IS IT ALWAYS WRONG TO JUDGE?

by Jason Patrick Hilburn

Today there is a widespread belief that no person is allowed to question or “condemn” the actions or teachings of anyone else. Perhaps you have heard someone say, “Who are you to judge?,” or “You can’t judge me!”.  Does the Bible teach that it is always wrong to judge, or has the Bible been mishandled to lead people to the wrong conclusion on this subject? 

First of all, what exactly does it mean to “judge”? Some assume that to judge always means to condemn, but to judge simply means "to discern; to distinguish; to consider accurately for the purpose of forming an opinion or conclusion" (Webster).  To condemn is "to determine or judge to be wrong, or guilty; to disallow; to disapprove" (Webster).  As will be shown, the Bible teaches us in many passages that we must discern whether the actions and teachings of both ourselves and others are right or wrong. The purpose of this “discernment” is to save ourselves and others, and it is absolutely commanded and necessary. The reader is encouraged to take a Bible and read the passages referenced in this article to gain a better understanding of God’s will on this subject.

Someone may ask, “Didn’t Jesus say, ‘Judge not’ in Matthew 7:1?” Yes, He did, but Jesus was giving a warning to hypocrites (“Thou hypocrite...,” 7:5; cf. Rom. 2:21-23). The context of Matthew 6 and 7 reveals that Jesus was simply teaching us to "judge not" in a hypocritical way. Remember that Matthew 7 is a continuation of what Jesus had been discussing in chapter 6—this is all from the Sermon on the Mount. Please notice what Jesus taught:

            1. DO NOT GIVE ALMS (as the hypocrites do) Mt. 6:2.

            2. DO NOT PRAY (as the hypocrites do) Mt. 6:5.

            3. DO NOT FAST (as the hypocrites do) Mt. 6:16.

            4. DO NOT JUDGE (as the hypocrites do) Mt. 7:1-5.

The truth is that Jesus did not forbid us to judge any more than He forbade us to pray! In Matthew 7:1-5, Jesus was speaking as if He were directly addressing a hypocrite. He warns the hypocrite to get his life right and then help others get their lives right (7:5; cf. Gal. 6:1).

Jesus actually commands us to judge! In Matthew 7, Jesus went on to say that after you get your life right, you then can help your brother get his life right: “…first cast out the beam out of thine own eye; and then shalt thou see clearly to cast out the mote out of thy brother's eye” (Mt. 7:5; cf. Gal. 6:1; James 5:19-20). Jesus also teaches in the very next verse that we must determine who are “dogs” and “swine” (7:6). In the same sermon and chapter, Jesus said that we will be able to judge (know, discern) false prophets “by their fruits” (7:15-20; cf. 12:33; Lk. 6:43-45; 1 Jn. 4:1; Rev. 2:2). The phrase "judge not" is also found in John 7:24: “Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.” Judging righteous judgment means:

1.     "Judge not" hypocritically (Mt. 7:1-5).

2.     "Judge not" with prejudice or without knowing the facts (1 Sam. 1:13-16; Jn. 7:24).

3.     "Judge not" in matters of opinion or scruples (Rom. 14).

4.    Judge according to the Truth of God’s Word (Isa. 8:20; Acts 17:11; 1 Thess. 5:21; Heb. 5:12-14). 

If it is always sinful to judge, then here are some questions to consider:

1.     Did Jesus teach us to sin? “...judge righteous judgment” (Jn. 7:24).

2.    Why did Jesus commend the church at Ephesus for determining that some religious people claiming to be Christians were “liars”? (Rev. 2:2).

3.     How can we determine who the “dogs” and “swine” are (as Jesus commanded), if we are not allowed to judge people by their fruits? (Mt. 7:6, 15-20; Lk. 6:43-45).

4.     Should we be concerned about a brother who has “ought against” us, if nobody has a right to judge us? 

a.    Jesus said, “Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift” (Mt. 5:23-24).

b.    Surely many today would go on and worship God without being reconciled to their brethren, stubbornly claiming that nobody has a right to judge them!

5.   Did the apostle John teach us to sin? “...try the spirits whether they are of God...” (1               Jn. 4:1).

6.   Was it wrong for John to say to Herod, “It is not lawful for thee to have thy brother's                        wife”? (Mark 6:18). Should John have “minded his own business”? (cf. Mt. 11:11).

