I know that Hebrews 9:27 says “man is destined to die once and after that to face judgment”. Does that mean people are judged right after they die, or does it refer to the “The Day of Judgment” where everyone will be judged at once?
There are three days mentioned in the Bible that can be considered judgment days. 1 Cor. 3:10-15 describes the judgment of the Church, known as the Bema Seat judgment. Most scholars believe it takes place in Heaven right after the Rapture. Everyone there will be saved, so it’s only for the purpose of awarding crowns. This is the only judgment the Church will face.
In Matt. 24:45 thru Matt. 25:46 Jesus spoke of judgments that will take place on Earth after He returns. These judgments involve believers and unbelievers who survive the Great Tribulation. Those who are found to be believers will be welcomed into the kingdom to help re-populate the Earth while unbelievers will be sent to the place of eternal punishment.
Rev. 20:11-15 describes the Great White Throne judgment at the end of the Millennium. It’s for the unsaved dead from all ages and will result in their transfer from their temporary confinement in Hell to the Lake of Fire.