Revelation 20:11-15 – The Last Judgment

BIBLE TEXT

Revelation 20:11-15

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 grace. 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 salvation is based on grace.