Judgement of this world St Gregory of Sinai

Judgment upon this world (cf. John 12:31) is synonymous with ungodly lack of faith; for 'he who lacks faith is already judged' (John 3:18).

It is also a providential visitation restraining us or turning us back from sin, and likewise a way of testing whether by inner disposition we incline towards good or evil actions; for according to the Psalmist, 'The wicked are estranged from the womb' (Ps. 58:3).

Thus God manifests His judgment either because of our lack of faith, or to discipline us, or to test which way our actions gravitate. Some He chastens, to others He is merciful; on some He bestows crowns of glory, others He visits with the torments of hell.

Those whom He chastens are the utterly godless. Those to whom He shows mercy possess faith, but at the same time they are negligent, and it is for this reason that they are compassionately chastised. Those consummate either in virtue or in wickedness receive their rewards accordingly.

St Gregory of Sinai