Jesus’ statement that those who do not now believe his words are not judged implies that those who do believe and become his followers do come into judgment at the present time. This is indeed true. But to appreciate its full implications it is necessary to realize that the word “judgment” as used scripturally in this connection denotes more than merely the passing of sentence; that it includes also the thought of a trial which leads up to a sentence.

Thus the Christian is spoken of in the Bible as being on trial now. Peter speaks of “the trial of your faith” and says that it is “much more precious than of gold that perisheth.” (I Pet. 1:7) He also wrote, “Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you.” (I Pet. 4:12) Clearly, the trial of the Christian is severe. But the reward is correspondingly great. “Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life.”—Rev. 2:10

After mentioning the Christian’s “fiery trial” or judgment, Peter explains further: “The time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall the end be of them that obey not the Gospel of God? And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (I Pet. 4:17,18) This text clearly establishes that the present age is a time of judgment for believers, “the house of God.”

This is only the beginning of the Lord’s judgment work. Peter asks, “Where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear [for judgment]?” In this text the apostle does not answer his own question, and some conclude there is no future trial for unbelievers, and they will appear in a place of eternal torment.

However, Jesus answered differently. As cited above, he said those who hear, and believe not, are passed over for the present, and will be judged by his “word” in “the last day.” (John 12:47,48) In this wonderful assurance the Master makes it definite that the judgment of unbelievers does not occur in this life, that no decision is now reached as to their eternal destiny and will not be until “the last day.”

The expression “last day” does not refer to the last day of an individual’s present life. The same expression was used by Martha when, concerning her brother Lazarus, she said, “I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day.” (John 11:24) Notice that the “last day” is at the time of the resurrection. It is the thousand-year day of Christ’s reign, and of the judgment—the last great day, or period, in the divine plan for the redemption and recovery of the human race from sin and death.

From the texts already quoted it is apparent that only consecrated followers of the Master are now on trial for life. There is no second trial period for these, and if we fail to note that the Scriptures which establish this fact apply only to Christians, we might easily suppose that there is no probation for anyone other than in the present life.

No one can, however, be on trial for life while still under condemnation. And that is the position of all who have not accepted Christ as their Savior and consecrated themselves to do God’s will. Believers, on the other hand, upon the basis of their faith, come out from the condemnation which came upon man through father Adam. In their new standing before the Lord they have “justification of life,” in which there is “no condemnation.”—Rom. 5:18; 8:1

The significance of this as related to the future judgment day is revealed by Jesus when he said, “He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath [by faith] everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation [Greek, krisis, meaning judgment]; but is passed from death unto life.” (John 5:24) This tells us plainly that believers, by faith, now pass from death unto life and will not come into judgment in the future; their judgment or trial day is now.

This is a great truth which must be considered if we are to understand the purpose of the world’s future judgment day and its results. For example, it precludes the view that it is a time when sinners will be separated from saints, with the separation based upon decisions previously reached when each one died; for Jesus emphasizes that the “saints,” his true followers, will not appear in that future judgment at all.