The Seven Judgments of Scripture

John 5:22-29

For Believers

1.     Judgment of believers' sins: This occurred at the cross, where Jesus took the punishment for believers' sins.

2.   Self-judgment: Believers are called to judge themselves concerning their sin and lifestyle.

3.   Judgment Of Works – The Judgement Seat of Christ: Believers' works will be judged to determine rewards. 

Nations/Israel

4.   Judgment of Israel: This refers to a future judgment of the people of Israel for their actions and relationship with God. 

5.    Judgment of the Gentiles: This involves judging the nations for their treatment of Israel.

For Wicked And Fallen

6.  Judgment of angels and Satan: This refers to the judgment of fallen angels and Satan.

7.   Judgment of the wicked dead: This is the final judgment at the Great White Throne, where all the unconverted dead will be judged. 

Word Study – John 5:28-29

a [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 evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.] The 10th New Testament prophecy in John (Jn. 5:28-29, unfulfilled). Next, Jn. 5:43. Marvel not at My power to resurrect souls from death in sin (Jn. 5:25; Eph. 2:1-9). I will also resurrect dead bodies from the grave (Jn. 5:28-29; 1Cor. 15:20-23; Rev. 20:4-15).

b [in the graves] Only the bodies die at physical death (Jas. 2:26) and only the bodies go into the graves to await physical resurrection (Jn. 5:28-29). All scriptures on the future resurrection of the dead refer to the bodies that sleep in the graves, not to the souls and spirits which are immortal and do not sleep in the graves (1Pet. 3:4, note). The righteous are in a conscious state in heaven (Eph. 4:8-10; Php. 1:21-24; 2Cor. 5:8; Rev. 6:9-11; Heb. 12:22-23) and the wicked are conscious in hell (Lk. 16:19-21; Isa. 14:9; Rev. 20:11-15). See Body-Sleep -- Not Soul-Sleep.

c [hear his voice] The souls and spirits of all men will be brought back from heaven or hell to the place where the bodies were buried and God will then resurrect them so that they will hear the voice of the Son of God and come forth to live forever with God, or in hell (Jn. 5:28-29; Dan. 12:2).

Notes For John 5:29

a [come forth] The bodies cannot come forth out of the graves lifeless and dead, so when the souls and spirits reunite with the bodies in the resurrection they will come forth like Christ did when His soul and spirit came back from hell to the body in the tomb and He came out of the grave (Ps. 16:10; Mt. 12:40; 28:1-6; Eph. 4:8-10).

b [they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life] The righteous that "have done good" (Jn. 5:29); that are "blessed and holy" (Rev. 20:4-6); that "are Christ's" (1Cor. 15:23,51-58; Gal. 5:24); that are "worthy" (Lk. 21:36); that are "in Christ" (1Th. 4:16-17; 2Cor. 5:17); that are in "the way, the truth, and the life" (Jn. 14:1-6); that have purified themselves "even as He is pure" (1Jn. 3:2-3; cp. 2Cor. 7:1; Gal. 5:16-24; Heb. 12:14); that are without spot or wrinkle and without blemish and are in the church, the body of Christ (Eph. 1:22-23; 5:27; 1Cor. 12:13; Col. 1:18,24) -- these will be resurrected to eternal life 1,000 years before the wicked (Jn. 5:29; Dan. 12:2).

c [done good] Greek: poieo (GSN-<G4160>), from which we get our word "poem." Here it refers not so much to individual acts of goodness as to character, nature, and conduct.

d [they that have done evil] The wicked will be resurrected to eternal punishment and damnation 1,000 years after the resurrection of the righteous (Jn. 5:29; Dan. 12:2; Rev. 14:9-11; 20:4-6,11-15; 21:8; 22:15).

e [done evil] Greek: prasso (GSN-<G4238>), to practice or perform repeatedly, habitually; thus differing from poieo

f [damnation] Greek: krisis (GSN-<G2920>), judgment, as in Jn. 5:22,24, 27. The wicked will be resurrected to judgment and punishment in contrast to the righteous who will be raised to everlasting life and eternal freedom from judgment (Jn. 5:24).

Dake's Annotated Reference Bible: Containing the Old and New Testaments of the Authorized or King James Version Text.

Hebrews 9:27 – Appointed Unto Men To Die, The Judgement

Greek: apokeimai (GSN-<G606>), be laid up in store;

be in reserve. Translated appoint (Heb. 9:27);

be laid up (Lk. 19:20; Col. 1:5; 2Tim. 4:8).

It is appointed or laid up by divine decree:

"Dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return" (Gen. 3:19).

This law of death will hold firm for all men

until the time of the rapture when the living

who are to be translated will not see death (1Cor. 15:51-58; 1Th. 4:13-16; Php. 3:21).

