1 00:00:12,560 --> 00:00:16,000 Revelation chapter 20 and beginning at verse 11. 2 00:00:18,480 --> 00:00:24,600 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on 3 00:00:24,600 --> 00:00:24,880 it. 4 00:00:26,010 --> 00:00:30,490 From his presence, earth and sky fled away, and no place was found 5 00:00:30,490 --> 00:00:31,050 for them. 6 00:00:31,770 --> 00:00:35,370 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. 7 00:00:35,690 --> 00:00:37,130 And books were opened. 8 00:00:37,610 --> 00:00:40,570 Then another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. 9 00:00:41,130 --> 00:00:45,290 And the dead were judged by what was written in the books according 10 00:00:45,290 --> 00:00:46,490 to what they had done. 11 00:00:47,610 --> 00:00:50,170 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it. 12 00:00:50,410 --> 00:00:53,670 Death and Hades give up the the dead who were in them. 13 00:00:54,070 --> 00:00:58,070 And they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had 14 00:00:58,070 --> 00:00:58,390 done. 15 00:00:59,430 --> 00:01:02,230 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the Lake of Fire. 16 00:01:02,710 --> 00:01:05,990 This is the second death, the Lake of Fire. 17 00:01:06,390 --> 00:01:09,510 And if anyone's name was not found written in the Book of Life, 18 00:01:09,830 --> 00:01:13,190 he was thrown into the Lake of Fire. 19 00:01:14,150 --> 00:01:14,870 Amen. 20 00:01:15,350 --> 00:01:17,430 This is the word of God. 21 00:01:19,680 --> 00:01:22,280 I don't think any of us would doubt the fact that we have grown 22 00:01:22,280 --> 00:01:27,600 up in British culture recognizing the value of books. 23 00:01:28,720 --> 00:01:32,040 In each of our homes, there will be books of many kinds, as well 24 00:01:32,040 --> 00:01:33,919 as magazines and newspapers. 25 00:01:34,320 --> 00:01:38,920 And there probably hasn't been a time in any of our lives when we 26 00:01:38,920 --> 00:01:40,560 haven't had a book of some kind. 27 00:01:41,680 --> 00:01:44,800 The vast majority of us grew up with a Bible and a hymnbook. 28 00:01:45,630 --> 00:01:49,230 Those most likely were given to us as prizes at Sunday school, 29 00:01:49,550 --> 00:01:53,070 and then they were required items every time that we would attend 30 00:01:53,150 --> 00:01:53,790 worship. 31 00:01:55,550 --> 00:01:59,670 We may also have had novels at home, and we will certainly have 32 00:01:59,670 --> 00:02:03,230 had access to books in school and in local libraries. 33 00:02:04,510 --> 00:02:08,030 Books are probably one of those things that we have had to 34 00:02:08,030 --> 00:02:12,830 take for granted because of the access that we've had to them. 35 00:02:13,710 --> 00:02:17,710 And really, it's 500 years since we've had access to books. 36 00:02:17,710 --> 00:02:21,470 Maybe 400 years ago, because 500 years ago, and Martin Luther 37 00:02:21,470 --> 00:02:24,990 and the printing press, it was these truths of Scripture that were 38 00:02:24,990 --> 00:02:27,870 printed and disseminated across Western Europe. 39 00:02:28,590 --> 00:02:33,350 And so as it became cheaper to publish and print books, so we have 40 00:02:33,350 --> 00:02:36,270 found them cheaper to buy and have access to. 41 00:02:37,320 --> 00:02:39,800 I have to keep that in mind, because as we're reading Revelation, 42 00:02:39,800 --> 00:02:42,720 we mustn't think that there's people reading this or hearing this 43 00:02:42,720 --> 00:02:46,280 at the original time or even throughout those first 1500 years 44 00:02:46,280 --> 00:02:49,200 of church history, who thought of a bookshelf of books? 45 00:02:49,200 --> 00:02:52,200 It was amazing to them of books in the plural. 46 00:02:53,880 --> 00:02:56,480 All they would have had in front of them would have been the 47 00:02:56,480 --> 00:02:59,880 manuscript that would have been sent to read out this letter. 48 00:03:01,960 --> 00:03:04,690 And so this was something truly amazing, something of awe, 49 00:03:04,840 --> 00:03:09,080 awe and wonder that there would be multiple books opened. 