Summary Judgment

Daily Reading:  Revelation 20

Scripture Focus: And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne… and the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done.  Revelation 20:12

Devotional Thought: In this scene of the Lord’s revelation to John, we read of the White Throne Judgment.  There are differing opinions as to whether or not believers will be present at this judgment, but to the same end.  Those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will be judged according to the gospel, justified and acquitted by Christ, and will enter into eternal life with God.

What of those who are not found in the Lamb’s Book of Life?  They will stand before the throne of God and be judged according to what is found in the other books, in which all of their past actions, thoughts and deeds are written.  What a terrifying thought, for all of what has been done openly and in secret will be laid bare before our holy Creator.  There is none who can stand before Him in our own merit.  All who try will be thrown into the lake of fire (v15).

What do we do with this knowledge?  How do we process this terrible imagery?  First, it should give us renewed determination to reach others with the saving news of the gospel.  Like us, their only hope is to have their names written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.  Second, it should renew in us a sober-mindedness regarding the tremendous cost of our sin, and of the Lord’s contrasting holiness.  We have no hope apart from God’s grace.  Third, the appropriate response of those who have trusted in Jesus for their salvation is wholehearted worship and praise.  At the end of time, there will be a blood sacrifice required by the Lord.  The only question is: whose blood will pay the price?  Praise God, for He has provided the perfect Lamb, whose blood is sufficient for all of our sins!

Jenny

Prayer: Lord, without the Lamb of God, we would be hopelessly lost.  None can stand before your throne of judgment.  Praise Your holy Name for the atoning blood of Your Son!

Psalm of the Day:  7 God has promised in his holiness: "With exultation I will divide up Shechem and portion out the Valley of Succoth. 8 Gilead is mine; Manasseh is mine; Ephraim is my helmet, Judah my scepter. 9 Moab is my washbasin; upon Edom I cast my shoe; over Philistia I shout in triumph." 10 Who will bring me to the fortified city? Who will lead me to Edom? 11 Have you not rejected us, O God? You do not go out, O God, with our armies. 12 Oh grant us help against the foe, for vain is the salvation of man! 13 With God we shall do valiantly; it is he who will tread down our foes. (Psalms 108:7-13)