In Latter-day Saint theology, Jesus Christ holds the divine authority and responsibility to judge all individuals at the Final Judgment. This judgment is not merely a distant, impersonal event; it is profoundly personal, as Christ, the Redeemer and Savior, will judge each person according to their works and the desires of their hearts. As the central figure of the plan of salvation, Christ’s role as the Judge reflects both His perfect justice and His boundless mercy.

Latter-day Saints believe that Jesus Christ is the appointed Judge because of His unique position as the Son of God and the Savior of humanity. His perfect life, atoning sacrifice, and resurrection give Him the authority to judge all people justly and mercifully (Acts 17:31; 2 Nephi 9:41). While God the Father is ultimately the source of all judgment, it is Christ who will perform this task in the final days, as He is the one who has redeemed us and understands both our weaknesses and potential for growth.

Jesus Christ will judge each individual based on both their outward works and the desires of their heart. Latter-day Saint doctrine teaches that actions alone are insufficient; the intentions behind those actions are just as important. Christ, who perfectly understands the hearts of all, will look beyond external behavior to see the true desires, motivations, and inclinations that shape our choices.

For example, an individual who strives to follow Christ’s commandments with sincerity and faith will be judged with mercy, even if they falter at times. Christ’s Atonement makes it possible for those who repent to receive forgiveness, and it is His grace that allows for the healing of past mistakes (Alma 34:15). However, those who reject God’s commandments and refuse to repent, choosing instead to harden their hearts, will face the consequences of their actions and desires with justice.

One of the most profound aspects of Christ’s judgment is His perfect understanding of each individual’s life, challenges, and potential. As both the Creator and the Redeemer, He knows our circumstances better than anyone else, and He judges with compassion. As the Book of Mormon teaches, He will judge the world with righteousness, and the people with His truth (Mosiah 3:18; cf. Psalm 96:13). This ensures that His judgment is not arbitrary but perfectly suited to each person’s unique situation.

Moreover, Christ’s experience as a mortal allows Him to empathize deeply with our struggles. As the Savior who suffered for all sin and pain, He is the perfect mediator between humanity and God. His judgment will take into account not just our actions, but the heart’s desires that motivated them—whether we desired to follow Him, to serve others, and to repent.

In Latter-day Saint theology, Jesus Christ will personally judge each individual at the Final Judgment with perfect justice and mercy. His divine authority, combined with His intimate knowledge of each person’s heart and life, ensures that the judgment will be both fair and compassionate. Those who have sought to follow Christ’s teachings and repent of their mistakes will receive mercy through His Atonement, while those who reject Him will face the consequences of their choices. Ultimately, Christ’s judgment is a reflection of His role as the Savior, who desires that all come unto Him and inherit eternal life.