INTRODUCTION

The Christian body-the church-is like marriage which cannot function without certain principles that govern its activities and relation. Before marriage, you would come and go at your own time, did what was right in your sight, cooked and ate at your convenient time, took and implemented decision at will. But all these changed after marriage as all decisions and actions would, henceforth, be taken with due regard to your spouse.

When judgement sits, every sin committed in public and in secret shall be brought before the judge for a decision (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Luke 8:17, Great Controversy, 482). Even thoughts of the hearts will also be judged (1 Corinthians 4:5, Early Writings, 58) and every action (1 Samuel 2:3, Prophets and Kings, 639) including idle words (Matthew 12:36, Desire of Ages, 323). Such is the nature of God's judgement of the world!

Christians are not left to guess what happens when God sits to judge the world. The Bible gives ample evidence and descriptions of what happens, who are the attendees, where it is taking place, when it is taking place and how it is conducted and the outcome of this judgement. Your name appears in the court roll and will soon be called to appear before the judge. 

God shall judge every secret thing of men, words, action and thought, whether it be good or bad (Ecclesiastes 12:14) and this judgement first begins in the church of God (1 Peter 4:17) after which He shall judge unbelievers. While God shall Himself judge His church, Christ and the redeemed shall judge the unbelievers ( 1 Corinthians 6:2,3). Thus, as you walk and go about your daily business, know that decision is being taken in heaven for life or death.

In this study, we examined the three court sessions, their nature, the manner and characteristics of each session. The emphasis is placed on the distinction and characteristics of these sessions, when they take place.