Discover what the Bible says about the last day, including judgment, resurrection of the dead, accountability before God, and the hope that follows.
The Last Day – What is It?
The Last Day in the Bible: Judgment and Resurrection
1. The Last Day Has Been Appointed by God
The Bible teaches that God has set a specific day.
It says, “He has appointed a day in which he will judge the world” (Acts 17:31).
Therefore, the last day is certain and unavoidable.
2. The Resurrection of All the Dead
On the last day, the dead are raised.
Jesus said, “All who are in the tombs will hear his voice” (John 5:28).
Then, everyone responds to that call.
3. Both Righteous and Unrighteous Are Raised
The resurrection includes all people.
Scripture states, “A resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust” (Acts 24:15).
Thus, no one is excluded.
4. Separation of the Good and the Wicked
After the resurrection, separation takes place.
Jesus said, “He will separate them one from another” (Matthew 25:32).
Therefore, final distinctions are made..
5. Outcome for the Righteous
The righteous receive life.
Jesus explained, “Those who have done good, to the resurrection of life” (John 5:29).
Consequently, obedience is rewarded.
6. Outcome for the Wicked
The wicked face judgment.
Jesus also said, “Those who have done evil, to the resurrection of judgment” (John 5:29).
However, judgment reflects justice, not injustice.
7. Why the Last Day Must Occur
The last day fulfills God’s justice.
The Bible says God “will render to every man according to his works” (Romans 2:6).
Therefore, wrongdoing is addressed fully.
8. Personal Accountability Before God
Everyone answers for personal actions.
Scripture says, “Each of us will give account of himself to God” (Romans 14:12).
Thus, individual responsibility truly matters.
Will You Be Judged as Righteous or Wicked?
The Last Day in the Bible: Judgment and Resurrection
1. Faith in God and His Son Jesus Christ
The Bible teaches that righteousness begins with faith.
Hebrews 11:6 says it is impossible to please God without faith.
In contrast, rejecting God and Christ places a person outside His approval.
2. Obedience to God’s Commands
Righteous people strive to obey God’s instructions.
Ecclesiastes 12:13 calls obedience the whole duty of man.
However, deliberate disobedience and rebellion mark the wicked.
3. Practicing Love Toward Others
Love is a defining mark of the righteous.
Jesus said love identifies his true followers (John 13:35).
By contrast, hatred, violence, and lack of compassion characterise wicked conduct.
4. Repentance and Turning Away From Sin
The righteous repent when they sin.
Proverbs 28:13 says those confessing and forsaking sin find mercy.
Meanwhile, the wicked persist in wrongdoing without remorse.
5. Doing Good Works That Honour God
The Bible links righteousness with good works.
Matthew 5:16 encourages works that glorify God.
Conversely, harmful actions and selfish behaviour bring condemnation.
6. Respect for Life and Moral Cleanliness
God values moral purity and respect for life.
Psalm 24:3–4 describes clean hands and pure hearts.
In contrast, immorality, violence, and exploitation lead to judgment.
7. Humility and Teachability
The righteous are humble before God.
Micah 6:8 highlights humility as a requirement.
Pride, arrogance, and stubbornness are repeatedly condemned as wicked traits.
8. Honesty and Integrity
Truthfulness pleases God.
Proverbs 11:1 says dishonest scales are detestable to Him.
Lying, fraud, and corruption are consistently linked to wickedness.
9. Perseverance and Endurance in Righteous Living
Righteousness involves endurance.
Matthew 24:13 says endurance leads to salvation.
Those who abandon faith and righteous conduct face judgment.
10. Accountability and Final Judgment
The Bible teaches personal accountability.
Romans 2:6 says God repays each person according to deeds.
Therefore, righteous actions bring life, while wicked actions bring loss.
Useful Links
The Last Day in the Bible: Judgment and Resurrection
Useful Scriptures
The Last Day in the Bible: Judgment and Resurrection
Faith and Belief in God and Christ
Hebrews 11:6
“Without faith it is impossible to be pleasing to him, for he who comes to God must believe that he exists.”
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish.”
John 17:3
“This is eternal life, that they should know you, the only true God, and him whom you sent, Jesus Christ.”
Obedience and Doing God’s Will
Ecclesiastes 12:13
“Fear God, and keep his commandments; for this is the whole duty of man.”
Matthew 7:21
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of Heaven.”
1 John 2:3–4
“This is how we know that we know him, if we keep his commandments.”
Love, Mercy, and Righteous Actions
Matthew 22:37–39
“‘You shall love the Lord your God… You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Matthew 25:35–36
“For I was hungry, and you gave me food… naked, and you clothed me.”
James 1:27
“Pure religion… is this: to visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction.”
Studying and Living by Scripture
Psalm 1:1–2
“Blessed is the man who doesn’t walk in the counsel of the wicked… but his delight is in Yahweh’s law.”
2 Timothy 3:16–17
“Every Scripture is God-breathed… that the man of God may be complete.”
Joshua 1:8
“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night.”
Repentance and Turning From Sin
Acts 3:19
“Repent therefore, and turn again, that your sins may be blotted out.”
Proverbs 28:13
“He who conceals his sins doesn’t prosper, but whoever confesses and renounces them finds mercy.”
Righteous vs Wicked Conduct
Malachi 3:18
“Then you shall return and discern between the righteous and the wicked.”
Psalm 37:9
“For evildoers shall be cut off, but those who wait for Yahweh shall inherit the land.”
Proverbs 14:12
“There is a way which seems right to a man, but in the end it leads to death.”
End Times and Readiness
Matthew 24:42
“Watch therefore, for you don’t know in what hour your Lord comes.”
Matthew 25:13
“Watch therefore, for you don’t know the day nor the hour.”
Luke 21:36
“Be watchful at all times, praying that you may be counted worthy.”
Resurrection of the Dead
John 5:28–29
“All who are in the tombs will hear his voice, and will come out.”
Acts 24:15
“There will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and unjust.”
Daniel 12:2
“Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake.”
Separation of Righteous and Wicked
Matthew 25:31–33
“He will separate them one from another, as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.”
Matthew 13:49
“So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked.”
Judgment and Personal Accountability
Romans 14:12
“So then each one of us will give account of himself to God.”
2 Corinthians 5:10
“We must all be revealed before the judgment seat of Christ.”
Romans 2:6
“Who will pay back to everyone according to their works.”
Outcome for the Righteous
Matthew 25:46
“The righteous will go into eternal life.”
Psalm 37:29
“The righteous shall inherit the land, and live in it forever.”
Outcome for the Wicked
Revelation 21:8
“But for the cowardly, unbelieving… their part is in the lake that burns with fire.”
Psalm 92:7
“When the wicked spring up like grass… it is that they shall be destroyed forever.”