How can people be judged when Judgment Day hasn't come yet?

[Sabra]

Hi everyone. I think I need your help to assist me in understanding one of the key principles in Christianity.

My question may seem stupid at first, but when you think about it, the Bible seems to contradict itself. We are told in the Bible of many people who are in heaven (e.g. Enoch, Moses and Elijah, the criminal on the cross next to Jesus when He was being crucified, among others). There are also a few stories about people being in hell, but I can't remember where they are. Now, for them to be in heaven (or hell) now, doesn't that mean that they have been judged by God? But the Bible tells us that everyone will be judged on Judgment Day when Jesus returns and then they'll be allowed into heaven or condemned by their sins to hell.

Do you understand what I'm trying to get at here? How can people have been judged when Judgment Day hasn't happened yet? Why is that only some people are allowed into heaven now while the rest of us have to wait until Judgment Day? I don't know, I'm so confused on this issue... Any help from anyone of any denomination would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[ChristianWildlife]

Well, I'm not sure I can answer your question. It did cause me to think, "after you die, what is time?". Since time only really exists in our fleshly state, moving from death to the judgement seat doesn't seem like it would take that long.

 

[Soon Rev 22:11-12]

There are three phases of the judgment. One - a review or investigation of the evidence. (according to prophecy, this has already begun.) Two - a verdict is rendered based upon the facts. Three - the reward/punishment is given.

 

[Soon Rev 22:11-12]

Notice:

Revelation 14
6Then I saw another angel flying in midair, and he had the eternal gospel to proclaim to those who live on the earth—to every nation, tribe, language and people. 7He said in a loud voice, "Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of his judgment has come. (There is a particular time before which there is no judgment.) Worship him who made the heavens, the earth, the sea and the springs of water."

Daniel 7
9 "As I looked,
"thrones were set in place,
and the Ancient of Days took his seat.
His clothing was as white as snow;
the hair of his head was white like wool.
His throne was flaming with fire,
and its wheels were all ablaze.
10 A river of fire was flowing,
coming out from before him.
Thousands upon thousands attended him;
ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. (These are angels, not humans.)
The court was seated,
and the books were opened. (This is the beginning of the judgment. It happens in heaven, not on earth.)
22 until the Ancient of Days came and pronounced judgment in favor of the saints of the Most High, and the time came when they possessed the kingdom.

Revelation 11
18The nations were angry; and your wrath has come.
The time has come for judging the dead, (THE DEAD ARE NOT JUDGED UNTIL THIS TIME! - this is a future event at the time of the writing of the book of Revelation)
and for rewarding your servants the prophets

 

[Soon Rev 22:11-12]

Take a thoughtful look at this site, Sabra.
http://www.teachinghearts.org/dre17hstjudge.html

 

[Sabra]

Thanks everyone! I will meditate on what you have taught me.