GOOD NEWS, SOBERING NEWS
REVELATION 20:10-15
REVELATION 20:10-15 NKJV
10 The devil, who deceived them, was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone where the beast and the false prophet are. And they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.
11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
OBSERVATION:
The book of Revelation is not a fluffy book. There are things happening in the ages to come that are sobering.
In our verses for today, we see good news and extremely sobering news.
The good news is what is the eventual end of Satan. He will be cast into the lake of fire. Joining him will be the beast and the false prophet. And they will be tormented continually forever and ever. That is such great news! No hope for the devil and no sympathy either.
The sobering news is that there will be judgment. It is referred to as the white throne judgment. Each one will be judged according to his works. What he did on the earth.
And another book was opened. The Book of Life. Anyone not found in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Now that is even more sobering.
The good news is that if you have received Jesus as your Savior, your name is written in the Book of Life. When God looks in that book, you and I have our names there.
So evidently, there are at least two books. The book containing the record of our works and the Book of Life. While we are here on earth, we have the ability to influence what is written in both books.
By our works that we do for the Lord, we have a record. By receiving Jesus, our names are written.
APPLICATION:
The scriptures refer to a couple of judgments that I believe are separate. The white throne judgment we read about today. And the judgment seat of Christ mentioned in Romans 14:10 and 2 Corinthians 5:10.
It appears that believers will stand before the judgment seat of Christ, and everyone else will be at the white throne judgment. Now I could be incorrect about these judgements being distinct from one another. But one thing I do know, we will have to give an account for our lives.
So, until then, the most important things are to make Jesus Lord during your time on earth. And live a life that gives you confidence when you stand before Him in that day of judgement.
PRAYER:
Dear Lord thank You that my name is written in the Book of Life. And show me more fully how I can live to hear You say well done good and faithful servant.