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Monday, February 4, 2013

Sanctified and Not Judged Yet, Nations, and Breaking Belief Bias



As we have discussed before, belief bias is a name for the way one thinks regarding a subject which is influenced by one’s circumstances and surroundings.  It is a limited understanding that grows into a deep belief, but which can be incomplete or wrong due to a lack of knowledge.  For example, one may have accepted certain stereotypes as truth regarding people of a different race or ethnicity.  People passionate regarding their beliefs proclaim their ideas to be true, but many times their limited scope on the subject causes them to be wrong.  In order to gain a better balance in perspective on a matter, we have to explore all sides and arguments.  We also have to be willing to make the time to do so. Of supreme importance to us is to accurately communicate what is written in the Bible. We have to take the entire book, rather than pieces of it, and put subjects in a time line so that we understand the difference between our time of people with the Holy Spirit indwelling, and previous times before the Holy Spirit came.

If one does not look at opposing views, one cannot truly make a balanced judgment.  For example, someone once insisted I read a book as it would change my life.  Knowing the individual who passionately promoted this particular book was not someone who actually researched facts and had an issue with naiveté, I decided to look into it.  I read both the good book reviews, and the bad book reviews.  While my friend was waving palm branches at the “new prophet”, I found the naysayers not to be slanderous but instead pointing out some of the authors’ biases and flawed judgments, as well as the authors’ scripture bias.  Again, my friend told me of another book I must read, and got out the palm branches once more, and I, once again, read both good and bad reviews, and was quite surprised at what I found.  As most books have a large number of cheerleaders, and this one was no different, I found a review by an author, a PhD, whose books I have read.  This PhD pointed out a better book along the same lines, and added a “by the way” to the review.  The writer of the book my friend was promoting was a rabbi polygamist.  As Solomon wrote:
Prov 14:15 The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.KJV
Prov 14:18 The simple inherit folly: but the prudent are crowned with knowledge.KJV

Abraham was favored because of his relationship with God.  Abraham, as we have previously studied, had a very close relationship with Jehovah, and obeyed Him; moving several times and trusting that he would be a father of many nations.  Abraham had to trust Jehovah when asked to sacrifice Isaac, but because of Abraham’s confidence in God, all nations of the earth would be blessed.

Gen 22:16-18 And said, By myself have I sworn, saith the Lord, for because thou hast done this thing, and hast not withheld thy son, thine only [3173] son [9999 inserted word]:17 That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;18 And in thy seed shall all the nations [1471]of the earth be blessed; because thou hast obeyed my voice.KJV

OT:3173 yachiyd (yaw-kheed'); from OT:3161; properly, united, i.e. sole; by implication, beloved; also lonely; (feminine) the life (as not to be replaced): KJV - darling, desolate, only (child, son), solitary.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

I want to point out the words used for “thine only” and the word “son”. Son was added and does not exist in the Hebrew text.  Thine only is by definition united or beloved.  Isaac was Abraham’s second son, of eight sons in total.

Gen 25:1-4 Then again Abraham took a wife, and her name was Keturah.2 And she bare him Zimran, and Jokshan, and Medan, and Midian, and Ishbak, and Shuah.3 And Jokshan begat Sheba, and Dedan. And the sons of Dedan were Asshurim, and Letushim, and Leummim.4 And the sons of Midian; Ephah, and Epher, and Hanoch, and Abida, and Eldaah. All these were the children of Keturah KJV

As we have studied Abraham’s sons, the sons by Keutrah were sent south to live in the Arabian Peninsula, as well as Sudan and Egypt, while Ishmael had ten sons and they moved into Persia, Assyria and also into Egypt.  Genesis 22:18 says all nations of the earth shall be blessed.  We have to look at the word nations, as it may not mean what we think it does.

Ex 19:4-6 Ye have seen what I did unto the Egyptians, and how I bare you on eagles' wings, and brought you unto myself.5 Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine:6 And ye shall be unto me a kingdom of priests, and an holy nation [1471]. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.KJV

OT:1471 gowy (go'-ee); rarely (shortened) goy (go'-ee); apparently from the same root as OT:1465 (in the sense of massing); a foreign nation; hence, a Gentile; also (figuratively) a troop of animals, or a flight of locusts: KJV - Gentile, heathen, nation, people.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)
OT:1471 gowy rarely (shortened) goy —as a noun, masculine: nation, people  a) nation, people 1) usually of non-Hebrew people 2) used of descendants of Abraham  3) used of Israel  b) used of a swarm of locusts or other animals (figurative)as a proper noun, masculine: c) Goyim? = "nations"(from The Online Bible Thayer's Greek Lexicon and Brown Driver & Briggs Hebrew Lexicon, Copyright © 1993, Woodside Bible Fellowship, Ontario, Canada. Licensed from the Institute for Creation Research.)

