Knowledge of eternal judgment is not merely head knowledge; it changes our behavior. God has put a great deal of information in the Bible regarding the future for a reason: He is seeking to influence our motivation. On the one hand, He gives us the hope of resurrection and the promise of rewards. This is positive motivation to do God’s will. On the other hand, He gives us the negative motivation of showing us the punishment which awaits the disobedient. The terror of the Lord prompts us to do the things that positive motivation fails to accomplish.  

Behold therefore the goodness and severity of God: on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shall be cut off (Romans 11:22).  

Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences (2 Corinthians 5:11).  

 Laying the foundation stone of eternal judgment is an experience, just as all the other foundation stones involve a firsthand encounter with God. Knowledge of eternal judgment produces in us the fear of the Lord, which in turn deeply motivates us to righteous and holy living. We stop trying to fool ourselves and others in this life, because we know we shall be thoroughly exposed at the time of judgment. Our only way of escape is to judge ourselves now, and change. Then we will have developed the land of character God can reward.  

 We have now come full circle in our study of the first principles or foundation stones. We began with repentance from dead works which involved turning around or change. We end with eternal judgment which motivates us to change through the fear of the Lord and the hope of reward. In real life we will find all of the foundational experiences closely interrelated. There is but one Foundation and that is Christ.