The present time in which we live is characterized by sin. At this time, only Jesus’ followers are in court. “For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God,” 1 Peter 4:17. (The house of God refers to spirit-begotten Christians. All others are “children of disobedience.” Ephesians 2:2) But the time when the majority of mankind will begin their trials for life and death will happen after their resurrections from their graves. Then they will begin their individual court hearing over a 1000 year period, or “day” (2 Peter 3:8). During that time, their health will be restored (Isaiah 35:4-10); they will have God’s righteous law written in their hearts (Jeremiah 31:33,34); and their sins will be forgiven (Jeremiah 31:34). People will learn to live in accordance with the law of God. “Because he has fixed a day (1,000 years) on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man (Jesus Christ) whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.” Acts 17:31(ESV). 

In the present time, God views humanity as dead; they have no right to life and are not on trial for life. As Jesus said,  “let the dead bury their dead,” Matthew 8:22. Therefore, the present life is not a trial period. When people rise from death, they will NOT receive an immediate verdict. God, as the merciful Father, never punishes a man who is not fully aware of his condition. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:4, “…the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers, to keep them from seeing the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ…” The world is blind. They will have the opportunity to be converted and stand trial during Jesus’ second advent.

“Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world?” 1 Corinthians 6:2. The saints, the bride of Jesus, will help Jesus to restore man’s heart and mind to honoring God. The saints will judge by helping people to see the wisdom and joy of following God’s will. 

Presently, mankind is dying because they have been judged guilty through father Adam. Through Adam, they have inherited the death sentence. “As in Adam all die…” 1 Corinthians 15:22. When Jesus returns, He will release mankind from the results of Adam’s trial and verdict of guilt punishable by death. Only upon release will it be possible for each person to be judged individually for his/her own actions. At the end of the restoration/judgment process, “…God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.” Revelation 21:4.