Today’s passage: Revelation 20:11-15
Helpful thoughts:
- Earlier (verse 6) we read of those who believe and were redeemed, who enjoyed the “first resurrection, over such the second death has no power.” Today, we read of this second death. This is the Great White Throne judgment. The final judgment, a judgment no one will escape, unless their names are written in the book of life (All those who put their faith in Christ).
- God is eternally omniscient. He know all things from all times perfectly, without fail. When the books are opened, not a single sin will be missed or looked over.
- God is righteous and just. All sin must be paid for justly.
Questions to consider:
- How does the reality of this judgment and the eternal nature of its severity help us to have a more accurate view of sin against God? Just how terrible a thing is it to disobey our Creator and rightful Lord?
- Just how terrible then must have been the anguish Christ endured when He took God’s wrath for our sin on Himself at the cross? Why do we have reason to be utterly thankful and now wholly devoted to loving and following Christ?
- What are the terrors of this day? Why is it right for us to consider and acknowledge them? What is the hope of this day? What are the things this passage names that go to the lake of fire in the second death? What will be true of death after this judgment takes place?