Day of judgment facts for kids

The Last Judgment painted by Stefan Lochner in the 15th century.

In the Christian religion, The Day of Judgment is a future time when Christians believe God will judge everyone who has ever lived. It's also called the Last Judgment, Final Judgment, Judgment Day, or Doomsday. Sometimes it's known as The Day of the Lord.

What Early Christians Believed

Prophets and Salvation

Long ago, in the Old Testament, prophets spoke about a day when God would send his son. This son would help people be forgiven for their mistakes. He would also help to save their souls.

Early Christians believed that even though Jesus Christ had already come to Earth and died on the cross, true salvation would happen later. They thought it would be when the world ends. At that time, everyone, both living and dead, would stand before God to be judged.

Mentions in the Bible

The idea of "The Day of the Lord" appears several times in the Old Testament. For example, you can find it in the Book of Ezekiel (chapter 13, verse 5) and Isaiah (chapter 2, verse 12).

In the New Testament, the idea of Christ returning as the world's Judge is mentioned often. In the letters written by Paul and in the Revelation to John, it says that good Christians will rule with Christ on Earth for a while.

Christ's Return

When Christ returns, a trumpet call will announce his arrival. He will come down from heaven. All people who are alive will stay alive. Also, all people who have died will become alive again.

Christ's Second Coming is also talked about in ancient creeds. These are statements of Christian beliefs.

• The Apostles' Creed says: "He ascended into heaven...From thence He shall come to judge the living and the dead."
• The Nicene Creed says: "He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead."

The Day of Judgment in Art

Famous Paintings and Mosaics

The belief in the Day of Judgment has inspired many artists over time. They have created many drawings and paintings of Christ's Second Coming.

One of the most famous artworks is by Michelangelo. It is a huge painting on the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Rome. This artwork shows many scenes related to the Last Judgment.

Images for kids

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  Stefan Lochner, Last Judgement, c. 1435. Wallraf-Richartz Museum, Cologne

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  Print of the Last Judgment, made by Johannes Wierix in the 16th century.

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  The Last Judgment by John Martin (1854)

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  The Last Judgment mosaic (14th-century), south facade of Saint Vitus Cathedral, Prague, Czech Republic.

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  The Last Judgment, Sistine Chapel by Michelangelo (1536-1541)

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  The Last Judgment, 17th-century icon from Lipie. Historic Museum in Sanok, Poland.

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  The Last Judgment, mural from Voroneț Monastery, Romania

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  Viktor Vasnetsov's The Last Judgment, 1904

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  Doom painting, St Mary's Church, North Leigh, Oxfordshire, 15th century

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  Armenian manuscript depicts the Last Judgment,1679

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  Last Judgment (Russia, 18th century)

See also

In Spanish: Juicio Final para niños