All who live at the end of the Millennium and who do not rebel against God will be permitted to live on the new earth forever without dying. Death will be destroyed and all things will be

restored as they were before Adam sinned (Rev. 20:7-10; 21:1-22; Rev 5; 1Cor. 15:24-28).

b [after this the judgment]

Death Ends Probation

After death the judgment, not a second chance to live on earth and be saved. Death ends all probation for the one who dies. If he is righteous at death, his soul and spirit go to heaven awaiting the resurrection of the body

(2Cor. 5:8; Php. 1:21-24; Heb. 12:23; Rev. 6:9-11).

If he is wicked at death his soul and spirit go to hell to await the resurrection of his body (Lk. 16:19-31; Isa. 14:9; Rev. 20:11-15).

There is no such thing as purgatory or a second chance to be on probation in the Millennium or any other time. Neither

is there a reincarnation or a transmigration from body to body

Acts 17:31

a [appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained] The 9th New Testament prophecy in Acts (Acts 17:31, unfulfilled). Next, Acts 20:29. At the end of the Millennium (Rev. 20:7-15; Mt. 12:36; Jn. 5:22; Rom. 2:16).

b [he hath given assurance unto all men, in that he hath raised him from the dead] The resurrection of Christ guarantees the resurrection and judgment of all men (1Cor. 15:1-23). He is "ordained" as judge (Acts 13:48). To Epicurians and Stoics the resurrection and judgment were a madman's dream. Only those whose hearts were open believed.

Acts 17: 32

a [And when they heard of the resurrection of the dead, some mocked: and others said, We will hear thee again of this matter] Paul had not finished his discourse before the crowd broke up.

The Judgements of Scripture

The Believer

<1> Judgment of Believers' Sins At The Cross of Christ And His Finished Work of Redemption (Jn. 12:31-32)

(1) Subjects: believers as to sin (Rom. 6:10; Heb. 9:25-28)

(2) Time: on the cross (Jn. 3:14; 1Pet. 2:24; Jn. 17:4)

(3) Place: Calvary (Lk. 23:33; Jn. 19)

(4) Basis: Christ's perfect work (Jn. 3:16; 5:24; Rom. 6:8)

(5) Result: death to Christ; life to believers (Rom. 4:1-24; 5:1-21; 8:1-16)

Believers' Self -Judgement Through Life (1Cor. 11:31-32)

(1) Subjects: believers walking in the light (1Jn. 1:7)

(2) Time: every day (Rom. 6:16-23; 8:1-13; Eph. 4:22-32; Col. 3:5-17)

(3) Place: in the earth (Rom. 8:1-16; Heb. 12:5-11)

(4) Basis: obedience to God and His Word (Jas. 1:22-25)

(5) Result: chastisement or approval from God (Heb. 12:5-11)

<3> Judgment of Believers' Works: 1 Cor 3: 8-12, Romans 14:9-12

a [gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble ...]

The 2nd New Testament prophecy in 1Corinthians (1Cor. 3:12-15, unfulfilled). Works are compared to these materials -- some become more pure in the fire and others are completely burned up by fire.

Fire will try every man's works. If his are gold, silver, and precious stones they will abide the fire and he will receive a reward for his works. If they are wood, hay, and stubble his works will be burned up, yet he himself will be saved from loss of his soul (1Cor. 3:12-15).

1. Subjects: believers (Gal. 6:8; Eph. 6:8; Col. 3:24; Rom. 14; 2Cor. 5:10)

2. Time: between the rapture and the second coming (Luke 14:14)

3. Place: in heaven (1Cor. 9:24-27; Rom. 14:10; 2Cor. 5:10)

4. Basis: works, both good and bad (1Cor. 3:11-15; 2Cor. 5:10; Rom. 14; Col. 3; Matt. 16:27; Rom. 2:6; 2Tim. 4:14)

5. Result: reward or loss of reward, but never the loss of one's soul for any wrongdoings properly confessed and forgiven (1Cor. 3:11-15). This judgment deals with the believer as a servant (Rom. 14; 2Cor. 5:10,11)

Believers will be judged concerning:

1. Doctrines (Rom. 2:14-16; Rom. 14)

2. Conduct to others (Mt. 18; Rom. 14)

3. Carnal traits (Col. 3; Rom. 1-2; 8:1-13; 14:1-23)

4. Words (Mt. 12:32-37; Rom. 14)

5. Things that affect others: slander, quarrels, idle words, foolishness (folly), dishonesty, broken promises, wrong dealings, etc. (Rom. 1:29-32; 1Cor. 6:9-11; Gal. 5:19-21; Col. 3; Eph. 4:1-32; 5:1-33; Rom. 12:1-21; 14:1-23)