50 00:03:11,240 --> 00:03:13,200 And if you want to know what that's like, all you have to do is 51 00:03:13,200 --> 00:03:16,040 visit many countries around the world who don't have access to 52 00:03:16,040 --> 00:03:16,760 what we have. 53 00:03:16,840 --> 00:03:19,120 And even if they did have access, they wouldn't be able to 54 00:03:19,120 --> 00:03:22,360 afford the books that we can afford here today. 55 00:03:23,160 --> 00:03:24,760 Now, I've always enjoyed books. 56 00:03:24,920 --> 00:03:28,120 Growing up in our house, we had old novels that my grandparents 57 00:03:28,120 --> 00:03:31,360 had as well as Bible storybooks that my parents used in 58 00:03:31,360 --> 00:03:31,960 Sunday school. 59 00:03:32,800 --> 00:03:36,520 Attending college and university required me to buy, and 60 00:03:36,520 --> 00:03:38,360 I suppose the intention was to read them as well. 61 00:03:38,360 --> 00:03:39,440 But at least I bought them. 62 00:03:39,600 --> 00:03:40,600 And now I have. 63 00:03:40,600 --> 00:03:44,840 I counted this afternoon 30 shelves of books at home and more 64 00:03:44,840 --> 00:03:45,760 in boxes. 65 00:03:46,160 --> 00:03:49,960 I'd like to say it looks like this, but it is not as neat and tidy 66 00:03:49,960 --> 00:03:50,360 as this. 67 00:03:50,360 --> 00:03:55,200 It is categorized, but it's not as neat and tidy. 68 00:03:55,280 --> 00:04:01,600 I have over a thousand books at home and that commonly suggests 69 00:04:01,760 --> 00:04:04,320 that I have a personal library. 70 00:04:05,920 --> 00:04:09,680 I have joked that there's a wee place down Main street. 71 00:04:09,840 --> 00:04:12,000 It's got two car parking spaces outside. 72 00:04:12,320 --> 00:04:13,360 It's up for sale. 73 00:04:13,760 --> 00:04:16,000 The McCullough Memorial Library. 74 00:04:17,520 --> 00:04:21,240 I think that has a ring to it, although I'm told you have to be 75 00:04:21,240 --> 00:04:22,720 dead for such a thing to take place. 76 00:04:25,290 --> 00:04:26,450 But why am I talking about books? 77 00:04:26,450 --> 00:04:27,610 Because I don't think it'll be any. 78 00:04:28,410 --> 00:04:29,930 You can't have missed it. 79 00:04:30,810 --> 00:04:33,930 Books are opened and these books are significant. 80 00:04:36,250 --> 00:04:40,970 Throughout history, books have been the mechanisms of how change 81 00:04:41,050 --> 00:04:41,850 has happened. 82 00:04:42,730 --> 00:04:47,370 Books and literature have influenced culture and they've influenced 83 00:04:47,370 --> 00:04:51,190 society more so than any social media we are seeing or hear 84 00:04:51,340 --> 00:04:51,740 hearing. 85 00:04:52,300 --> 00:04:56,260 The largest hits in politics have not come from words spoken, 86 00:04:56,260 --> 00:04:57,900 but words written and printed. 87 00:04:58,780 --> 00:05:03,020 Peace is always found in the written word, with the agreements 88 00:05:03,020 --> 00:05:04,940 that countries make with each other. 89 00:05:05,100 --> 00:05:08,060 They're set in ink so that everybody knows where they are. 90 00:05:08,460 --> 00:05:14,220 It was the English author Edward Bueller lytton in his 1839 91 00:05:14,220 --> 00:05:18,080 historical play Cardinal Richelieu, who coined the phrase, 92 00:05:18,080 --> 00:05:20,560 the pen is mightier than the sword. 93 00:05:21,120 --> 00:05:24,480 And in that play, the cardinal discovers a plot against his life. 94 00:05:24,480 --> 00:05:28,240 But as a priest, he's unable to take up physical arms against 95 00:05:28,240 --> 00:05:29,040 his enemies. 96 00:05:29,520 --> 00:05:34,200 Instead, he relies on his administrative power and the written 97 00:05:34,200 --> 00:05:36,560 word to outmaneuver the conspirators. 98 00:05:37,360 --> 00:05:42,160 And so for him, the pen was truly mightier than the sword. 99 00:05:43,770 --> 00:05:46,610 Well, as we turn to the last five verses of Revelation 20, we 100 00:05:46,610 --> 00:05:49,370 see the importance and we see the value of books. 101 00:05:49,610 --> 00:05:53,490 But rather than the pen being mightier than the sword, we see the 102 00:05:53,490 --> 00:05:57,850 pen and the sword coming into play, as we once again have John 103 00:05:57,930 --> 00:06:02,170 tell us about the judgment of humankind before the Great White 104 00:06:02,250 --> 00:06:02,810 Throne. 105 00:06:03,690 --> 00:06:06,970 Now, the previous verses have caused us to think about the thousand 106 00:06:07,050 --> 00:06:10,240 years in verses 1 to 6 and the defeat of Satan. 