Hebrews 9:27-28 — And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment: so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.

Here’s a thing. We all die. When we die, we end up being judged. You might think it’s redundant. After all, God knows who’s going to heaven and who’s going to hell doesn’t he? Well yes — but I think it comes down to due process. God is loving, but He is also holy. Those two attributes merge in His willingness not only to do justice but also to be seen to do justice.
There is a judgment of those who refuse to be saved. If you are not a Christian, that’s you. It’s your choice — but there are consequences.
The judgment of unbelievers is described in the Revelation — Chapter 20:11-15. It’s called the “Great White Throne” judgment. This is the judgment for out and out sinners, but also for those who think they don’t need Jesus because they are “good” people. They are misguided. The scripture is clear:

For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast. (Ephesians 2:8-9)

Before the great white throne all those who have denied Christ will be judged by the standard they have chosen. Their works — their thoughts, words and deeds, will be measured against God’s standard of holiness. Failing, as they inevitably will, unbelievers are doomed to the lake of fire.
It might seem natural that sinners would be judged — but why the saints? Here’s the deal. Believers come before the Judgment Seat of Christ. You might have heard it called the “bema” which is the Greek word where the judgment is described in Romans 14:10-12. This is not about salvation. Just as unbelievers are doomed, believers are destined for a great future. But not one of us is perfect, and just as for unbelievers, there are consequences. It’s that justice thing again.
In 1 Corinthians 3:9-15 there’s a clear explanation. Our body of work is reviewed — what did we do, and how much was truly driven by faith. The results are reflected in rewards and losses:

If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. If any man’s work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire. (1 Corinthians 3:14-15)

We are all judged. There is no free pass for any of us. For those of us who are Christians it means that we need to be disciples, following Paul’s instructions to his beloved Philippians:
Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling: (Philippians 2:12)
For the unbeliever, the “no free pass” rule means a world of hurt — forever. Tell your unsaved family and friends!