Many people assume there is only one judgment at the end of the age, a judgment that separates believers from unbelievers. Others believe they have passed on from death unto life, so there is no judgment for them at all (John 5:24). There is also another group of people who believe that everyone will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ( 2 Corinthians 5:10).
At first glance, these distinctions may give the impression that the Bible contradicts itself. This makes placing one’s trust in the Scriptures difficult, as one might be left uncertain the nature of judgment to be faced.
A careful study of the Scriptures reveals that there are two main judgments: the Judgment Seat of Christ and the Great White Throne Judgment.
All people face a judgment (Heb. 9:27) “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment".
What is the Judgment Seat of Christ? Notwithstanding the assurance that believers have passed from death unto life (John 5:24), Christians who have placed their faith in Christ will appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ.
A clear reference to the Judgment Seat of Christ is found in ( 1 Corinthians 3:12–15, 2 Corinthians 5:10,Romans 14:10). In this judgment, believers will not be judged for their faith in Christ as Savior, but for their faithfulness in following Christ as Lord. Therefore, believers would be evaluated or give account about how they lived their spiritual lives, specifically, the extent to which they have walked in accordance with the Scriptures and the gospel, which is the essence of true discipleship. One's works determines whether one is rewarded or denied rewards. Those who are denied rewards, are still saved because their works are not dependent on obtaining salvation. Works is never the basis or condition for salvation. Otherwise, it would contradict clear statements of Scripture such as Romans 3:19-4:5; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9, and Titus 3:5.
So, what kind of judgment awaits those who have rejected Christ?
Unbelievers will face the Great White Thrown Judgment of Revelation 20:11-15, after Christ's return to earth as King. Works are mentioned there as evidence that their condemnation and suffering is deserved. After they are judged death and hell are thrown into the lake of fire.
The two great coming judgments are different for believers and unbelievers respectively. Those who have believed in Jesus Christ as Savior will not come under judgment for their salvation, but will escape condemnation. However, they will have to give an account for how they lived as Christians. Those who have rejected Jesus Christ as Savior face only a judgment of condemnation ending in the Lake of Fire.
So how does one escape the Great White Thrown Judgment?
It is by placing our trust in Jesus( John 3:16). For those who believed in the finished works of Christ have been justified . This is supported by other Scriptures that we are justified by faith in Christ(Romans 3:19-4:5; Galatians 2:16; Ephesians 2:8-9, and Titus 3:5).
In conclusion, believing in the finished works of Christ alone is enough to escape the Great White Thrown Judgment.
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