There is a period in history that completely disrupts our understanding of judgment.

It is the timeline between Egypt and Sinai.

God brought the children of Israel out of slavery. They crossed the Red Sea. But immediately, they began to complain. At the Red Sea, they murmured. At the bitter waters of Marah, they complained. When they were hungry, they accused God of bringing them out to die.

Murmuring is sin. Complaining is sin. Yet, here is the stunning reality: No one died from Egypt to Sinai.

God didn't punish them. Instead, every fresh complaint was met with a fresh supply of grace. They complained about water; He gave them water from a rock. They complained about food; He rained down angels' food.

Why? Because the Law had not yet been given. God was treating them based on the Abrahamic Covenant—a covenant based on His faithfulness, not theirs.

But then they arrived at Sinai. They looked at the mountain and made a boast.

(Kol asher dibber Adonai) כֹּל אֲשֶׁר-דִּבֶּר יְהוָה — "Everything the Lord has spoken, we will do."

They presumed on their own strength. They traded a relationship based on God's goodness for a relationship based on their performance.

Immediately after that, the golden calf happened. And thousands died.

The moment you tell God, "Deal with me based on my behavior," you step out of grace and into judgment.

“For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.” Romans 5:13

God’s goodness to you is not a reward for your perfection; it is the result of His covenant.