When the Books Open - July 30 Reading: Revelation 19-20

Today’s Readings

Context

It will be the most glorious moment in human history when the great battle of evil is going on here on earth and suddenly Jesus breaks out in glory with heaven's armies trailing him and he strikes down the rebellious hordes with the sword coming out of his mouth. Then, he judges the world, binds Satan, and sets up his millennial kingdom. After that comes the final judgment and Satan's doom, along with the terrible moment of the Great White Throne when sinners are judged and sent to the Lake of Fire.

It is God's ultimate victory over sin and it is also a moment of sadness as many are sent to the horrible place of torment prepared for the devil and his fallen angels. 

Devotional - The Books Open

Why do people go to hell?

No one wants to talk about it or think about it, but when we arrive at Revelation 20:11-15, we can no longer pretend the final judgment does not exist. There is a Great White Throne and seated on it is the Judge of all the earth. Every man and woman who has ever lived and died is brought to stand before this throne and is judged.

Here is where my eschatological viewpoint comes in - I believe that the believing dead have already been raised prior to this and that all those who face this judgment are lost. It's not an issue that needs to be fought to the end, of course.

But the key is that we see hints as to how the final judgment of sinners is made. John describes two different sets of books being opened. In verse 12, it says, "the books were opened." This implies that the dead are judged according to their works, and that is something that no human being wants. "All have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God." Every one of us who is judged according to the works we have done in this life will be found wanting.

The first set of books is opened and every man and woman standing before the throne of God stands guilty, without excuse. No one offers an appeal or justification. Guilty as charged.

But there is another book that is opened, mentioned in verse 12 as well, the "book of life." This has also been called the Lamb's book of life. In this book is written the names of those who have been redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.

Why do people go to hell? Because their name is not written in that book! Because as sinners they have not repented of their sin and turned to Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord. John put it about as clearly as one could in his first epistle.

"He who has the Son has life. He who does not have the Son does not have life." (1 John 5:12)

Eternity is about Jesus. What did you do with him? There's not a single one of us who can stand when God opens the books and judges our lives. We are sinners. But those who have placed their faith in Jesus have a secure hope in heaven for all eternity, a hope for glory.

It is my guess that most of those who read this devotional "have the Son." You have repented of your sin and put your faith in him. If you haven't, do so now. But if your name is written in the book of life by the grace of God, by the blood of Christ, then give thanks today. Give thanks that your eternity does not depend on you but on Jesus Christ. Give thanks that Jesus paid with his blood so that your name could be written in the Book of Life. Give thanks that though your works could never earn righteousness, his was imputed to you.

Father, I thank you for your Son, our Savior. Because of him, I have hope for all eternity. I have life I didn't serve and a place in heaven I couldn't earn.  

Think and Pray

Is your name written in Book of Life? Do you "have the Son" - because you repented of your sins and put your faith in Christ? If not, turn to him now and give your life to Christ.

If you are "in the Book" give thanks that God saved you and give glory to him. You have heaven even though your sins deserved hell. Rejoice.