The 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
for 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
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.
Subjects will be unbelievers from all ages. Words,
works, conscience, actions, lack of faith—all 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
