WEEK 22 MEMORY VERSE:
”And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
Revelation 21:3-4
Wednesday, August 12, 2009
Revelation 20:11-15
The Great White Throne
Now that the millennial reign of Christ and the judgment of the dragon are complete, the scene shifts to the final judgment of all of humanity, past and present. God, the judge, is seen as an awe-inspiring presence on a great white throne, so fearsome that both heaven and earth physically flee his presence. As everyone stands before him, a set of books containing a complete record of all human deeds is opened for inspection. Then another book is opened, the book of life, containing the names of all who have been redeemed by Christ.
It is quite sobering to ponder the truth that these books contain absolutely everything from all the lives of those standing before the throne. There is nothing that is forgotten in the sight of God; all will ultimately give an account for their actions. The most important issue is obviously that our names be found in the book of life. If so, the ultimate punishment for whatever we have done wrong has been paid for by Christ. We also should be spurred on to right living, however, by the fact that even those things we do and say that seem to be hidden from everyone’s sight are seen and remembered by God. They are written in these books of deeds, and they will be opened before his great white throne.
Prayer Starter:
Lord, thank you for the truth that those in Christ will not experience the punishment their sins deserve – instead we are cleansed of all our sins to live with you forever. Make me aware, though, of the importance of living right for you. Whatever the level of exposure for believers at your great white throne judgment, I do not want to be ashamed before you for how I’ve lived.
