Everyday Life in Revelation Part 10: The Final DaySample

John sees a great white throne with God seated on it. The color white frequently represents purity and righteousness in the book of Revelation, so the whiteness of the throne likely signifies the righteousness of the judgment to come. All people stand before the throne, including those whom the sea, Death, and Hades give up. This points to the resurrection even of unbelievers. According to this text, the resurrected are judged according to what they have done and according to the Book of Life. Scripture does teach that there will be a judgment of our works and that our service to Christ will be rewarded. But notice that the determining factor regarding one’s presence in heaven or hell is not works but whether one’s name is in the Book of Life. This must be so, for we know that we do not merit, possess, or inherit eternal life by our works but only through faith in Christ alone.

No doubt, eternal life will come only through faith in the work of Christ. We will be judged and given specific rewards based on our faithfulness, but our salvation will not depend upon our works. Our salvation depends upon Christ’s ultimate faithfulness. Let us be thankful for this truth, and let us be diligent, knowing that God will reward our faithfulness.