As we see, Brown Driver & Briggs’ third usage for nation is Israel, which is the word Moses was instructed to use for holy nation; however its primary usage is Gentile nation or Abraham’s seed.  What we can see from this word is there seems to be a funneling because Peter also uses this word but in regard to believers in Jesus Christ. Just a side note, as the Hebrew reads in verse 3, Moses went up to The Elohim (Ha Elohim), and Jehovah called to him out of the mountain.  Again, this is another insight into the trinity as to why Hebrew and Aramaic are plural for Elohim and singular for Lord

1 Peter 2:9-10 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation [1484], a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:10 Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.KJV

NT:1484 ethnos (eth'-nos); probably from NT:1486; a race (as of the same habit), i.e. a tribe; specially, a foreign (non-Jewish) one (usually by implication, pagan):KJV - Gentile, heathen, nation, people.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

The condition of becoming a holy nation for Israel was if they obeyed God’s voice and kept His covenants.  Peter declares those who make Jesus their Lord are now a people, a tribe, a gentile nation to God.  Abraham’s seed was blessed, all eight sons, and however many daughters he might have had.  Before Moses came on the scene writing everything down, people had the same relationship with God that Abraham had. We see many people who knew God and were godly in the Bible before Israel came out of Egypt, that were not from Isaac or Jacob.  As a tribe or group, Israel was given the written law, but Jehovah said they had to obey His voice.  This is where we get into trouble today; instead of listening to His voice like Abraham did we tend to listen to human voices, prophets and self promoters who do not always speak for God.  However, by Jesus’ death and resurrection, and the coming of the Hoy Spirit, we now have access to the voice of God once again, but sometimes we rely on people, fallible humans rather than the Almighty God.

Gen 12:3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.KJV

Gal 3:8 And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations [1484] be blessed.KJV

Abraham was told that the Lord would bless “them” or curse “him”.  I am pointing these two words out as they are not technically in the text but implied through the context of the word families. Jehovah will bless or curse accordingly, but all families of the earth will be blessed because of Abraham.  Paul points out why all families will be blessed because of faith that was preached to Abraham, all the Gentile nations will be blessed.  We have to ask, why that is?  Gentile nations are blessed because Jesus came from Abraham’s line, and then told his disciples to go out and teach all nations, and baptize them.

Matt 28:18-20 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations [1484], baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.KJV

Really, this idea of being a nation is not specific to location; instead it is specific to the power of the Hoy Spirit. This is why there are believers of every tribe, tongue, and language in heaven at the time the seals are opened. The more believers a nation has the more blessed it is.

Luke 24:46-51 And said unto them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved Christ to suffer, and to rise from the dead the third day:47 And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations [1484], beginning at Jerusalem.48 And ye are witnesses of these things.49 And, behold, I send the promise of my Father upon you: but tarry ye in the city of Jerusalem, until ye be endued with power from on high.50 And he led them out as far as to Bethany, and he lifted up his hands, and blessed them.51 And it came to pass, while he blessed them, he was parted from them, and carried up into heaven.KJV

People everywhere can now be saved, this does not mean that every location will have a majority of believers, but there will be some from each Gentile nation.  The more believers a nation, has the more prosperous that nation is.  The more believers, the more presence of the Holy Spirit there is in any city, town or country. Paul makes a speech on Mars Hill to the Greeks, and says some interesting things about nations as well as judgment coming.