7.     Were the Bereans in sin for judging Paul’s teachings by the Scriptures? (Acts 17:11).

8.   Some say we cannot judge others regarding doctrinal matters, so were Aquila and Priscilla wrong to judge Apollos regarding baptism? (Acts 18:24ff).

9.    Why is it acceptable among many “Bible believers” to speak out against immoral sins, but “taboo” to speak out against many blatant doctrinal errors, which are just as sinful? (cf. 2 Tim. 2:17-18; Rom. 16:17; Gal. 1:6-9; 5:4).

10.  Was Paul wrong to judge Hymenaeus and Philetus regarding a doctrinal matter? (2 Tim. 2:17-18).

11.  Was Paul in sin for confronting Peter and judging that he was “to be blamed”? (Gal. 2:11ff).

12. Was Paul wrong to “judge” that the fornicating brother at Corinth should have fellowship withdrawn from him by the church? (1 Cor. 5:3).

13.  Why did Paul rebuke the Corinthians for not judging their brethren? (1 Cor. 5:2, 6, 12; 6:1-5).

14.  Why did Paul say that Christians should all be of the same mind and judgment? (1 Cor. 1:10).

15.  If Lydia was “judged…to be faithful” by Paul, did Paul sin in so doing? (Acts 16:15).

16.  Why is it that people who condemn judging do not mind when others judge them to be right?  Why do they only have a problem when someone judges them to be wrong?

17.  How can we determine who is teaching Truth and who is teaching error? (Isa. 8:20; Mt. 7:15-16, 19-20; 12:33; Heb. 5:14; 1 Thess. 5:21; Titus 1:9-11; 2:1; 1 Jn. 4:1; Rev. 2:2).

18.  Why are there commands in the Bible to “reprove” and “rebuke” others? (Lk. 17:3; 1 Tim. 5:20; 2 Tim. 4:2; Titus 1:9-11, 13; 2:15; Eph. 5:11, etc.).

19.  How can we ever “mark” and “avoid” false teachers as we have been commanded to do? (Rom. 16:17; cf. Eph. 5:11; 2 Cor. 6:14-17; Rev. 2:2; 2:6; 2:15; 2:20).

20.  How can we ever obey the command to “restore” an erring brother without fear of “judging” him? (Gal. 6:1; James 5:19-20).

21.  How can the process of church discipline that the Lord commanded even begin to be carried out? (Mt. 18:15-17; 1 Cor. 5; 2 Thess. 3:6, 14-15).

22.  How can we seek and save the lost if we cannot determine who is lost?

23. Would a person be guilty of “sinfully judging” if he said that only people who                  are “in Christ” will be going to Heaven? (Jn. 14:6; Acts 4:12; Mark 8:38). 

a.    After all, such a statement would “condemn” everyone outside of Christ, and we are not allowed to do that if we are not allowed to judge others…Has it come to the point in our “politically correct” culture that proclaimed “Bible believers” will not even say that people who reject Christ will go to hell? (Mk. 8:38).

b.    Let us speak as the Bible speaks, “warning every man” (1 Pet. 4:11; Col. 1:28).

24.  If a person says we are wrong to judge others, is he not being hypocritical?  Has he not just committed the same “sin” he is condemning?

Although Christ will be our Final Judge, He has commanded us to make judgments (discerning right or wrong) in this life based on the authority of His Word. This is for the purpose of saving ourselves and others. This entire false idea that one person cannot judge another cripples and paralyzes efforts commanded by God to help others get to Heaven. For example, if those in the Lord’s church believe they cannot judge others, it is highly unlikely that they will go to those in error to help them obey the Truth and get to Heaven (Jn. 8:31-32; Mt. 28:18-20). If those outside of the church believe nobody is allowed to judge, they will not allow those who know the Truth to teach them the Truth in a loving way. They will immediately play the “no judging” card and refuse to listen. Understanding all of this, and realizing how widespread the doctrine of “no judging” is, it is surely one of Satan’s most powerful devices!  Paul wrote, “Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11). Do not fall for this lie of Satan—the truth is that we must make judgments to save others and ourselves!

