Today, we’re going to dive into the topic of judgment in the Bible. For some, discussing what the Bible says about judgment can feel overwhelming and intense. For others, learning what the Bible says about judgment brings hope and peace, serving as a reminder that Jesus has promised to come back to the earth to make everything right. Whether you're a long-time follower of Jesus or just curious about your faith, this exploration of Bible scriptures on judgment will hopefully bring clarity, insight, and perspective to your walk with Jesus.
What Does the Bible Say About Judgment?
Let’s clear the air right off the bat, when the Bible talks about judgment, it isn't just talking about pointing fingers. Jesus even says, “Judge not, that you not be judged” (Matthew 7:1). The Bible teaches us that judgment is a multifaceted concept. Scriptures on judgment in the Bible teach us about divine justice, personal accountability, how we should treat others, and even remind us to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). In the Bible, judgment is about understanding right from wrong. Bible passages on judgment also encourage us to live our lives with discernment, compassion, and humility. So, don’t be afraid: as we study scriptures on judgment and Bible verses about judgment day, know that the love and kindness of God are with you!
Bible Verses on Judgment
Did you know that a lot of our laws are based on the Ten Commandments in the Bible? It’s safe to say that the Bible has plenty to say on the topic of judgment. Let’s look at some key Bible verses on judgment that show us God’s heart for justice in the scriptures:
For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. - John 3:17
Scriptures on judgment generally point us to Jesus. Jesus paid the price for the sins of the whole world. This Bible verse about judgment comes from John 3:17, and it is a direct quote from Jesus. Do you remember the famous Bible verse John 3:16? It says that “God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son that whoever believes in Him will have eternal life.” Bible passages about judgment teach us that Jesus has come to save the world from hell and to save us from the power of sin.
When you receive Jesus into your heart, He becomes your advocate on judgment day. Jesus separates your sin from you, as far as the East is from the West ( Psalm 103:12), and He makes a way for you to be born again, free from sin (John 3:1-21)
If you haven’t accepted Jesus yet, or if you want to re-dedicate your life to Jesus, today is your day! Pray a simple prayer of salvation over at our blog: This Is For You
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait until the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of the heart. At that time each will receive their praise from God. - 1 Corinthians 4:5
This Bible scripture on judgment reminds us not to judge others. God promises us that one day, everything that is hidden will be lit up by God’s light. Every unsolved cold case, every bit of fraud, and everything evil will be exposed on judgment day. So, rather than judging others and being unkind to them, Bible verses on judgment remind us that Jesus will bring everything to light in His perfect timing.
“Do not judge, or you too will be judged." - Matthew 7:1
What does Jesus say about judgment? The Gospel of Matthew is filled with Bible verses on judgment from Jesus Himself. Jesus’ words in the scriptures on judgment caution us not to be quick to judge. Have you ever made a quick judgment against someone else? Thinking a thought like, “She shouldn’t be wearing that,” or “How can he talk like that?” or “That person is going to hell!” are examples of thoughts that are judgmental. Bible verses on judgment invite us to pray for others, rather than judge them.
Read a story about how our friend, Savanna, has chose not to judge, but rather to minister to people who were actively using tarot cards: How Encounters with Jesus Lead to Fearless Evangelism
You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. - Romans 2:1
Scriptures on judgment often say the same message in different ways through stories and words of wisdom. In another Bible passage on judgment, Jesus tells His followers to recognize the plank in their own eye before pointing out the speck in their brother’s eye ( Matthew 7:3-5). Bible verses on judgment are important to the heart of God. Because true judgment rests with Him, it’s our job to love the world rather than condemn the world.
Learn more about how to love those around you and learn to be kind to them, rather than judge them: A Guide to Sharing the Love of God with Others
Just as people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment - Hebrews 9:27
This Bible scripture on judgment is referring to the judgment that everyone, everywhere, will one day experience as they stand before the throne of God in Heaven. Scriptures on judgment aren’t meant to scare us; they’re meant to encourage us to live a holy life that is devoted to God.
Learn more about how to live a life for God in our blog: Learning to Live the Gospel
For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each of us may receive what is due us for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad. - 2 Corinthians 5:10
This passage in 2 Corinthians is a scripture on judgment that shows Jesus as a righteous judge. As Christians, because Jesus has covered us from our sin, when we stand before the judgment seat of Christ, we can expect to be fully forgiven. However, for those who deny Jesus, scriptures on judgment make it clear that there are consequences for choosing to live a life of sin. Bible verses on judgment have been written as warnings and encouragements to follow the narrow way and live like Jesus instead of like the world. (Matthew 7:13-14).
For it is time for judgment to begin with God’s household; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God? - 1 Peter 4:17
This Bible scripture on judgment is another warning from God to live a holy life. 2025 has been a year of God exposing hidden sin within His Church. Many people apply this Bible verse on judgment as an explanation for so much sin and pain coming to the surface so quickly in the Church. Bible passages on judgment are written for our good so that we can be free from the weight of sin and receive the gift of salvation that Jesus offers.
Are you struggling with a sin habit you just can’t seem to shake? Read our blog: 4 Things You Need to Do When You Mess Up
"Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son, that all may honor the Son just as they honor the Father. Whoever does not honor the Son does not honor the Father, who sent him." - John 5:22-23
What does Jesus say about judgment? Jesus says that judgment is entrusted or given to Him. When we honor Jesus, the Son, we also honor God, the Father. Scriptures on judgment and scriptures on salvation tell us that Jesus stands in our defense, so that God sees that we are clean before Him (1 John 2:1, Hebrews 7:25). This scripture on judgment should fill you with hope! Because you gave your life to Jesus, He is now your judge, and your defender.
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. - Revelation 20:11-15
These Bible passages on judgment are found in the book of Revelation. Revelation can feel like a spooky or confusing book to read, but it’s full of beautiful promises and profound imagery that tell us how God will make everything right. Scriptures on judgment consistently talk about the throne of God. Jesus is the one this Bible verse on judgment refers to as “Him who was seated on it.” Every person in the entire world, both dead and alive, will stand before Jesus on judgment day.
Scriptures on judgment should fill our hearts with thanks to Jesus. Since we've given our lives to Him, we don’t have to be afraid of His righteous judgment. Hallelujah! Now is the time to share your faith with others and tell them about God’s love so that they, too, can be unafraid of judgment day.
Learn more about how to share your faith and grow in evangelism in our blog: How to Be a Disciple: Drop Your Nets, Pick Up Your Cross
Types of Judgment in the Bible
Now that we’ve covered what Jesus says about judgment and reviewed scriptures on judgment in the Bible, we want to help you understand the different types of judgment in the Bible. Over time, Christians have categorized a few different kinds of judgment in the Bible:
1. Divide Judgment: This is the perfect, righteous judgment that only God can offer. This is when God brings justice and righteousness, in the natural, to our world.
2. Self-Judgment: As Christians, we’re called to examine our lives and our actions, seeking to grow in spiritual disciplines and repent for our sins. This practice is called self-judgment or self-assessment.
3. Judgment Seat of Christ: As we learned in Revelation 20:11-15, Jesus will judge the whole world one day. Only Jesus can sit on the judgment seat, and only Jesus can judge the world.
4. Judgment of Angels & Spiritual Beings: While this remains a mystery, Bible passages on judgment like 1 Corinthians 6:2-3 and Jude 6:6 tell us that Christians will judge angels, and that the angels who rebelled and became demons will also stand judgment before God.
What Does the Bible Say About Judging Others?
This is where things get tricky when it comes to understanding what the Bible says about judgment. As we’ve seen in the scriptures on judgment, the Bible is so clear about living with love, grace, and compassion instead of judgment towards others. However, we are called to discern right from wrong. The hard part? Discerning right from wrong from a place of love and grace.
For example, if you know that someone in your Church is cheating on their spouse, you shouldn’t judge them, but you should encourage them to tell their spouse and confess their sin to the pastor. Or what if you have a friend from Church who you often catch lying to you? Rather than talking behind their back about their lying habit, you should be cautious about what you share with this person in your interactions, and you could confront them about lies you’ve noticed.
Jesus' teaching in Matthew 7:1-5 is often quoted but sometimes misunderstood. Jesus isn’t saying we should never make judgments about behavior or discern truth from lies. Instead, He's warning us about not becoming harsh or critical. The key is balance: you can stand firm in truth while extending grace to those around you.
Conclusion
As you can see, judgment in the Bible isn’t about pointing fingers or passing harsh sentences towards people. It’s about understanding God’s justice, holding ourselves accountable, and treating others with love and compassion, even when they do us harm. Whether you study divine judgment, self-judgment, or the final judgment day, the message is clear: God’s mercy and love are calling us to live a holy life. As you take your next step towards Jesus, you can strive to judge rightly – not with condemnation, but with love and a willingness to grow and learn. So, focus on living with discernment, humility, and grace, knowing that Jesus is your advocate and friend all along the journey.
