Revelation 20:12
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And there were open books, and one of them was the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books.
And I saw
The phrase "And I saw" is a common introductory formula in the Book of Revelation, used by John to describe his visionary experiences. The Greek word for "saw" is "εἶδον" (eidon), which implies not just physical sight but also spiritual insight. This emphasizes the revelatory nature of John's vision, suggesting that what he is witnessing is divinely revealed truth, not merely a dream or imagination.

the dead, great and small
This phrase underscores the universality of the final judgment. The "dead" refers to all who have died, regardless of their earthly status or achievements. The terms "great and small" highlight that no one is exempt from this judgment, whether they were powerful or insignificant in life. This reflects the biblical teaching that God shows no partiality (Romans 2:11) and that all humanity is accountable to Him.

standing before the throne
The imagery of standing before the throne signifies a position of judgment. In ancient times, standing before a throne was a common depiction of appearing before a king or judge. The "throne" here represents God's sovereign authority and justice. This scene is a powerful reminder of the ultimate accountability every person has before God, the righteous Judge.

and books were opened
The "books" symbolize the records of human deeds. In Jewish and early Christian thought, it was believed that God kept a record of every person's actions. The opening of these books signifies the revealing of all deeds, both good and bad, for divine judgment. This concept is echoed in Daniel 7:10 and Malachi 3:16, where books are also mentioned in the context of divine judgment.

Another book was opened, which is the book of life
The "book of life" is a recurring biblical motif representing those who belong to God and have eternal life (Philippians 4:3, Revelation 3:5). The opening of this book signifies the final confirmation of those who are saved. It serves as a contrast to the other books, emphasizing that salvation is not based on deeds alone but on one's relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

And the dead were judged according to their deeds
This phrase highlights the principle of divine justice, where individuals are judged based on their actions. The Greek word for "deeds" is "ἔργα" (erga), which encompasses all aspects of a person's life and conduct. While salvation is by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9), this judgment reflects the biblical teaching that genuine faith is evidenced by works (James 2:14-26).

as recorded in the books
The phrase "as recorded in the books" reinforces the idea of a meticulous and comprehensive divine record. It assures believers that God's judgment is fair and just, based on an accurate account of each person's life. This serves as both a warning and an encouragement, reminding us of the importance of living a life that honors God and reflects His righteousness.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Dead
Refers to all people who have died, regardless of their status or achievements in life. This includes both the righteous and the unrighteous.

2. The Throne
Symbolizes God's ultimate authority and judgment. It is the place where divine justice is administered.

3. The Books
These are records of human deeds. They symbolize God's omniscience and the accountability of every individual for their actions.

4. The Book of Life
A specific book that contains the names of those who have eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ. It represents salvation and eternal security.

5. Judgment
The event where all individuals are assessed based on their deeds as recorded in the books, highlighting the fairness and thoroughness of God's judgment.
Teaching Points
The Universality of Judgment
Every person, regardless of status, will stand before God. This underscores the impartiality of God's judgment.

The Importance of Deeds
Our actions have eternal significance. While salvation is by grace through faith, our deeds reflect our faith and will be evaluated.

The Assurance of the Book of Life
Believers can have confidence in their salvation, knowing their names are written in the Book of Life through faith in Christ.

God's Omniscience and Justice
God knows all and will judge fairly. This should encourage us to live righteously and trust in His perfect justice.

Preparation for Judgment
We should live with an eternal perspective, preparing for the day we will stand before God by aligning our lives with His will.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the concept of standing before the throne of God influence your daily decisions and actions?

2. In what ways can you ensure that your name is written in the Book of Life, according to biblical teachings?

3. How do the open books and the Book of Life illustrate the balance between God's justice and mercy?

4. What practical steps can you take to live a life that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God, knowing that your deeds will be judged?

5. How can the assurance of God's fair judgment provide comfort and motivation in times of injustice or suffering?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Daniel 7:10
This verse also describes a scene of judgment with books being opened, emphasizing the consistency of God's judgment throughout Scripture.

Matthew 12:36-37
Jesus speaks about people giving an account for every idle word, reinforcing the idea of accountability for one's actions.

Philippians 4:3
Paul mentions the Book of Life, connecting the concept of eternal life with those who are faithful in Christ.

