FAQ on Judgment
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FAQ on Judgment
What Happens When We Die?
At the moment of his or her death, the soul, separated from the body, goes immediately before Christ to receive their Particular Judgment.
Don't I get a "last crack" at accepting God's Mercy after I die?
No. The Church teaches infallibly that Judgment is immediate. Our time to choose God's Mercy is limited to this life. Many, unfortunately, believe instead they will surely have an opportunity at the last moment in this life, however, no one knows the day, hour, or minute they will be called from this world. Prudence dictates we should never assume death will not be sudden.
What Is "Particular Judgment"?
The Particular Judgment refers to you, and you alone, at the moment of your death, as opposed to the General Judgment.
What is the "General Judgment"?
The General Judgment takes place at the end of time, when every soul who has ever lived is re-united with their body, through resurrection, to receive public judgment before God, the Saints, and their fellow man.
Why are there two judgments?
The Particular Judgment pertains only to glorification (or punishment) of the disembodied soul. The General Judgment pertains to the glorification (or punishment) of our bodies now reunited with our soul.
Can there be a split decision?
No. The reward or condemnation you receive at the Particular Judgment will be the same you receive at the General Judgment.
What happens to the soul after the Particular Judgment?
The soul that is saved either enters Purgatory or Heaven directly thereafter. The soul that is condemned goes immediately to damnation.
What happens to the soul after the General Judgment?
The soul that was already saved is reunited with a now glorified body like Jesus Christ's after His Resurrection. Purgatory will cease to exist after the General Judgment. All souls that were in the purgative state will go directly to heaven. The soul that is damned - who is already spiritually tormented by his or her separation from God - will now be physically punished as well by virtue of reunification with their body.
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