Revelation 20:12-15 “And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books. 13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”
Most people go through the day to day without thinking much about the future, let alone an eternal future. Today’s devotional informs us that at the end of time there will be an accounting given by each person for what they have done in this life. The opening statement leaves no one out: “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God…” The smallest on earth to the greatest will all stand before God, I’m sure humbled by the occasion. “And books were opened…” These books appear to contain detailed accounts of our works. The good, the bad, and the ugly all journaled in books. The Apostle Paul refers to this in 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 “Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, 13 each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. 14 If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. 15 If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” Thus the reason for books (plural). One set of books for works. But there is one Book we want to be sure not to neglect. The Book of Life appears to contain the names of those who are saved, born again, and embrace Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior. The absence of one’s name is not a desirable position to be in. Verse 15 says, “And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” The best case scenario is to gain rewards through what is written in the books and to inherit eternal life by having your name in the Book of Life. So whatever you do, GET IN THE BOOK!