The truth is that there are three different types of judgment—past, present, and future.

First, there is a judgment that has happened in the past. This is the judgment for sin that Jesus paid for at the cross. God poured out all of His wrath and anger on Jesus. Since Jesus paid the full price for sin, it never has to be paid for again by anyone who accepts Jesus as Savior. Every sin we have ever committed or will commit in the future were all put on Jesus at the cross—without exception. All your sins are forgiven. “And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross” (Colossians 2:13-14).

Second, there is a chastisement for the present. This is not the type of judgment that an angry judge would dispense, rather it is the discipline of a loving Father. This present chastisement is mentioned in Hebrews 12:7 and Revelation 3:19. The purpose of God’s discipline is not to pay you back, but to bring you back. For example, when Jonah was swallowed by a whale he felt like he was being punished, but really God was just trying to get him back on track.

Finally, there is a future judgment at the Judgment Seat of Christ. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Payday is coming, and we will all have to give an account for our actions. At that point, the catalogue of your mundane actions are going to be something of vital interest to you. That day is coming—but, as long as you are breathing, you can experience God’s mercy.