core studies : eternal judgement
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Tim 2:15
Eternal Judgement
On Judgment Day, all sinners will stand before God, and their deeds will be judged by His word (John 12:44-50, Hebrews 6:10, 2 Corinthians 5:10, 1 Corinthians 6:3). The righteous will not have to give account with the sinners on Judgment Day because they are judged as they live (1 Peter 4:17-18). The penalty (or "wages") for sin will be pronounced upon all sinners (Romans 6:23, Revelations 20:11-15). Judgment is final: there is no appeal or repentance afterwards (Ecclesiastes 8:5-8).
Every day that we live, we are establishing our own judgment. How we treat and judge others is how we will be judged and rewarded on Judgment Day (Matthew 7:1-5). The term "saved" refers to the fact that we are all sinners and, therefore, destined to the Lake of Fire; but, because we have received grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8), we are given eternal life in Heaven. By our repentance and obedience to baptism, we were granted God's gift of salvation (Acts 22:16). We are in a saved state, but we can give up our status if we choose to live contrary to God's word (Ezekiel 33:7-20). Baptism is only a part of salvation. A person must continue to abide in Christ (Mark 13:13, John 15:6-10).
All people will experience a resurrection--either to Heaven or to the Lake of Fire. Those who are found in a "righteous state" (living in God's will at the coming of Christ or at the time of their death), will be in the first resurrection (2 Timothy 4:6-8, Revelations 22:11-14). Those who are found in a "sinful state" (living contrary to God's will at the coming of Christ or at the time of their death), will be in the second resurrection (Romans 2:1-11,16, Jude 14-19, Matthew 25:8-13).
A person will know from the point of death whether they will have a favorable judgment or not (Luke 16:22-23). There is a place of torment for those reserved for the Lake of Fire, and a place of comfort for those reserved for Heaven (Luke 16:24-25). Jesus never spoke of a middle ground. There is no such thing in the scriptures as purgatory. There is an impassable separation between the good and the evil (Luke 16:26). Those who have died and are awaiting judgment at Christ's return are still able to hear the voice of the Lord (John 5:28-29); therefore, God's word is the eternal judgment of all.
