The Bible speaks of an end-time judgment in which the lives of every living human being who has ever lived are reviewed in heaven.
Some people tremble at the thought … others consider this great news and are joyfully expectant of the outcome. But how do you feel about judgment day?
Let's see what the Bible says:
Q. Is God really going to judge us?
A. The Bible says, “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
- “The Ancient of days did sit. ... His throne was like the fiery flame. ... The judgment was set, and the books were opened” (Daniel 7:9, 10).
- “God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14).
The Bible mentions the judgment over 1,000 times, and almost every Bible author refers to it. Yes, we are all going to be judged.
Q. If this is a judgment, who is my accuser? Who is my judge? Do I get an attorney?
A. “The Devil, ... the accuser of our brethren is cast down, which accused them before our God day and night” (Revelation 12:9, 10).
It is Satan, the devil, who accuses you. He brings up all the sins you've ever committed as evidence that you do not deserve to live forever in heaven.
“The Father ... hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (John 5:22). “We have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous” (1John 2:1).
But notice that the Bible says that God the Father has given all judgment to Jesus. The Bible also says Jesus is our advocate. He is our attorney in the heavenly court! What better outcome can there be when our Judge is also our Attorney?
God promises that judgment will be “given in favour of the saints” (Daniel 7:22 NEB).
Q. Why does there need to be a judgment day? Doesn't God know everything?
A. The judgment is not to inform God. He is already fully informed (2 Timothy 2:19). However, the redeemed people will be coming to heaven from a world that has been degraded by sin. Both the angels and the righteous might feel uneasy about admitting anyone to God’s heavenly kingdom who might start sin all over again. Thus, the judgment will open to them every detail and answer every question.
For more about this exciting topic, see our Bible Study Guide called Case Closed. Or start our Bible school by clicking here!
The New English Bible, (C) 1961, 1970 by the Delegates of the Oxford University Press and the Syndics of the Cambridge University Press. Used by permission.