Acts 17:24-31 God that made the world and all things therein, seeing that he is Lord of heaven and earth, dwelleth not in temples made with hands;25 Neither is worshipped with men's hands, as though he needed any thing, seeing he giveth to all life, and breath, and all things;26 And hath made of one blood all nations [1484] of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation;27 That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us:28 For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.29 Forasmuch then as we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Godhead is like unto gold, or silver, or stone, graven by art and man's device.30 And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent:31 Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge [2919] the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained; whereof he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead.KJV

Paul very specifically points out that God made nations of one blood and determined the times and the boundaries so that we could seek and find Him. God determined the length of time each gentile nation would “live”. God also determined the size of each Gentile nation.  God commands repentance because one day, one specific day, he will judge the world.  It is interesting that Paul is talking to the Greeks here.  The Greeks used to be a superpower in the world. If we remember the book of Daniel, it was told to Daniel about all the upcoming kingdoms, including Greece.  Greece was taken over by the Romans, and as we now know from hindsight, the Roman roads allowed for the preaching of the gospel throughout the Roman Empire. At this time, Greece was no longer a superpower, but here Paul is preaching Christ to the Greeks.  Next we see the conclusion of the book of Acts, where Paul is pointing out that salvation came to the Gentiles; the word Gentiles is the same word as nations.  

Acts 28:28-31 Be it known therefore unto you, that the salvation of God is sent unto the Gentiles [1484], and that they will hear it.29 And when he had said these words, the Jews departed, and had great reasoning among themselves.30 And Paul dwelt two whole years in his own hired house, and received all that came in unto him,31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.KJV

Again, we see the redeemed nations in heaven watching the Lamb opening the seals.  This means that the holy nation Peter spoke of, those who are redeemed, are one in the same and are gathered before the wrath of the Lamb and the wrath of God are poured out.

Rev 5:8-12 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation [1484];10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.KJV

Christianity may have forgotten a word/concept from the Bible, which is the reason the redeemed are not counted among the non-believers during the tribulation.  The idea of sanctification is one that the devil would like to keep hidden for as long as he can.  Sanctify and sanctification are derivatives of the word holy.  This is where the understanding of “set apart” comes from. What we find is that the sanctified are the holy, set apart, nation.

NT:37 hagiazoo; render or declare sacred or holy, consecrate.  1.  to render or acknowledge to be venerable, to hallow  2.  to separate from things profane and dedicate to God, to consecrate things 2 Tim 2:21. persons. So Christ is said by undergoing death to consecrate himself to God, whose will he in that way fulfills, John 17:19;  3.  to purify to cleanse externally Heb 9:13; 1 Tim 4:5. to purify by expiation, free from the guilt of sin: 1 Cor 6:11; Eph 5:26; Heb 10:10,14,29; 13:12; 2:11 to purify internally by reformation of soul: John 17:17,19 (from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

NT:37 hagiazo (hag-ee-ad'-zo); from NT:40; to make holy, i.e. (ceremonially) purify or consecrate; (mentally) to venerate:KJV - hallow, be holy, sanctify.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:38 hagiasmos, hagiasmou, ho, 1 consecration, purification,  2.  the effect of consecration: sanctification of heart and life, 1 Cor 1:30  (from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

NT:38 hagiasmos (hag-ee-as-mos'); from NT:37; properly, purification, i.e. (the state) purity; concretely (by Hebraism) a purifier: KJV - holiness, sanctification(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

The Holy Spirit dwells within us and he sanctifies us, makes us holy and separate from the world.

2 Thess 2:13-14 But we are bound to give thanks alway to God for you, brethren beloved of the Lord, because God hath from the beginning chosen you to salvation through sanctification[38] of the Spirit and belief of the truth:14 Whereunto he called you by our gospel, to the obtaining of the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.KJV
Rom 15:15-16 Nevertheless, brethren, I have written the more boldly unto you in some sort, as putting you in mind, because of the grace that is given to me of God,16 That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified [37] by the Holy Ghost.KJV
1 Cor 6:11 And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified [37], but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.KJV

In the days before the Holy Spirit came to indwell humans, people had to be sanctified by the Lord or the Priests, but they weren’t sanctified once, for all time.  Also the elements in the temple and tabernacle had to be sanctified.  Things that were used in service to the Lord or sacrificed to the Lord had to be cleansed as well.  Jesus made us wisdom, righteousness, sanctification and redemption.

1 Cor 1:30-31 But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification [38], and redemption:31 That, according as it is written, He that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord.KJV

Jesus taught us to pray to the Father, hallowed or holy or sanctified be thy name.