Jason's Bio: Jason Hilburn is a native of Brantley, Alabama. Jason was converted to Christ in April of 1997. Jason received a Bachelor’s degree in Computer and Information Science in 1997 from Troy State University in Troy, Alabama. He worked as a Network Administrator from 1997 until 2003, when he decided to attend the Memphis School of Preaching. While at MSOP, Jason worked with the Independence church of Christ in Independence, Mississippi. Since graduation he has preached for congregations in Alabama and Mississippi. Jason and his family moved to Nesbit to work with us in August of 2008. Jason has experience in the field of television evangelism, having worked with Spiritual Sword Media and also assisted with Gospel Broadcasting Network recordings, and has appeared on several sessions of the television program A Bible Answer. He is the author of Should We Pray to Jesus? and Defending Divine Doctrine Pertaining to Prayer. He is also the book editor and lectureship director of the annual Standing in the Gap Lectureship. Jason teaches a weekly Bible class to people overseas, and he is also a part-time online instructor with Four Seas College of Bible and Missions in Singapore. He has also done missionary work in Ukraine and in the Far East, and he is the webmaster for TheBibleDomain.com. Jason has written articles that have been used in publications such as The Gospel Journal, and he speaks at various lectureships and Gospel meetings. He has a faithful Christian wife named Amanda, also a native of Brantley, Alabama, who is a stay-at-home mother who educates their two children--Katelynne Rebekah and Braden Isaiah.

LINKS:
http://www.thebibledomain.com
http://nesbitchurchofchrist.org
http://www.artbyamandahilburn.com

A STEADY DIET AND A SHINING LIGHT

by Riley Nelson

A steady diet of the word of God will help us to realize our need for God in our lives more each day.  It will also help us come to realize our responsibility to “feed” the starving masses with this same word.   We will yearn to fulfill the words of Christ, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19, 20a).  It will also better equip us to “fear God and keep His commandments…” (Ecc. 12:13).  When we are constantly feeding upon God’s word, we should be filled with the desire to serve God faithfully.

The apostle Peter wrote, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby" (1 Peter 2:2).  The people to whom Peter was writing had been and were suffering from persecution.  They needed strength, both from the word of God and from other Christians.  Peter serves as a perfect example of a Christian who knew how to encourage and uplift others.

Desiring the word is something that must last our entire lifetime.  Many times older people simply stop eating, and before long their body gives up, for lack of nourishment.  The same can be true in the spiritual sense.  Some Christians forget this fact and in their later years lose sight of their goal.  They fail to partake of the words of life and just as the dying body turns cold, so does their zeal for God.

Parents desire that their children have the right food so that proper growth occurs.  It is also important that children of God feed upon the proper food.  Home Bible study should happen every day, this way the parents know their children are being fed spiritual food.  Sadly some parents rely on “Bible Study” classes to do all their work.  The best teacher in the world cannot plan, water, and fertilize in the forty minutes or so they have a child in class, it takes work by the parents to encourage and help children learn the Bible.

This spiritual food will help them to realize their responsibilities as Christians.  It will help them fulfill the great commission, to go and teach others.  It is such a shame when it is said of Christians, as the Hebrew writer described in Hebrews 5:12-14, “For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God…”

The Bible needs to be used as a lamp.  The Psalmist recorded in Psalm 119:105, 130 the following, “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.  The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding to the simple.”  If we will let the word of God light our path we will find life easier to bear.  Look about us at how those of the world spend their time worrying about tomorrow, looking for peace and never finding it.  Many end up never truly happy.  The one who is wise enough to allow his path to be lit by the word of God will come to know true peace and happiness, and will not spend hours and days worrying about things.  The light of God’s word will bring one to salvation.  It shows bright upon the love God has for man; it enables man to break the darkness of sin and worldliness and to see clearly the way to a better life.  It tells of God’s plan for man’s redemption through Christ.  The book of Acts tells how the people developed faith by God’s word (Rom. 10:17).  They then repented of their sins, willing to confess the name of Christ as the Son of God, and were immersed in water for the forgiveness of their sins (Acts 2:22-47, 8:36-39).  This great lamp shines on the path to be taken by the Christian. (Colossians 3:1-17).

~Riley Nelson

Bio:  Riley Nelson currently preaches for the Richmond Hill church of Christ in Richmond Hill, GA just south of Savannah.  He has labored there for 23 years.  He and his wife, Susie, have been married 35 years and have two sons and one grandson.

Links:  http://richmondhillcoc.com

HOW DO I BECOME A MEMBER OF JESUS' CHURCH?

by Neil Richey

In one of the unsung chapters of the Bible, Romans 16, are these words, "Salute one another with an holy kiss. The churches of Christ salute you" (Rom. 16:16).

When writing on the duty of church leaders, Luke wrote, "Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood" (Acts 20:28).

