Final judgment

Final Judgment is the sentence that will be passed on our actions at the last day (Matt. 25; Rom. 14:10, 11; 2 Cor. 5: 10; 2 Thess. 1:7-10). The judge is Jesus Christ, as mediator. All judgment is committed to him (Acts 17:31; John 5:22, 27; Rev. 1:7). "It pertains to him as mediator to complete and publicly manifest the salvation of his people and the overthrow of his enemies, together with the glorious righteousness of his work in both respects." The persons to be judged are, (1) the whole race of Adam without a single exception (Matt. 25:31-46; 1 Cor. 15:51, 52; Rev. 20:11-15); and (2) the fallen angels (2 Pet. 2:4; Jude 6). The rule of judgment is the standard of God's law as revealed to men, the heathen by the law as written on their hearts (Luke 12:47, 48; Rom. 2:12-16); the Jew who "sinned in the law shall be judged by the law" (Rom. 2:12); the Christian enjoying the light of revelation, by the will of God as made known to him (Matt. 11:20-24; John 3:19). Then the secrets of all hearts will be brought to light (1 Cor. 4:5; Luke 8:17; 12:2, 3) to vindicate the justice of the sentence pronounced. The time of the judgment will be after the resurrection (Heb. 9:27; Acts 17: 31). As the Scriptures represent the final judgment "as certain [Eccl. 11:9], universal [2 Cor. 5:10], righteous [Rom. 2:5], decisive [1 Cor. 15:52], and eternal as to its consequences [Heb. 6:2], let us be concerned for the welfare of our immortal interests, flee to the refuge set before us, improve our precious time, depend on the merits of the Redeemer, and adhere to the dictates of the divine word, that we may be found of him in peace." ^[1]^

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Judgment Seat

The Judgment Seat of Christ (or bema seat) is one of several judgments described in the Bible, specific to individual believers standing before God in the last day to receive their reward. Some believe it is distinct from the event described in Revelation where unbelievers are cast into the Lake of Fire.

The word bema is used in the Bible to describe the place where defendant and accuser stand in front of a magistrate in a court (Matthew 27:19, John 19:13), but also in classical Greek usage as the evaluation stand for athletes. Although it is used metaphorically in both ways in Paul's writings, it is more commonly believed to be associated with reward than punishment.

(Cf. Romans 14:10, 1 Corinthians 9:24-27, 2 Corinthians 5:10)

White throne judgment

The White Throne judgment is seen as the final judgment described in the Bible. The name White Throne comes from the description given in Rev. 20:11-15. Similarly there is what appears to be a description of final judgment in Matthew 25:31-46. Some premillennialists see these as describing two judgments separated by the 1000 year millennial reign of Christ on earth. Others (amillennialists and postmillennialists) see this as the same judgment as at the White Throne -- the final judgment before the eternal state. ^[[citations\ needed](Theopedia:Writing_guide#Reference_your_work)]^

Notes

  1. ↑ Easton Illustrated Dictionary, "Final Judgment"

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