Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books.
Revelation 20:11-12 NIV
The scene here pictures a great white throne with someone seated on it. That someone is God. Standing before God are the dead. A series of books are opened, and judgment is issued in accordance with what is found in the books. And one special book was also opened, the book of life.
We are later told that those whose names were not found in the book of life were cast into the lake of fire, also identified as the second death. But what about the other books? What is their significance?
These other books have recorded in them what each of us has done in this life. They do not impact our eternal destiny—which is reserved for the book of life. However, they would seem to have some impact on the verdict that is rendered.
Is the eternal punishment of an unrepentant serial killer the same as that of an unbeliever who lived a good life? Their punishments are similar in kind (the lake of fire) but would appear to be different in degree (Luke 12:47-48).
On the other hand, is the reward for the disciple who built with wood, hay, or stubble the same as the one who built with gold, silver, or precious stones (1 Cor. 3:10-15)? It appears not. While both are included as a part of the New Jerusalem, our life here will have some impact there.
Your life here matters. Not just in your ultimate destination. But also on that day when you stand before God for his judgment, seated on that great white throne. Give yourself fully to the Lord now. And look forward to hearing him say on that day, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (Matt. 25:21).