Hebrews 9:27
This verse speaks about judgment after death, aligning with the theme of Revelation 20:12.
Satan LoosedJ. A. Seiss, D. D.Revelation 20:7-15
Satan Loosed from His Prison After the Thousand YearsC. Clemance, D. D.Revelation 20:7-15
The Age of Moral ReactionD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 20:7-15
The Saints Compassed by EvilWm. Guild, D. D.Revelation 20:7-15
Death and the GraveH. Bonar, D. D.Revelation 20:11-15
Life a BookH. J. Bevis.Revelation 20:11-15
On Future Happiness or MiseryJ. Grant, M. A.Revelation 20:11-15
On the General ResurrectionJames Roe, M. A.Revelation 20:11-15
Society Divided by Christ into Two Great PartsRevelation 20:11-15
Standing Before GodBp. Phillips Brooks.Revelation 20:11-15
The Age of RetributionD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 20:11-15
The Book of LifeJames Wells.Revelation 20:11-15
The Book of LifeJ. Trapp.Revelation 20:11-15
The Book of MemoryDe Quincey.Revelation 20:11-15
The Books of JudgmentBp. Morrell.Revelation 20:11-15
The Books OpenedT. De Witt Talmage.Revelation 20:11-15
The Day of JudgmentJames Walker.Revelation 20:11-15
The Eternity of the Sorrows of the LostG. Matthew, M.A.Revelation 20:11-15
The Final JudgmentS. Conway Revelation 20:11-15
The Final Judgment Upon Evil ConductR. Green Revelation 20:11-15
The Fourth Scene in the History of Humanity: the Age of RetributionD. Thomas Revelation 20:11-15
The Great AssizeJ. D. Carey.Revelation 20:11-15
The Great White ThroneH. Bonar, D. D.Revelation 20:11-15
The Great White ThroneBp. R. Bickersteth.Revelation 20:11-15
The Great White ThroneC. H. Spurgeon.Revelation 20:11-15
The Great White ThroneH. Batchelor.Revelation 20:11-15
The Great White ThroneS. Coley.Revelation 20:11-15
The JudgmentT. T. Munger.Revelation 20:11-15
The JudgmentCanon Hutchings, M. A.Revelation 20:11-15
The Last AssizeH. Melvill, B. D.Revelation 20:11-15
The Last JudgmentR. W. Hamilton, D. D.Revelation 20:11-15
The Last JudgmentC. Bradley, M. A.Revelation 20:11-15
The Last JudgmentJ. G. Breay, B. A.Revelation 20:11-15
The Last JudgmentJ. A. Macdonald.Revelation 20:11-15
The Open BooksG. Salmon, D. D.Revelation 20:11-15
The Opened BooksJ. A. Macfadyen, D. D.Revelation 20:11-15
The Opening of the BooksW. H. M. H. Aitken, M. A.Revelation 20:11-15
The Revivals of Memory a Prophecy of JudgmentAbp. Wm. Alexander.Revelation 20:11-15
The Sea Giving Up its DeadW. R. Williams, D. D.Revelation 20:11-15
The Terrible Doom of the LostC. S. Robinson, D. D.Revelation 20:11-15
People
Gog, John, Magog
Places
Patmos
Topics
Accordance, Book, Books, Conduct, Dead, Deeds, Front, Judged, Namely, Open, Opened, Places, Recorded, Scroll, Scrolls, Seat, Stand, Standing, Taking, Throne, Works, Written
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 20:12

     4847   smallness
     5184   standing
     6174   guilt, human aspects
     9414   heaven, community of redeemed

Revelation 20:1-15

     9155   millennium

Revelation 20:7-15

     9210   judgment, God's

Revelation 20:10-15

     1310   God, as judge

Revelation 20:11-12

     5232   book
     9105   last things

Revelation 20:11-13

     9230   judgment seat

Revelation 20:11-15

     5006   human race, destiny
     6125   condemnation, divine
     9240   last judgment

Revelation 20:12-13

     1075   God, justice of
     9110   after-life
     9130   future, the
     9314   resurrection, of the dead

Revelation 20:12-15

     9420   book of life

Library
"But if the Spirit of Him that Raised up Jesus from the Dead Dwell in You, He that Raised up Christ from the Dead, Shall Also
Rom. viii. 11.--"But if the Spirit of him that raised up Jesus from the dead dwell in you, he that raised up Christ from the dead, shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you." As there is a twofold death,--the death of the soul, and the death of the body--so there is a double resurrection, the resurrection of the soul from the power of sin, and the resurrection of the body from the grave. As the first death is that which is spiritual, then that which is bodily, so
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Profanations of Good and Truth
I. Goods and Truths and Their Opposites The Divine good that goes forth from the Lord is united with His Divine truth, as heat from the sun is with light in the time of spring. But angels, who are recipients of the Divine good and Divine truth going forth from the Lord, are distinguished as celestial and spiritual. Those who receive more of the Lord's Divine good than of His Divine truth are called celestial angels; because these constitute the kingdom of the Lord that is called the celestial kingdom.
Emanuel Swedenborg—Spiritual Life and the Word of God

