Particular Judgment

"What happens when we die?"

3 Scripture passages2 objections answered2 Church Father quotes

The Short Answer

At death, each soul immediately faces particular judgment, receiving eternal reward (heaven), eternal punishment (hell), or purification (purgatory).

Quick Overview

Death is the deadline. At the moment you die, your choice about God becomes permanent. If you loved God, you're with Him forever. If you rejected Him, that rejection becomes eternal. There's no 'make-up exam' after death. Now is the time to decide.

Biblical Evidence

What the Scriptures say

Hebrews 9:27

"It is appointed unto men once to die, and after this the judgment."

Why This Matters

Judgment follows death immediately—not soul sleep or waiting.

Luke 16:22-23

"The rich man also died... And lifting up his eyes when he was in torments, he saw Abraham afar off."

Why This Matters

The rich man immediately went to torment, Lazarus to Abraham's bosom—judgment at death.

Luke 23:43

"This day thou shalt be with me in paradise."

Why This Matters

Jesus promises the thief immediate paradise—judgment happens 'this day.'

What the Church Teaches

Official Catholic doctrine

Each person's eternal destiny is decided at the moment of death. The particular judgment determines whether one goes to heaven, hell, or purgatory for purification (CCC 1021-1022).

Common Objections

Questions answered

Early Church Fathers

What the first Christians believed

St. Cyprian

c. 250 AD

"When we depart from hence, there is no longer any place for repentance; the sentence is pronounced, and the eternal retribution awaits us."

— To Demetrian, 25

St. John Chrysostom

c. 390 AD

"There are no second chances after death. If we fall in this present life, we can rise again; but there it is not so."

— Homilies on Hebrews, 9:27

Hell

Final Judgment

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