Revelation 20 - Part 3 vs. 5, 11-15

Revelation 20 - Part 3 vs. 5, 11-15 Scripture teaches that the Believer is judged by a different standard than that of the nonbeliever. For the Believer approaches the judgment seat already forgiven of sin; which the nonbeliever is unable to claim. I also realize that different scriptures are given for each group pertaining to which judgment they will undergo. But details are not given as to when the Ekklesia are to undergo their judgment of works. It becomes an unknown aspect for me like a puzzle piece that has not yet found its place. The writing of this last chapter, Revelation 20/Part3 was by far my most challenging because it opens up for me so many unanswered questions. The main one being, When does the Bema Judgment happen? But that s okay, I can work around it. I do not feel that I have to have an answer for everything. I only feel that it is necessary to at least address each aspect to the best of my ability with the comparison of scriptures. Rev 20:5, 11-15 5 The remainder of the dead were not restored to life again until the thousand years were completed... 11 Then I saw a great white throne and the One Who was seated upon it, from Whose presence and from the sight of Whose face earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 I [also] saw the dead, great and small; they stood before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is [the Book] of Life. And the dead were judged (sentenced) by what they had done [their whole way of feeling and acting, their aims and endeavors] in accordance with what was recorded in the books. 13 And the sea delivered up the dead who were in it, death and Hades (the state of death or disembodied existence) surrendered the dead in them, and all were tried and their cases determined by what they had done [according to their motives, aims, and works]. 14 Then death and Hades (the state of death or disembodied existence) were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's [name] was not found recorded in the Book of Life, he was hurled into the lake of fire. This section of verses, in Revelation 20, have everything to do with an event which is called, the Great White Throne Judgment. It concerns every person who has ever lived, having to come before the throne of Yehovah in order to account for one s life in righteousness or unrighteousness. So once again, questions are sure to arise; such as: Who does the Great White Throne Judgment exclude? Who does the Great White Throne Judgment include? Who are the dead? What occurs at the Great White Throne Judgment? What is the end result of the Great White Throne Judgment? and lastly, Where does the Great White Throne Judgment take place? There are always so many questions. So once again, let us take each question and align its answer with comparable scripture. 1

Who Does the Great White Throne Exclude? Its judgment excludes the Bride of Yeshua, who was called out before Yehovah s day of wrath. If we are reading this correctly, scripture confirms that she has already had her works judged before Earth s Ripened Crop arrives to occupy the fiery, glassy sea in front of Heaven s Throne. Once Earth s Ripened Crop has arrive, they are heard in scripture proclaiming that the Bride has been made ready; for we read: Rev 19:6-7 6 And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, "Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns! 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." The Bride s works will be revealed by fire as to the quality of their worth. 1 Cor 3:13 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. Though we will not undergo any judgment brought on by being born into a sinful human race, we should not allow ourselves to think this is a small act of grace. This is a gracious blessing from Yehovah that He has justified us (just-if-i d never sinned!) and then sanctified us (set us apart) for His own purpose. We must be humble in this area; it is so undeserved. Now we need to consider the remainder of those who are of the Ekklesia. It will be necessary to separate them into two specific groups. Group One: Those who were sealed as one of the 144,000 out of the tribes of Israel. Those who won victory over Death in the First Resurrection. Group Two: Earth s Ripened Crop of Believer/Commandment Keepers. and Those born during the 1,000 year Millennial reign who become righteous Believers and Commandment Keepers. Both groups above, just like the Bride, have been forgiven through Messiah s blood for the remission of their sins. They will not come under any judgment of condemnation nor be found guilty of unrighteousness. For the judgment of sin was nailed upon the Cross at Golgotha. And if one has accepted the blood of Messiah, they are completely forgiven. Let us read: 2

