Krino, krisis and krima - Judged according to works

 The Grace Judgement

The concept of being judged according to one's works often raises questions and concerns among believers. Some fear that this might contradict the doctrine of salvation by grace alone. However, a careful examination of the Bible reveals that judgement according to works is not a denial of grace but rather a manifestation of God's righteous and loving character.

Romans 2:6 makes it clear that God “will render to every man according to his deeds”.

Well, there is the judgement right there, isn’t it?

The need for some Biblical Perspective and Context

The idea of judgement according to works is found throughout the Bible. And we need to apply at least a bit of context and discernment when we extract a verse like that to stand all by itself.

There is no contradiction in what Paul is saying and what Jesus is saying. In John 5:28-29 Jesus tells us exactly what we should be doing - hear and believe. So, Paul tells us what we shouldn’t be doing - be obstinate and hard-headed. Receiving and appropriating Jesus results in eternal life: According to Jesus - “Those who have done good (Jesus) will rise to live.” According to Paul: “To those who by perseverance in doing good (Jesus), he will give eternal life.”

And then Jesus says, "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" (Matthew 7:21). This passage suggests that while faith is essential for salvation, it must be accompanied by obedience to God's will. Work? No! John 6:40 is very clear: “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day.” Nothing more, nothing less!

Yes, you’ll hear teaching that says that the will of God is any number of set rules (as determined by church doctrine). They’ll even quote Jesus. But let the Word of God be true and every man a liar. Jesus couldn't have been more explicit.

Romans 2:6 rides on the back of what was said here, following the first chapter. In the first chapter Paul is exalting the Gospel by addressing truth fornicators, unbelief and its consequences, absolutely in line with what Jesus said. He is addressing those who rely on their own works rather than glorifying Jesus and His finished work.

He speaks out against all that go against God, Life and Truth. The operative verse here is verse 4 “Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”

So, Paul emphasises the importance of receiving God's righteousness.

Further Romans 2:6-8 perspective

“Who will render to each person according to his deeds” makes the religious churchgoer tremble with fear, but Paul is projecting the antithesis here to make the religious realise that they will never be able to do enough.

Those who persevere in Jesus, receiving what He finished, is doing the deeds that Jesus was referring to. They seek the glory and honour of God which is the way to immortality and eternal life. However, those who are self-righteous do not seek or obey the truth and bring upon themselves failure, unrighteousness, wrath and indignation. Paul is really saying “If you won’t accept what God freely offers (grace), then you will reap what you sow.”

Just like Romans 2 is bad news for the self-righteous and those who work to earn God’s favour, Romans 3:15 is bad news for those who persist to do good works in order to obtain eternal life. Righteousness is a gift (Rom 5:17), eternal life is a gift (Rom 6:23, 8:11) and God’s Grace is a gift (Rom 5:16).

Understanding the Greek

To gain a deeper understanding of the concept of judgement according to works, it is helpful to examine the Greek words used in the Bible. 

Work - The word "work" in Greek is ergon, which can refer to both physical hard labour and just the same to spiritual doing. Ergon moves from the basis of appropriation, seizure, execution of the plan, commandeering, devotion and allotment.

Judgement - The word "judgement" is krisis, it is where we get crisis in the English from. In Romans 2 it means the “reasoning” and “determining” made by God. The question is “what is God considering”? My sin and shame, or Jesus’s finished work?

There are mainly three Greek words from whence the English word judgement is translated. We’d do well to note them for purposes of better understanding of what we are reading.

1. Krino - is to separate, to split, to part, or put asunder (the facts or situation under review). It, thus, is also to arrange, group, sort, organise or order something. This word is also used to inquire, investigate or search out, but not to the extent of finality. Krino relates to probationary trials and testings and corrections (now, and in the coming age)

2. Krisis - is a separating, a choosing, reasoning and reckoning (of the facts or situation under review). It may also refer to deciding, determining and healthy judging, thus putting under trial resulting in a final decision, either irreversible or reversible. Krisis points to a decision or a time of decision.

3. Krima - is finality and entails an outcome, a final decision, judgement or command. This word moreover refers to condemnation and final judgement and contains the thought of a verdict and sentence of a trial. Krima is the final and irrevocable sentence.

Indeed, krino is the root Greek word from which krisis and krima are derived.

When we consider these Greek words in the context of salvation by grace, we see that judgement (krisis) according to works is not about earning salvation but rather a measurement, a consideration of my good works against Jesus’s good works. And mine will never measure up!

Our works are much rather a demonstration of salvation, the finished work of Yah'shua. Those who have truly received the grace of God (Yah'shua, Jesus) will know this demonstration and glorify Him. Those who aimed at attaining their salvation through good works of their own will ashamedly admit that they failed.

The Grace of God

The Bible is clear that salvation is a gift of God's grace, not something that we can earn through our own efforts. Ephesians 2:8-9 tells us, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast."

When James 2:17 says, "Faith without works is dead", ergon speaks in the strongest terms to the execution of our faith (the finished work of Jesus), not doing our own good. That is true faith.

The Role of Judgment

The judgement of God is not about sentencing and punishing the wicked but about consideration and measuring up the only good (Jesus) against our works to attain righteousness, for those of us who choose to do so. It is about revealing the true nature of our hearts.

The finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross is the ultimate expression of God's love and grace, His ultimate krima. Through His sacrifice, we are offered forgiveness of sins and eternal life. This means that our salvation is not based on our own works but His finished work.

He came. He saw. He conquered.

Kino, krisis, krima.

HalleluYah!