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'''Immediate judgment''' is a doctrine within [[Christianity]] which purports that people face judgment immediately after death, in contrast to soul sleep which states that individuals unconsciously sleep in the grave awaiting their resurrection. Despite being propagated by most Christian denominations, it is a form of [[liberal denial]]; instead of admitting that death is a sleep, it attempts to construct a false doctrine based on flimsy usage of New Testament verses usually taken out of context.

'''Immediate judgment''' is a doctrine within [[Christianity]] which purports that people face judgment immediately after death, in contrast to soul sleep which states that individuals unconsciously sleep in the grave awaiting their resurrection. Despite being propagated by most Christian denominations, it is a form of [[liberal denial]]; instead of admitting that death is a sleep, it attempts to construct a false doctrine based on flimsy usage of New Testament verses usually taken out of context.

The parable of [[Lazarus and the Rich Man]], found in the [[Gospel of Luke]],<ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2016:19-31&version=ESV Luke 16:19–31]</ref> is usually cited as substantiation for immediate judgment. However, the parable, which borrowed pagan Greek concepts as a fictional tale rather a description of a literal event, emphasized a warning against the zealous self-exaltation and coldhearted attitudes of the [[Pharisees]] rather than the timing of judgment after death. A literal interpretation of the parable as direct grounds for theology would lead to the assumption of a temporary heaven and temporary hell where intercommunication is possible, a notion substantiated by nowhere throughout the Bible.

The parable of [[Lazarus and the Rich Man]], found in the [[Gospel of Luke]],<ref>[https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2016:19-31&version=ESV Luke 16:19–31]</ref> is usually cited as substantiation for immediate judgment. However, the parable, which borrowed pagan Greek concepts (such as the usage of the term "Hades") as a fictional tale rather a description of a literal event, emphasized a warning against the zealous self-exaltation and coldhearted attitudes of the [[Pharisees]] rather than the timing of judgment after death. A literal interpretation of the parable as direct grounds for theology would lead to the assumption of a temporary heaven and temporary hell where intercommunication is possible, a notion substantiated by nowhere throughout the Bible.

Another excerpt from the third Gospel often cited as purported evidence for immediate judgment is {{bibleref|Luke|23|43}} where Jesus assured the thief on the cross of a place in Heaven. According to ''Ministry Magazine'', most translations misplace a comma to indicate a meaning contrary to Jesus's message.<ref>Paroschi, Wilson (2013). [https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/2013/06/the-significance-of-a-comma:-an-analysis-of-luke-23:43 The Significance of a Comma: An Analysis of Luke 23:43]. ''Ministry Magazine''. Retrieved February 8, 2023.</ref>

Another excerpt from the third Gospel often cited as purported evidence for immediate judgment is {{bibleref|Luke|23|43}} where Jesus assured the thief on the cross of a place in Heaven. According to ''Ministry Magazine'', most translations misplace a comma to indicate a meaning contrary to Jesus's message.<ref>Paroschi, Wilson (2013). [https://www.ministrymagazine.org/archive/2013/06/the-significance-of-a-comma:-an-analysis-of-luke-23:43 The Significance of a Comma: An Analysis of Luke 23:43]. ''Ministry Magazine''. Retrieved February 8, 2023.</ref>