The Basics (Part 10)
Basic #6: Eternal Judgment
The last basic element listed in Hebrews 6:1-2, makes some feel uncomfortable. Of course, this refers to eternal judgment. How often do we hear, “Don’t judge me?” Like it or not, everyone will be judged. Yes, you will ultimately be judged -we all will.
“Wait a minute, I thought we’re all under grace, and we don’t have to worry about judgment.” That’s partially correct, but you’re still going be judged. The difference is what side of grace you fall under, and what you’ve done with what God has given you.
2 Corinthians 5:10 For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.
Without going into textbook definitions, understand that there are different Greek and Hebrew words rendered as (to) judge, judged and judgment. They don’t carry the same meaning. For example, one word refers to discernment. When dealing with eternal judgment, it involves sentencing of sorts. Let’s break this down, and see what the Bible has to say about eternal judgment.
What Did Jesus Say About Eternal Judgment
John 5:25-30 Verily, verily, I say unto you, The hour is coming, and now is, when the dead shall hear the voice of the Son of God: and they that hear shall live. For as the Father hath life in Himself; so hath He given to the Son to have life in Himself; And hath given Him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.
Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear His voice, And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
I can of mine own self do nothing: as I hear, I judge: and My judgment is just; because I seek not Mine Own will, but the will of the Father which hath sent Me.
To begin, all judgment comes through Jesus. One reason for this is because He is the Son of man. As the Son of man, He represents man to God. In essence, He judges us on a peer level, instead of His position as Son of God, or God the Son. This reveals that God is truly just. No one will ever be able to tell Jesus He doesn’t know what it’s like to be human and face temptation. If He judged us as the Son of God or God the Son, we could say that’s not fair.
Hebrews 4:15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but One that was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.
To be clear, God is God and we are not. He is able to judge any way He desires; regardless, of how we feel about things, much less have to say about them!
Jesus also revealed that there is a connection between the resurrection and eternal judgement. As mentioned in part nine, there are two resurrections: one for the just and the other for the unjust.
The First Resurrection and the Judgment of the Just
Revelation 20:6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
As Jesus said there is the resurrection of the just, which is the first resurrection. We also see in this passage, there is a second death, which we’ll go in greater detail in the next section. Everyone faces the first death, which is physical, and the second is reserved for those who reject Christ. Read the entirety of Revelation 20, as it gives a synopsis of the first and second resurrection, along with the second death.
Earlier, we mentioned everyone is judged, which includes the disciples of Jesus Christ. However, there is a vast difference between the judgment for Christians and for those who reject(ed) Him.
1 Corinthians 3:8-15 Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, God’s building.
According to the grace of God which was given to me, like a wise master builder I laid a foundation, and another is building on it. But each man must be careful how he builds on it. For no man can lay a foundation other than the one which is laid, which is Jesus Christ.
Now if any man builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.
Revelation 22:12 Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.
Every believer will receive rewards for their works of love and faith; whereas, they lose them if their works are dead. Those who produce fruit are rewarded accordingly. To be sure, our works have nothing to do with earning salvation. Our righteousness is found in Jesus alone. Nonetheless, He rewards obedience.
The Second Resurrection and Second Death
(Is hell final?)
Revelation 20:11-15 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
Is hell the final stop for the condemned? Sometimes it may seem so, because of the way some speak of it, or how eternal judgment has been taught by some. In part nine, we mentioned two compartments of hell (hades): paradise (for the just) and SHEOL (for the unjust). Paradise was the holding place for those who looked forward the first Resurrection, and is currently vacant, since Jesus led them out at the Resurrection (see Part 9). Making them partakers of the first resurrection.
Hell is reserved for those who are awaiting the Great White Throne Judgment, at which time it will give up the dead. The sea is also a metaphor for the world. All will be judged according to their works. Those who names are not written in The Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death.
The lake of fire and brimstone is a place of eternal torment, and where also the devil and the fallen angels ultimately will be found (Revelation 20:10).
2 Peter 2:4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment.
What has been given here is a basic synopsis of eternal judgment. There are more details than what has been shared here. As in other studies, be encouraged to study this one in greater detail for yourself. As we consider eternal judgment, may we consider loving others well enough to share the Gospel with them who have not received Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior!