The Two Last Judgments | TheLastDays
Just as we have two Last Battles, so we also have two Last Judgments. It’s no wonder that the Last Days are so confusing. It’s typically very hard for the average person to keep these dual events straight, much less sort out all the other mysteries. Here is a rule of thumb: The Judgment Seat of Christ is the First Last Judgment. It comes right before the Millennium. Jesus does the judging and this one is primarily for believers. The Final Last Judgment is The Great White Throne judgment. It comes right after the Millennium. Father God does the judging for that one and it is primarily for non-believers. Got it? Good because from here on in there are complications and exceptions too numerous to mention! Mercifully, we don’t have to know the details in advance. We just need to be on good terms with the “Judge of all the earth.”
Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" Genesis 18:25
All scripture citations are from the English Standard Version (ESV) unless otherwise noted.
Chief Characteristics
Whole books are written about most of these crucial components. These characteristics are summaries of what is grounded in scripture, not fabricated through speculation.[1] Speculation is trying to “see” more than we are being shown. What we see by Biblical revelation is real enough, but a fuller view will only come as these still distant components draw nearer.
1. Judgment on Ungodly Rulers
It is a curious fact that the Bible shows us significant times when humanity will be judged in the future. For instance, the judgment in this passage (20:4) leads to the first resurrection. A second judgment of humanity will come later at the Great White Throne when all the rest of the dead are resurrected. However, the Bible shows us no future judgment for the fallen angels and demons. They go immediately to their punishment without standing trial, so to speak. The reason is that they have all been judged in the past. Their sentence has already been pronounced.
The soldiers who die fighting against God at Armageddon will end up being raised in the final judgment to learn their inescapable fate. However, that battle is the last account we have of anyone representing the powers of darkness, except Satan himself. He alone will be released when the thousand years are up. He alone (it seems) will deceive the nations once again and gather the doomed forces of Gog and Magog to suffer their crushing defeat. God decreed his fate long ago.[2] It is the same for the fallen angels who gathered the army at Armageddon. Their fate was decreed in Psalm 82. As the vast army dies in the field these rebel warriors of the unseen realm also suffer defeat, punishment, and destruction. For the Millennium to come both these immense God-hating masses must be annihilated. This is the unseen side of the battle.
God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: I said, "You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince." Psalm 82:1, 6-7
2. Preparing for Our Own Judgment
These are the famous Last Judgments. Only the very foolish have no fear of God’s judgment, though terror will surely seize them when the day arrives. Even the redeemed had a fear of it, for knowing that we will be judged is an integral part of the fear of God which is the beginning of wisdom. Thankfully, that fear has been overcome by the gospel and by our faith-surrender to the Lord Jesus. Never will we be more grateful for the Blood that covers us than when these books are opened! Tragically, those same books carry a sentence of doom for all who have not turned to our God for their salvation. This is the moment they hoped would never come.
We have only three verses in the Book of Revelation describing the First Last Judgment and five verses which describe the final one. How slender that seems! Perhaps, no other subject could possibly hold greater long-term interest for all involved because what is at stake here is nothing less than eternal destiny. The Word of God, however, seems blithely indifferent to our curiosity. The Bible gives us what we need to know, not what we might like to know. What we know is this: Any rational creature would want to end up on the right side of this judgment!
Fortunately, we don’t have to wait to find out. God’s judgment in the future will be based entirely upon the way we live our lives now. The great judgment that is coming, however, is not based on the balance sheet of our deeds—whether our good deeds will outweigh the bad. That you can never know. Besides, that’s not even what’s at issue. The real questions are: Are we putting our hope and faith in Jesus to be our Savior? Are we trusting Him enough to obey Him as Lord? Are we living for God or for ourselves? These will all be on the test. If we start getting them right now, the coming judgment may barely be a blip on the screen, not a pothole on the road to hell.
But if we judged ourselves truly, we would not be judged. But when we are judged by the Lord, we are disciplined so that we may not be condemned along with the world. 1 Corinthians 11:31-32
Pre-Figured in Scripture
Every crucial component of the Last Days has already “appeared” in the Biblical prophetic narrative in the past, somewhat like a dress rehearsal for the final drama. These foreshadows are called “types” because they precede their ultimate expression (the “antitype”).[3] As shadows of the future reality, however, they cast a revealing light of their own.
1. The Judgment of Solomon
Solomon’s famous judgment may indeed be a light thing compared to the incomparable weight of judging eternal destiny. Nevertheless, it is an encouragement to remember it before wading into the deep waters of fate or freedom. It is worth remembering that everything about Israel served also as an example (a type) of the reality which would come through Jesus. In addition, many things about Israel were based on the pattern of the perfect originals in heaven. Israel’s kings enthroned when sitting to judge their subjects, give us a living picture of that future reality when the Judge of All the Earth sits enthroned to dispense final judgment upon His subjects.[4]
Solomon rendered judgment in a case that involved life or death. Two mothers (prostitutes) lay down to sleep with their infant sons. Only one newborn made it through the night. Both claimed that the surviving child was her own, but there had been no witnesses. Could Solomon discover who was the real mother of the surviving child? Both that child’s destiny and the heart of the true mother hung in the balance. That he did ensured his reputation as Israel’s wisest king, but it also gives us great encouragement. As God’s representative, Solomon judged with perfect insight, wisdom, and compassion. So will our God!
Then the king answered and said, "Give the living child to the first woman, and by no means put him to death; she is his mother." And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice. 1 Kings 3:27-28
2. The Books of Earth and Heaven
As will become evident, books play a crucial role in the final judgment. Apparently, the names of all the living are kept in books in heaven, where their deeds (good and bad) are also recorded. Because this topic should be of intense personal interest, it will be examined in detail. In a moment, we’ll review the earthly counterpart, then the heavenly original.[5] First, here is a glimpse through the prophet Daniel’s eyes of a scene in heaven when the books are opened.
"As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. A stream of fire issued and came out from before him; a thousand thousands served him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him; the court sat in judgment, and the books were opened.” Daniel 7:9-10
1) Records Kept for Use on Earth
The Jewish people weren’t the only ones in the ancient Middle East who kept track of their history and their transactions. Since our God keeps books in heaven, it’s no surprise that this is a universal tendency of all who have been created in His image. The nation of Israel did it, however, as a people uniquely called by God to know Him and His ways and to represent Him by becoming like Him.[6] What they kept track of is, therefore, quite intriguing to say the least.
a) The book of the generations of Adam encompasses the whole of the fifth chapter of Genesis. It only refers to life on earth and the lineage of Adam through Noah. This is a record that may have been handed down through oral tradition before being included in the scriptures written by Moses. Or it may have been given directly to the prophet by the Holy Spirit. Either way, it is the first book of records ever recorded. It gives us an infallible guide to the originating ancestors who lived before writing was invented.
This is the book of the generations of Adam. When God created man, he made him in the likeness of God. Genesis 5:1
b) The Jewish people kept extensive records. Just as the plan for the tabernacle mirrored the perfect original in heaven, so it seems their bookish ways were inspired by the Spirit after the heavenly pattern of keeping written records. For instance, they kept detailed genealogical records and even carried them into captivity. One of the main reasons for doing this was the necessity of keeping track of those uniquely called to be priests, for only Aaron’s bloodline could serve at the altar. We may be certain that heaven is recording if we, too, are pursuing our own appointed purpose or doing deeds God never prepared for us.
Then my God put it into my heart to assemble the nobles and the officials and the people to be enrolled by genealogy. And I found the book of the genealogy of those who came up at the first, and I found written in it. Nehemiah 7:5
c) Ancient Israel also kept thorough records of the deeds of her kings, whether good or bad. Comprehensive annals documented each king’s reign, both in Judea and the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Upon the written evidence of these chronicles, the more condensed scripture summaries pronounced the kings either righteous or wicked. This illustrates the way heaven keeps written account of each person’s deeds—for judicial purposes. Our God, too, will pronounce us either righteous or wicked based upon the written evidence.[7]
Now the rest of the deeds of Amaziah, from first to last, are they not written in the Book of the Kings of Judah and Israel? 2 Chronicles 25:26[8]
2) Records Kept for Heaven’s Use
For better or for worse (depending upon one’s perspective), heaven records everything about us. These accounts fall into two main categories: a) the names of those destined to live forever as saved and redeemed children of God and b) the deeds of everyone whether good or bad. Since eternal destiny is the foremost consideration, let’s begin there.
a) The Book of Life holds the record of those who belong to the Lord. Though it goes by various names, including “The Book of the Living” it is clearly not a listing of people living on earth at any specified time.[9] These are the fortunate and blessed souls whose names were recorded there by God’s divine foreknowledge, even before “the foundation of the world.”[10] In other words, by faith they are alive to God in this life, and by grace, they will be living (not perishing) in the next. This is the book we want to be in!
At that time shall arise Michael, the great prince who has charge of your people. And there shall be a time of trouble, such as never has been since there was a nation till that time. But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. Daniel 12:1
This is the book Jesus was referring to when He rejoiced on the successful return of the seventy-two disciples He sent out to the towns of Israel. Although He saw Satan falling “like lightning” and the disciples would, therefore, be given authority over all the power of the Enemy, they were to rejoice with Him in only one thing.
Nevertheless, do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven." Luke 10:20
Both Paul and the unnamed writer of the Book of Hebrews refer to the record in heaven of those who will live forever with the Lord.
Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life. Philippians 4:3
But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to the assembly of the firstborn who are enrolled in heaven, and to God, the judge of all, and to the spirits of the righteous made perfect. Hebrews 12:22-23
Others will never have had their names listed in the book because of their refusal of repentance and God’s grace. That, too, has been foreseen.
The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to rise from the bottomless pit and go to destruction. And the dwellers on earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the foundation of the world will marvel to see the beast, because it was and is not and is to come. Revelation 17:8
Is it possible to have one’s name removed (blotted out) from this all-important book? Apparently, it is even though a person may have been originally listed as among the redeemed. A person’s sins—if not atoned for—can precipitate just such a removal. In the matter of the golden calf, Moses interceded for the sins of the people, offering his own life in exchange for theirs. He understood that multitudes of the people were now at risk for having their names removed from the book of life, including his beloved brother Aaron and sister Miriam.
But now, if you will forgive their sin—but if not, please blot me out of your book that you have written." But the LORD said to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against me, I will blot out of my book. Exodus 32:32-33
The Psalmist went the other way. He sought to damn one who sinned against him by praying for him to no longer hold a “living” position among the redeemed of Israel.
Add to them punishment upon punishment; may they have no acquittal from you. Let them be blotted out of the book of the living; let them not be enrolled among the righteous. Psalm 69:27-28
Is there a way to ensure that one’s name is never blotted out of the Book of Life? Indeed, there is! Become a valiant-hearted, faithful “overcomer” of anything the enemy throws at you. Cling to the Lord and refuse to deny Him when tempted by sin or persecuted unto death, especially during the coming Tribulation.
The one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my Father and before his angels. Revelation 3:5
b) The Book of Deeds is where everyone’s works, or deeds, are recorded. There may be separate books kept for the righteous and unrighteous, but all of one’s deeds, both good and evil, are in there. They remain in the record unless they have been blotted out. Unlike the “Book of Life” which is always referred to in the singular, these are sometimes referred to as “books” in scripture. The Book of Remembrance might be the proper name for the book of deeds.
Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. Malachi 3:16
Aware of this record, Nehemiah prayed that his good deeds would not be “wiped out” from God’s book of remembrance. It would be wrong to assume that Nehemiah was basing his hope of heaven upon his good deeds. No! As a man of consistent faith in the God of Israel, he would have understood that he was being saved by God’s grace through covenant faithfulness, just as Abraham had been. This plea was to ensure that his good deeds would be remembered in view of future rewards in eternity.
Remember me, O my God, concerning this, and do not wipe out my good deeds that I have done for the house of my God and for his service. Nehemiah 13:14
David believed that even a “deed” such as his tears were being recorded.
You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? Psalm 56:8
The downside of this is that all sins are also recorded—permanently.
May the iniquity of his fathers be remembered before the LORD, and let not the sin of his mother be blotted out! Psalm 109:14
Now for the good news. Sins and misdeeds can be blotted out of the “permanent” record through repentance and divine grace. David gives us a clear example of this in his prayer for mercy following his exposure as an adulterer and murderer.
To the choirmaster. A Psalm of David, when Nathan the prophet went to him, after he had gone in to Bathsheba. Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Psalm 51:1
Centuries later through the prophets Isaiah and Ezekiel, David’s prayer of faith and hope was shown to be based upon the eternal counsel of the Living God. Genuine repentance truly does gain the removal of past sins from the record.
"I, I am he who blots out your transgressions for my own sake, and I will not remember your sins. Put me in remembrance; let us argue together; set forth your case, that you may be proved right.” Isaiah 43:25-26
“Remember these things, O Jacob, and Israel, for you are my servant; I formed you; you are my servant; O Israel, you will not be forgotten by me. I have blotted out your transgressions like a cloud and your sins like mist; return to me, for I have redeemed you.” Isaiah 44:21-22
“But if a wicked person turns away from all his sins that he has committed and keeps all my statutes and does what is just and right, he shall surely live; he shall not die. None of the transgressions that he has committed shall be remembered against him; for the righteousness that he has done he shall live.” Ezekiel 18:21-22
Once Jesus opened the way for everyone’s sins to be finally and fully removed, Peter made this all-embracing invitation on the Day of Pentecost.
Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus. Acts 3:19-20
Revealed by Scripture
The Bible exposes the secret plans and deceptive operations of the dark kingdom, even as it unveils the glorious realities of what our God is doing. The truths of scripture are, therefore, our rock-solid building blocks for interpreting the times we are entering. Nevertheless, for biblical information to become true revelation both prayer and the Holy Spirit are needed.
At the very beginning of the Millennium, John saw thrones put in place. These were for unidentified assistants but were likely for Jesus' disciples whom He promised would one day judge the tribes. We also know from Jesus’ own testimony that He will sit to judge the nations. This is often called the judgment seat of Christ and could easily be confused with the Last Judgment because it does come last, after the final battle of Armageddon takes place. It also involves the thorny issue of eternal destiny for those brought before Him. The confusion comes in because Armageddon is not the last battle: that’s the war of Satan, Gog and Magog which ends the Millennium. Nor is the judgment by Jesus the final judgment for all concerned. That will be the one that takes place before the Great White Thone. Clear?
1. The First Last Judgment
At His judgment seat, Jesus will separate the nations into sheep and goats. The goats will be sent to eternal punishment. It will also bring those who are being saved through “the first resurrection” into eternal life. The redeemed who died in faith will be raised and receive their glorious new bodies along with those still living believers who faithfully survived the Tribulation. Truly, this is a judgment which decides eternal destiny, but not for all.
The judgment of Jesus is limited in scope. It prepares the earth for the Millennium by removing unrighteousness souls from the earth and by raising to new and eternal life those who will reign with Him. Only the ones from “the nations” who are still alive when Jesus returns will be judged. His born-again followers will pass through the first resurrection to live forever with Him on earth. Those who are found to be unrighteous will be sent to hell. All the rest of the dead from bygone years will have to wait their turn. That will come before the Father’s Great White Throne.
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.” Matthew 25:31-33
The Judgment Seat of Christ
Then I saw thrones, and seated on them were those to whom the authority to judge was committed. Revelation 20:4a
John’s attention and ours are abruptly turned from viewing Satan’s incarceration to this scene of judgment. Since John sees multiple “thrones” assembled here, we are not to suppose that this judgment will take place by God alone. Indeed, John sees “those” who are already “seated” on the thrones and they are either redeemed people like us, or they are a panel of angelic beings. At this as yet undesignated place in heaven there is no mention of God Almighty or of His throne being present. Always John has been quick to honor the Holy One whenever He is present. It is too much to suppose he would pass over God’s presence in silence. Neither is there mention yet of Jesus being present. What are we to make of this?
Our God evidently loves to delegate the operations of His kingdom to His servants and His “sons” both human and divine.[11] We see this every day on earth which we have been given to steward, but it seems surprising to find it here in heaven, especially at such a level. This unnumbered group of people has been given “authority to judge.”[12] Judging is an operation of our God which we have been commanded to leave to Him alone.[13] That at least is the command for us prior to the return of Jesus. Nevertheless, Paul told us that a day would come when the redeemed would be committed with the task of judging both people and angels.
Or do you not know that the saints will judge the world? And if the world is to be judged by you, are you incompetent to try trivial cases? Do you not know that we are to judge angels? How much more, then, matters pertaining to this life! 1 Corinthians 6:2-3
It is absurd to imagine that under the prevailing conditions of this life, where we have no visible contact with angels (with rare exceptions), that we could be in any position to judge them. This revelation given to Paul must be pointed towards that time beyond our present age when the unseen realm will be both visible and assessable to us. Also, we should note that at that time we will have been delivered of the sin nature, the voice of the Accuser will have been silenced and we will be as fully in Christ as He is in us.[14] All these soul-liberating factors will make it possible for us to “judge with righteous judgment,” something our present nature renders both difficult and rare for us to achieve.[15]
Having noted all this, it must also be recognized that the silence of the text is not proof that either God or Jesus is absent: “proof from silence is only proof of silence.”[16] This is the Book of Revelation. Nothing happening here is going to go as we might suppose! There are mind-numbing twists and turns leading to unforeseen revelations on every page. So, it may be here. The text we are given points us clearly towards recognizing the unexpected role that the redeemed will have in judging both “the world” of people and divine beings in the heavenly realm. Yet another text, that of Matthew’s gospel, points us to the presence of Christ very likely at this same scene of judgment.
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left.” Matthew 25:31-33
Jesus told us that He would “sit on his glorious throne” once He comes to reign. Not only that but his disciple would reign with him.[17] This is that moment. In the timeline we are following, He arrived victorious at the Last Battle and crushed all opposition. Even the devil is now incarcerated in chains in the bottomless pit. Now, Jesus is seated on His throne and is gathering “all the nations” before Him for judgment. What John sees immediately after these same events are thrones and those upon them—the disciples/apostles—committed to judging all who will be brought before them. So, now we have two views of judgments which will take place at about the same time. But are they of the same scene of judgment?
Completely unassisted, Jesus will be judging “the nations” and separating “the sheep from the goats.” By His judgment alone the sheep will hear the glad words, “Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”[18] The goats, on the other hand, will hear Jesus say, “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels."[19] This is a judgment between righteous and unrighteous, between sinner and saint, and the immediate verdict is either eternal punishment or eternal life.[20] There is nothing here of weighing out rewards, or of assignments such as we see taking place in the judgment scene John is privy to. Let’s return to that now.
Also I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. Revelation 20:4b
John now is shown a multitude of the redeemed who seem at first glance to be a single company, but actually come from two sources. First, he mentions those who have been “beheaded for the testimony of Jesus and for the word of God.” In the context of this passage, these would be the martyrs who die during the Great Tribulation, since John will also mention the beast and the mark in this same sentence. That these martyrs died “for the testimony of Jesus” clearly points to genuine Christian believers. That they also are said to have died “for the word of God” may indicate that some of this group are Jewish martyrs. There will be intense persecution against both Christians and Jews in the Last Days.
The qualification of beheading raises several questions. Does it mean that this group of martyrs does not include those who died for the faith in times past or even those who die in the future by some other means than beheading? John has nothing to say about such possibilities. Other souls may have been present, but John is quite specific in describing this first group as only those who have been beheaded. As a side note, beheading appears to be the primary means of execution during the Great Tribulation. Because it was so visually gruesome, most Western nations outlawed it. Nevertheless, it will evidently return in the future to be used by the antichrist’s empire which will likely be run from some European capital. Though it may seem like small comfort, beheading is at least instantaneous with an exceedingly brief period from its execution to final death. There are far worse deaths that martyrs have been subjected to in the past.
Are all those whom John sees martyrs? This cannot be answered with certainty based on this text alone. John may be saying that this entire group had all 1) been beheaded and 2) had “not worshipped the beast or its image” and 3) had “not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands.” In that case, this is only a group of martyrs. On the other hand, he may be saying (as the ESV implies with the comma) that there is a second group here. First, the group of martyrs that we have discussed. Then, comes the comma and the “and those” which could signify another group of faithful believers who resisted both the beast and its image and refused to take the mark.
Somehow, this possible second group survived the persecution, either by hiding out or in some way by fighting back. Naturally enough many of us would like to be in that second group! This theory seems to be dashed, however, by the next phrase which gives us additional information. This group “came to life.” That can only mean that they died first. How did they die? By being martyred. Specifically, by being beheaded. Their reward is as certain as their death by martyrdom: they will reign with Christ “for a thousand years.”
Let each of us weigh in our hearts how crucial it is that we remain faithful under the coming persecution. The punishment for denying the Lord, worshipping the beast, and taking the mark is eternal torment. The reward is not only eternal life but reigning with Jesus on a restored earth—for a thousand years.
The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended. This is the first resurrection. Revelation 20:5
This next verse is a puzzler. Here, “the first resurrection” is described and it is narrowly limited. Only some of the dead will come to life before the Great White Throne judgment at the end of the Millennium when all “the rest of the dead” will be raised to face God’s verdict on their life. We saw these raised souls of the first resurrection in verse 4 and it only included “those who had been beheaded” during the Great Tribulation. Trying to clarify that point took several paragraphs because it is so important. One would think that all those who died in the faith, whether they were martyrs or not, would be raised to reign with Christ through this “first resurrection.” But that is not what this passage is saying.
To be sure, the martyrs of the Great Tribulation will not be the only ones reigning with Christ during the Millennium. Those who walk faithfully through that terrible time of testing and persecution will also reign for a thousand years. Many will unavoidably die as martyrs. Others, however, will survive as overcomers of everything the devil and the antichrist throw at them. They will not need to go through the first resurrection for they will not have died. In the letters to the churches of Revelation Jesus promised a crown for the martyrs and a crown for the overcomers. A crown signifies the right to reign. Clearly both these groups who prove themselves faithful to Jesus and to the word of God will reign during the Millennium.
Nevertheless, Jesus told us (in Matthew 24) and Paul repeated it that the dead would be raised first, then we who are still alive will be joined with them. Then, we would all come to earth to be with the Lord forever.[21] According to that scenario, it would seem that all those who have died faithfully in Christ throughout the last two thousand years will be raised to join the overcomers and reign with Jesus. Yet, this passage seems to limit the group which joins the overcomers to being only the tribulation martyrs.
Jesus warned us that the coming Great Tribulation will be the worst the world has ever seen.[22] It may be that the special reward for those who remain faithful during it—whether as overcomers or as martyrs—will be the honor of reigning with Him while the earth is being restored. Then, all “the rest of the dead” who were nevertheless faithful in their lifetime would also enter the joy of their Lord on the renewed earth. Of course, “the rest of the dead” who were unfaithful would also be raised but they would go to a radically different “reward.” (See The Great White Throne.)
Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with him for a thousand years. Revelation 20:6
We hardly need to be told that the one “who shares in” this first resurrection is “blessed.” Anyone in their right mind can see that this is a wonderful place to be—at Jesus' side and reigning with Him during the Millennium. Not only would you be alive, gloriously alive, but you would be taking part in the greatest un-attacked adventure the world has ever seen. All other adventures of faith have been subject to ferocious attacks by the enemy and his dark kingdom. With the evil ones taken out of the way, even difficult tasks will feel like child’s play. Working with Jesus on the restoration of the earth will be akin to assisting Him during the creation of the worlds. That work was reserved for angels. This has been reserved for us!
Yet, we are not only blessed if we share in this great venture, we are “holy.” Holy signifies purity of heart and singleness of desire where devotion to the Lord is concerned. The wordplay in English implies that the one who is holy is “wholly” devoted, wholly consecrated to the Lord. Such a one—the pure in heart—will see God.[23] We know from John’s first letter, that when we see Him, we become like Him.[24] Hence, genuine holiness leads to a union of His nature with ours. This desirable state is something we only get foretastes of now or may experience steadily but at a much lower level than that which is to come.