Matt 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed [37] be thy name.KJV

Jesus specifically asked the Father not to take his people out of the world, but instead, that his followers would be sanctified through what he will do; die for us. Using His blood as the sacrifice, just as bulls and goats cleansed people before, now Jesus’ blood would set us apart in the world. 

John 17:13-21 And now come I to thee; and these things I speak in the world, that they might have my joy fulfilled in themselves.14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.15 I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil.16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.17 Sanctify [37]them through thy truth: thy word is truth.18 As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world.19 And for their sakes I sanctify [37] myself, that they also might be sanctified [37]through the truth.20 Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word;21 That they all may be one; as thou, Father, art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me.KJV

Now here is the importance of Jesus’ blood, we should never make a joke of it by accepting it, and then profaning it and the Holy Spirit.

Heb 10:28-31 He that despised Moses' law died without mercy under two or three witnesses:29 Of how much sorer punishment, suppose ye, shall he be thought worthy, who hath trodden under foot the Son of God, and hath counted the blood of the covenant, wherewith he was sanctified [37], an unholy thing, and hath done despite unto the Spirit of grace?30 For we know him that hath said, Vengeance belongeth unto me, I will recompense, saith the Lord. And again, The Lord shall judge [2919] his people[2992].31 It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.KJV

In the Amplified and in the Message verse 29 sounds stronger.

Heb 10:29 How much worse (sterner and heavier) punishment do you suppose he will be judged to deserve who has spurned and [thus] trampled underfoot the Son of God, and who has considered the covenant blood by which he was consecrated common and unhallowed, thus profaning it and insulting and outraging the [Holy] Spirit [Who imparts] grace (the unmerited favor and blessing of God)? [Ex 24:8.] AMP
Heb 10:29 what do you think will happen if you turn on God's Son, spit on the sacrifice that made you whole, and insult this most gracious Spirit? (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

We may know some people who do not fully accept the blood sacrifice Jesus made for us.  Some people may not believe that Jesus accomplished anything very important, thereby making an excuse to go back to practicing the law or their previous evil ways after confessing Him as Lord.  We notice that Hebrews 10:30 says the Lord will Judge his people. The word for people means a tribe or nation, not the general population as #1218 means.  Since those who make Jesus their Lord are considered a holy nation, and set apart, we can see that if you were of this tribe, and left it or turned away from it, it will be fearsome.

NT:2992laos (lah-os'); apparently a primary word; a people (in general; thus differing from NT:1218, which denotes one's own populace):KJV - people.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:2992 laos, laou, ho People  1. a people, tribe, nation, all those who are of the same stock and language: Rev 5:9  2. indefinitely, of a great part of the population gathered together anywhere: Matt 27:25 (from Thayer's Greek Lexicon, Electronic Database. Copyright © 2000, 2003, 2006 by Biblesoft, Inc. All rights reserved.)

The next questions we need to review are, how, and when will the sanctified ones be judged.  What we see is that judgment is set for a specific time and the sanctified ones are not judged with the unbelievers. As we noticed from Hebrews there is a confirmation of judging those who turn away, we should look at the words for judgement. #2919 is a singular form of #2920 which we will look at.

John 5:20-27 For the Father loveth the Son, and sheweth him all things that himself doeth: and he will shew him greater works than these, that ye may marvel.21 For as the Father raiseth up the dead, and quickeneth them; even so the Son quickeneth whom he will.22 For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment [2920] unto the Son:23 That all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him.24 Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life.25 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live.26 For as the Father hath life in himself; so hath he given to the Son to have life in himself;27 And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.KJV

NT:2920 krisis (kree'-sis); decision (subjectively or objectively, for or against); by extension, a tribunal; by implication, justice (especially, divine law):KJV - accustion, condemnation, damnation, judgment.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Let’s look at the Amplified.

John 5:22-23 Even the Father judges no one, for He has given all judgment (the last judgment and the whole business of judging) entirely into the hands of the Son, 23 So that all men may give honor (reverence, homage) to the Son just as they give honor to the Father. [In fact] whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, Who has sent Him. AMP

First thing we notice is that Jesus does all the judging.  When people say things such as “God is judging____” they usually mean the Father, however it is the Son, Jesus, who does the judging. If we keep this in perspective we will save ourselves so much confusion. Secondly, we notice that judging does not take place now.  All people will be judged, but not now.

