The Final Judgment
God is no respecter of persons. Whether a pauper or a prince, no one will be exempt from the Great White Throne Judgment, except believers. The Bible states, “He who believes in Him is not condemned; but he who does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:18).
It is important to understand on what basis we will be judged. It’s not on the basis of what I have done for God, but rather, what God has done for me!
Back in the Garden of Eden, God told Adam, “In the day that you eat of it [the tree of the knowledge of good and evil] you shall surely die” (Genesis 2:17). The Bible teaches there are actually two deaths; one physical and the other spiritual. Jesus warned that we are to fear the second death more than the first death. He discussed the second death as Hell, which is eternal separation from God. Jesus indicated that the death of the body is nothing compared to the conscious everlasting banishment of a soul from God.
The purpose of this final confrontation between God and sinful man is to clearly demonstrate to the nonbeliever why he is already condemned.
The books
One of the books which will be opened at the Great White Throne Judgment will be the book of God’s Law. Anyone who had been exposed to the truth of God’s law will be held responsible. For those who might say, “I lived by the Ten Commandments,” it will clearly be shown they did not.
Perhaps another book that will be used will contain a record of everything we have said or done. “For God will bring every work into judgment, including every secret thing, whether good or evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14).
“But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36).
Another book may show how humanity fails to live up to its own standards. “Even when Gentiles, who do not have God’s written law, instinctively follow what the law says, they show that in their hearts they know right from wrong. They demonstrate that God’s law is written within them, for their own consciences either accuse them or tell them they are doing what is right. The day will surely come when God, by Jesus Christ, will judge everyone’s secret life. This is my message” (Romans 2:14 NLT).
Then, there may be a book that has a record of all the times the gospel was heard and then rejected. Knowledge brings responsibility!
Finally, the Book of Life will be opened. The nail-scarred hands of Jesus will scan the book for names.
“Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). If you don’t know him now, He won’t know you then.
Lake of fire
The lake of fire is the final destination for Satan and his followers. You will decide. Where you spend eternity is not based on how bad or good you are, but on what you have done with Jesus Christ. Say “yes” to Him now, and He will say “yes” to you then. Say “no” to Him now, and He will say “no” to you then.
Remember, your life is a gift of God to use and invest for His glory.
