One's judgment occurs throughout the time of his opportunity for salvation. Beginning with God opening the individual's mind to understand His way of life, the judgment extends to the end of his life, and its consequences are eternal. God looks upon the heart, mercifully judging a person based on his attitude, his knowledge of God and His way, his application of what he understands, and his personal relationship with the Father and Son. By this judgment, God determines who will be in His Family. The vast majority of mankind will receive the gift of eternal life, and only the few who deliberately and willfully reject God's salvation will not. The judgments are broken into three broad periods: from Adam to Christ's return, the thousand-year reign of Jesus Christ, and a period following the Millennium when all those who have not had an opportunity for salvation will be resurrected to physical life.
Scripture References:
Hebrews 6:2; I Samuel 16:7; Hebrews 9:27; Hebrews 10:26-27; I Peter 4:17; Romans 2:16; Acts 10:42; John 5:26-30; Romans 14:10-12; II Corinthians 5:10; Matthew 11:20-24; Matthew 12:41-42; Ezekiel 37:12-14; Revelation 20:5-6, 11-14
From the Library: Eternal Judgment
Basic Doctrines: Eternal Judgment
Bible Study by Earl L. HennEternal judgment stands as a foundational doctrine of the church of God, equal in importance to repentance, faith, and baptism. God, the great Judge of all the universe, decides a person's reward or punishment for all eternity. While many regard judgment as a future event, it is a process that has already begun, with Christians …
The Judgments
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by John W. RitenbaughEternal Judgment stands as a foundational doctrine within God's plan, carrying implications that are age-lasting and never-ending. It involves a process of forming an opinion or evaluation through discernment and comparison, requiring time to observe individuals under set standards and varied circumstances before rendering a …
Basic Doctrines: The Fate of the Wicked
Bible Study by Earl L. HennGod reveals a clear and solemn fate for the unrepentant wicked, emphasizing the reality of eternal judgment. The wages of sin are death, not eternal torment, as God declares that sinners will die rather than live in perpetual suffering. At death, both the righteous and the wicked return to dust, with no consciousness or capacity …
Basic Doctrines: The Third Resurrection
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsMost of Christianity ignores the third resurrection, but it shows God's ultimate justice and how He will deal with incorrigibly evil people in godly love.
Is There a Hell?
Herbert W. Armstrong BookletIf hell exists, where is it? Can people leave it? Will those in hell leave hell at the time of the resurrection, or are they confined eternally to hell?
Benefits of the Third Resurrection
Feast of Tabernacles Sermon by Richard T. RitenbaughThe Lake of Fire (Second Death or Third Resurrection), dreadful as it initially appears, produces both immediate as well as ultimate benefits or good.
Basic Doctrines: Doctrine
Bible Study by Martin G. CollinsIn these days of psychology and feeling, doctrine is not very popular. But it is absolutely necessary for the salvation! Here are the basic doctrines.
What Happens to Those Who Don't Obey the Gospel?
Sermonette by David C. GrabbeMankind has a problem with finality, especially the prospect of eternal death. Those who reject the Gospel are choosing the second death in the Lake of Fire.
For more resources, please see the library topic for Eternal Judgment