Sometimes God in His mercy, will allow (a temporal) judgment to come upon an individual in hopes they will repent and turn to Him.
As we shared in our recent posts on the mercy of God, even Manasseh, the most wicked king of Israel, repented after God’s judgment came upon him. The Father is not willing for any to perish (2 Peter 3:9).
After King Manasseh experienced chastisement, he repented and cried out to the Lord, who had mercy upon him and brought him out of prison to return to his own land. You can re-read a synopsis of the story here.
9) So Manasseh seduced Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem to do more evil than the nations whom the LORD had destroyed before the children of Israel.
Manasseh's Repentance
10) And the LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they would not listen. 11) Therefore the LORD brought upon them the captains of the army of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh with hooks, bound him with bronze fetters, and carried him off to Babylon.
12) Now when he was in affliction, he implored the LORD his God, and humbled himself greatly before the God of his fathers, 13) and prayed to Him; and He received his entreaty, heard his supplication, and brought him back to Jerusalem into his kingdom. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD was God. 2 Chronicles 33:9-13
You might say, “Well, that was Old Testament. God does not bring judgment upon anyone now, because Jesus died for the sins of the world. Yes, Christ died to deliver us from our sins, but not to allow us to continue in them.
We all must repent and turn to God (Acts 17:30). The gospel message Jesus preached began with “Repent” (Mathew 4:17).
Ananias and Sapphira
As previously mentioned, Ananias and Sapphira were judged because they plotted and lied about their offering (Acts 5:1-11). This was more than a rebuke or mild disciplinary action. This was a judgment that cost them their lives.
Herod’s Judgment
Sudden judgment came upon Herod when he exalted himself and received glory as the people declared his speech was like a god and not man. He was immediately struck by an angel of God, was eaten by worms, and shortly afterwards died (Acts 12:20-24).
“That Woman Jezebel”
Jesus warned most of the seven churches in Asia they were facing judgment unless they repented (Revelation chapters 2-3).
The church at Thyatira received a stern rebuke because they allowed a seductive woman to lead the church astray with idolatry and immorality through erroneous teachings. Jesus told them:
Rev 2:18 "And to the angel of the church in Thyatira write, 'These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire, and His feet like fine brass: 19) "I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and as for your works, the last are more than the first.
20) Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you allow that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.
21) And I gave her time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.
22) Indeed I will cast her into a sickbed, and those who commit adultery with her into great tribulation, unless they repent of their deeds. 23) I will kill her children with death, and all the churches shall know that I am He who searches the minds and hearts. And I will give to each one of you according to your works. Revelations 2:19-23
This grim warning came out of the mouth of the Lamb of God who died for our sins. We must remember, He is not only the Lamb of God, but the Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5).
Also, we should note, Jesus said He gave this woman space to repent, which highlights His abundant mercy.
There are many similar warnings throughout the New Testament concerning the consequences of sin.
3) But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; 4) neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks.
5) For this you know, that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God.
6) Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. 7) Therefore do not be partakers with them.
Ephesians 5:3-7
18) For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness, 19) because what may be known of God is manifest in them, for God has shown it to them. Romans 1:18-19
Another New Testament example of judgment for an ongoing sinful lifestyle is found in Paul’s first letter to the church at Corinth.
That His Spirit Might Be Saved
1) It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and such sexual immorality as is not even named among the Gentiles—that a man has his father's wife!
2) And you are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he who has done this deed might be taken away from among you. 3) For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed.
4) In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when you are gathered together, along with my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, 5) deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.1 Corinthians 5:1-5
The Lord was not willing for this man’s unconfessed and perpetual sin to be tolerated in the church. If it had not been put in check, it would have spread and contaminated many others.
This disciplinary judgment pronounced by Paul, through the authority of Christ (the Head of the Church), was to accomplish two main things. First to remove this person (who was bent on his sinful lifestyle) from hurting others.
Secondly, and foremost, to bring the man to his senses and true repentance that his spirit might be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
Did this disciplinary action turn him around? We can find the answer in Paul’s second letter to the church at Corinth.
3) And I wrote this very thing to you, lest, when I came, I should have sorrow over those from whom I ought to have joy, having confidence in you all that my joy is the joy of you all.
4) For out of much affliction and anguish of heart I wrote to you, with many tears, not that you should be grieved, but that you might know the love which I have so abundantly for you.
Forgive and Comfort Him
5) But if anyone has caused grief, he has not grieved me, but all of you to some extent—not to be too severe. 6) This punishment which was inflicted by the majority is sufficient for such a man, 7) so that, on the contrary, you ought rather to forgive and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one be swallowed up with too much sorrow. 8) Therefore I urge you to reaffirm your love to him. 2 Corinthians 2:3-8
Yes, thankfully, this judgment and discipline administered through the church brought this man to a place of godly sorrow and repentance.
Therefore, the apostle Paul admonished the church to receive the man back into fellowship, forgiveness, and good standing. Amazing grace!
Sin is nothing to play with, it has consequences. Thank God we can come to Him for cleansing and realignment through what Christ has done for us (1 John 1:8-9). We do not have to come into judgment as we continue to walk in the light we have, confess our sins, and draw near to God.
We’ll close out this series today and begin a new one next time. Until then, may God our Heavenly Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ richly bless you and keep you.
James Brown
CST 11/14/2024