Final Judgment
And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.
Hebrews 9:27
Judgment can have two meanings: judgment in terms of evaluation (as in ranking performances resulting in prizes) or judgment in terms of punishment (as in a courtroom where a sentence of guilty is rendered). Both kinds of judgments will occur in the future. First, believers will be evaluated for their faithfulness at the Judgment Seat of Christ for the purpose of rewards (2 Corinthians 5:10). This judgment occurs at the beginning of the Tribulation. Second, non-believers will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment at the end of the Millennium in light of their works and God’s laws (Revelation 20:11-15). The result for believers is rewards; the result for non-believers is eternal separation from God.
Christ will be the Judge at the Great White Throne: “For the Father...has committed all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22). The subjects will be unbelievers from all ages. Words, works, conscience, actions, lack of faith—everything will be revealed as evidence. Eternal hell is the destination of the judged.
The doctrine of hell is unpopular. But let its reality motivate us to share the Gospel with all who lack faith in Christ before it is too late.
Hell is an abiding place, but no resting place.
Thomas Watson
Turning Point Ministries
And as it is appointed for men to die once, but after this the judgment.
Hebrews 9:27
Judgment can have two meanings: judgment in terms of evaluation (as in ranking performances resulting in prizes) or judgment in terms of punishment (as in a courtroom where a sentence of guilty is rendered). Both kinds of judgments will occur in the future. First, believers will be evaluated for their faithfulness at the Judgment Seat of Christ for the purpose of rewards (2 Corinthians 5:10). This judgment occurs at the beginning of the Tribulation. Second, non-believers will be judged at the Great White Throne Judgment at the end of the Millennium in light of their works and God’s laws (Revelation 20:11-15). The result for believers is rewards; the result for non-believers is eternal separation from God.
Christ will be the Judge at the Great White Throne: “For the Father...has committed all judgment to the Son” (John 5:22). The subjects will be unbelievers from all ages. Words, works, conscience, actions, lack of faith—everything will be revealed as evidence. Eternal hell is the destination of the judged.
The doctrine of hell is unpopular. But let its reality motivate us to share the Gospel with all who lack faith in Christ before it is too late.
Hell is an abiding place, but no resting place.
Thomas Watson
Turning Point Ministries
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