Judgement is a little scary. Whether it be a criminal who stands before the judge to receive his sentence or a child who anxiously awaits his father’s arrival at home to receive his punishment, judgement is frightening. Sometimes people get away from the judgement. Perhaps a child hides his rebellious actions from his parents or a criminal is never caught for his lawless deeds. While such is common in the world in which we live today, such is not a characteristic of the Final Judgement. No one will hide, excuse their behavior, or run in the opposite direction (Ecclesiastes 12:14; Romans 2:6). Judgement will be involve “open books,” and every man will face their Judge (2 Corinthians 5:10). “It is related of Daniel Webster, the reality of whose moral endowments no one disputes, that when once asked what was the greatest thought that had ever occupied his mind he replied, ‘The fact of my personal accountability to God.’”[1]
A book may be a record of deeds, an instrument to record law, or a place to list names. Three books (Revelation 20:12) will be opened on Judgement. What will they say of you on that day?
The Book of Life (Revelation 20:12). This book is mentioned throughout Holy Writ many times (Exodus 32:33; Psalm 69:28; Philippians 4:3; 21:27). The book of life is like the church directory of the local congregation in that it records a list of names, but it is vastly more important. It is a book that lists those who are on heaven’s roll. Obedience to the Gospel adds one to the book of life (cf. Acts 2:47) and those who continue to live faithfully until death, continue to have their names recorded there (Revelation 2:10; 3:5). Upon judgement, Jesus will open this book and “search” for one’s name. If found, they will go to heaven, but if not, hell is the destination (Revelation 21:27). Those who are found in the lamb’s book of life have a robe on (Matthew 22:11-13; Galatians 3:26-27; Revelation 3:5). They have been cleansed by the blood of Jesus (Acts 22:16; Revelation 1:5). Imagine the Lord calling your name as He reads it in the book![2]
The Book of Works (Revelation 20:12). The things we do determine whether we are punished or rewarded. Justice is served for the murderer, thief, and terrorist, and honor is given to the obedient, faithful, and honest person. Works are an important part of man’s salvation; they either justify (James 2:21) or condemn (Matthew 7:23). On Judgement, the book of one’s works will be opened and EVERYTHING man has done will be made manifest (Ecclesiastes 12:14; 1 Corinthians 4:5; 1 Timothy 5:24-25). Every person’s words (Matthew 12:36), actions (Romans 2:6), and thoughts (cf. Proverbs 16:2) will be examined. Jesus will examine this book to see if men lived their lives, practicing sins of commission (1 John 3:4) or sins of omission (Matthew 25:18, 24-30, 42-45). There will be no scales, measuring if a man’s good works outweighed his bad. Instead, one’s life will be considered as a whole and he will receive a sentence based off of that (2 Corinthians 5:10). The faithful will not have ONE SIN brought up on judgement, for all sin they have committed were cleansed as they walked in the light (1 John 1:7-9). God will not bring up sins covered by the precious blood of Christ (Hebrews 8:12). A man’s deeds are recorded in this book everyday. What are YOU doing to make sure you have a good judgement day?
The Book Called the Bible (John 12:48). The Supreme Court makes decisions based on the Constitution, officers are governed by the civil law they are under, and employers run employees by the company’s policy. Jesus will use the Bible to commend or condemn. One’s works will be placed beside the Words of Jesus on Judgement. Men will either enter heaven or hell based on their diligence to follow this law that was able to save their soul (James 1:21). Today, men despise the Bible, but on judgement, they will know it to be the truth. Today, men are ignorant of the Scriptures. On judgement, they will know more than they ever did. Subjectivism, opinions, or feelings will not be the standard on judgement. The Bible will be opened and based on man’s adherence to it, heaven or hell will be the result.
Since Jesus is the only one that can lead men to heaven (John 14:6; Acts 4:12), it is best to follow Him. Judgement is coming for every single person whether we like it or not. Three books will be opened on that day…what will they say of you?
Endnotes
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