by Leonard V Johnson
Notice the following from Harbinger’s Daily back in 2025 ──
August 5, 2025Biblical Illiteracy: There Are Few Verses In Scripture As Mishandled As ‘Judge Not’The couple who became famous from HGTV’s popular Fixer Upper show, Chip and Joanna Gaines, made headlines recently because they are professing Christians, and yet they platformed two men in a gay “marriage” on their new show. Reportedly, in response to the outcry from Christians, the couple claimed, “Doesn’t the Bible say, ‘judge not’; who are you to tell people what they can, and cannot do?” Well, the Bible tells us what we can and can’t do as Christians!There are few verses in Scripture that are mishandled as much as Matthew 7:1, “Judge not, that you be not judged.” Whenever someone quotes that verse, as apparently the Gaineses did, to justify embracing or turning a blind eye to sin, they are completely ignoring the context. …Clearly, within context, Jesus is not saying never to make judgments—that’s impossible anyway. …This kind of misinterpretation of Scripture because of a lack of belief in the authority of Scripture (often coupled with biblical illiteracy!) is sadly very common, not just among professing Christian celebrities, but within churches, Christian colleges and universities, and even seminaries. … once you abandon the truth and authority of God’s Word beginning in Genesis, more compromise follows. And that’s exactly what we see in so many of these stories of compromising Christians.
In verse 24 of John 7, our Lord Jesus also tells us ──
“’ Do not judge according to appearance, but judge with righteous judgment.’” – John 7:24.
Yes, Christians are supposed to make righteous judgments.
What is righteous? God’s living word tells us ──
“My tongue shall speak of Your word, For all Your commandments are righteousness.” – Psalm 119:172.
So, just what are the LORD God’s commands in relation to marriage and homosexuality?
Let us turn in our Bibles to the following Scriptures ──
“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.” – Genesis 1:27.
“Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24.
“’ You shall not lie with a male as with a woman. It is an abomination.” – Leviticus 18:22.
“’ If a man lies with a male as he lies with a woman, both of them have committed an abomination. They shall surely be put to death. Their blood shall be upon them.’” – Leviticus 20:13.
“And Jesus answered and said to them, ‘Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. 6) But from the beginning of creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ 7) ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, 8) and the two shall become one flesh’; so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. 9) Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.’” – Mark 10:5-9.
Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, clearly teaches us that a marriage is between a man and a woman. God’s living word tells us that for a man to have intercourse with another man is an abomination in the eyes of God!
Now, those who claim that God’s word does not condemn homosexuality are intentionally and ignorantly misreading what His word truly says. God’s word clearly prohibits and condemns homosexuality.
Let us also notice ──
“’ A woman SHALL NOT wear anything that pertains to a man, nor shall a man put on a woman’s garment, for all who do so are an abomination to the LORD your God.’” – Deuteronomy 22:5.
So, not only does God’s living eternal word warn us that homosexuality, lesbianism, beastiality, and cross-dressing are an abomination, He also tells us that those people who condone these abominable sexual immoralities are just as guilty. Instead of denouncing sickness and sin, they praise it! Let’s notice what God’s living, immutable word told the Prophet Isaiah to say to his people ──
“’ CRY ALOUD, SPARE NOT; Lift up your voice like a trumpet; Tell My people their transgression, And the house of Jacob their sins.’” – Isaiah 58:1.
The Apostle Paul, under divine inspiration, warns us ──
“For SINCE THE CREATION OF THE WORLD His invisible attributes are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even His eternal power and Godhead, so that THEY ARE WITHOUT EXCUSE, 21) because, although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God, nor were thankful, but became futile in their thoughts, and their foolish hearts were darkened.
22) Professing to be wise, they became fools, 23) and changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like corruptible man ── and birds and four-footed animals and creeping things.
24) Therefore God also gave them up to uncleanness, in the lusts of their hearts, to dishonor their bodies among themselves, 25) who exchanged the truth of God for THE LIE, and worshiped and served the creature rather than the Creator, who is blessed forever. Amen.
26) For this reason God gave them up to VILE PASSIONS. For even their women exchanged the natural use for WHAT IS AGAINST NATURE. 27) Likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust FOR ONE ANOTHER, MEN WITH MEN COMMITTING WHAT IS SHAMEFUL, and receiving in themselves the penalty of their error which was due.
