THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT

It seems to me, based upon world events and the apostasy within the professing church (2 Thes. 2:3; Rev. 3:14-22), that the true Church, those who have been born again by the power and will of God (Jn. 1:12-13), should expect Jesus' return for us at any moment (Jn. 14:1-3; 1 Cor. 15:49-53; 1 Thes. 4:16-17).  Following the Rapture of the Church, there will be a seven-year Tribulation period (Dan. 9:24-27; Jer. 30:7; Mt. 24:3-29; Rev. 6 - 18).  The Tribulation will end with Christ's Second Coming (Mt. 24:29-31; Rev. 19:11-21), and He will establish His Kingdom, the long-awaited Messianic Kingdom Israel had hoped would occur with His First Coming (Mt. 21:9; Acts 1:6).  His Kingdom will last for 1000 years (Rev. 20:1-7).  Follow a short "attempted coup," Satan will be cast into the Lake of Fire, and Jesus will gather mankind to the Great White Throne Judgment (Rev. 20:8-10). 

In Revelation 20:12, God tells us on what He will be basing His judgment of each individual:  "And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works."  Believers have debated for centuries as to the identity of "the books," and I doubt what I have to say will alter anyone's mind.  I simply present this for those who have yet to make up their minds for consideration.  I discussed the Book of Life two days ago, so I will refer you to my post of July 29.

Based upon the fact that the individual will be judged according to his or her works, I have to believe "the books" refers to the Bible, the βιβλίον (biblion), especially the Old Testament with its 613 laws.  The Bible says that "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God," which is to say, none of us is righteous (Rom. 3:10, 23).  In order for man to be permitted to spend eternity with God in heaven, he needs to be declared righteous by God; he needs to be pure of heart (Mt. 5:8).  None are!  According to "the books," we all deserve to spend eternity in the Lake of Fire! 

But thank God, there is another book!  The Book of Life which contains the names of all who placed their trust in God, and in His Christ.  It is a listing of all who have had their sins replaced by Christ's righteousness (2 Cor. 5:21)!  In Christ, all are as righteous as He is!  Praise the Lord! 

The shame felt at God's Great White Throne Judgment,

lasts but a moment for those whose names are in His Book of life!