6. Things that affect themselves: neglected opportunities, talents wasted, loose living, lack of spirituality, etc. (Rom. 2:14-16; Heb. 2:1-4; Gal. 5:1-26; 6:1-10; Col. 3)

7. Things that affect God: refusal to walk in the light, disobedience, rejection, failure to cooperate and yield to the Spirit, etc. (1Cor. 12; Rom. 12; Eph. 4:1-32; 5:1-33)

The Nations and Israel

<4> Judgment of Israel for her many centuries of rebellion (Ezek. 20:33-44)

(1) Subjects: the living Jews of the future tribulation (Zech. 12:10-13:1)

(2) Time: during the great tribulation (Jer. 30:3-11; Mt. 24:4-15; Dan. 9:27; 12:1)

(3) Place: Palestine, Edom, and Moab (Zech. 12:1-14:21; Dan. 11:40-45; Isa. 16:1-5; Ezek. 20:33-44; Hos. 2:14-17; Mt. 24:15-31; Rev. 12:6,14)

(4) Basis: obedience to God and His Word (Jas. 1:22-25)

(5) Result: conversion of Israel as a nation at the second coming (Isa. 1:27; 66:7-8; Jer. 30:3-11; Ezek. 22:19-22; Zech. 12:10-13:1; Mt. 23:37-39; 24:31; Rom. 11:25-29)

<5> Judgment Of The Living Nations At End Of Tribulation (Mt. 25:31-46)

Time: When the Son of man shall come in his glory]

When? immediately after the tribulation (Mt. 24:29-31; Rev. 19:11-21).

[glory] Mt. 24:30; 2Th. 1:7-10; 2:8.

[angels with him] Mt. 24:31.

[then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory] Then -- at the second coming (Mt. 24:29). Mt. 25:34,37,41,44,45.

[throne of his glory] Mt. 25:31; 19:28; Jer. 14:21.

Subjects: Nations At Armageddon -  Not every person in all nations for many will not know Christ has even landed on the planet earth until later (Isa. 2; 66:19-21; Zech. 8:23). It will be an individual judgment of all nations and individuals involved with Israel when Christ comes to set up His kingdom, not a judgment of the wicked dead.

The Basis: Their handling of Israel and siding or not siding with the Antichrist against her.

Contrasts Between Two Judgements of Nations and Wicked Dead:

Judgment of the nations / Judgment of the wicked

(Mt. 25:31-46) (Rev. 20:11-15)

1. Living nations ............................... the wicked dead

2. Before Millennium ........................... after Millennium

3. Christ the Judge ............................... God the Judge

4. On earth ........................................... in heaven

5. Two classes ........................................ one class

6. Some saved ........................................ none saved

7. Some destroyed ................................. all destroyed

8. No resurrections .............................. a resurrection

9. No books opened ................................. books opened

10. Basis: persecution of Jews .............. all sins of all men

11. One generation ............................. many generations

12. Gentiles only ............................. Jews and Gentiles

13. Angels help .................................. none mentioned

14. Some go to hell .............................. all go to hell

15. Some enter kingdom ............................ none enter it

16. Separation of good from bad .................. no good at all

17. To determine who lives on earth ................... none will live on earth again

18. Some enter eternal life ....................... none enter it

[sheep from the goats] Sheep and goats were allowed to feed together by day but were separated at night (Mt. 13:39-50).

25:34 – (inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world] The purpose of this judgment is to determine who shall enter the kingdom (Dan. 7:9-14,22; Rev. 11:15), and to give the meek the earth as promised (Ps. 37:11; Mt. 5:5).

[foundation of the world] Mt. 13:35.

25:37 – The Basis/Dividing Line:

a [Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee?] Questions 146-150. Next, Mt. 25:44.

25:40 -

[Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me] The reason and basis of the judgment of the nations. God will curse or bless according to how men have dealt with Israel. He will forever respect and fulfill the Abrahamic covenant (Gen. 12:1-3).

[my brethren] The brethren of Jesus according to the flesh (Mt. 10:6; Jn. 1:11; Rom. 9:5).

25:41

[Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire] Some will be sent to the lake of fire and eternal punishment (Mt. 25:41,46; 13:39-50; 24:51; Rev. 14:9-11; 19:20; 20:10). These will make the Firstfruits of the second resurrection, which is that of all the wicked dead (Rev. 20:4-6,11-15). Due to their judgment and entrance into eternal hell here, some teach these nations will suffer the first effects of the lake of fire and not be resurrected and judged again in Rev. 20:11-15.

[prepared for the devil and his angels] Hell was prepared for Satan and his angels and no man needs to go there (Jn. 3:16-20). If he persists in serving Satan then he will have to spend eternity with him (Mt. 25:41,46).