As the Hebrews writer spoke to the living saints about their deceased brethren, he said, "To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect" (Heb. 12:23).

On the day of Pentecost, when Peter preached his first gospel sermon, we read that three thousand souls repented of their sins and were baptized for the forgiveness of those sins. Then, at the end of this same chapter are these words, "Praising God, and having favour with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved" (Acts 2:47). "Churches of Christ," "church of God," "church of the firstborn," and "the church" are all references to the same thing--the church that we read about in the Bible.

One would think that the religious world’s desire is to be part of that church. However, a cursory perusal of our own communities shows that there are many who are religious, and nearly as many whose religion is in vain. How do I know? Drive down the street, write down the name of every church you see on those church signs, and then ask yourself, “is that the name of the church I read about in the Bible?” If it’s not, then red flags should be going up in your mind. Perhaps, to you, the name is not all that important. I think the Lord would disagree. So, is there really anything in a name?

Following the end of one of the deadliest wars ever fought, the Civil War, Robert E. Lee was asked by the Louisiana Lottery if he would be willing to allow his name to be used to advertise their commission. They told him that if he agreed, he would become incredibly wealthy.

Lee couldn't believe the proposition. Standing up, buttoning his gray coat, and then with a loud voice Lee said, "Gentlemen, I lost my home in war. I lost my fortune in the war. I lost everything except my name. My name is not for sale, and if you fellows don't get out of here, I'll break this crutch over your heads!"

He would have had my attention. How about you? In the Bible, God warns us not to let the great schemer of the universe manipulate us into allowing our name to be misused and abused. Add to that he warns us not to take the most sacred names for His church, and then change them to fit our own personal designs for His church.

To illustrate that there really is something in a name, can you think of any Bible characters whose names became synonymous with something less than admirable? Two immediately come to my mind--Jezebel and Judas.

The Old Testament character, Jezebel, was a horrible creature. A read through the book of 1 Kings tells us of the atrocities that she was behind. She killed the prophets of God. She manipulated her husband. She killed Naboth, by proxy, so that her husband could have Naboth's vineyard. Her name is so synonymous with wickedness that no one would think of naming his or her newborn girl, Jezebel. Why? There is something in a name.

The New Testament character, Judas died by his own hands and the Bible says that he "went to his own place" (Acts 1:25). Judas, or "the son of perdition" as he is also called, is the one who betrayed the Lord Jesus for money (Jn. 17:12). He turned his back on God for momentary pleasure and that, which brings material happiness.

So, today, how many parents expecting baby boys to be born have picked out the name "Judas" as their name of choice for their new little bundle of joy? I’m not aware of any. Why? There is something in a name.

Though rather lengthy, this illustrates the fact that names are important. There is something in a name. There is something in a name when it comes to what people call you. Then also, there is something in a name when it’s applied to what one calls the collective body of Christians.

If the name of the church you belong to cannot be found in the Bible, then doesn’t it stand to reason that you should find a church that does wear the right name, and then become a member of it?

By way of this study, we will only make three observations. First, we’ll observe why one should want to be a member of the church we read about in the Bible. Second, we’ll learn how one becomes a member of the church we read about in the Bible. Third, we’ll close our study with three observations on how one is saved, therefore privileged to enjoy the benefit of being part of the church we read about in the Bible.

I want to be a member of the church of the Lord because . . .

To be a member of the Lord's church is to have access to all "spiritual blessings." "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ" (Eph. 1:3). The expression "heavenly places" in this context is a reference to the church, which is located "in Christ." What are some of those blessings?

•     Acceptance is a blessing that comes to those in His church. "To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved" (Eph. 1:6). The Lord never accepts anyone on their own terms, but the Lord's. 

•  Redemption and forgiveness are blessings that come to those in His church. "In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace" (Eph. 1:7). Redeem means to be bought back. Sin is a costly thing in deed. It costs us more than we could ever pay. So, for that debt to be forgiven, it took something more valuable than money. It cost Jesus his life's blood. "For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins" (Mt. 26:28).

•    An eternal inheritance is a blessing that comes to those in His church. "In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will" (Eph. 1:11). Paul, through the eyes of faith, was looking at that inheritance when he wrote down these words, “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing” (2 Tm. 4:8). 

•   The seal of the Holy Spirit is a blessing that comes to those in His church. "In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise" (Eph. 1:13). A seal is something that is true and binding. A seal proves one’s authenticity. So, when one is a member of the church of the Lord, God has put his seal on that person showing His recognition of the fact that he or she is an authentic Christian, and member of God’s church. Now, how does one become a member of the Lord's church, thereby receiving His approval? 

