What is meant by the final judgment in Christian eschatology?

The final judgment in Christian eschatology refers to the day when Christ will return to judge the world. This event is a significant theological concept where all individuals will be held accountable for their actions, and it is traditionally viewed as a culmination of God's redemptive plan for humanity.

This judgment is explicitly linked to biblical passages that describe the second coming of Christ, where He will discern between the righteous and the wicked, rewarding those who have believed and lived according to His teachings, while addressing those who have rejected Him. The final judgment emphasizes the ultimate authority of Christ over all creation and reflects the Christian belief in life after death and the eternal consequences of one's choices in this life.

In contrast, the other options describe different concepts that do not encapsulate the full scope of the final judgment. A private judgment upon death is a separate event for individuals, distinct from the collective judgment of the final act. The yearly assessment of church members' behavior pertains to communal accountability within the church and is not related to eschatological events. Lastly, the notion of the church ceasing to exist does not align with Christian teachings about the enduring nature of the church in light of Christ's promise. Thus, the choice highlighting Christ's return to judge the world accurately defines