2 Thess 1:4-10 So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment[2920] of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:6 Seeing it is a righteous thing with God to recompense tribulation to them that trouble you;7 And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels,8 In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:9 Who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power;10 When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.KJV

Going through persecutions now is a manifest token of righteous judgment. We know the set apart ones suffer persecutions directly from the devil because we are set apart.  When does judgment come? It comes when Jesus comes.  Not now, he’s not here now with angels and flames of fire.

2 Peter 2:1-9 But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction.2 And many shall follow their pernicious ways; by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.3 And through covetousness shall they with feigned words make merchandise of you: whose judgment [2917]now of a long time lingereth not, and their damnation slumbereth not.4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment [2920];5 And spared not the old world, but saved Noah the eighth person, a preacher of righteousness, bringing in the flood upon the world of the ungodly;6 And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrha into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly;7 And delivered just Lot, vexed with the filthy conversation of the wicked:8 (For that righteous man dwelling among them, in seeing and hearing, vexed his righteous soul from day to day with their unlawful deeds;)9 The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment [2920]to be punished: KJV

False prophets and false teachers of our time seem to want to teach that the Father is judging everyone all the same, here and now. But that is not so.  The sanctified are not judged with the unsanctified.  Therefore hurricanes, tornadoes, or terrorist acts are not judgment against anyone.  The devil would love you to believe it is God Almighty, a big mean God who you can’t trust, that is judging everyone, but it is not true. If the sanctified lose their home in a flood, it is simply the god of the age, the devil who manipulated the elements to behave that way; he is after all the prince of the power of the air.  Look what Peter goes on to tell us, the believers, the sanctified, were taken out of ”judgment”  in the old testament. God saved Noah and his family, Lot and his daughters, but he also took Enoch out of the world and Elijah out of the world.  And Peter says God knows how to rescue the righteous and judge the evil. Let’s look at the Message.

2 Peter 2:9 So God knows how to rescue the godly from evil trials. And he knows how to hold the feet of the wicked to the fire until Judgment Day. (from THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language © 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson. All rights reserved.)

Here are a few more ideas about judgment.

1 John 4:17 Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment [2920]: because as he is, so are we in this world.KJV

Jude 14-15 And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints,15 To execute judgment [2920]upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.KJV

Rev 14:6-7 And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,7 Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment [2920] is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters.KJV

We can have boldness in the Day of Judgment, and as Enoch said and Jude reiterated, Jesus is coming back with the saints to execute judgment.  Not only that, but during the tribulation, the angel goes out to preach to the whole earth. The question is, is Jesus judging us now? The Holy Spirit is actually judging now.

John 16:8-11 And when He comes, He will convict and convince the world and bring demonstration to it about sin and about righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God) and about judgment [2920]: 9 About sin, because they do not believe in Me [trust in, rely on, and adhere to Me]; 10 About righteousness (uprightness of heart and right standing with God), because I go to My Father, and you will see Me no longer; 11 About judgment [2920], because the ruler (evil genius, prince) of this world [Satan] is judged [2919] and condemned and sentence already is passed upon him. AMP

The Holy Spirit is passing sentence on those who don’t believe.  When those people stand before the judge, the prosecutor, the Holy Spirit will reveal the list of charges against them. Satan has already been judged, but his sentence has not been carried out yet.  First, he will be thrown out of heaven, then he will be chained for one thousand years, and then he will be cast in the lake of fire.  He has been judged, but punishment has not been carried out yet.  We might remember exploring the idea that we are just a small part of a bigger story when we studied Lucifer.

Rom 2:3-8 And do you think or imagine, O man, when you judge[2917] and condemn those who practice such things and yet do them yourself, that you will escape God's judgment [2917]and elude His sentence and adverse verdict? 4 Or are you [so blind as to] trifle with and presume upon and despise and underestimate the wealth of His kindness and forbearance and long-suffering patience? Are you unmindful or actually ignorant [of the fact] that God's kindness is intended to lead you to repent (to change your mind and inner man to accept God's will)? 5 But by your callous stubbornness and impenitence of heart you are storing up wrath and indignation for yourself on the day of wrath and indignation, when God's righteous judgment [1341] (just doom) will be revealed. 6 For He will render to every man according to his works [justly, as his deeds deserve]: [Ps 62:12.] 7 To those who by patient persistence in well-doing [springing from piety] seek [unseen but sure] glory and honor and [the eternal blessedness of] immortality, He will give eternal life. 8 But for those who are self-seeking and self-willed and disobedient to the Truth but responsive to wickedness, there will be indignation and wrath. AMP

