Revelation 20:11-15 ESV Judgment Before the Great White Throne
11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them.
12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.
13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done.
14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
Eternal Perspectives: Living Faithfully for God's Kingdom
Revelation 20:11-15
The Book of Revelation is a difficult book to study or preach. Do you take passages literally or figuratively?
The Book of Life is one of those parts in Revelation that creates some controversy in its interpretation. We do understand that our physical death is not the end. However, we also understand that those names in the book of life will not experience second death.
Revelation 20:14 ESV
[14] Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.
Nothing in this world bring you lasting happiness. Something earned, found, bought or given to us might bring us happiness for a short time, but it will not last. We can only find real lasting happiness with Jesus. We should be concerned more with eternal and heavenly things; however, living on this Earth is important for us. We still need to work hard, live, eat, drink and raise families all the while focusing on God's promises.
We should remember the promises of Jesus and the commitments we made with Jesus. We forget about Jesus's return and the afterlife. Only those who hope for Jesus' return will be ready to praise Jesus when he returns.
Revelation 20:12 ESV
[12] And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.
All people will stand before the throne of God and we will there amongst others as equals. Our current or former status will not matter, we will be judged on our actions.
In the parable of the servants who were given talents, the one who buried his one talent out of fear was cast out. Many of us are like him. We don' t think we can do much because we have so little.
We should think about how we have lived for God and not what more we can get from God. Are we seeking things of God or living our lives for ourselves?
Revelation 20:13 ESV
[13] And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done.
No matter how small or insignificant or actions might be, let them be done obediently for God's kingdom.
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