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Revelation 20:11–15
“If anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire” (v. 15).
Christ now rules over creation as the God-man, fulfilling the purpose of dominion for which God made humanity, bringing His enemies into subjection (Rev. 20:1–6; see 1 Cor. 15:20–28). Satan remains active, but he has been bound so that he cannot deceive the nations and prevent the gospel’s spread. Just before Jesus comes back, the devil will attempt to destroy God and His people once more, but our Savior will put a stop to that and then sit in judgment over the living and the dead (Rev. 20:7–15).
Today’s passage describes the final judgment. John the Apostle sees a vision wherein Jesus is on His throne and books are opened that record what people have done (v. 12). The language is largely symbolic, but symbolism always conveys important truth. Books containing a record of our deeds remind us that God keeps track of our every action, that nothing escapes His gaze. This truth in itself should inspire us to more fervent love of God and obedience.
In any case, the text also indicates that when our Creator judges the living and the dead on the last day, judgment will be rendered according to the works that people have done. This must be so, for the Lord is perfectly righteous and has said that He will issue such a judgment (Rom. 2:6–11). We will consider this judgment according to works in more detail in our next study, but before we do so, we must be clear on what judgment according to works does not mean.
Simply put, God’s judging us according to our works does not mean that we earn eternal life by our good deeds. Today’s passage indicates as much when it tells us that in addition to books recording our deeds, the Book of Life will also be opened on the last day. What determines whether we inherit eternal life is not our deeds but the presence of our name in the Book of Life (Rev. 20:11–15). As we will see, there are additional rewards on top of salvation for our obedience, but it is not our obedience that saves us.
It is not surprising that salvation is given to those whose names are written in the Book of Life. This truth reinforces two key doctrines taught throughout Scripture: God’s sovereign election and justification by faith alone. If we are chosen for salvation based not on anything we have done, and if we are declared righteous before God only through faith in the person and work of Christ, then our eternal life cannot be based on our works but can be based only on divine grace and the works of Jesus (Rom. 5:12–21; 8:29–9:29).
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
In any discussion of final judgment, we must be clear that we do not inherit eternal life based on our good works. Ultimately, the truth of salvation by grace alone distinguishes the biblical view of redemption from all other man-made religions and doctrines that teach that our good works somehow merit our salvation. If we start to think that we are saved by our good works, we have misunderstood the doctrine of final judgment.
For further study
- Daniel 7:9–10
- John 15:16
- Ephesians 2:8–10
- 1 Thessalonians 1:4
The bible in a year
- Habakkuk 1–3
- Revelation 14