Our “End-Times” Plan #7: Judgment Day - Nothing to Fear for Believers

Posted June 26, 2025 | End Times Watch | River Wilde

Thank you for joining our group once again. I hope that you are finding peace, and the tools that you need to combat the anxiety of the end times.

As I was lying in bed last night, I thought about what might be the most frightful things regarding the end times.

We have already discussed “Being afraid that I would die,” in a prior writing. I hope that you have found comfort in realizing that most of us (God’s church) will be Changed, rather than die. We will all be changed TOGETHER in an even known as the rapture.

The second thing that I thought of that might bring us anxiety regarding the end times is “The Judgment.” If you have been a church attender throughout your life, we have been taught that we should be living a good life because God would be judging us at some point.

I’d like for you to take a moment and think about what you have been taught about the Judgment of God. Does this give you anxiety and worry? When you picture you being judged by God, do you see yourself being excited for this moment, or do you fear even the thought of this happening? Chances are, the judgment produces stress and anxiety for you.

I have spent my entire life as a member of the same church. It has helped me develop into the “spiritual” person that I am today. You likely belong to a religion as well and have that same feeling. Our churches have done this world so much good, and we appreciate them for providing a sense of “spiritual community” for us to thrive in.

What’s interesting about Christian religions is that many of them have differing doctrine regarding the Judgment of God. Most religions teach that there are several “boxes” that we need to check off to have a successful judgment from God. But…What is the truth about Gods Judgment? What does it really entail?

I’m reminded of the story of Christ on the cross, and the thief next to Him. Do you remember…..?

As Jesus hung on the cross, one of the thieves crucified beside Him recognized His innocence and divinity. In humility, the thief said, “Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom.” Jesus responded with a promise of eternal hope: “Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:42–43, KJV). This powerful moment reveals Christ’s mercy and the immediate assurance of salvation for those who believe in Him, even in their final hour.

I likened this event with what I had been taught my entire life and noted a great difference between the two. Here was a man who had committed a crime and was being punished for that crime by being put to death on the cross. He faced an immediate judgment from Jesus, right there in real time…and regardless of all of that man’s sins, as well as unchecked boxes from any religion, Jesus judged him and said, “Today shalt thou be with me in Paradise.”

Not, “Spirit Prison,” not “Purgatory,” not “Hades,” not “Sheol” and not “Hell”… Jesus told the thief that he would be going to “Paradise” to be with Christ.

So then, why is this example important to all of us? Because we are stressing a judgment as a result of what our churches have taught us. When in all reality, the teachings are not correct. They are something very different than what Jesus did in judging this thief. What is the truth regarding the Judgment? Churches teach something very different than what we just learned about Jesus judging this man. So, which is it? What is the truth about the Final Judgment?

I invite you to clear you mind of what you have previously been taught about the judgment from your church, and come with me to learn the truth about the judgment. I PROMISE YOU, that this new understanding will give you SO MUCH PEACE. You will not fear the judgment AT ALL after learning the truth.

To begin explaining the “Judgments” I must first share something with you. The scriptures talk about us being “Born Again.” Being born again is important as it relates to the Judgment, so let’s learn what being Born Again really means.

In the King James Version (KJV), being born again is a spiritual rebirth that happens when a person believes in Jesus Christ and receives new life through the Holy Spirit. Jesus said in John 3:3, “Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” This new birth is not of the flesh, but of the Spirit—transforming the heart and aligning a person with God’s will.

As 2 Corinthians 5:17 declares, “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” To be born again is to be made spiritually alive, forgiven of sin, and brought into a relationship with God through faith in His Son.

We are born again by hearing the Word of God, believing in Jesus Christ, repenting of sin, and receiving the Holy Spirit, who gives us new spiritual life. It is a gift of grace, not earned by works, and it marks the beginning of a transformed life in Christ.

As a young missionary for my church, I saw time and time again, people’s life change as they were, “Born Again.” They would come from a dark sinful life, and after devoting their life to Christ, you could actually see a physical change, even in their appearance. Living a life for Christ led to this “rebirth” that the scriptures are talking about.

Being born again has nothing to do with a certain religion. It includes all of those people who have devoted their life to Jesus Christ. Can you see the difference in your own life, when you decided to live your life for Christ, and stop living your old sinful ways?

I hope that you see yourself in this identifier… Being Born Again.

OK…Let’s continue.

This information might be new for you. I invite you to pause again and ask God to be with you as you study this next part. Asking God is the way that you can always know what is true… Ask God for conformation. He will tell you what is true, and what is false doctrine. ALWAYS INCLUDE HIM IN YOUR STUDIES.

The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible teaches about two primary judgments: one for believers (Born Again) and one for unbelievers. These are distinct events with different purposes and outcomes.

The Judgment Seat of Christ – For Believers

This judgment is for those who are saved through faith in Jesus Christ, those who are “Born Again” It is not a judgment for condemnation, nor based upon our sins, but for rewards on your faithful service.

• 2 Corinthians 5:10 (KJV): “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.”

• Romans 14:10–12 (KJV): “For we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ… So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.”
  This judgment occurs after the rapture and is to reward believers for their works, not to determine salvation (which is already secured through faith).

At the Judgment Seat of Christ, believers will give account for their lives. The phrase “good or bad” doesn’t refer to punishment for sins (those were paid for by Christ), but to how we used our time, talents, and choices—whether for God’s glory or not. We are rewarded for what was done in faith and obedience, and we may experience loss of reward for what was selfish or worthless—but not loss of salvation.