The Life of the Blessed in Heaven.
Having examined the glorious gifts with which the risen body is clothed, and seen that it perfects the soul in all her operations; understanding, moreover, that the glorified senses are to contribute their share to the happiness of man--we shall now consider the happy life of the blessed in heaven, including the resurrection. But, remember, it is not a new life that is now to occupy our thoughts. It is a continuation of the same life that was begun the moment the vision of God flashed upon the soul.
F. J. Boudreaux—The Happiness of Heaven

An Awful Contrast
"Then did they spit in his face."--Matthew 26:67. "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away."--Revelation 20:11. GUIDED BY OUR TEXT in Matthew's Gospel, let us first go in thought to the palace of Caiaphas the high priest, and there let us, in deepest sorrow, realize the meaning of these terrible words: "Then did they spit in his face." There is more of deep and awful thunder in them than in the bolt that bursts overhead, there is
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 42: 1896

The Seventh vision "In Heaven"
H^7. Chap. xix. 1-16. The final heavenly Utterances and Actions. We now come to the last of the seven Visions seen "in Heaven," which is the subject of chap. xix. 1-16, giving us the final heavenly Utterances and Actions which lead up to, explain, and introduce the five concluding judgments which close up the things of Time, and pass on to what we call the Eternal State. This last Vision "in Heaven" is divided into two parts, each having its own independent construction. The first contains the words
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The Sea of Sodom
The bounds of Judea, on both sides, are the sea; the western bound is the Mediterranean,--the eastern, the Dead sea, or the sea of Sodom. This the Jewish writers every where call, which you may not so properly interpret here, "the salt sea," as "the bituminous sea." In which sense word for word, "Sodom's salt," but properly "Sodom's bitumen," doth very frequently occur among them. The use of it was in the holy incense. They mingled 'bitumen,' 'the amber of Jordan,' and [an herb known to few], with
John Lightfoot—From the Talmud and Hebraica

A Few Sighs from Hell;
or, The Groans of the Damned Soul: or, An Exposition of those Words in the Sixteenth of Luke, Concerning the Rich Man and the Beggar WHEREIN IS DISCOVERED THE LAMENTABLE STATE OF THE DAMNED; THEIR CRIES, THEIR DESIRES IN THEIR DISTRESSES, WITH THE DETERMINATION OF GOD UPON THEM. A GOOD WARNING WORD TO SINNERS, BOTH OLD AND YOUNG, TO TAKE INTO CONSIDERATION BETIMES, AND TO SEEK, BY FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST, TO AVOID, LEST THEY COME INTO THE SAME PLACE OF TORMENT. Also, a Brief Discourse touching the
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

The Second
refers to Genesis iii., the promise being "Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee the crown of life." "He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death" (ii. 10, 11). The reference is to Genesis iii., where death first enters. But the promise goes beyond this; for it relates not merely to the death which came in with sin, but to the "second death," which is revealed in Rev. xx. 14; xxi. 8.
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The Lapse of Time.
"Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest."--Eccles. ix. 10. Solomon's advice that we should do whatever our hand findeth to do with our might, naturally directs our thoughts to that great work in which all others are included, which will outlive all other works, and for which alone we really are placed here below--the salvation of our souls. And the consideration of this great work,
John Henry Newman—Parochial and Plain Sermons, Vol. VII

Jesus Heals Two Gergesene Demoniacs.
(Gergesa, Now Called Khersa.) ^A Matt. VIII. 28-34; IX. 1; ^B Mark V. 1-21; ^C Luke VIII. 26-40. ^b 1 And they came to the other side of the sea [They left in the "even," an elastic expression. If they left in the middle of the afternoon and were driven forward by the storm, they would have reached the far shore several hours before dark], ^c 26 And they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is over against Galilee. ^a 28 And when he was come into the country of the Gadarenes. ^c 27 And
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The General Resurrection
Behold, I show you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed; in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump, for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. A n object, great in itself, and which we know to be so, will appear small to us, if we view it from a distance. The stars, for example, in our view, are but as little specks
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Appendix xix. On Eternal Punishment, According to the Rabbis and the New Testament
THE Parables of the Ten Virgins' and of the Unfaithful Servant' close with a Discourse on the Last Things,' the final Judgment, and the fate of those Christ's Righ Hand and at His Left (St. Matt. xxv. 31-46). This final Judgment by our Lord forms a fundamental article in the Creed of the Church. It is the Christ Who comes, accompanied by the Angelic Host, and sits down on the throne of His Glory, when all nations are gathered before Him. Then the final separation is made, and joy or sorrow awarded
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Seventh (And Last) vision "On Earth"
E^7, xix. 17&151xx. 15. THE FINAL FIVE JUDGMENTS. We must get a complete view of these in order to embrace them all and view them as a whole. The Structure shows their true sequence: E^7., xix. 17-- 15. The Seventh (and Last) Vision "on Earth." E^7 A^1 xix. 17-21. MEN. The Judgment of the Beast and the False Prophet. B^1 xx. 1-3. SATAN. The Judgment of Satan (Before the Millennium). A^2 xx. 4-6. MEN. The Judgment of the overcomers. The "rest of the dead" left for Judgment. B^2 xx. 7-10.
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

