A very popular topic in Christian circles is “eschatology” or the study of future things. Usually this discussion is limited to views concerning future events surrounding the Second Coming of Christ. Millions of books on this topic have been sold. What is usually left out of these discussions, and what does fall under this category, are the specifics concerning the final judgment.There are a lot of views out there, and misconceptions, about the nature of the final judgment that we each will face when our life on earth ends. Contrary to what many hold to be true, it is not a “wait and see” type of event. The outcome is already determined.

Scripture is just as clear as it can be concerning this judgment for human beings. I am not talking here about the judgment of the nations or any type of judgment God may send upon the earth sometime in the future. Here, I am referring only to the judgment that determines where one will spend eternity: Heaven or Hell.

Jesus said, “He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God (John 3:18).”

Therefore, based on Jesus’ word, when we finally stand before God, it will not be to determine where we will spend eternity. Rather, it will be to carry out the sentence of the second death, an eternity in hell to those who did not believe and to welcome into Heaven those who did. The question we must ask ourselves, and the others we care about is: Do you believe in the Son of God?

I realize that there are people today who do not believe in Jesus and yet will believe in Him in the future. Only God knows the timing of His salvation plan for each person. But, the most important thing, for you, and me is to be sure today about our future fate and know where we will spend eternity. Every person will meet Jesus personally, either as Savior or as Judge. I chose Savior. What about you?
Philippians 2:10-12: ”…so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”