Revelation 20
SOAP for Friday, August 12, 2022
Hello, this is Paul Lancaster, your guest host for today’s SOAP from New Hope Church in Brandon, Florida for Friday, August 12, 2022:
Our scripture reading today is from Revelation 20 verses 11-15. I will be reading from the ESV version. As always, we recommend you read the entire chapter of Revelation 20 to receive other thoughts and revelations (no pun intended) from God.
Scripture: Revelation 20:11-15:
Judgment Before 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. 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. 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. Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. 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.
Observation: At the judgment, the books will be opened. The Book of Life contains the names of those who have put their trust in Christ to save them. We as Christians should not look at this judgment with trepidation and fear. It will be the most glorious experience ever for all Christ followers!
Those whose name is not found in this book of life, will be thrown into the lake of fire (see Rev. 13:8 and 17:8). The lake of fire is the final destination of everything wicked—Satan, the beast, the false prophet, the demons, death, Hades and all of those who did not put their faith in Jesus Christ. John’s vision does not permit any gray areas in God’s judgment. If by faith we have not identified with Jesus Christ, confessing Him as Lord and Savior, there will be no hope, no second chance, and no appeal.
These books also contain the recorded deeds of everyone, good or evil. Everyone’s life will be reviewed and evaluated. No one is saved by deeds, but deeds are seen as clear evidence of a person’s actual relationship with God. Jesus will look at how we handled gifts, opportunities, and responsibilities. God’s gracious gift of salvation does not free us from the requirement of faithful obedience and service. Each of us must serve Christ in the best way we know and live each day knowing the books will one day be opened.
Application: So what do we do until our judgment day? We should:
Walk submissively—One of the most important themes of the Bible is obedience. We are to walk submissively according to God’s Word.
Worship Triumphantly—It means that we grab hold of the truth of God’s Word and give it back to God in our worship.
Witness Urgently—Evangelism will one day cease but not yet! One major purpose of Revelation is to remind sinners that eternal judgment is coming and to stimulate believers to share the Good News of redemption in Jesus’ name.
Work Fervently—We should remind ourselves that “we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad” (2 Corinthians 5:10).
Watch Expectantly—We do not know when the Lord is coming back to this earth. The requirement for salvation is to take freely what God offers us. He offers us life. He offers us joy. He offers us abundance. He offers us His only Son!
He could come today! Are you ready?
Prayer: God, you have given us so much— our families and friends, life in the USA, a loving church family with pastors who passionately teach Your Word. Most of all, you have given us Jesus Christ, as our Savior and Lord and our only eternal hope. Holy Spirit, help us to spread His love to others who need to hear it before it is too late. Amen.