Embedded Files
Hebrews 6:1–2 lists “eternal judgment” as one of the basic foundations of the Christian faith. This means every believer should understand what the Bible teaches about judgment. Scripture makes it clear that there will be a final day when God will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31). Here we will explore what that looks like for both believers and unbelievers.
Hebrews 6:1–2 lists “eternal judgment” as one of the basic foundations of the Christian faith. This means every believer should understand what the Bible teaches about judgment. Scripture makes it clear that there will be a final day when God will judge the world in righteousness (Acts 17:31). Here we will explore what that looks like for both believers and unbelievers.
The Reality of Judgment
The Reality of Judgment
A Specific Day is Set: God has set a specific day when He will judge the world in righteousness and calls all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30-31).
The Judge: Jesus Christ Himself has been appointed as the Judge of all people (John 5:22;).
Universal Scope: Judgment is universal: all must die once and then face God’s judgment (Heb 9:27). Even cities already judged in history, like Sodom and Gomorrah, await the final day (Luke 10:8-15).
A Specific Day is Set: God has set a specific day when He will judge the world in righteousness and calls all people everywhere to repent (Acts 17:30-31).
The Judge: Jesus Christ Himself has been appointed as the Judge of all people (John 5:22;).
Universal Scope: Judgment is universal: all must die once and then face God’s judgment (Heb 9:27). Even cities already judged in history, like Sodom and Gomorrah, await the final day (Luke 10:8-15).
The Books or the Book?
The Books or the Book?
There are two distinct resurrections, each leading to a different eternal destiny—one for the righteous and one for the unrighteous. These destinies are determined at the final judgment, which is eternal and unchangeable, meaning there is no possibility of alteration afterward.
There are two distinct resurrections, each leading to a different eternal destiny—one for the righteous and one for the unrighteous. These destinies are determined at the final judgment, which is eternal and unchangeable, meaning there is no possibility of alteration afterward.
Though expressed in different terms, these passages all point to the same reality.
Though expressed in different terms, these passages all point to the same reality.
The unsaved will be judged by “The books” where the deeds of every person will be revealed
The saved are those whose names are written in the Book of Life. The Book of Life lists all those who belong to Christ through faith (Rev 20:11–15).
The Hope of Christ: While judgment is certain, those whose names are written in the Book of Life through faith in Jesus will enter eternal life rather than eternal separation from God (John 3:16-18) (Matt 25:34-46).
The unsaved will be judged by “The books” where the deeds of every person will be revealed
The saved are those whose names are written in the Book of Life. The Book of Life lists all those who belong to Christ through faith (Rev 20:11–15).
The Hope of Christ: While judgment is certain, those whose names are written in the Book of Life through faith in Jesus will enter eternal life rather than eternal separation from God (John 3:16-18) (Matt 25:34-46).
Judgment for Believers
Judgment for Believers
Forgiveness of Sins: When we come to Christ, our sins are removed, “as far as the east is from the west” (Ps 103:12), “cast into the depths of the sea” (Mic 7:19). These will not be brought up again in the judgment, we will not be condemned.
Forgiveness of Sins: When we come to Christ, our sins are removed, “as far as the east is from the west” (Ps 103:12), “cast into the depths of the sea” (Mic 7:19). These will not be brought up again in the judgment, we will not be condemned.
Accountability: Though believers are forgiven, all will still stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of their lives (2 Cor 5:9-10). This judgment evaluates our faithfulness, not salvation.
Accountability: Though believers are forgiven, all will still stand before the judgment seat of Christ to give an account of their lives (2 Cor 5:9-10). This judgment evaluates our faithfulness, not salvation.
Testing of Works: Our works will be tested by fire—what endures brings reward, what burns brings loss, but the believer himself “will be saved” (1 Cor 3:12–15).
Testing of Works: Our works will be tested by fire—what endures brings reward, what burns brings loss, but the believer himself “will be saved” (1 Cor 3:12–15).
The Urgency of Evangelism
The Urgency of Evangelism
God’s Heart: “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked… turn back and live” (Ezek 33:11).
God’s Patience: The delay of judgment is God’s mercy, “not wishing that any should perish” (2 Pet 3:9).
God’s Wrath: Without Christ, people are storing up wrath for the day of wrath (Rom 2:5). Only Jesus saves us from it (Rom 5:9) (1 Thes 1:10) (1 Thes 5:9).
Our Mission: Because we deeply understand the terror of the Lord’s judgment, we urgently persuade others to turn to Christ (2 Cor 5:11). This reverent fear compels us to share the gospel with passion and urgency.
God’s Heart: “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked… turn back and live” (Ezek 33:11).
God’s Patience: The delay of judgment is God’s mercy, “not wishing that any should perish” (2 Pet 3:9).
God’s Wrath: Without Christ, people are storing up wrath for the day of wrath (Rom 2:5). Only Jesus saves us from it (Rom 5:9) (1 Thes 1:10) (1 Thes 5:9).
Our Mission: Because we deeply understand the terror of the Lord’s judgment, we urgently persuade others to turn to Christ (2 Cor 5:11). This reverent fear compels us to share the gospel with passion and urgency.
Why This Matters
Why This Matters
Eternal judgment reminds us that life is serious and accountable before God.
Eternal judgment reminds us that life is serious and accountable before God.
For the believer, it is a call to faithful, fruitful living in light of Christ’s return (2 Pet 3:11-12).
For the believer, it is a call to faithful, fruitful living in light of Christ’s return (2 Pet 3:11-12).
Christ’s work on the cross is the dividing line (John 3:15-18) those in Him are safe, those outside remain under judgment.
Christ’s work on the cross is the dividing line (John 3:15-18) those in Him are safe, those outside remain under judgment.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse