There is no "Pearly Gate Judgment"

Most people believe that when a person dies, that person stands at a "pearly gate" and God will determine if you go to heaven or hell. Did you know that this not true?

The Bible is clear that when a person dies they go somewhere. For the believer, one who has been born-again, 2 Corinthians 12:6-8 clarifies that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord. Therefore, the believer immediately goes to heaven where Christ is (Romans 8:34). For the unbeliever, someone who has never been born-again, Luke 16:22-23 shows that he or she will immediately go to hell.

Most people that believe in a "pearly gate" judgment do not understand the different Biblical judgments. Every person will stand before God and give an account for his or her life. All men do not stand in the same position with God and are not grouped together for one general judgment.

The Word of God teaches about the judgment of the believers (1 Co. 3:11-15; 2 Co. 5:9-10; Ro. 14:10-12). This judgment is called the Judgment Seat of Christ (2 Co. 5:10). When Paul says "we", he is including himself in the group with the believers of Corinth. The nature of this judgment is that a believer will suffer loss of reward. What a believer did and why a believer did (motive) will be the issue of judgment.

The Bible also teaches about the Great White Throne Judgment(Re. 20:11-15). This is the judgment of unbelievers. The Bible speaks of the dead at this judgment. Every unbeliever is dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1-3). According to the Scripture this judgment takes place just after the Millennial (1000 year) Reign of Christ and before the establishment of the New Heaven and the New Earth (Re. 22:1).

So, when is it determined that a person will spend eternity in Heaven or Hell? In life. Heaven or Hell is not decided by works but, it hinges on what you do with Jesus Christ (Jn 3:36; I Jn. 5:12). You, not God, determine before death where you will spend eternity. Trust Jesus Christ as your Savior today and go to heaven when you die!