The final verses of Revelation chapter 20 are very sobering. In this passage, we find people standing before God in judgment. I think we tend to treat this subject too lightly. Few of us truly appreciate the gravity of that situation. Our perception of God has been so greatly diluted by humanism and worldliness that we fail to grasp the truth that God is mighty and awesome … and One to be feared.
Revelation 20:12 says, “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life.” It may surprise you that there will be books at the Great White Throne Judgment. Yet we need to note a distinction. The Bible says, “... the books (plural) were opened: and another book (singular) was opened” (parenthesis added). The Bible draws a separation between the books … and another book.
The Bible goes on to say, “...the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Notice that the dead at this judgment were judged according to their personal record, as noted in the books (plural). God is keeping a detailed journal of people's intentions, words and deeds. Notice that they were judged, “according to their works.”
We know that a person can't be saved by works. Apart from Christ, our works condemn us because they are all sinfully flawed. A life apart from Christ is a sinful, wasted life. The only righteousness that a person can have is the righteousness of Christ that is imputed unto them. Thus, the only way for a person to be saved is by grace, not by works. Yet at this judgment, people are judged by their works, as chronicled in the books (plural). The Bible goes on to say in verse 15, “... And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Notice that people were cast into the lake of fire if their names were not found, “... written in the book (singular) or life,” (parenthesis added).
The Bible clearly teaches that a person will be cast into the lake of fire if his or her name is not found in the book (singular) of life. But was is the role of the books (plural)? One role is clear. The “works” of these individuals will be revealed and found to be sinful. Without the righteousness of Christ, they stand condemned. The fact that their names aren't found in the book of life clearly demonstrate that they stand guilty before God. It could also be that the works found in the books (plural) may also have a bearing on the degree of punishment ahead for these guilty souls.
It is important to note that no one is specified as being saved at this judgment. What a terrifying fact.
Judgment lies ahead for every person, regardless of his or her spiritual condition. This is a sobering reality that should motivate each of us to examine our lives and make certain of our relationship with Jesus Christ.
For those of us with a saving faith in Christ, let Revelation 20 be a powerful motivation to pray for the lost and share the Gospel with them. Jesus is the only hope they have when this life is over.
What about you? Are you certain that you are ready to stand before God? Death is certain. Judgment is imminent.
Prepare to meet your God! Repent and believe the Gospel!
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