God's judgment of all people at the end of the age. This has been entrusted to Jesus Christ who, at his return, will reward the righteous and punish the unrighteous. Judgment will be on the basis of deeds, the response to God's revelation and faith in Jesus Christ. Believers need not fear the last judgment, but should live godly lives in anticipation of it.
The certainty of last judgment
Hebrews 9:27 See also Ecclesiastes 3:17; Romans 14:10–12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 Peter 4:5
Just as man is appointed to die once, and after that to face judgment,
The time of last judgment
It was anticipated in the cross
John 12:31 Jesus Christ is speaking about his approaching death.
Now judgment is upon this world; now the prince of this world will be cast out.
It will take place at the end of the age
Matthew 13:49 See also Matthew 13:39–43
So will it be at the end of the age: The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous
It will take place at Jesus Christ's return
2 Thessalonians 1:6–7 See also Matthew 25:31–33; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 19:11
After all, it is only right for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are oppressed and to us as well. This will take place when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels
Last judgment is the prerogative of God
God as judge
Daniel 7:9–10 See also Hebrews 12:23
As I continued to watch, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took His seat. His clothing was white as snow, and the hair of His head was like pure wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze. A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.
God entrusts judgment to Jesus Christ
Acts 17:31 See also John 5:22; Acts 10:42; Romans 2:16
For He has set a day when He will judge the world with justice by the Man He has appointed. He has given proof of this to everyone by raising Him from the dead.”
The result of last judgment
Two eternal destinies
Daniel 12:2 See also Matthew 25:46
And many who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake, some to everlasting life, but others to shame and everlasting contempt.
The ungodly will be punished
2 Peter 3:7 See also Matthew 25:41; Romans 2:5; Hebrews 10:26–28; 2 Peter 2:4, 2 Peter 2:9; Jude 1:6–7, Jude 1:15
And by that same word, the present heavens and earth are reserved for fire, being kept for the day of judgment and destruction of ungodly men.
The righteous will be rewarded
2 Timothy 4:8 See also Matthew 25:34; 1 Corinthians 9:25; Revelation 11:18
From now on there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day — and not only to me, but to all who crave His appearing.
The basis of God's last judgment
It is according to works
Revelation 20:11–15 See also Matthew 12:36–37, Matthew 16:27; Romans 2:6–10; Revelation 22:12
Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And books were opened, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books. The sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead, and each one was judged according to his deeds. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death — the lake of fire. And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
It is according to revelation
Romans 2:12 See also Matthew 11:20–24 parallel Luke 10:13–15 Those towns and cities which have rejected the revelation that Christ brings will face final judgment and condemnation; Matthew 12:41–42 parallel Luke 11:31–32ROM Luke 1:18–21, Romans 2:14–15, Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:1
All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.
It is according to attitude to Jesus Christ
John 3:18 The only basis for salvation is faith in Jesus Christ. See also Matthew 10:14–15 parallel Luke 10:11–12 Those towns which reject Jesus Christ's messengers will face judgment; Matthew 10:32–33 parallel Luke 12:8–9 Those who disown Jesus Christ will be disowned by him; Matthew 25:35–40; Mark 8:38; Luke 10:16; Acts 4:12, Acts 16:30–31
Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe has already been condemned, because he has not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son.
The fairness of God's last judgment
Romans 3:4–6 See also Psalm 51:4, Psalm 98:9; Isaiah 16:5; Romans 3:19
Certainly not! Let God be true and every man a liar. As it is written: “So that You may be proved right when You speak and victorious when You judge.” But if our unrighteousness highlights the righteousness of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict His wrath on us? I am speaking in human terms. Certainly not! In that case, how could God judge the world?
Believers and last judgment
Believers need not fear judgment
John 5:24 See also Romans 5:9; 1 Corinthians 11:32; 1 John 4:17
Truly, truly, I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment. Indeed, he has crossed over from death to life.
Believers should live in the light of final judgment
1 Corinthians 3:12–15 building with materials that will last; 2 Timothy 4:1 holding to sound teaching; Hebrews 10:25 encouraging one another; James 5:7–9; Revelation 6:10–11; 2 Peter 3:11–13 living holy and godly lives
Related themes
Dictionary of Bible Themes © 1999 Martin Manser, licensed CC BY-SA 4.0, via Bible Aquifer. Formatted for this site, with Scripture from the Berean Standard Bible.