Facing the Great White Throne Judgment

Devotional

Day 1: The Certainty of Divine Judgment

The Great White Throne Judgment is a sobering reminder that every unrepentant sinner will face God's perfect justice. No one can hide from God, and every deed, word, and thought will be judged. This underscores the importance of living a life of repentance and faith in Christ. The judgment is thorough and just, with books being opened, including the Book of Life, the Word of God, and a record of deeds. Those whose names are not in the Book of Life face eternal punishment. This judgment underscores the impossibility of hiding from God and the certainty of divine justice. It also highlights the importance of having one's name in the Book of Life, which is only possible through faith in Jesus Christ.

Revelation 20:11-15 presents a sobering reality of the final judgment where all unrepentant sinners will stand before Christ, the ultimate judge. Unlike the millennial reign of Christ, which is a time of peace and righteousness, this judgment is a time of reckoning. Every action, word, and thought of the unrepentant will be judged, and those not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire, experiencing eternal conscious punishment. [01:09]

Hebrews 4:13 (ESV): "And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are not living in repentance? How can you bring these areas before God today and seek His forgiveness and transformation?

Day 2: The Millennial Reign and Final Rebellion

The millennial reign of Christ is a period of unparalleled peace and righteousness, but it ends with a final rebellion led by Satan. This highlights the persistent nature of sin and the ultimate victory of Christ over all evil. During this thousand-year period, Satan is bound, and Christ rules with His saints. However, after this period, Satan is released to deceive the nations once more, leading to a final rebellion that Christ swiftly quashes. This sequence of events underscores the persistent nature of sin and the ultimate victory of Christ over all evil.

The millennial reign is a time of peace where Satan is bound, and Christ rules with His saints. However, after this period, Satan is released to deceive the nations once more, leading to a final rebellion that Christ swiftly quashes. This highlights the persistent nature of sin and the ultimate victory of Christ over all evil. [02:11]

Revelation 20:7-8 (ESV): "And when the thousand years are ended, Satan will be released from his prison and will come out to deceive the nations that are at the four corners of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them for battle; their number is like the sand of the sea."

Reflection: How does the knowledge of Christ's ultimate victory over evil influence your daily life and decisions? Are there areas where you need to trust in His victory more fully?

Day 3: The Uncreation of the Universe

The current heavens and earth, tainted by sin, will be uncreated to make way for a new, perfect creation. This signifies the complete eradication of sin and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. The earth and heavens flee from His presence, signifying the uncreation of the current world, making way for a new heaven and earth. This act of uncreation signifies the complete eradication of sin and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom.

The judgment is thorough and just. Books are opened, including the Book of Life, the Word of God, and a record of deeds. Those whose names are not in the Book of Life face eternal punishment. This judgment underscores the impossibility of hiding from God and the certainty of divine justice. It also highlights the importance of having one's name in the Book of Life, which is only possible through faith in Jesus Christ. [13:42]

2 Peter 3:10 (ESV): "But the day of the Lord will come like a thief, and then the heavens will pass away with a roar, and the heavenly bodies will be burned up and dissolved, and the earth and the works that are done on it will be exposed."

Reflection: What does the promise of a new heaven and new earth mean to you personally? How can this hope shape your actions and attitudes today?

Day 4: The Importance of the Book of Life

The only way to escape eternal punishment is to have one's name written in the Book of Life, which is possible only through faith in Jesus Christ. This emphasizes the necessity of evangelism and discipleship. The judgment is thorough and just, with books being opened, including the Book of Life, the Word of God, and a record of deeds. Those whose names are not in the Book of Life face eternal punishment. This judgment underscores the impossibility of hiding from God and the certainty of divine justice. It also highlights the importance of having one's name in the Book of Life, which is only possible through faith in Jesus Christ.

The sermon concluded with a call to urgency in evangelism. The reality of eternal punishment for the unrepentant should drive believers to share the gospel fervently. Our primary mission is to lead others to Christ, ensuring their names are written in the Book of Life. [24:37]

Philippians 4:3 (ESV): "Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women, who have labored side by side with me in the gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life."

Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs to hear the gospel? How can you take a step today to share the message of Christ with them?

Day 5: Urgency in Evangelism

The reality of eternal punishment for the unrepentant should drive believers to share the gospel with urgency. Our primary mission is to lead others to Christ, ensuring their names are written in the Book of Life. The judgment is thorough and just, with books being opened, including the Book of Life, the Word of God, and a record of deeds. Those whose names are not in the Book of Life face eternal punishment. This judgment underscores the impossibility of hiding from God and the certainty of divine justice. It also highlights the importance of having one's name in the Book of Life, which is only possible through faith in Jesus Christ.

