"It is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment" (Hebrews 9:27). Two things must happen to every person without fail. Every person must die. Every person must stand before the judgment chair of God to be judged by Jesus Christ. No one will be excused from death or from judgment.
The judgment day is the most important day of every person's life. Life's most important purpose is to prepare for judgment. Christians should understand the judgment so they will be properly prepared.
When will judgment come? Judgment day will come when Jesus Christ returns (II Timothy 4:1). Only God knows the day and the hour of Jesus' return (Mark 13:32). God has appointed a day in which He will judge the world through Christ (Acts 17:31). Jesus himself will be the judge (John 5:22; Romans 2:16). On that day when Jesus comes, every eye shall see him (Revelation 1:7), and all nations shall be gathered before him (Matthew 25:31-32). All of the dead shall also be there (Revelations 20:11-13). That means every person who has been born will be judged.
What will happen when that day comes? When Jesus comes to judge the world there will be a great noise made by the voice of the archangel and the trumpet of God (I Thessalonians 4:16). On that day the physical heavens and earth that now exist will be destroyed by fire (II Peter 3:7,10). The heavens (sun, moon, stars, etc.) will pass away with great noise, and the earth with all things on the earth will be burned up (II Peter 3:10-12). Then there will be new heavens and a new earth (II Peter 3:13).
By what shall people be judged? There are many things that will be a part of our judgment. Jesus said we will be judged by the words we have spoken (Matthew 12:36, 37). We shall also be judged by the teachings of Jesus (John 12:48). The help and kindness we gave or refused to give other people will also be a part of our judgment (Matthew 25:31-46). Also, we shall be judged by our deeds (Romans 2:5,6).
What will determine our reward? Paul says every person will be judged, and each will "receive the things done in his body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad" (II Corinthians 5:10). The way you live every day is determining the judgment you will receive. The only chance you have to prepare for judgment is the time you are alive on earth. There will be no "second chance". You will not be able to correct your life after you die.
The Christian who prepares for judgment by living righteously every day has no need to fear the judgment. Those who love God and are prepared have no fear of judgment (I John 4:17-19).
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