UNIT 1: JUDGEMENT

LESSON 1: Meaning and Examples of Judgement

• Definition: Judgement is the assessment of actions for reward or punishment.
• Examples: Judgement in a court of law and criticism of actions.

LESSON 2: Biblical Examples of Judgement

• People’s Response to Christ
  • Parable of the Weeds (Matthew 13:24-30) - Teaches that it may be difficult to distinguish between believers and non-believers, but at the Final Judgment, separation will be certain.
  • Parable of the Ten Virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) - Shows that judgement will depend on people’s response to Christ.
• People’s Behaviour Towards Others
  • Parable of the Final Judgement (Matthew 25:31-46)
  • John’s Warning of Coming Judgement (Luke 3:1-17) - Symbolized by separating wheat from chaff.
  • Christians should prepare for Christ’s return by confessing sins, helping others, and obeying Christian principles.

LESSON 3: Christ Will Come Suddenly

• Parable of the Waiting Servants (Luke 12:35-40) - Jesus’ return will be sudden, and only the prepared will be rewarded. Followers should remain alert since the timing is unknown.
• Signs of Coming Judgement (Luke 21:7-11) - Signs include false prophets, earthquakes, wars, famines, diseases, and persecution.

LESSON 4: Judgement for Unbelief

• Story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)
  • Shows the consequences of ignoring the Gospel.
  • God will judge those who reject His message, regardless of miracles.
  • Rejecting Christ’s message means rejecting Christ himself.

LESSON 5: Christian Response to Christ’s Return

• Duty of Apostles: To spread the Good News, helping people join the spiritual Kingdom.
• Today’s Christian Responsibility:
  • To be witnesses of Christ and warn of coming judgement.
  • Acts 1:6-8 emphasizes kindness and concern for others.

LESSON 6: Muslim and Hindu Ideas about Judgement

Islam

• Submission to Allah: Muslims believe in surrender to God and destiny.
• Day of Resurrection: Jesus will return to establish Islam and rule for 40 years.
• Day of Judgement: Fearful; a scale will determine if good or evil weighs more.
• Holy War: Soldiers who die in Holy War are guaranteed heaven, as their sacrifice forgives sins.

Hinduism

• Karma: Based on deeds; one’s actions in this life affect the next.
• Rebirth: Good deeds lead to rewards, while bad deeds lead to punishment.
• Judgement and Duty: A devout Hindu lives dutifully without fear of judgement but believes in cause and effect.

Christianity

• Judgement will be based on:
  • Response to Christ
  • Behaviour towards others
  • Christian conduct and service

LESSON 7: Parables Illustrating Judgement

• The Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)
  • This parable emphasizes that individuals will be judged based on their treatment of others.
  • Those who have cared for the needy are considered righteous and will inherit the kingdom, while those who neglect others will face judgment.
• The Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
  • This parable illustrates that people will be judged according to how they use their resources and opportunities.
  • Faithful servants who invest wisely are rewarded, while those who do nothing face consequences.

LESSON 8: The Purpose of Judgement

• Reveals God’s Justice: Judgement demonstrates God’s fairness and justice in rewarding or punishing people based on their actions.
• Encourages Accountability: Judgement encourages individuals to act responsibly, knowing they will be held accountable for their actions.
• Promises Reward for the Faithful: Those who live according to God’s principles are promised eternal life.

LESSON 9: Preparation for Judgement

• Confession and Repentance: People are encouraged to confess their sins and seek forgiveness.
• Faithful Living: Believers are urged to live according to God’s word, showing kindness, compassion, and love.
• Spiritual Readiness: Christians are encouraged to remain watchful and spiritually prepared, as judgement could come at any time.

SUMMARY

Judgement, as outlined in religious texts, holds individuals accountable for their actions and responses to divine teachings. Whether through parables, commandments, or the lives of others, the call is for people to live in accordance with principles of justice, kindness, and responsibility.

Both Christianity and other religions such as Islam and Hinduism share themes of reward and punishment. They emphasize that our actions in life influence our ultimate spiritual outcome, whether through the scales of good and evil in Islam, the effects of karma in Hinduism, or the Christian call to follow Christ’s teachings. Understanding these concepts helps believers prepare for life beyond, with an awareness of the significance of their deeds in the present.