28) And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a [reprobate] mind, to do those things which are not [proper]; 29) being filled with all unrighteousness, sexual immorality, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, strife, deceit, evil-mindedness; they are whisperers, 30) backbiters, haters of God, violent, PROUD, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, 31) undiscerning, untrustworthy, unloving, unforgiving, unmerciful; 30) who, KNOWING THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT OF GOD, that those who practice such things are deserving of death [the second death], not only do the same but also approve of those who practice them.” – Romans 1:20-32.
So, notice that not only are those who engage in homosexuality judged as deserving of death, but also those who accept or approve of their behavior.
Indeed, thoughts and actions of homosexuality can be overcome; homosexuals can change ──
“Do you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? DO NOT BE DECEIVED. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10) nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, will inherit the kingdom of God.
11) And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” – 1 Corinthians 6:9-11.
That is God’s living word──and His word is truth.
Notice this grave sexual immorality that the Apostle Paul was dealing with within the Church of God there in Corinth at one time ──
“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.
Let us take note that true Christians are not to tolerate nor encourage sexual immorality within the Body of Christ.
This standard for judging comes directly from God’s living word ──
“For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul [the physical body] and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” – Hebrews 4:12.
True Christians are required to judge all aspects of sins and of sexual immorality righteously.
We are to “Test all things; hold fast what is good [good, in the eyes of God]. 22) ABSTAIN FROM EVERY FORM OF EVIL.” 1 Thessalonians 5:21-22.
Our beloved Apostle Paul also wrote ──
“Do you not know that the saints will judge the world [‘in the age to come’]? And if the world will judged by you, are you unworthy to judge the smallest matters? 3) Do you not know that we shall judge angels? How much more, things that pertain to this life? 4) If then you have judgments concerning things pertaining to this life, do you appoint those who are least esteemed by the Church to judge? 5) I say this to your shame. Is it so, that there is not a wise man among you, not even one, who will be able to judge between his brethren?” – 1 Corinthians 6:2-5.
Yet, sadly, it’s not just the plethora of Protestants──including Baptist, Methodist, Lutheran, Pentecostal, and non-denominational churches──that completely overlook God’s living word regarding homosexuality and righteous judgment. Notice this from the Associated Press and of the late Jorge Mario Bergoglio (17 December 1936 – 21 April 2025) ──
July 29, 2013: During his first airborne press conference as pope, Francis is asked about a purportedly gay priest and replies, “Who am I to judge?” His comment while flying home from World Youth Day in Rio de Janeiro signaled a more conciliatory, welcoming tone for LGBTQ Catholics who long felt marginalized by the church. …
Surely, one would think that the person who was called the Holy See, Vicar, and Supreme Pontiff of the Universal Church of the Roman Catholic Church would know that the Holy Bible clearly condemns homosexuality──and perhaps would certainly know something about what to properly say when questioned regarding it.
Commanded Not to Judge?
Our Lord Jesus Christ has told us, “’ Judge not, that you be not judged.’” Yet just a few verses later in His ‘Sermon on the Mount,’ He says, “’ You shall know them by their fruits.’”
His first statement is clear. But the second statement implies that some kind of judgment or assessment takes place in the mind of a true Christian. What is the difference between these two statements? The answer to this question underscores one of the hardest challenges to a true servant of our Lord Jesus. It focuses on a fundamental spiritual quality of character that every begotten child of God must develop!
When our Lord Jesus tells us, “’ Judge not, that you be not judged.’” – Matthew 7:1, He obviously is referring to the condemnation or pronouncement of guilt. It is plain in the verses that follow that no one is capable of such judgment because we are all blinded to some degree by our own shortcomings.
