Particular judgment and final judgment
At death, particular judgment relates each person's life to Christ: heaven immediately or after purification, or everlasting damnation (CCC 1021–1022). At Christ's return, the resurrection of all precedes final judgment. The truth of each life and the consequences of its good and evil are revealed. Matthew 25 joins this judgment to concrete mercy toward those in need (CCC 1038–1041).
Scripture
- Luke 23:43 — Christ's promise to the repentant thief is cited in CCC 1021 on a destiny immediately after death.
- John 5:28-29 — The dead rise to life or judgment; cited in CCC 1038.
- Matthew 25:31-46 — Christ judges the nations; care for the vulnerable has eternal significance.
Primary sources
For the final judgment, the Catechism states:
CCC 1040 associates the Last Judgment with Christ’s return in glory.
The Last Judgment will come when Christ returns in glory.
Passage context and translation
The sentence identifies the Last Judgment with Christ's return. It does not by itself establish every claim about particular judgment.
Before the excerpt
Context summary: Paragraphs 1038–1039 describe resurrection, judgment, and the disclosure of each life.
After the excerpt
Context summary: The paragraph reserves the moment to the Father and describes Christ's final word on history.