Dictionary of Bible Themes  »  9000 Last things  »  9200 Judgment  »  9240 last judgment

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

The time of last judgment

It was anticipated in the cross

John 12:31 Jesus Christ is speaking about his approaching death.

It will take place at the end of the age

Matthew 13:49 See also Matthew 13:39-43

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

Last judgment is the prerogative of God

God as judge

Daniel 7:9-10 See also Hebrews 12:23

God entrusts judgment to Jesus Christ

Acts 17:31 See also John 5:22; Acts 10:42; Romans 2:16

The result of last judgment

Two eternal destinies

Daniel 12:2 See also Matthew 25:46

The ungodly will be punished

2 Peter 3:7 See also Matthew 25:41; Romans 2:5; Hebrews 10:26-28; 2 Peter 2:4,9; Jude 6-7,15

The righteous will be rewarded

2 Timothy 4:8 See also Matthew 25:34; 1 Corinthians 9:25; Revelation 11:18

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

It is according to revelation

Romans 2:12 See also Matthew 11:20-24 pp 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 pp Luke 11:31-32

Gentiles have the light of general revelation and of conscience yet fail to live in accordance with what God has revealed:

Romans 1:18-21; Romans 2:14-15; Romans 3:23; Galatians 3:1

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 pp Luke 10:11-12 Those towns which reject Jesus Christ's messengers will face judgment; Matthew 10:32-33 pp 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

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

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

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

Waiting with patient endurance:

James 5:7-9; Revelation 6:10-11 2 Peter 3:11-13 living holy and godly lives

See also

1310  God as judge
1439  revelation
2309  Christ as judge
2565  Christ, second coming
5482  punishment
5498  reward
8020  faith
8442  good works
9105  last things
9210  judgment, God's
9220  day of the LORD
9230  judgment seat