctrine with children should emphasize the broader context of the gospel and God's love, while acknowledging the seriousness of life's choices.
In today's episode, Tom Schreiner answers questions about the final judgment and shares why it is so necessary.
Thomas R. Schreiner is the James Buchanan Harrison Professor of New Testament Interpretation and associate dean of the School of Theology at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary. He is also the author of 'The Justice and Goodness of God: A Biblical Case for the Final Judgment' from Crossway.