This first resurrection brings a guarantee to those who experience it: The “second death has no power” over them. The Great White Throne judgment is not for them. They have already been judged worthy of being raised. Never again will they have reason to fear death. Never again will death be able to boast that its “sting” can harm them.[25] This setting free is one tremendous aspect of the “glorious liberty” coming to God’s children.[26] We can all participate in it now to the degree that our faith sustains us because it is Jesus’ death and resurrection that opens this door to all who believe. Nevertheless, unless faith radically grows during the tribulation (and very likely it will!) it is safe to say that the present condition of many believers is fear, not glorious freedom, whenever the specter of death looms large. All that will change, in a moment, “in the twinkling of an eye.”[27]
For the third time, it is affirmed that these faithful followers of Jesus “will reign with him for a thousand years.” When scripture repeats a truth, it is evidence of its importance, just as it was when our parents tried to emphasize points to us when we were young. Usually, truths like the two great commandments, the disciple’s cross, or casting our cares on the Lord are scattered about. However, this truth is repeated three times in a row! We need to have no doubt that this truth will prove true. We only need to be sure that we prove to be true in the testing. Hanging on to this truth by faith and prayer will help us survive a ton of adversity and still consider it a “light momentary affliction” which cannot be compared to the glory to be revealed to us.[28]
We are also informed that these blessed believers of the Millennium will be “priests of God and of Christ.” Certainly, Jesus the High Priest is residing in all His genuine, reborn believers. His presence alone is what makes all of us prophets, priests and kings. Even in this life, we are prophets when we speak for Him, kings when we exercise God-given authority, and priests when we apply the Blood of His sacrifice through intercession for others. Is there a special—a Millennium role—as priests that lie before us? As mentioned earlier, there will be a multitude of people usually called the resisters who successfully resisted the beast, but who also resisted conversion. These will need to be introduced to and trained in the ways of the Lord. That’s a priestly calling.
2. The Final Last Judgment
At some time in our lives the very thought of standing before God at the Last Judgment might have struck terror to our hearts. However, if we are believers and if we are not walking in known sin, then this coming judgment need not be a cause for fear. The Blood of Jesus truly is sufficient to cover and cleanse all of Adam’s fallen children.[29] That’s at least ten billion of us!
If the Atonement can do that for the totality of everyone’s sins and sinfulness, it can surely cover each one of us.[30] So, no matter how big or how many your own sins have been, take heart. Your sins are still just as a drop of ink in the ocean of God’s unstinting mercy which the cross released. Tragically, not everyone will take our loving Father up on His offer of salvation by faith in what Jesus accomplished for us. Nevertheless, if we have, then we can rest easy in His “everlasting arms” of love.[31]
By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment... There is no fear in love, but perfect love casts out fear. For fear has to do with punishment, and whoever fears has not been perfected in love. We love because he first loved us. 1 John 4:17-19
The Great White Throne
Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. Revelation 20:11
John’s head must be spinning! In the previous verse, he described seeing the devil thrown into the lake of fire where the beast and false prophet have been already tormented for a thousand years. For John, this had to be a full-on view of excruciating punishment being meted out. “Then,” without a pause, he sees “a great white throne.” From the worst region of hell to the highest reaches of heaven! If John feels any spiritual whiplash, he doesn’t let on but plunges ahead without a pause.
This is likely the same throne that Isaiah and Daniel saw.[32] Neither prophet described the throne as being white, though their description of “Him who is seated on it” matches that of John. This exalted divine Person can be none other than the Ancient of Days, the Lord God Almighty. Evidently, there are ascending levels to heaven, as there are also descending levels to hell. It is the enthroned presence of the Highest and Holiest One that marks this location as the “highest heaven.”[33] Nothing and no one could possibly be higher than the LORD of heaven and earth.
That John does not always give His Name is due to the customary Jewish reverence for the highest name for God, which is usually translated in all capitals as “LORD.” Unfortunately, the rabbis (who were mostly Pharisees) also turned this simple act of reverence into yet another one of their laws, making it a sin to say the Name out loud. One unintended consequence of this outward show of piety is that no one now knows how to pronounce the Name which God first spoke to Moses from the burning bush.[34] We have the four letters (YHWH or JHWH), but whether we should say “Yahweh” or “Jehovah” is a disputed matter.
By any name, God is still LORD over all His creation. Accordingly, John saw that “the earth and the sky fled away.” Where did they go? “No place was found for them” may simply mean no place of proximity to the dread presence, as creation itself hides in holy fear. The Bible is not making a case here for animism—the belief that “objects, places, and creatures all possess a distinct spiritual essence.”[35] Nor, can this be pantheism which equates the entire creation with God, for this view of the creation has it fleeing from God’s presence. But it is certainly a slap in the face of Western materialism which denies any form of life to the creation with the sole exception of biological beings, i.e. plants and animals.
Paul gives us insight into yet another way of seeing creation than the three failed perspectives listed above. He wrote that “all creation” has been “groaning together,” yearning for the glorious liberty to be restored to fallen humanity.[36] Jesus spoke similarly when He said that if His followers kept silent, “the very stones would cry out.”[37] There is indeed a mystery here and such mysteries cannot usually be resolved by our theories. They can, however, be gloriously experienced. That promised day will come for all of us if we don’t quit or turn back.
That the “earth and sky” turn and run away is not a sign of sinfulness on their part, as it would be on ours. This sign tells us that even the sinless created order cannot bear the weight of glory which God is capable of manifesting. In Isaiah’s vision, the seraphim covered their faces with their wings, so awesome (as in dreadful) was the unveiled sight of God’s glory.[38] Yet, these sublime spirits were created and equipped for this very purpose—to stand before God all eternity long. If they can’t “bear” His presence, who can?
Fortunately for all of us, our God reveals Himself by degrees as we are able to bear it.[39] Jesus, veiled Himself when He became one of us. His Incarnation began the process which continues through this life into the next: “He became as we are so that we might become as He is.”[40] Indeed, it is the incremental gift of revelation which makes repentance and on-going transformation possible. Too much of God’s good thing would terrify us beyond any ability on our part to respond. The LORD is, therefore, “preparing” us to carry that greater “weight.”
