Theological glossary · FaithLogic

Final judgment

The judgment of all people by Christ at his return, 'according to what they have done' — vindication and reward for the redeemed, condemnation for the unrepentant.

'Final' / 'last' judgment, as distinct from the 'particular judgment' some traditions place at death.

Matthew 25:31–46; John 5:22, 27–29; Acts 17:31; Romans 2:5–16; 14:10–12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Hebrews 9:27; Revelation 20:11–15.

Confessed in every creed ('to judge the living and the dead'). For believers, the judgment is 'without condemnation' (Rom 8:1; John 5:24) since they are in Christ, though their works are assessed for reward (1 Cor 3:12–15). The basis of judgment ('according to works') is held together with justification by faith by distinguishing the ground of acceptance (Christ) from the evidence of a living faith (works).

The relation of 'judgment according to works' to justification by faith; the final state of the lost (eternal conscious torment, annihilation, or a wider hope); whether there is a distinct judgment at death.

Open in the glossary for related terms and the doctrines this concept appears in.