We sort ourselves out into two categories according to our response to the gospel. Believers will be judged at the Judgment Seat of Christ, unbelievers at the Great White Throne. We decide whether or not we will believe the gospel of grace. We accept or reject God’s means of salvation.  

 Provision has been made for sin. Jesus Christ already paid its full penalty in the stead of everyone who will believe on Him. Those who avail themselves of this salvation in Christ are delivered from condemnation and are judged as believers. But those who refuse God’s mercy and salvation by rejecting Christ shut themselves up to the wrath of God. Response to the gospel separates us into two classes: believers and unbelievers. These two classes will be eternally separated.  

 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 5:9).  

There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit (Romans 8:1).  

 Since eternal judgment is not bounded by time, we can enjoy this benefit of release from condemnation in this life. We can know the full cleansing of our conscience by the blood of Jesus. We can learn to accept His forgiveness and forgive ourselves.  

How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? (Hebrews 9:14).  

For if our heart condemn us. God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things. Beloved, if our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence toward God (I John 3:20, 21).