The Bible mentions several crowns that believers can receive as eternal rewards determined at our judgment. These crowns are not for salvation (which is a free gift through faith in Christ), but for faithful service, endurance, and love for the Lord. Here’s a list of the primary crowns of glory found in the KJV:

1. The Incorruptible Crown – For Self-Discipline and Victory Over the Flesh

• 1 Corinthians 9:25 (KJV):
  “And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.”
• This crown is for those who live a disciplined, godly life and overcome the desires of the flesh for the sake of the gospel.

2. The Crown of Rejoicing – For Soul-Winners

• 1 Thessalonians 2:19 (KJV):
  “For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?”
• This crown is for those who lead others to Christ and rejoice in seeing them saved.

3. The Crown of Righteousness – For Loving Christ’s Appearing

• 2 Timothy 4:8 (KJV):
  “Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.”
• This crown is for believers who long for and eagerly await Christ’s return.

4. The Crown of Life – For Enduring Trials and Remaining Faithful Unto Death

• James 1:12 (KJV):
  “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life…”
• Revelation 2:10 (KJV):
  “…be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”
• This is for those who endure suffering, persecution, or martyrdom for Christ.

5. The Crown of Glory – For Faithful Shepherds and Leaders

• 1 Peter 5:4 (KJV):
  “And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.”
• This is given to pastors, teachers, elders, and spiritual leaders who faithfully shepherd God’s people.

Our JUDGMENT will be a time that God will look at our life and REWARD us for the things that we have done which are good. It will be at this judgment that “Crowns of Glory” will be given to each of us, based upon what we have done on this earth.

The judgment is nothing that should be feared. It will be a glorious time with God, recognizing our good.

So, what about the unbelievers, how will they be judged? According to the KJV of the Bible, they will have their own Judgment which will take place at the end of the 1,000-year Millennial reign of Christ.

The Great White Throne Judgment – For Unbelievers

The Great White Throne Judgment is the final and most solemn judgment described in the Bible, reserved for all who have rejected God’s offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. It takes place after the thousand-year reign of Christ and the final rebellion, as described in Revelation 20:11–15 (KJV).

The apostle John wrote, “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away…” (v.11).

At this judgment, the dead—small and great—are resurrected to stand before God. The books are opened, including the Book of Life, and every person is judged “according to their works” (v.12).

Those whose names are not found written in the Book of Life are cast into the lake of fire, which is called the second death (v.14–15).

This is not a judgment for believers, who are already saved and judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ, but a final and eternal sentencing for the unbelieving. It underscores God’s perfect justice and the eternal consequences of rejecting His grace.

Summary:

• Judgment Seat of Christ – for believers, focused on rewards.
• Great White Throne Judgment – for unbelievers, focused on condemnation.

This information fits perfectly in the example of Christ and the thief on the cross. When the thief addressed Jesus as “Lord” it revealed profound truths about the thief’s heart and faith:

1. He Recognized Jesus as Divine

By calling Jesus “Lord,” the thief acknowledged that Jesus was more than just a man. Despite Jesus being crucified alongside him, mocked by others, and appearing defeated, the thief recognized His divine authority and lordship—something only revealed by true faith.

2. He Believed in Christ’s Kingdom

He said, “when thou comest into thy kingdom,” showing he believed that Jesus was a King with a future kingdom—something unseen and spiritual. Even as Jesus was dying, the thief trusted in His coming reign, which shows remarkable spiritual insight.

3. He Confessed His Own Guilt

In verse 41, the thief admits, “we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds,” indicating repentance and recognition of his own sinfulness, which is essential for salvation.

4. He Asked for Mercy, Not Deserved Favor

By saying, “remember me,” the thief wasn’t demanding salvation—he was humbly pleading for grace. It showed a repentant heart, full of humility and hope in Christ’s mercy.

Calling Jesus “Lord” showed that the thief believed, repented, and trusted in Christ’s power to save—despite having nothing to offer but faith. His words reflect the essence of being born again, and Christ’s immediate response, “To day shalt thou be with me in paradise,” confirms that salvation is by grace through faith, even in one’s final moments.

This is a priceless example of how our judgment will be. I invite you to see the comfort from the gifts that our Savior is giving to those who believe on Him.

If some of you reading this writing have not given your life to Jesus Christ yet, I invite you to do so now. It is more than just a simple prayer. It is changing your life to reflect the teachings of Jesus Christ, and a daily effort to be the best that you can be. In doing this, you too will see that you have been “Born Again,” as your new life will be different that it was in the past.

If this information is new to you, again I remind you… Trust NO MAN, not even me…Trust God! Take everything that you are learning to God for conformation, just as He told us to do:

James 1:5 (KJV):
“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.”

This verse is a powerful promise that God freely gives wisdom to those who sincerely ask for it. The phrase “giveth to all men liberally” means God is generous and willing to provide understanding without hesitation. “Upbraideth not” means He will not scold, shame, or criticize you for asking. This verse encourages believers to seek God’s guidance—especially in our spiritual learning—and assures us that He will respond with kindness and clarity.

I promise that as you study the Judgment, you will come to see it as a peaceful experience, and not the stressful one that perhaps you once saw it as.

Rember, there is only ONE truth. It doesn’t matter what any of us believe as it relates to the truth, as our belief does not change the truth. When we all pass into the next life, we will all see the truth for what it actually is. Let’s not wait until then to find the truth, because there is so much comfort for us to have right now in knowing the truth. The gospel of Jesus Christ that He taught when He was on the earth is so simple…and so peaceful. That is the way He intended it to be.

Can you imagine the day that we will finally be able to meet Jesus Christ.. I can only imagine what that day will be like. I invite you to click onto the following video link, close your eyes and try to imagine what this might be like for you.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWGbHWYtw3E

 

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