The sermon concluded with a call to urgency in evangelism. The reality of eternal punishment for the unrepentant should drive believers to share the gospel fervently. Our primary mission is to lead others to Christ, ensuring their names are written in the Book of Life. [39:29]

2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV): "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."

Reflection: How can you make evangelism a more integral part of your daily life? What specific steps can you take to share the gospel with those around you this week?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Tonight, we delved into Revelation 20:11-15, focusing on the Great White Throne Judgment. This passage presents a sobering reality of the final judgment where all unrepentant sinners will stand before Christ, the ultimate judge. Unlike the millennial reign of Christ, which is a time of peace and righteousness, this judgment is a time of reckoning. Every action, word, and thought of the unrepentant will be judged, and those not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire, experiencing eternal conscious punishment.

We began by revisiting the millennial reign of Christ, a thousand-year period of peace where Satan is bound, and Christ rules with His saints. However, after this period, Satan is released to deceive the nations once more, leading to a final rebellion that Christ swiftly quashes. Following this, the Great White Throne Judgment takes place. Here, Christ, not as the humble carpenter but as the glorified King of Kings, judges the dead. The earth and heavens flee from His presence, signifying the uncreation of the current world, making way for a new heaven and earth.

The judgment is thorough and just. Books are opened, including the Book of Life, the Word of God, and a record of deeds. Those whose names are not in the Book of Life face eternal punishment. This judgment underscores the impossibility of hiding from God and the certainty of divine justice. It also highlights the importance of having one's name in the Book of Life, which is only possible through faith in Jesus Christ.

The sermon concluded with a call to urgency in evangelism. The reality of eternal punishment for the unrepentant should drive believers to share the gospel fervently. Our primary mission is to lead others to Christ, ensuring their names are written in the Book of Life.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Certainty of Divine Judgment: The Great White Throne Judgment is a sobering reminder that every unrepentant sinner will face God's perfect justice. No one can hide from God, and every deed, word, and thought will be judged. This underscores the importance of living a life of repentance and faith in Christ. [01:09]
2. The Millennial Reign and Final Rebellion: The millennial reign of Christ is a period of unparalleled peace and righteousness, but it ends with a final rebellion led by Satan. This highlights the persistent nature of sin and the ultimate victory of Christ over all evil. [02:11]
3. The Uncreation of the Universe: The current heavens and earth, tainted by sin, will be uncreated to make way for a new, perfect creation. This signifies the complete eradication of sin and the establishment of God's eternal kingdom. [13:42]
4. The Importance of the Book of Life: The only way to escape eternal punishment is to have one's name written in the Book of Life, which is possible only through faith in Jesus Christ. This emphasizes the necessity of evangelism and discipleship. [24:37]
5. Urgency in Evangelism: The reality of eternal punishment for the unrepentant should drive believers to share the gospel with urgency. Our primary mission is to lead others to Christ, ensuring their names are written in the Book of Life. [39:29]
### [39:29]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:09] - Reading Revelation 20:11-15
[02:11] - The Millennial Reign of Christ
[03:08] - Final Rebellion and Judgment
[05:17] - The Great White Throne Judgment
[07:05] - The Story of the Hidden Student
[08:31] - The Inescapability of God's Judgment
[09:17] - The Judgment Seat of Christ vs. The Great White Throne
[10:43] - The Great and White Throne
[12:33] - The Identity of the Judge
[13:42] - The Uncreation of the Universe
[15:55] - The Books of Judgment
[18:00] - The Dead, Great and Small
[19:37] - Resurrection and Judgment
[22:11] - The Books: Word of God, Deeds, and Life
[24:37] - The Book of Life
[26:35] - The Importance of Evangelism
[28:39] - The Final Verdict
[30:16] - The Role of Christ in Judgment
[32:23] - The Lake of Fire
[33:46] - Gehenna: The Eternal Dump
[36:29] - The Horrors of Eternal Punishment
[38:02] - Hope for Believers
[39:29] - Urgency in Evangelism
[40:40] - The Call to Action
[41:40] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What are the key events described in Revelation 20:11-15 regarding the Great White Throne Judgment?
According to the sermon, what happens to the current heavens and earth during the Great White Throne Judgment? [13:42]
What are the different books mentioned in the sermon that are opened during the judgment, and what is their significance? [22:11]
How does the sermon describe the final fate of those not found in the Book of Life? [32:23]

Interpretation Questions

What does the sermon suggest about the nature of divine justice as seen in the Great White Throne Judgment? [10:43]
How does the millennial reign of Christ contrast with the final rebellion led by Satan, according to the sermon? [03:08]
Why is the Book of Life so crucial for escaping eternal punishment, as emphasized in the sermon? [24:37]
How does the sermon explain the urgency of evangelism in light of the Great White Throne Judgment? [39:29]

