Judgment & Justification

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Who is God?

Who are We?

Sin & the Law

Grace, Faith & Works

Forgiveness

Eternity

Additional Teachings

What does the Bible teach about judgment?

We are judged “not guilty” because we place faith in the perfect works of Christ. When God looks at us, all he sees is Jesus’ perfection.

Our works act as a testimony to our faith, but we are saved by our faith in Jesus’ perfect work. It’s our faith that credits us with the righteousness of Jesus’ perfect works.

For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.

Isaiah 61:10

What does Mormonism teach about judgment?

Mormonism teaches justification is being pardoned by Christ, and that Mormons accept the “gift” by performing all the works and requirements of Mormonism. If Mormons don’t do the work, they believe God will withdraw his offer.

In Mormonism, good works act as a testimony to a Mormon’s worthiness. Mormons believe they are judged by their works, and if they are found worthy enough, they will be saved.

As we repent of our sins, giving up every impure thought and act, the Holy Ghost will change our hearts so we no longer have even the desire to sin (see Mosiah 5:2). Then when we are judged, we will be found ready to enter into God’s presence.

Gospel Principles, Chapter 46: The Final Judgement

Why This Matters

If judgment is based on personal worthiness, then confidence is impossible. A person will always wonder: Have I repented enough? Overcome enough? Obeyed enough? That’s why many of our Mormon friends feel anxiety when thinking about judgment. Their eternal future rests on their performance.

But the Bible gives us something better: confidence, not in ourselves, but in Christ. The message of the cross is that Jesus already took the full weight of judgment in our place. We don’t wait for a future verdict to find out where we stand with God. Through faith, the verdict has already been announced: righteous in Christ. The fear of judgment is replaced with peace because we trust the One who was judged for us.

That changes everything. Instead of striving to be worthy, we rest in the One who is worthy. And with hearts freed from fear, we now live in joyful response—not trying to earn God’s favor, but thanking him for the grace we’ve already received.

Believers enjoy a new status before God as “the righteous” and “saints.” They already know the verdict and can look forward to Judgment Day. This brings peace with God.

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