The Last Judgment (or Final Judgment) refers to the event at the end of time when God will judge all people, both the living and the dead. It is the moment when Christ returns in glory to separate the righteous from the wicked. The Last Judgment is a key event in Christian eschatology, representing the culmination of human history and the final realization of God’s justice, mercy, and eternal kingdom.
Key Concepts:
- Separation of the Righteous and the Wicked:
At the Last Judgment, those who lived according to God’s will (the righteous) will be rewarded with eternal life in God’s presence, while those who have rejected Christ and lived in sin (the wicked) will face eternal punishment (Matthew 25:34-46, Revelation 20:11-15). - The Resurrection of the Dead:
The Last Judgment is preceded by the resurrection of the dead, when all people will be raised to face judgment—those who have done good will be resurrected to eternal life, and those who have done evil will face judgment and eternal separation from God (John 5:28-29, 1 Corinthians 15:52).
Historical Background:
- Biblical Foundations:
The Last Judgment is described in various parts of the New Testament, notably in Matthew 25:31-46, Revelation 20:11-15, and 2 Corinthians 5:10. These passages emphasize the accountability of every person before God and the consequences of their choices in life. The concept is also rooted in the teachings of Jesus, who warned about the final judgment and the need for repentance and righteous living. - Early Christian Beliefs:
Early Christians anticipated the return of Christ and the final judgment, which were central to their understanding of hope and justice. The early Church emphasized the importance of living in a way that would lead to a favorable judgment.
Written by AI. A more correct, God given, explanation can be found here.