NT:2917 krima (kree'-mah); from NT:2919; a decision (the function or the effect, for or against ["crime"]):KJV - avenge, condemned, condemnation, damnation,  go to law, judgment.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

NT:1341 dikaiokrisia (dik-ah-yok-ris-ee'-ah); from NT:1342 and NT:2920; a just sentence: KJV - righteous judgment.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

This is the only place #1341 is used in the Bible, which makes it significant.  Again we cannot judge others and then do the same things; yet again, we are not judged now, but on that day, the day of wrath.  For the sanctified who live a holy life, there is a judgment coming in the future. This is the judgment seat of Christ.

Rom 14:10 But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment[968] seat of Christ.KJV

2 Cor 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment [968]seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.KJV

NT:968 bema (bay'-ma); from the base of NT:939; a step, i.e. foot-breath; by implication, a rostrum, i.e. a tribunal:KJV - judgment-seat, set [foot] on, throne.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

Rev 11:18 And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged [2919], and that thou shouldest give reward [3408] unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy name, small and great; and shouldest destroy them which destroy the earth.KJV
NT:3408 misthos (mis-thos'); apparently a primary word; pay for services (literally or figuratively), good or bad: KJV - hire, reward, wages.(Biblesoft's New Exhaustive Strong's Numbers and Concordance with Expanded Greek-Hebrew Dictionary. Copyright © 1994, 2003, 2006 Biblesoft, Inc. and International Bible Translators, Inc.)

After the two witnesses die and are risen from the dead, and it is announced that the kingdoms of the world are now Jesus’, Jesus will then give the redeemed, the sanctified, rewards.  In light of these things, I would speculate that some people might be lazy with their faith.  That is what Jesus said when he mentioned that there were 30, 60 and 100-fold fruit individuals.  However, as the Bible plainly tells us, judgment is not for now, which is why 100 years ago people wrote that God’s judgment is in abeyance. While that phrase is not in the Bible, it is easy to see why so many wrote that. This is not to say that if you do something wrong that you won’t face man’s judgment, such as speeding in your car, or taking drugs.

The Holy Spirit created a new nation, a nation of Jews and Gentiles, a holy tribe, who by faith are blessed and have relationship with the Lord just like Abraham.  Those who make Jesus their Lord are set apart, made holy because of the Holy Spirit inside of them.  Judgment comes to everyone at a later time, on either the Day of Judgment, or at the bema, when the redeemed, sanctified ones, are watching the seals being opened and the trumpets sounding. If one were to trample the blood of Jesus, that one walks a very fine line. Compare Hebrews 10:29 to Jesus’ words of blasphemy of the Holy Spirit. Being set apart is a very special blessing to us as it is not dependent on how much we do, but comes by faith. Simply put, living poorly will allow the devil to attack us; holiness is a shield for us.

The friend that I spoke of earlier never cracks opens a concordance or a Bible study program and therefore can be easily led to believe almost anything.  The world was supposed to end in 2000 with the “Y2K” issue, then again the world was to end in 2012, and on it goes.  At some point, one has to give up flaky Christianity for a bit of research into the scriptures.  Therefore, before coming to a conclusion on a matter just because someone said something, we have to work to find out if what they are claiming is true according to the Bible.  Sometimes humans want to be leaders of something new, sometimes people just want to earn a living.  Whatever the case, if someone stands to make money on something we should be extra diligent in discernment.  I heard someone’s recent diatribe (whose hand happens to be “in the pot”) claim that our new prophet was being unfairly treated.  In other words, if someone were to disagree with the prophet because the Bible does not support the new prophet’s prophecies, they then are labeled “bad people”.  But if one were to follow the money trail, one would find the person that was lamenting, was making money on a film regarding said prophet’s so called prophecies.  Instead, I would have preferred to hear about supporting doctrine to the prophet’s prophecies, rather than hearing someone, who stands to make a lot of money on the matter, attempt to pull heart strings and arouse an emotionally defensive response from the audience to the prophet’s aid.  It’s time to stop being gullible.  Or in the words of the Apostle Paul:
Rom 16:17-18 Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them.18 For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple KJV.