So, regardless of our accomplishments in this life, no one has the right to condemn another person (except, of course, our duly appointed judges (cf. Exodus 18:13-27; Romans 13:1-2). Indeed, our Lord Jesus Himself did not come to judge (to krinō) ── “’ For God did not send His Son into the world to CONDEMN [again, the word krinō] the world, but that the world through Him might be saved.’” – John 3:17. This word condemn in this verse is derived from the same Greek word, krinō, meaning “to judge, to pass judgment on, condemn in a legal sense.” 1
Now, there are several reasons why we are not to sit in condemnation of another. One IMPORTANT reason is expounded upon by the Apostle Paul in Romans 2 ──
“Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge [same Greek word, krinō] another you CONDEMN YOURSELF; for you who judge practice the same things. 2) But we know that THE JUDGMENT OF GOD is according to truth against those who practice such things. 3) And do you think this, O man, you who judge those practicing such things, and doing the same, that you will escape the judgment of God?” – Romans 2:1-3.
Those very words, “judge,” are the same term for condemn. Same Greek word as was spoken by our Lord Jesus in Matthew 7:1.
And as the apostle discusses this vital subject, he adds, “Or do you despise the riches of His goodness, forbearance, and longsuffering, not knowing that the goodness of God leads you to repentance?” – vs. 4.
In direct connection with what our beloved Apostle Peter wrote ──
“The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” – 2 Peter 3:9.
Leads You to Repentance
It is a natural reaction for us to come to a quick accusation and judgment of another when we witness them doing wrong, all the while blinded by our shortcomings. My father used to tell me, “Don’t do as I do, do as I say.” But, as I’ve said before, when we point a finger at another ── three fingers are pointing back at ourselves. We fail to remember that God Almighty is aware of all and has chosen not to intervene at this moment in time ── during this present evil age. He is literally blessing all people with His goodness, which could lead people to repentance.
Notice that the LORD God is giving people space to repent. Our Lord Jesus, addressing His Church there in ancient Thyatira, spoke of them allowing “ …’ that woman Jezebel, who calls herself a prophetess, to teach and seduce My servants to commit sexual immorality and eat things sacrificed to idols.’” He goes on and says that He gave her “…’ time to repent of her sexual immorality, and she did not repent.’” – Revelation 2:20-21.
This applied/applies not just to her, but to all people: ‘time to repent.’
Brethren ── and I would like to mention an important article I published, “You’re Not Welcome!” concerning an experience at a Church of God once during the Feast of Tabernacles 2020 ── it is not our obligation to condemn a brother or a sister in Christ. In so doing, we might be invading that space to repent that the LORD God is placing upon that individual to repent of their sins. Besides that, our Lord Jesus Christ Himself has told us that it’s ‘easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God’ – Matthew 19:24; Mark 10:25; Luke 18:24. Every single one of us has some type of beam lodged in our eye that prevents us from seeing clearly.
So, a great number of reasons could be listed as to why we shouldn’t condemn another. God’s living word is clear. Yet, true Christians do have an obligation to use our minds with Wisdom and develop spiritual discernment ── develop righteous judgment.
Apostle ── and if you are speaking of Jesus’ apostles, it is appropriate and respectful to use “apostle” as a title before their names; they have earned that title! ── Paul wrote, “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2) And DO NOT be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” – Romans 12:1-2.
This absolutely requires constant prayer, Bible study, contemplation and meditation, as well as the study of this world. The Apostle Paul found people of this mindset when he visited ancient Berea ──
“These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so.” – Acts 17:11.
Notice the Bereans were not jeering, sneering, or judging. Rather, they received the word “with all readiness.” They were open-minded to all that he was presenting to them. Then they went daily to the Scriptures to see if everything spoken was in accordance with the living word of God. They obviously sought to follow the Apostle Paul as he followed Christ Jesus (1 Corinthians 11:1).
Indeed, the LORD God is the Judge of all. But we ── in the Body of Christ ── must and should use spiritual discernment to keep our individual selves close to God.
Apostle Peter admonishes us, “But THE END OF ALL THINGS IS AT HAND; therefore be serious and watchful in your prayers. 8) And above all things have fervent love for one another, for ‘love will cover a multitude of sins.’” – 1 Peter 4:7-8.
We must and should spiritually discern right from wrong ── as defined by the Eternal One ── to allow for space for others to repent, to have fervent love for our brethren, and to have full faith that the LORD is aware of their shortcomings ── again, it’s one of the hardest challenges to a true servant of our Lord Jesus in this present evil age. □
1 Strong, J., LL.D., S.T.D., #2919 krinō – The Strongest Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible, Zondervan, © 2001, pp. 1623.
No comments:
Post a Comment