What is Judgment Day?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Judgment Day, also known as the great white throne judgment, marks the final day when God will judge all people who have not put their faith in Him. This judgment will result in the destruction of Satan and his demons, the end of the current world, and the creation of new heavens and a new earth. Every person will be judged according to their deeds, with those whose names are not found in the book of life being cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:11–15). Believers in Christ will not face judgment for their sins but will be judged based on the righteousness of Christ, receiving rewards and eternal life in perfection (Ephesians 2:1–10). Judgment Day is a day of both justice and hope, with the joy of eternal life for those who have received Christ but eternal separation for those who have rejected Him.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• There are many passages, especially in the Old Testament prophets, where God pronounces judgment over a specific region or people group (Isaiah 34:1–8; Ezekiel 25:12–17), but that is different from the final judgment that is to come.

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• The great white throne judgement, or Judgment Day, is described in detail in Revelation: "Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire" (Revelation 20:11–15).
• Everyone will face judgment: "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil" (2 Corinthians 5:10).
• Even the angels will be judged: "For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judgment" (2 Peter 2:4).
• Nothing will be hidden from God, but all will be revealed: "For God will bring every deed into judgement, with every secret thing, whether good or evil" (Ecclesiastes 12:14).
• Jesus and New Testament writers warn believers not to be slack but to be vigilant in serving the Lord and spreading the gospel in preparation for that day (1 Peter 4:7; Revelation 3:11; Hebrews 10:24–25).
• Judgment Day is not just a day of wrath; it is also a day of rejoicing, a day of life and healing. Believers in Jesus Christ will not be judged in accordance to their sins but based on the righteousness of Christ that has been imputed to them by God's grace through faith (Ephesians 2:1–10; 2 Corinthians 5:16–21).
• Judgment for believers is a judgment of reward at the bema seat of Christ. After judgment comes new life in perfection for all who have given their lives to Christ (Revelation 21:1–4).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Those who have received Christ can rejoice and hope in the coming judgment because it will bring justice and life in perfection and wholeness with God. Their pain and trials will be no more. Rejoicing and life will be theirs for eternity. For those who have not received Christ, God promises that He will judge them according to their deeds (Revelation 20:12–15). The deed that everyone will be judged for is whether they have rejected or accepted Jesus Christ as Savior. This judgment will bring consequences for rejecting His offer of grace, resulting in separation from God and eternal punishment (Matthew 25:46). God’s promise of His return is a promise of both hope for those who trust in Him and justice for those who do not.

If you have not yet turned to Jesus for salvation, do not delay! You can be rescued from your sins today and assured that when judgment comes, you will be found righteous because of Christ's work on the cross on your behalf (Ephesians 2:1–10; 2 Corinthians 5:16–21; John 3:16–18). Please see our articles here to learn more: "What is salvation?" and "How can I be saved?"

UNDERSTAND

• Judgment Day is the final judgment for all, including Satan and the demons.
• Believers are judged by Christ’s righteousness, not their sins, and are rewarded for their actions.
• Unbelievers are judged for rejecting Christ.

REFLECT

• How does the promise of judgment and eternal life affect your perspective on your daily choices and actions?
• What does it mean for you personally to understand the difference in the judgment of believers and unbelievers?
• How does the reality of Judgment Day shape your relationship with those who have not yet received Christ?

ENGAGE

• How can the reality of Judgment Day influence how we share the gospel with others?
• How can we encourage other believers to stay vigilant in living out their faith in preparation for Judgment Day?
• How does the concept of a just and merciful judgment challenge or encourage your understanding of God’s nature?