Death puts an end to human life as the time open to either accepting or rejecting the divine grace manifested in Christ.1 The New Testament speaks of judgment primarily in its aspect of the final encounter with Christ in his second coming, but also repeatedly affirms that each will be rewarded immediately after death in accordance with his works and faith. The parable of the poor man Lazarus and the words of Christ on the cross to the good thief, as well as other New Testament texts speak of a final destiny of the soul—a destiny which can be different for some and for others.2
Each man receives his eternal retribution in his immortal soul at the very moment of his death, in a particular judgment that refers his life to Christ: either entrance into the blessedness of heaven—through a purification3 or immediately4—or immediate and everlasting damnation.5
At the evening of life, we shall be judged on our love.6
Cf. II Tim 1:9-10.
Cf. Lk 16:22; 23:43; Mt 16:26; II Cor 5:8; Phil 1:23; Heb 9:27; 12:23.
Cf. Council of Lyons II (1274): DS 857-858; Council of Florence (1439): DS 1304-1306; Council of Trent (1563): DS 1820.
Cf. Benedict XII, Benedictus Deus (1336): DS 1000-1001; John XXII, Ne super his (1334): DS 990.
Cf. Benedict XII, Benedictus Deus (1336): DS 1002.
St. John of the Cross, Dichos 64.