John 5:24 24 "Most assuredly, I say to you, he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. Rom 8:1 1 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. These above mentioned groups, like the Bride, will have their works judged as written in 1 Corinthians; let us read: 1 Cor 3:12-15 11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Yeshua the Messiah. 12 Some will use gold, silver or precious stones in building on this foundation; while others will use wood, grass or straw. 13 But each one s work will be shown for what it is; the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire the fire will test the quality of each one s work. 14 If the work someone has built on the foundation survives, he will receive a reward; 15 if it is burned up, he will have to bear the loss: he will still escape with his life, but it will be like escaping through a fire. Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) As to when the Judgment Seat of Messiah takes place, Scripture does not say; therefore, I have no idea where to put the Bema Judgment other than to stick it here in Revelation 20. Its proper place, in time, will work itself out. On that note, concerning the Believer s position to the Great White Throne, there is a question that needs to be addressed. Though excluded from the judgment of the Great White Throne, I wonder, do we approach the Throne to hear the roll-call of names called out of those recorded in the Book of Life? For now, we will have to wait for these answers. Scripture does not reveal if those within the Ekklesia are even to come before Yehovah s Great White Throne at all. Who Does The Great White Throne Judgment Include? Which now leaves us with the remainder of all humanity from Adam to the end of the Millennial Kingdom. We are now ready to move on to the next question. Who Are the Dead? One single word pops out throughout what is read concerning the Great White Throne Judgment. The word is, dead. Let us read only the applicable scripture: 3

5 But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished... 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God... 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... The judgment of the dead was not discussed in Revelation 20, Part 2, concerning the various judgments spoken of in the Word of God. This judgment of the dead is directed toward all human beings who have lived on Earth, from Adam through the end of the Millennial Kingdom, who have experienced a physical, earthly death during their lifetime. The judgment of the dead is mentioned in both the Old and New Testaments. Let us consider a few of these verses: Dan 12:2 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, Some to everlasting life, Some to shame and everlasting contempt. John 5:28-29 28 Do not marvel at this; for the hour is coming in which all who are in the graves will hear His voice 29 and come forth those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation. Acts 24:15 15 I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. The rest of the dead will include those who have died within these different periods of time: All mankind from Adam to the calling out of Israel from Egyptian bondage. From the time when Yehovah spoke His instructions at Sinai until the death, burial, and resurrection of Yeshua our Messiah. All mankind from the cross to the end of the this Age. All those who perished under the judgments of Yehovah s wrath during the tribulation. Those who die during the Millennial Kingdom of Yeshua s righteous reign; falling under the100-year curse that is given in Isaiah 65:20. And lastly, Those who aligned themselves with Satan, during an endeavor at the end of the Millennial Kingdom, to overthrow Yeshua s government. 4

We will read only what is applicable: What occurs at The Great White Throne Judgment? Rev 20:11-12, 15 11 Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it... 12 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... 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. If you will take notice, the scripture specifically states that those who have died and are dead will present themselves before Yehovah s Throne. Nothing is said of them, in any sense, that they were made alive in order to come before the Throne. They are not granted the privilege of having any type of skin covering. Which leaves us to understand that they are to present themselves before Yehovah in a soulish state of being. Though very aware, they remain restricted in their condition, until it is found if they are recorded in the Book of Life. First, their life s works must be judged, according to the books; then, it is determined whether or not their name is found in the Book of Life. If not found in the Book of Life, that unrighteous soul/spirit being will remain unchanged and then be hurled into the Lake of Fire; joining the company of the dragon, the puppet man who became the Antichrist, and his right-hand man who was the second beast in Revelation 13. But on the other hand, those who are found to be in the Book of Life, that precious Saint will be transformed immediately; receiving their new incorruptible eternal skin. Then, that beautiful being will enter into everlasting life, and will forever and ETERNALLY, live among those who belong to the Kingdom of Yehovah! The Great White Throne judgement, with the opening of the book(s), will fulfill prophecy given in Daniel 12: Dan 12:1-2 1... At that time your people shall be delivered, every one who is found written in the book. 2 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, some to shame and everlasting contempt. This is speaking of the Old Testament Saints; such as Noah, Moses, Aaron, Samuel, and King David! Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob! Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Daniel; etc. Next to be considered is: 5

