SUMMARY
All who have died appear before God’s throne, where they are judged according to their deeds and saved by their inclusion in the book of life. Death and Hades are cast into the lake of fire.
ANALYSIS
The scene of the last judgment revolves around two sets of books. First, there are the books of deeds. These books assume that people are accountable for what they have done. Second, there is the book of life. The book of life represents divine graceGrace is the unmerited gift of God's love and acceptance. In Martin Luther's favorite expression from the Apostle Paul, we are saved by grace through faith, which means that God showers grace upon us even though we do not deserve it.. Since names are inscribed in the book of life from the foundation of the world, they must be placed in the book by divine grace. Those in the book of life are placed there because God wants them there (Revelation 13:8; 17:8). People are judged according to their deeds, yet they are finally saved by divine grace, by having God place their names in the book of life (Revelation 20:15; 21:27). People are accountable for what they do yet ultimately must trust that salvationSalvation can mean saved from something (deliverance) or for something (redemption). Paul preached that salvation comes through the death of Christ on the cross which redeemed sinners from death and for a grace-filled life. is based on grace.
