What are the two judgments?

Question: I know there are two judgments, one is immediately after death and the other is the judgment seat of Christ; 2 Cor.5:10, “…..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.”   What does the first judgment refer to?  My guess is that the first judgment is to see whether or not you are heavenly or hell bound.


Answer: There are indeed two judgments, but each and every individual will only be judged one time.  The first judgment takes place whenever a person dies or the return of Christ; whichever comes first; Heb.9:27, “…..it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” The first judgment occurs at death, but if one lives until the Second Coming, it is called the First Resurrection; Rev.20:6, “…..this is the first resurrection.”  Yes, the first judgment is to determine where the dearly departed will spend eternity.

The second judgment is called the Second Death or The Great White Throne Judgment.  Either one is correct.  If one takes part in the First Resurrection or first judgment, then he will be immune from the Second Death or second judgment; Rev.20:6, “blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power.”