So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. 2 Corinthians 4:16-17
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. Revelation 20:12
John’s present vision takes in a vast multitude for he “saw the dead.” By our reckoning there are over seven billion of us alive now. More will be born before the Lord returns, but how many more? Conversely, at least half the population will die during the terrible ordeal of the judgments and persecution to come. In addition to this, some estimates have over 100 billion human beings who lived in the past.[41] That, of course, is highly debated. Nevertheless, it seems that for most of our recorded history, the earth’s population averaged 500 million alive at any one time. This doubled by 1800 (due to improved agriculture and health measures) and has been climbing ever since. [42] How many does all this add up to? We simply don’t know, but that’s what John is now seeing!
In saying he saw the dead, both “great and small” John is not speaking of physical size, but of worldly stature. The world’s estimate of a person’s true worth falls woefully short of God’s vision. Both those who are great in the world’s eyes, as well as those the world despises, may be in for a surprise. All are summoned. All are “standing before the throne” though we can well imagine that many would hasten to kneel and beg for mercy, if it were allowed. It’s not. It’s is far too late for a change of heart. We have all been given only one lifetime to make the next life decision.
And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. Hebrews 9:27
There will be no reincarnations and no post death conversions. There will only be an accounting taken and a judgment rendered once the “books [are] opened.” For a full discussion of the books, review the “Pre-Figured in Scripture” section of this article. The short version is that there are two kinds of books which will be opened: books of life and books of deeds.
“The Book of Life” goes by various names but carries the far-reaching accounting of who has been chosen for eternal life based upon faith and grace. The other set of books—the first set of “books” that John saw—contains everyone’s deeds. Here is where the balance becomes crucial. Good deeds can’t get anyone into heaven, but that doesn’t mean that one’s deeds aren’t important, or that they don’t matter. We all deep down know that they do. Evidently, one’s good deeds can add up as rewards in heaven, while extraordinary bad deeds can sink a person deeper into hell’s torments.
Everyone—all the dead—were judged “by what was written in the books.” The impression created by this sentence is that God is not weighing each one’s case and deciding on a verdict in this moment. No, that decision was already rendered when the book recorded each one’s life. That recording was made at the time of their death—when they were no longer capable of doing “deeds” of thought, word or action. For many of the people standing here, death would have come at least a thousand, perhaps many thousands of years previously. For all this time, the books have carried the written judgment which is invariably given “according to what they had done.”
Before going further, let us remember that faith is a “deed,” the most important one of all. Faith in the Lord is a decision, an “act” of the will, to choose to live for God, trusting to the saving mercy He offers. The genuineness of that decision is subject to testing. A lifetime of faithfulness proves out the hidden decision of the heart—a thing that only God can rightly judge. Absolute perfection is not required, or King David could never make it.[43] On the other hand, some measure of devotion to the Lord, rather than to sin and self, is required, otherwise why would Jesus and His Apostles give so many warnings to believers? (See “Can I Lose Salvation?” at salvationanswers.org.)
In the next verse, John will be shown more dead arriving to join the waiting throng. So, when he says “the dead” in the above verse he cannot mean all the dead, for many are still coming. But isn’t this a judgment for all who have died? Certainly not! At the beginning of the Millennium, we saw those who were still alive when Jesus returned joined with those who had died in the faith. This is commonly termed the Rapture of believers.
At His return, Jesus judged and raised all these faithful souls to new life “in the twinkling of an eye.” This was called the “first resurrection” for through it many multitudes of believers were raised to new life and given glorified bodies to reign with Jesus for the Millennium. (See The Millennium Reign.) Though our text doesn’t say it with these words, the “second resurrection” will be for those who make it safely through the Great White Throne judgment. As you will see, however, most of the focus is upon those who fail the test and are thrown into the lake of fire. Others, however, will be raised to eternal life, once their names are found written in the Book of Life.
And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. Revelation 20:13
As we have already seen, John’s line of sight somehow enabled him to see the earth and sky flee from the presence of creation’s enthroned LORD. Now, he sees “the sea” from heaven’s throne room. The possibility exists that following the convulsions of the Last Days (one thousand years previously) there is only one sea remaining upon the earth. Or, it may be that he is speaking collectively of all the saltwater covering the earth, for they are all connected even now. Only the strangeness of this book’s revelations makes this question possible.
In either case, John credits “the sea” with releasing— “gave up”—the dead it contains. He says the same for “Death and Hades.” His language carries forward the theme of a “secret” life to aspects of creation we don’t usually credit with either sentience (having thoughts) or volition (making choices). We are not to imagine that either location held the dead against God’s will, or that they had to be compelled to grant this release. It is simply that their custodial time is over: It was never meant to be more than temporary.
These too were judged “according to what they have done” just like the others who stood before them. Just as it was with the others, the judgment is individual. He sees “each one of them” taking their turn listening to what is written in the books about them. Are all their deeds read out loud, or is just a summary given? John doesn’t say, but this is certain to be a lengthy process. We can also be certain that for the ones this judgment will go against, any delay of their punishment will be welcomed.
Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:14a
Now, something truly extraordinary happens. This is not at all what we were expecting. The coming punishment is for people to be “thrown into the lake of fire.” Hell had been prepared for the devil and his angels. Indeed, Satan, the fallen angels, the antichrist, and the false prophet are already burning in those eternal flames. This judgment is about whether people will go to heaven or hell. That’s what we’re prepared to see. But the first to be thrown in is not a person, but a thing. John sees that “Death and Hades” were thrown into the sea of flames!
Again, John gives us a personification where we wouldn’t usually expect it. Death and Hades is a location! Or, is it? Remember all the way back to the beginning judgments which came when the seals were opened. The first four seals released the Horsemen of the Apocalypse to scourge the earth. The fourth horseman was not one but two. Death rode the pale horse, but Hades followed close behind on another. John sees both those nefarious characters picked up and “thrown” into the sea of flames.
Are “Death and Hades” fallen angels who had been granted authority to hold the dead until this appointed time? In that case, not all the evil hosts of heaven had been dealt with at the Lord’s return. At Armageddon, He destroyed all who were in rebellion against Him which included the realm of the second heavens as well as the human rebels. The ultimate judgment upon those who remained under the earth, such as Death and Hades and those they contained, had to wait for this second time of judgment.
