“And the dead were judged by what was written in the books.” – Revelation 20:12
Scripture reading: Revelation 20:7-15
In today’s Scripture reading we read of the two books Jesus will read at the end times: the book of life, and the book that records people’s deeds. Jesus uses the first book to find the names of those who believe in His work on the cross to save them from their sins. Jesus’s work turns away God’s wrath from believers; they will experience eternal life.
However, unbelievers whose names are not written in the book of life will be thrown into Hell, the lake of fire. They will experience God’s wrath for all of eternity. Satan and His false prophets will also be here, being tormented all the time without end.
As the perfect judge, Jesus will consider each person’s knowledge and circumstance. People who never heard the gospel are not without excuse, because all people have a basic knowledge of right and wrong and are aware that they are not right all the time. However, Jesus will judge them perfectly, knowing they never heard the good news as clearly as you have.
Yet, believers will be judged further, based on what they have done. It is possible to be a lazy believer who wastes his talents and does not bear fruit. It is also possible to be a radiantly fruitful believer whose work produces a large harvest. As the perfect judge, Jesus will know our every action and word say. He will reward the good and faithful with His words and actions.
Suggestions for prayer
Pray for belief in Jesus’ work on the cross to save you from your sins. Pray for unbelievers to believe. Pray for strength to do good works.
Katelyn Van Haren is a member of Redeemer United Reformed Church in Lacombe, Alberta. She received a liberal arts degree from Redeemer University in Ancaster, Ontario in honours accounting and is a CPA. Katelyn and her husband have five children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com