Fallen Angels, Satan and The Wicked Dead

<6>Judgment of Angels For Rebellion Against God

(2Pet. 2:4; Jude 1:6-7)

(1) Subjects: fallen angels (2Pet. 2:4; 1Pet. 4; Jude 1:6-7; Rev. 12:7-12; 1Cor. 6:3)

(2) Time: at the great white throne judgment after the Millennium (2Pet. 2:4; Jude 1:6-7; Rev. 20:11-15)

(3) Place: before the great white throne in heaven (Rev. 20:11-15)

(4) Basis: obedience to God (2Pet. 2:4; Jude 1:6-7; Ezek. 28:11-17)

(5) Result: eternal damnation in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:10; Mt. 25:41,46)

<7> Judgment of the Wicked Dead 

(Rev. 20:11-15; Acts 17:21; Rom. 2:16)

(1) Subjects: The wicked dead (Rev. 20:5-6,12-15) who are not judged at the judgment of the nations 1,000 years before (Mt. 13:30,39-50; 24:51; 25:3-46; Rev. 14:9-11; 19:20). These include all wicked people from Adam to end of Millennium.

(2) Time:

A. End of the Millennium (Rev. 20:7-15)

B. When heavens and earth are renovated by fire (Rev. 20:11; 2Pet. 3:7-13; Heb. 1:10-12; 12:25-28; Rom. 1:21-23)

(3) Place: at the great white throne (Rev. 20:11; Ps. 9:7-8). The throne is literal and the white indicates absolute righteousness and justice of the judgment (Ps. 45:6-7; 96:10-13; Jn. 7:24; Acts 17:31; 2Tim. 4:8), just as white robes indicate the righteousness of the saints (Rev. 19:8)

(4) Basis:

A. Law of conscience (Rom. 2:12-16)

B. Law of memory (Lk. 16:25)

C. Law of Moses (Rom. 2:12-16)

D. Law of character (Heb. 3:8-10; Eph. 4:19)

E. Gospel (Rom. 2:12-16)

F. Records of personal acts (Mt. 12:36; Lk. 12:2-9; Jn. 3:18; Rev. 20:12)

G. The book of life (Rev. 3:5; 13:8; 17:8; 20:12,15; 21:27; 22:18-19; Ex. 32:32-33; Ps. 69:28; Dan. 12:1; Lk. 10:20; Php. 4:3)

H. The Word of God (Jn. 12:48)

(5) Judges:

A. God the Father (Rev. 20:12; Heb. 12:23-24; 13:4; Rev. 6:10; Rom. 2:12-16)

B. God the Son (Jn. 5:19-27; Acts 10:42; 2Tim. 4:8; Rev. 19:11)

God will judge by Jesus Christ. The Father will decree, the son will execute (Acts 10:42; 17:31; Rom. 2:16).

(6) Nature: It will not be a spiritual, invisible, endless process but a definite, literal, visible, and personal trial in God's court similar to a trial on earth (Rev. 20:11-15; Ps. 9:8; Mt. 7:2,21; Acts 17:31; Rom. 2:12-16; Heb. 9:27)

(7) Universality:

A. The sea gave up the dead in it. This could only refer to bodies, for souls and spirits of the wicked dead do not remain in the sea at physical death. They go to hell and await the resurrection of their bodies (Rev. 20:13; Lk. 16:19-31; Isa. 14:9).

B. Death gave up the dead that are in it. This could only refer to bodies, for the body only dies at physical death (Jas. 2:26). Souls are dead in trespasses and in sins while yet in the body (Mt. 8:22; Eph. 2:1-9; 1Tim. 5:6). Physical death only, therefore, could be the reference

C. Hades delivered up the souls that are in it (Rev. 20:13). Souls and not the bodies of the wicked go to Hades (Lk. 16:19-31, notes)

(8) Purpose:

A. To give every man a fair trial before his eternal punishment (Acts 17:31; Ps. 9:8)

B. To judge the secrets of people (Rom. 2:16)

C. To judge idle words (Mt. 12:36)

D. To judge all the works, thoughts, actions, and sins of man (1Tim. 5:24; 1Pet. 1:17; Rev. 20:12-13; 22:12; Rom. 2:5-6,12-16)

E. To mete out degrees of punishment according to deeds (Mt. 7:2; 10:15; 11:22-24; 12:41-45; 23:12-14,33; Mk. 6:11; Lk. 10:14; 11:31-32; Rev. 20:11-15; 22:12)

(9) Length: time in judging all the wicked is not known, but the length of the sentence for all will be eternal (Mt. 5:29-30; 10:28; 13:42-50; 18:9; 23:15,33; 24:51; 25:41,46; Mk. 9:42-48; Lk. 12:5; Heb. 6:2; 10:26-31; Rev. 2:11; 14:9-11; 19:20; 20:10-15; 21:8; 22:15; Isa. 66:22-24)