FUTURE JUDGMENTS

It is generally and widely held that there is one end time judgment. However, as one studies the Word there seem to be a number of judgments. I see four future judgments in Scripture, each being unique and at a different place and time.

First, the judgment of the believer in this dispensation for his works at the judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14:10). Notice, this is a judgment of believers. This is not a judgment of condemnation, for there is no condemnation of those in Christ (Rom. 8:1). The basis of this judgment is not the believer’s sin, but their works. The result is not a loss of salvation, but or rewards (cf. 1 Cor. 3:11-15). This will take place at the rapture of the church (1 Thess. 4:13-18).

Second is the judgment of the nation of Israel (Ezek. 20:34-38, Matt. 24:21-31). This will take place at the end of “Jacob’s trouble” (Jer. 30:4-7; Dan. 12:1). The place will be around Jerusalem (Zech. 14:1-11). Since Israel is an earthly people, the judgment takes place on earth (Zech. 14:4) after the return of their Messiah (Christ). It will concern the nation of Israel who are gathered back to Palestine who are unconverted (Ezek. 20:34-38). Malachi describes this judgment (Malachi 3:2-3, 5). Those will not enter His kingdom and will be destroyed with the wicked (Ezek. 20:37; Matt. 25:30). Those remaining will be the remnant that enters the earthly kingdom (Ezek. 20:37; Rom. 11:26).

Third, is the judgment of the Gentiles (Matt. 25:31-46). This will take place before the millennium and at the end of the Great Tribulation. It takes place in the Valley of Jehoshaphat (Joel 3:1-2). This involves Gentiles living on earth at that time, for there is no resurrection mentioned in connection with this judgment. It takes place upon the return of Christ to earth. The basis of this judgment is their treatment of Christ’s brethren, the Jews (Matt. 25:32). The result is that some Gentile nations continue to exist and go into the millennium (Matt. 25:41).

Fourth, there is the judgment of the unsaved at the Great White Throne judgment (Rev. 20:11-15). This takes place at the end of the millennium (Rev. 7, 11). The subjects are the unsaved dead (Rev. 20:12). The result of this judgment is consignment to the lake of fire (Rev. 20:15).