Even if it is true that Death and Hades are not mere personifications, but actually fallen beings, they are nevertheless completely identified with the realms which go by their names. There can be little doubt that those realms are also being thrown into the lake of fire. Why? Surely this is a sign of divine displeasure. Burn the hated place! Our LORD is God of the living.[44] He never created us to be held in the grip of death or to suffer the pangs of the underworld. With great disdain, He casts the cursed prison into the flames.
Beyond this, what further need can there be for such a place? Satan, along with all fallen angels and demons, has come to a blazing end. All those who followed the evil ones into evil will meet the same end through the judgment they now face. That means that sin will be no more! There is no further need for this below-ground dungeon. Never again will living beings rebel against their beloved Creator and Redeemer. This is God’s sign to us: We need to have no fear that as a recreated race of believers, we will ever go back.
This is the second death, the lake of fire. And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:14b-15
At last, the judgment is given, and it is not based on the book of deeds. Anyone who’s name “was not found written” in the all-important Book of Life, meets a terrible end. The unsaved, unredeemed, lost, and guilty souls are all “thrown into the lake of fire.” No one in heaven wanted any of us to go there. The agony of the cross, the grief of the Father, the work of the Spirit had all been aimed at rescuing everyone from this bitter fate. They could see better than any of these poor lost souls the horror of this now inescapable moment—a moment of stark terror that begins an eternity of endless torment.
John informs us that this never-ending end is “the second death, the lake of fire.” The first death is to die bodily while on the earth. That first death is unavoidable—as unavoidable as taxes. All of us must pass through physical death into what awaits us on the other side. Will it be eternal life or eternal death? As long as we are alive, we can make the choice to avoid this second death. All it takes is turning to God asking Him to forgive us for our sins and yielding our hearts to receive Jesus as our Savior and Lord.
Time to Pray?
If you have not done this but want to learn more, please see “Salvation Questions.” If you feel ready to take this step of faith, follow this prayer. My own life in Christ began with a one-sentence prayer—the middle sentence here: “Lord Jesus, come into my heart, into my life and live your life in me.” I have expanded it so that you can have confidence that you’ve covered all the bases, but the exact words are never what’s important. God sees our hearts. If we are honestly doing our best to turn to Him, He will know, and He will help us get all the way where we need to be.
Father, please forgive me for all the ways in which I have lived for myself, hurt others, and turned my back on You. I confess and repent of all these sins. Thank You for loving me and making a way for my sins to be forgiven through Jesus.
Jesus, please come into my heart, into my life, and live Your life in me. I surrender myself to You, body, soul and spirit. Grant me an assurance of my eventual entry into heaven won for me by Your death and resurrection. Help me by Your Word and Holy Spirit to trust and follow You step by step into the new life here on earth that You have also promised can be mine.
Holy Spirit, please come and heal my broken heart of all the hurt that my own sins and those of others have caused. Show me and tell me Your truth in ways that I can receive and understand. Help me fight to remain loyal to the One who laid down His life for me by laying down my “old life” and my wrong ways for Him!
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Other Scriptures to Study
1. The Judgment Seat of Christ
Then Peter said in reply, "See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?" Jesus said to them, "Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or lands, for my name's sake, will receive a hundredfold and will inherit eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first. Matthew 19:27-30
"When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." Matthew 25:31-46
Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God; for it is written, “As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” So then each of us will give an account of himself to God. Romans 14:10-12
So whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to please him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil. 2 Corinthians 5:9-10
2. Judgment on Ungodly Rulers
1 A Psalm of Asaph. God has taken his place in the divine council; in the midst of the gods he holds judgment: 2 "How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked? Selah. 3 Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the right of the afflicted and the destitute. 4 Rescue the weak and the needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked." 5 They have neither knowledge nor understanding, they walk about in darkness; all the foundations of the earth are shaken. 6 I said, "You are gods, sons of the Most High, all of you; 7 nevertheless, like men you shall die, and fall like any prince." 8 Arise, O God, judge the earth; for you shall inherit all the nations! Psalm 82:1-8
3. The Wisdom of Solomon
16 Then two prostitutes came to the king and stood before him. 17 The one woman said, "Oh, my lord, this woman and I live in the same house, and I gave birth to a child while she was in the house. 18 Then on the third day after I gave birth, this woman also gave birth. And we were alone. There was no one else with us in the house; only we two were in the house. 19 And this woman's son died in the night, because she lay on him. 20 And she arose at midnight and took my son from beside me, while your servant slept, and laid him at her breast, and laid her dead son at my breast. 21 When I rose in the morning to nurse my child, behold, he was dead. But when I looked at him closely in the morning, behold, he was not the child that I had borne." 22 But the other woman said, "No, the living child is mine, and the dead child is yours." The first said, "No, the dead child is yours, and the living child is mine." Thus they spoke before the king. 23 Then the king said, "The one says, 'This is my son that is alive, and your son is dead'; and the other says, 'No; but your son is dead, and my son is the living one.'" 24 And the king said, "Bring me a sword." So a sword was brought before the king. 25 And the king said, "Divide the living child in two, and give half to the one and half to the other." 26 Then the woman whose son was alive said to the king, because her heart yearned for her son, "Oh, my lord, give her the living child, and by no means put him to death." But the other said, "He shall be neither mine nor yours; divide him." 27 Then the king answered and said, "Give the living child to the first woman, and by no means put him to death; she is his mother." 28 And all Israel heard of the judgment that the king had rendered, and they stood in awe of the king, because they perceived that the wisdom of God was in him to do justice. 1 Kings 3:16-28
Next Crucial Component
Jesus Own Timeline With all the hoopla about the Rapture, one could easily suppose that rising to “meet the Lord in the air” will be the high point of the Last Days. Not on your life! He is coming down with us, not going up! The whole point and purpose of the End Times is to bring to an end humanity’s reign on earth—the kingdoms of fallen man—so that His own glorious kingdom can come. Jesus will be with us on the earth reigning as King, unhindered by Satan for one thousand years. What a strange and wonderful time that will be. Good thing we have scriptures to help us imagine it
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Endnotes
[1] Cambridge Dictionary defines speculation as “the act of guessing possible answers to a question without having enough information to be certain.” It derives from the Latin word “speculari” which means “to look at, view, observe” and originally indicated “close observation and intelligent contemplation.” By the late 1500s it gained the disparaging sense it carries today of “mere conjecture.” See etymonline.com.
