The Place of Judgment

Why Does God Judge
I was reading an interesting verse as I have been reflecting on the scandals around Skip Heitzig.

1 Peter 4:17 For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the gospel of God?

The Barnes Commentary had an interesting comment on this verse.

The judgments which God brings upon his own people make it certain that the wicked will be punished. If he does not spare his own people, why should he spare others?

That is a powerful point.

Rejoicing at judgment
There is a general belief that it is wrong to rejoice at someone's downfall. Yet, the New Testament shows examples of believers being commanded to rejoice at the downfall of the wicked. One such example is when Babylon falls and the church is told to rejoice. It's even a given as a command to rejoice, taking the Present Active Imperative in the Greek.

Rev 18:20 Rejoice over her, thou heaven, and ye holy apostles and prophets; for God hath avenged you on her.