I become a member of the church of the Lord by . . .

Doing it the Lord's way. So many try to invent ways for man to gain membership into the church of the Lord. Some man-made churches will vote on an individual, and if he or she receives enough votes they become members. 

Many denominations who teach salvation via the "sinner's prayer" are then to be baptized to join a particular denomination. Then, there are others who say, "just join the church of your choice."

Never in the Bible do we read about people being voted into the church of the Lord, nor do we read about their joining the church of the Lord. What we do read is this, "And the Lord added to them [the church KJV] day by day those that were saved" (Acts 2:47 ASV). Those who are truly saved are added to the church, because the saved are the church. So, the answer to the questions "How do I become a member of the Lord's church," and "What must I do to be saved," will be the same.

We want to conclude this essay with three salvation questions:

1.  Will there be few saved? Luke wrote, "Then said one unto him Lord, are there few that be saved?" (Lk. 13:23). Throughout history, God's people have always been in the minority. For instance, when God destroyed the world with a flood, only eight souls were saved--Noah, his wife, their three sons, and their wives. When God destroyed the city of Sodom, only three souls were saved--Lot, and his two daughters. In answer to the question, the Bible teaches that on the Judgment day, few will be saved. Jesus said, "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it" (Mt. 7:13-14).

2. Who then will be saved? The Universalist would answer the question, "Everyone will be saved." The moralist would answer the question, "All moral people will be saved." The denominationalist would answer the question, "All 'faith only' people will be saved." Our concern should be about whom God says will be saved. Jesus said, "Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven" (Mt. 7:21). In answer to the question, the only people who will be saved are those who obey God's word. 

3.  What must I do to be saved? This is clearly the most important question that a man could ever ask. This question was asked three times in the book of Acts. The jailer asked it, and received the answer "believe" (Acts 16:30-34). The people on the day of Pentecost asked it and received the answer "repent and be baptized" (Acts 2:37-41). Saul of Tarsus asked it, and received the answer "be baptized" (Acts 9:1-22; 22:1-16; 26:1-21). Who could question that these, having done what they were told, were saved? I dare say that no one could. 

   In answer to the question, "What must I do to be saved?" I must do the same as those in the book of Acts in order to be saved. I must believe in Jesus as God’s Son, just as these did. I must repent of my sins, just as these did. I must be baptized for the forgiveness of my sins, just as these did. When I do this, then I know that I am saved because I have done what they did to be saved. Then, the added benefit is knowing that upon my salvation, the Lord adds me to His church (Acts 2:47).       

   It is our prayer that you’ll take to heart these simple biblical truths, and then become a member of the church that we read about in the Bible. 

~Neil Richey

Neil’s bio: Neil Richey is a native of Tennessee. He has preached full-time in Virginia, South Carolina and Georgia, where he now preaches for the Piedmont Road church of Christ in Marietta, GA.

In 1995 Neil met Emily (Martin) and in 1997 they were married while attending Freed-Hardeman University. They have two children: a son named Peyton, and a little girl named Rebekah. 

Neil's formal education includes a B.S. in Communication with an Emphasis in Broadcasting. He holds a M.A. in Church Growth and a D.Min. in New Testament Theology. 

He has been blessed to preach in several states and in a number of other countries including Brazil, New Zealand, and Tanzania, where he has taught multiple short courses for the Andrew Connally School of Preaching. He holds numerous Gospel Meetings and speaks on lectureships and youth rallies each year and makes annual mission trips outside of the United States.

In addition to his full-time work with the Piedmont Road church of Christ, Neil is one of the instructors for the Georgia School of Preaching and Biblical Studies. Also, Neil is the President of the Board of Directors at West Cobb Christian Academy. He is a regular writer for journals, periodicals, blogs, and he hosts multiple video devotionals on-line. He writes a short devotional sent out via email every Monday - Friday called, Neil's Daily Devotional Nugget which can be subscribed to at www.NeilRichey.com. 

Neil has authored and edited books including Growing the Church God Loves, Thinking Out Loud, and What Wilt Thou Have Me To Do. All of these are available at www.NeilRichey.com. 

When asked, Neil wants people to know that, "I'm a husband, father of two, and most of all, a Christian that's been saved by grace through faith. I'm trying everyday to live life with purpose for Him."