 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Q&A |
| |
: judgement day |
| Most Recently Posted | Ask a Question |
| I am a WELS member from St. Paul's Lutheran Church in North Mankato, MN.
My daughter and I were speaking about judgment day.
She asked me this question. I didn't know how to respond.
If our souls leave our bodies when we die. they then go to heaven or hell.
scripture says that on judgment day that everyone will be judged. both the living and the death.
Since the dead souls either go to heaven or hell haven't the dead already been judged?
thanks for your thoughts.
it's always wonderful to have children as in depth questions about our faith.
|
|
| Eugene,
It's wonderful when children ask questions - and when they know most of the answers. Praise God! Your daughter is correct. You can read Matthew 24 for a record of the Judgment.
Judgment Day is not a trial where Jesus tries to figure out who goes to heaven and who goes to hell. He already knows that. In fact, he immediately separates believers from unbelievers after all are raised from the dead.
Then, he cites the good deeds of believers as evidence of their faith. They visited sick and those in prison, gave food and drink to needy, etc. Believers don't remember doing those things becasue they didn't do it for a reward but rather as a fruit of their faith, as thanks for the gift of salvation Jesus gave them. Jesus invites them to heaven.
Then Jesus cites the unbelievers lack of good deeds as evidence of their unbelief. And he sends them to hell.
The purpose of the Judgment is to publicly recognize believers and publicly condemn unbelievers. Then, body and soul go either to heaven or hell.
Hope that helps explain. |
This is recent question #1 of 50
|
|
| Disclaimer: All materials, opinions, or statements made available through this WEB SITE are those of their respective authors. These materials are being submitted voluntarily with the understanding that such materials may become public information. WELS does not endorse any content nor make any representation or warranty regarding the accuracy or reliability of any such content. |
|
|
| |
|
|