Question 46: Final Judgment

Question: Will there be a final judgment?

Answer: Yes, all people will appear before Christ for judgment, with believers receiving rewards based on their earthly lives.

For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. 2 Corinthians 5:10

Paul writes to believers about a sobering reality—everyone will stand before Christ’s judgment seat. For believers, judgment isn’t about salvation, which is secured through grace by faith (Ephesians 2:8-9). Paul previously taught the Corinthian believers about judgment using a metaphor—we build on Christ’s foundation with gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw. Fire will test the quality of what believers build. What survives receives reward (1 Corinthians 3:11-14). Jesus also declares he will reward each person according to what they have done (Matthew 16:27).

Our choices matter for eternity. While salvation is God’s free gift through grace, our eternal lives connect to our earthly lives, shaping who we will always be. Final judgment, for believers, is about our stewardship of what God entrusted to us. Scripture calls us to build on the reality of God in Christ and to treat our time on earth as an investment in God’s eternal kingdom. For example, Jesus teaches that whatever we do for the least fortunate, we do for him (Matthew 25:40). Final judgment motivates us to make a difference in this life and invest our time and energy in things that glorify God and earn eternal rewards.

TODAY: Consider how you’re investing your life. Ask God to help you live with eternity in mind. Thank him that your salvation is secure and pray for wisdom to serve faithfully in ways that will matter forever. Learn more about eternity in our We Believe document.