Application Questions

Reflect on the certainty of divine judgment. How does this reality influence your daily life and decisions? [01:09]
The sermon highlights the millennial reign and the final rebellion. How can understanding this future event shape your perspective on current world events and personal struggles with sin? [02:11]
Considering the uncreation of the universe, what steps can you take to focus more on eternal matters rather than temporary, worldly concerns? [13:42]
The importance of having one's name in the Book of Life is stressed. How can you ensure that your faith in Jesus Christ is genuine and growing? [24:37]
The sermon calls for urgency in evangelism. Identify one person in your life who does not know Christ. What specific actions can you take this week to share the gospel with them? [39:29]
How can you incorporate the reality of eternal punishment into your prayer life and evangelistic efforts without becoming overwhelmed or fearful? [36:29]
Reflect on the finality of the Great White Throne Judgment. How does this motivate you to live a life of repentance and faith in Christ? [32:23]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "This world is full of people who live as though they have no sin. They live as if God doesn't exist. They live as if they will never have to stand before a judgment seat and give account for their words and their actions. They go about their lives refusing to acknowledge that they cannot hide or escape from an eternal God who knows all things. God will find them. He never lost them. He will find them and he will judge their souls." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Faith in Christ wipes our record clean. It replaces our deeds with Christ's deeds. Holiness. Third, there is a book of life. Revelation 3, 5 mentions that the one who conquers will be clothed thus in white garments, and I will never blot his name out of the book of life. I will confess his name before my father. And before his angels." (20 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The only book that you will care about in that moment that your name is written in is the Lamb's Book of Life. It means everything. And the crazy thing is, is that in order to get your name in that book, you don't have to do a thing. In fact, you can't do anything. You can't do anything to get in that book. Jesus Christ, by the merit of his own holiness and perfection, puts your name in that book when he calls you by name into his kingdom." (36 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "No one gets off scot-free except for those that put their faith in Christ. Jesus paid our price for our sin. Someone still paid for it, but it wasn't us. He paid for it. He paid for it on our behalf. A Christian's sins have been paid for by Christ." (19 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "Those under Christ will be saved on the day of judgment. That's what being saved really means. It doesn't mean that you're a Christian now. It means on judgment day, you're saved from the judgment of God. And now you are considered citizens of heaven." (15 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "So last week we looked at Revelation chapter 20 verses 11. And when we did that, we examined one of the most blessed times in human existence. In fact, it is the most blessed time in human existence. It's the millennial reign of Christ. So essentially what it means, for those of you who weren't with us, is that after Jesus Christ bodily returns to earth and defeats his enemies at the battle of Armageddon, the Antichrist, the false prophet, all of the sinners, the followers of the Babylonian world. He will then establish his reign and rule on earth for a thousand years. Satan will be bound in the abyss." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "The great white throne judgment is what we're talking about tonight. That's the judgment seat that sinners, unrepentant people, go to. So tonight we're going to examine the throne. We're going to look at the books that are open for judgment at the throne. And then we're going to look at the resulting punishment for those who are judged. Verse 11. So there's two adjectives used to describe the throne, great and white. Great is a signifying of its power. This is the highest court in all of the universe, in all of creation. This isn't a small claims court. This isn't a small claims judge. This is the eternal judge of the entire universe. All of creation bows to the authority of this judge." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The dead is referring to unbelievers of old ages, Old Testament Christians, or I'm sorry, Old Testament non-Christians, New Testament non-Christians, and all those who rebelled during the millennial kingdom will be in this group. This is a terrifying and horrific scene. John Phillips wrote in his commentary called Exploring Revelation, he said this, this is a terrible fellowship there. The dead, small and great, stand before God. The dead souls are united to dead bodies in a fellowship of horror and despair. Little men and paltry women whose lives were filled with pettiness, selfishness, and nasty little sins will be there. Those whose lives amounted to nothing will be there. Whose very sins were drab and dowdy, mean, spiteful, peevish, groveling, vulgar, common, and cheap." (50 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "Every unrepentant sinner from Cain, all the way to the last survivor of the millennial kingdom. Every single one of them will stand before the great white throne. This horrible assembly, again, like our commentator said, mixed with people who didn't have lives that amounted to anything, all the way to people who were mass murderers and serial killers, will stand in this horrible assembly, trembling before the Lamb of God. They'll be forced to look upon the face of the one, the one that they spat on. They'll see the nail print in his hands. Some of them will be the ones that put them there. The thorns that pierced his brow." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "All they had to do was repent of their sin and turn to Christ as Lord and Savior, but they wouldn't. They loved their sin. They hated Christ, and their disbelief and their unbelief caused them to believe that the idea eternal conscious punishment didn't exist. Hell didn't exist. Lake of Fire didn't exist, and they lived their lives as if there was no judgment coming. This is truly one of the most horrible scenes in all of scripture, and we've went through a lot of horrible things in Revelation." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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