ll-0RACL3_kun-ll
Question: So to those who have died before the judgement day haven't been judged at all then, but will be along with the others on that very day? The final decision given to them I mean. Does that mean they aren't situated in heaven or hell yet coz that was taught during my bible class?
I think your class had it right.
It is hard to say how it will come to pass. If there are two judgment. One of the wicked, that is not written in the book of life, or one judgement where both wicked and just are judged. I have not been able to find a good answer to that, but I know the dead in Christ will wake first, before those that are condemned.
So to me that kind of is an indication that there will be two judgments.
We are told that to die is to be present with the Lord.
Philippians 1:23 I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far;
Proverbs 14:32 When calamity comes, the wicked are brought down, but even in death the righteous have a refuge.
You are already judged (maybe the unbeliever haven't heard the reasons for the sentencing and that this will happen at the White Throne Judgement?), which is why those who reject hell go there right after death, they are not written in the book of Life. It seems only reasonable to me that the believers that then die go to heaven:
Hebrews 9:27
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,
John 3:18
He that believes on him is not condemned: but he that believes not is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
Psalm 9:17
The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God.
At the finally White Throne Judgment Jesus will even judge Hell, and death.
Revelation 20:14
And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
I hope this answered your question, as you can see it is a somewhat difficult topic.
smile Either way we know for sure there will be judgement, and that there will be a new earth, and the effects of sin will be no more. Jesus will rule forever, and that is what we should cling to. I'd love to hear other views!