With some use of imagination, but sticking as closely as possible to the facts of Scripture, we are trying here to reconstruct the unbeliever’s day in court. This is a theological meditation on, and a dramatic presentation of, Rev 20:15. If you are unfamiliar with the text you might wish to study it before reading on.
The proceedings are carefully explained.
Anyone can have an attorney appointed to represent him if he desires.
The righteousness of God, His absolute holiness, is explained and manifested to all present.
The Gospel is clearly articulated–not for the purpose of persuading anyone, for it is appointed for man once to die and then comes the judgment. Rather, all before the Great White Throne are shown why they stand condemned. They rejected the only way of salvation.
Many rejected it outright–some having rejected the message on numerous occasions. Their sentence will be especially severe.
Others rejected it by rejecting the revelation of God which they were given. They would have rejected the Gospel just as they rejected the other testimony which God had given them.
Books are brought out. One book, the Book of Life, contains the names of all who trusted in Christ and who are a part of God’s kingdom. None of the names of those standing before the Great White Throne are found in this book.
The other books contain records of the deeds of every person present. One by one each person gets his or her chance to defend himself. All admit their guilt. There is no reason to lie to One who knows everything.
Even so, some plead for mercy regarding the severity of their punishment.
In each case the Judge orders the evidence from the books of deeds to be admitted. The words on the pages are converted to images and sounds. The lives of each one are shown at a speed which no flesh-and-blood mortal could understand. For these who have died, however, there is no problem taking it all in.
All are condemned to spend eternity with Satan and his angels in hell, also called the lake of fire.
All unbelievers will suffer forever; however, the suffering will be in direct proportion to how one lived and how much light he or she rejected (cf. Matt 10:14-15; 11:21-24; 12:36; Rev 20:13).
Exceedingly wicked men like Hitler, Idi Amin, and Pol Pot will experience the utmost in suffering. So, too, will men like Judas who rejected light of the greatest amplitude.
After all have been judged and have agreed that their sentence is completely fair, all bend their knee and bow to the Judge, the Lord Jesus Christ.
If you are reading these words and you do not believe in Jesus Christ, please reconsider. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. All who believe in Him will experience joy forever in His kingdom. All who don’t will suffer the fate described above.
He died on the Cross for your sins. He paid for all of them–past, present, and future. He took your sentence upon Himself. You need not be condemned. He offers you freely the gift of life, eternal life.
Why not start the new year right and become a child of God? Whoever believes in Jesus Christ has eternal life and is a child of God. It’s that simple.
God doesn’t want anyone to perish (2 Pet 3:9). However, He also won’t force people to accept the gift of life. As a result, many will choose to perish.
If you are reading these words and you do believe in Jesus Christ, share the Good News as often as you have opportunity. Tactfully and lovingly, tell people about God’s love and the free gift of eternal life. We have the greatest message known to man.
In addition, why not take a moment to thank God for what He has done for you? Rejoice that you will not stand before the Lord at the terrible Great White Throne Judgment. Praise Him that you will not spend eternity in hell. For as we focus on all He has done for us, our love grows. He who is forgiven much, loves much.
Semper fidelis (always faithful). That is what God is. He will always remain true to what He promises. Count on it.