[2] "How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low! Isaiah 14:12; In the abundance of your trade you were filled with violence in your midst, and you sinned; so I cast you as a profane thing from the mountain of God, and I destroyed you, O guardian cherub, from the midst of the stones of fire. Ezekiel 28:16
[3] Adam is the type; Jesus, the “second Adam” is the antitype: Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. Romans 5:14 ESV
[4] This is the title ascribed to God by Abraham: “ Far be it from you to do such a thing, to put the righteous to death with the wicked, so that the righteous fare as the wicked! Far be that from you! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?" Genesis 18:25
[5] I owe a huge debt for the research summarized here to “The Heavenly Books of Life and of Human Deeds”
By Angel Manuel Rodríguez, Biblical Research Institute, Silver Spring, MD. November 2001. The PDF is on the web at this address.
[6] For I am the LORD your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy. Leviticus 11:44
[7] "Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” Revelation 22:12
[8] Now the rest of the acts of Jeroboam, how he warred and how he reigned, behold, they are written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Israel. 1 Kings 14:19; Now the rest of the acts of Rehoboam and all that he did, are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the Kings of Judah? 1 Kings 14:29
[9] We will look at this passage later, but it carries another name for this same book which needs listing here: But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. Revelation 21:27
[10] Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:3-6
[11] There are two things about “God’s sons” that we should keep in mind. First, at the human level and speaking in the Biblical language, all who are redeemed have been brought into Christ, the only eternal and perfect Son of God. This makes all of us “sons”—both men and women—since we are being saved through our union with Jesus. At the heavenly level, God created many beings to populate the unseen realm with Him long before He created us. Some of those beings are what we commonly think of as angels (messengers). Some are throne room guardians like the seraphim, cherubim and the four creatures which surround God’s throne. At the highest level, some of these beings are the divine “sons of God”—not at all on the same level with Jesus—but participants in God’s celestial counsel as trusted servants.
[12] Due to the quote from Paul coming up next, I weigh in on the side of this panel of judges being human, not angelic. But the words of Jesus are the clincher: Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Matthew 19:27-28
[13] "Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Matthew 7:1-2; Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand. Romans 14:4
[14] For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known. 1 Corinthians 13:12; Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2
[15] Do not judge by appearances, but judge with right judgment." John 7:24
[16] Follow this link to a Wikipedia article on “The Argument from Silence” to read a fuller treatment of this maxim.
[17] Then Peter said in reply, “See, we have left everything and followed you. What then will we have?” Jesus said to them, “Truly, I say to you, in the new world, when the Son of Man will sit on his glorious throne, you who have followed me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. Matthew 19:27-28
[18] Matthew 25:34
[19] Matthew 25:41
[20] And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." Matthew 25:46
[21] For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17
[22] For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been from the beginning of the world until now, no, and never will be. And if those days had not been cut short, no human being would be saved. But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short. Matthew 24:21-22
[23] "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.” Matthew 5:8
[24] Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. 1 John 3:2
[25] "O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?" The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 1 Corinthians 15:55-56
[26] For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God. For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. Romans 8:19-21
[27] In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. 1 Corinthians 15:52-53
[28] For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison. 2 Corinthians 4:17; For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. Romans 8:18
[29] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
[30] The Hebrew word for atonement literally means “covering.”
[31] The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms. And he thrust out the enemy before you and said, ‘Destroy.’ Deuteronomy 33:27
[32] In the year that King Uzziah died I saw the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up; and the train of his robe filled the temple. Isaiah 6:1; And: “As I looked, thrones were placed, and the Ancient of Days took his seat; his clothing was white as snow, and the hair of his head like pure wool; his throne was fiery flames; its wheels were burning fire. Daniel 7:9
[33] We can see this distinction in the following two passages, one from the Old and the other from the New Testament: To the LORD your God belong the heavens, even the highest heavens, the earth and everything in it. Deuteronomy 10:14 NIV; Also: “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” Luke 2:14
[34] With the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 AD and the diaspora which followed, the far-flung Jewish communities began speaking in the vernacular tongue of the nations where they sought refuge. Because of this, Hebrew died as a living language and was not revived until the Zionist movement of the late 1800s drew Jews back to the Land. For that amazing story (which is an unprecedented and incontrovertible sign of the End Times), go here.
[36] For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God. For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now. Romans 8:20-22
[37] And some of the Pharisees in the crowd said to him, “Teacher, rebuke your disciples.” He answered, “I tell you, if these were silent, the very stones would cry out.” Luke 19:39-40
[38] Above him stood the seraphim. Each had six wings: with two he covered his face, and with two he covered his feet, and with two he flew. And one called to another and said: “Holy, holy, holy is the LORD of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!” Isaiah 6:2-3
[39] Even so simple a thing as hearing the whole of God’s truth is more than we can bear: “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. John 16:12
[40] St Athanasius was expressing our transformation into what we would call “Christ-likeness” not actual God essence! Don’t make the mistake of thinking that we can become as God—the first lie of the devil.
[42] From one website: “For most of history, the population grew slowly, if at all. According to the United Nations' Determinants and Consequences of Population Trends, the first Homo sapiens appeared around 50,000 years ago, though this figure is debatable. Little is known about this distant past and how many of us there might have been, but by the time of the agricultural revolution in the Middle East in 9000 B.C., Earth held an estimated five million people.
“Between the rise of farming and the height of Roman rule, population growth was sluggish; at less than a tenth of a percent per year, it crawled to about 300 million by A.D. 1. Then the total fell as plagues wiped out large swathes of people. (The "black death" in the 14th century wiped out at least 75 million.) As a result, by 1650 the world population had only increased to about 500 million. By 1800, though, thanks to improved agriculture and sanitation, it doubled to more than one billion. And, in 2002 when Haub last made these calculations, the planet's population had exploded, reaching 6.2 billion.” scientificamerican.com
[43] Not picking on David, but this is just to name one of many examples, for the Bible hides none of the blemishes of God’s chosen ones.
[44] He is not God of the dead, but of the living. You are quite wrong.” Mark 12:27