What is the end result of The Great White Throne Judgment? Concluding the Great White Throne Judgment, in verse fourteen of this chapter, we read: Rev 20:14 14 Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Which will satisfy and fulfill completely the prophecy of 1 Corinthians, where it states: 1 Cor 15:26 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death. And the last question was purposely saved for the conclusion of this prepared writing. For it has everything to do with Earth and our air: Where does The Great White Throne Judgment take place? Rev 20:11 11 Then I saw a great white throne and the One Who was seated upon it, from Whose presence and from the sight of Whose face earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. This scripture is so self-explained, stating that the Great White Throne Judgment will be held at a location that is not of our own. For this scripture reveals that the Earth and sky fled from both, the presence and the face of Yehovah because of their defilement brought on by sin. Our atmosphere, for an undetermined amount of time for sure, longer than man s history has been occupied by the spiritual realm, made up of both holy and evil beings. This is their place of domain. For this reason, Yehovah did not even bless the second day of Genesis 1, knowing evilness was a component of the air. This is why, in Ephesians 6:12, we are told: Eph 6:12 12 For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. There are certain scriptures given that concern the judgment of the spiritual realm. Let us read: Jude, verse 6 6 And the angels who did not keep their proper domain, but left their own abode, He has reserved in everlasting chains under darkness for the judgment of the great day. 6

Moving on in our consideration of judgment concerning the spiritual realm, the demons, those disembodied spirits who look to occupy human containers of mankind at any chance they get. They spoke out to Yeshua during the time He walked on Earth as a Man; saying: Matt 8:29 29... "What have we to do with You, Jesus, You Son of God? Have You come here to torment us before the time?" All things are to come under the authority of the Creator. Even the principalities of the unseen. But concerning His angels, this becomes very curious. For in 1 Corinthians 6, we read: 1 Cor 6:3 3 Do you not know that we shall judge angels?... There is so much yet to learn and understand. I cannot begin to know how we, the readers of this verse, are to be placed in such a position. But there it is, right in the scripture s text. Time will bring us to understanding, I am sure. Until then we must wait to be given spiritual insight concerning this matter. The Great White Throne Judgment will bring about the final action of Yehovah concerning His beloved creation called man. An individual will now either spend eternity in His presence or engulfed in the Lake of Fire; a place absent of Yehovah s presence forever! After the Great White Throne Judgment will come a new beginning. There is to be a new atmosphere and Earth to take the place of the former ones. Confirmed in the very next chapter, we read: Rev 21:1 21:1 THEN I saw a new sky (heaven) and a new earth, for the former sky and the former earth had passed away (vanished). And this is where these prepared studies will end. For the Holy Spirit has used the skill and ability of Clarence Larkin through his writings in, The Book of Revelation, so very eloquently, that I feel that all that can be said concerning chapters twenty-one and -two, are said as it should be in Larkin s writings. So we will go back to Clarence Larkin s book for these two final chapters. In conclusion, let us consider if there is much said in the Scriptures concerning the Book of Life? On the following page, each time the Book of Life appears in scripture it has been written out. 7

BOOK OF LIFE Phil 4:3 3 And I urge you also, true companion, help these women who labored with me in the gospel, with Clement also, and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the Book of Life. Rev 3:5 5 He who overcomes shall be clothed in white garments, and I will not blot out his name from the Book of Life; but I will confess his name before My Father and before His angels. Rev 13:8 8 All who dwell on the earth will worship him (the Antichrist), whose names have not been written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. Rev 17:8 8 The beast that you saw was, and is not, and will ascend out of the bottomless pit and go to perdition. And those who dwell on the earth will marvel, whose names are not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the world, when they see the beast that was, and is not, and yet is. Rev 20:12 12 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. Rev 20:15 15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. Rev 21:27 27 But there shall by no means enter it anything that defiles, or causes an abomination or a lie, but only those who are written in the Lamb's Book of Life. Rev 22:19 19 and if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part from the Book of Life, from the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book. There are times when the Book is alluded to; such as, Exodus 32:32-33; Psalms 69:28; Daniel 12:1; Hebrews 12:23; and, in Luke 10:20. You may look these up on your own, if you choose. There is an interesting aspect concerning those who are not found in the Book of Life. When we read the story of Lazarus and the rich man, we are told that each one went to his own waiting 8

place after their death. Lazarus, into the Bosom of Abraham; the rich man, into Hades, a place of torments. Notice that the rich man, who undoubtedly was a man of position in his earthly life, no longer has a name to be called by. He is only known as the rich man. I find this interesting, because neither will a name be found of him in the Book of Life as he stands at the Great White Throne Judgment. Not only is he lost for eternity, but his name is non-existent, as well. To be pitied are those who strive for the benefits of wealth, power, and recognition here on Earth; yet do not see any value or worth to invest in those things that are not of this world (Matt 6:19; Luke 12:15). A question is there waiting to be asked, Who is the richer? 9