The Book of Life

Revelation 20: 11-15

The Book of Revelation is one many of us prefer not to think about, much less study, however just as the other books of the Bible it was written for us. It is challenging to understand and disturbing to think about being judged and dealing with our fate for eternity if we can't be sure it's positive. Perhaps we should learn more.

While in exile as a result of his missionary work, John wrote Revelation to Christians in Rome who were experiencing persecution. Revelation contains extensive symbolism and wisdom as Christ’s reign, Satan’s doom, and the judgment of all is described. 

The Book of Life

The central ideas of Revelation include:

-The world as we know it will come to an end

-Jesus Christ will return to earth to make all things right

-At the end of human history, evil will be judged and be contained forever

-Those who trust in Christ for their salvation will enjoy eternal life with Him

Revelation 20:15 "If anyone's name was not in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." 

What is the Book of Life? There are many explanations. Here is one website that will help you learn more about this mystery:

Read/Listen to Revelation 20:11-15

                                              

Consequences… Nobody Likes Them

The Second Death

Revelation 20:7-15

Consequences… nobody likes them

 My wife and I love college hockey, so even though we are not Buckeye fans, we’ve attended games for over ten years. During most of those years we parked in a secluded area where the handful of parking spots are marked - “Staff Only”; and of course we are not staff. But it’s never been a problem… until this year.

Following our most recent game, we discovered a parking ticket on our windshield. I was irate to say the least. For years we had parked in the same spot, along with other fans, and never got a ticket. My wife has bad knees, and this is the closest parking location not requiring a handicap sticker. On top of all this, it was 10pm on a Saturday night. How many OSU staff do you think were looking for a parking spot at that time?

 Consequences… nobody likes them

My NIV Study Bible has two sub-titles for this passage in Revelation, both involving severe consequences.

“The Judgement of Satan”

^10 “And the devil who deceived them was thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are also; and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.”            NASB

“The Judgement of the Dead”

^13 “The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. ¹⁴ Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. ¹⁵ Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.”       NIV

Consequences… nobody likes them

Thankfully, God through His gracious love, has provided a way for us to live without fear of condemnation. Read these words that Paul wrote to the Romans.

^24 “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? ²⁵ Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!... There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”              ESV