June 13, 2023: The Reality Of No Reservation

"And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done." (Revelation 20:12, ESV)

A very sobering passage of scripture! It resonates with 'finality.' It stands alone, by itself, in the fear of the Lord. It precipitates the holding of one's breath. The picture is overwhelming. Every man, whether great or small, is now equal before the Lord. There is no favoritism, no special passes, no assistance, and no 'do-overs.' Each man, alone, brings who he is before the Lord. Earth and sky fled away from the One on the throne. There will be no hearing of testimonies in defense of, only the testimony of one's life lived-out before the One on the throne. The books were opened to review people's lives.

Then the Book of Life was opened, and each was judged according to their actions. Death and hell were then thrown into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death. "And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire." (Revelation 20:15, ESV) Sobering, absolutely sobering.

What a terrifying day that will be for some who do not have a reservation, whose names are not found in the Book of Life. May your faith in Him be sure, and may His grace in you be great against that day.