"Now the End of the Commandment is Charity Out of a Pure Heart, and a Good Conscience, and Faith Unfeigned. "
[It is extremely probable that this was one of the probationary discourses which the author delivered before the Presbytery of Glasgow, previous to his ordination. The following is an extract from the Record of that Presbytery: "Dec. 5, 1649. The qlk daye Mr. Hew Binnen made his popular sermon 1 Tim. i. ver. 5 'The end of ye commandment is charity.'--Ordaines Mr. Hew Binnen to handle his controversie this day fifteen dayes, De satisfactione Christi."--Ed.] 1 Tim. ii. 5.--"Now the end of the commandment
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

The Second Coming of Christ.
^A Matt. XXIV. 29-51; ^B Mark XIII. 24-37; ^C Luke XXI. 25-36. ^b 24 But in those days, ^a immediately after the { ^b that} ^a tribulation of those days. [Since the coming of Christ did not follow close upon the destruction of Jerusalem, the word "immediately" used by Matthew is somewhat puzzling. There are, however, three ways in which it may be explained: 1. That Jesus reckons the time after his own divine, and not after our human, fashion. Viewing the word in this light, the passage at II. Pet.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope
In 2 Timothy, 3:16, Paul declares: "All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness;" but there are some people who tell us when we take up prophecy that it is all very well to be believed, but that there is no use in one trying to understand it; these future events are things that the church does not agree about, and it is better to let them alone, and deal only with those prophecies which have already been
Dwight L. Moody—That Gospel Sermon on the Blessed Hope

Sanctions of Moral Law, Natural and Governmental.
In the discussion of this subject, I shall show-- I. What constitute the sanctions of law. 1. The sanctions of law are the motives to obedience, the natural and the governmental consequences or results of obedience and of disobedience. 2. They are remuneratory, that is, they promise reward to obedience. 3. They are vindicatory, that is, they threaten the disobedient with punishment. 4. They are natural, that is, happiness is to some extent naturally connected with, and the necessary consequence of,
Charles Grandison Finney—Systematic Theology

The Saints' Privilege and Profit;
OR, THE THRONE OF GRACE ADVERTISEMENT BY THE EDITOR. The churches of Christ are very much indebted to the Rev. Charles Doe, for the preservation and publishing of this treatise. It formed one of the ten excellent manuscripts left by Bunyan at his decease, prepared for the press. Having treated on the nature of prayer in his searching work on 'praying with the spirit and with the understanding also,' in which he proves from the sacred scriptures that prayer cannot be merely read or said, but must
John Bunyan—The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3

Jesus Tempted in the Wilderness.
^A Matt. IV. 1-11; ^B Mark I. 12, 13; ^C Luke IV. 1-13. ^c 1 And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan, ^b 12 And straightway the Spirit driveth him forth ^c and ^a 1 Then [Just after his baptism, with the glow of the descended Spirit still upon him, and the commending voice of the Father still ringing in his ears, Jesus is rushed into the suffering of temptation. Thus abrupt and violent are the changes of life. The spiritually exalted may expect these sharp contrasts. After being
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

The Resurrection
'Marvel not at this: for the hour is coming, in the which all that are in the graves shall hear his voice, and shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.' John 5:58, 29. Q-38: WHAT BENEFITS DO BELIEVERS RECEIVE FROM CHRIST AT THE RESURRECTION? A: At the resurrection, believers being raised up in glory, shall be openly acknowledged and acquitted in the day of judgement, and made perfectly blessed in the
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Word
The third way to escape the wrath and curse of God, and obtain the benefit of redemption by Christ, is the diligent use of ordinances, in particular, the word, sacraments, and prayer.' I begin with the best of these ordinances. The word . . . which effectually worketh in you that believe.' 1 Thess 2:13. What is meant by the word's working effectually? The word of God is said to work effectually when it has the good effect upon us for which it was appointed by God; when it works powerful illumination
Thomas Watson—The Ten Commandments

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