107 00:06:10,390 --> 00:06:13,030 Satan and then verses 7 to 10. 108 00:06:13,510 --> 00:06:17,430 And you will recall from last week that the three main interpretations 109 00:06:17,590 --> 00:06:21,830 of these verses center around an understanding of what the thousand 110 00:06:21,910 --> 00:06:22,870 years are. 111 00:06:23,350 --> 00:06:26,870 Now, I'm not going to go over that again, but I will say what I 112 00:06:26,870 --> 00:06:28,230 said last week. 113 00:06:28,950 --> 00:06:34,270 I have my theological interpretation of this book, as do 114 00:06:34,270 --> 00:06:34,630 you. 115 00:06:35,350 --> 00:06:38,470 For some, you will agree with me, and for some you will not. 116 00:06:39,150 --> 00:06:42,790 But the point of this series is not to argue and fight over who 117 00:06:42,790 --> 00:06:44,430 is right and who is wrong. 118 00:06:44,990 --> 00:06:47,470 And that certainly hasn't been my agenda. 119 00:06:48,110 --> 00:06:51,990 Rather, in this living word of Scripture, we will get a glimpse 120 00:06:51,990 --> 00:06:54,590 of what our future reality will be. 121 00:06:55,630 --> 00:07:00,510 And that is a reality where Christ is on the throne and death 122 00:07:01,070 --> 00:07:06,110 is defeated, sin will be punished, and the redeemed in Christ 123 00:07:06,110 --> 00:07:07,550 will be brought home to heaven. 124 00:07:08,590 --> 00:07:12,990 All theological positions are secondary to this. 125 00:07:13,630 --> 00:07:16,830 And because I haven't preached what I believe the nuts and bolts 126 00:07:16,830 --> 00:07:20,590 of Revelation are, that doesn't mean I don't have a conviction 127 00:07:20,590 --> 00:07:21,150 about it. 128 00:07:21,150 --> 00:07:21,630 I do. 129 00:07:22,270 --> 00:07:25,870 But the purpose of the pulpit is not for me to persuade you of 130 00:07:25,870 --> 00:07:26,750 what I believe. 131 00:07:27,550 --> 00:07:31,310 The purpose of preaching is to open God's word and understand Christ 132 00:07:31,310 --> 00:07:35,990 from every page and the salvation that he brings through 133 00:07:35,990 --> 00:07:36,670 the Gospel. 134 00:07:37,470 --> 00:07:40,990 And this is how we look at these verses again this evening. 135 00:07:41,790 --> 00:07:46,310 Now, verses 7 to 10 told us of the defeat of Satan, and this is 136 00:07:46,310 --> 00:07:50,110 welcome news for God's people, because the great enemy will be no 137 00:07:50,110 --> 00:07:50,430 more. 138 00:07:51,070 --> 00:07:55,070 But like I've said on numerous occasions, sin has consequences. 139 00:07:55,630 --> 00:07:59,110 And for those who followed the ways of Satan, their consequence 140 00:07:59,110 --> 00:08:01,070 now is to face the judgment of God. 141 00:08:01,690 --> 00:08:06,090 And verse 11 tells us what John now sees then. 142 00:08:06,090 --> 00:08:09,290 I saw a great white throne, and him who was seated on it. 143 00:08:09,930 --> 00:08:14,970 From his presence, earth and sky fled away and no place was found 144 00:08:15,130 --> 00:08:15,770 for them. 145 00:08:17,290 --> 00:08:23,690 John now sees before him God's throne, representing God's authority 146 00:08:23,690 --> 00:08:25,970 and rule as he is seated on it. 147 00:08:25,970 --> 00:08:30,600 And we have seen God's throne before, and it is prominent in what 148 00:08:30,600 --> 00:08:32,360 John sees in Revelation. 149 00:08:33,240 --> 00:08:37,920 And the word throne refers to God's rule more than 30 times in 150 00:08:37,920 --> 00:08:40,520 this book, and in particular in chapter four. 151 00:08:40,520 --> 00:08:44,560 It signifies the sovereignty and the rule of God as the Creator 152 00:08:44,560 --> 00:08:45,000 of all. 153 00:08:46,040 --> 00:08:51,800 All creation bows in worship before the one exalted in His Majesty. 154 00:08:52,760 --> 00:08:57,890 And as we come to this part of Revelation and this final section 155 00:08:57,890 --> 00:09:02,530 of chapter 20, that's what we're getting a sense of again, that 156 00:09:02,530 --> 00:09:05,370 all creation will bow before him. 157 00:09:05,610 --> 00:09:08,690 And this is something Daniel spoke of in Daniel chapter 2, in 158 00:09:08,690 --> 00:09:12,090 verse 35, where Daniel wrote, then the iron, the clay, the bronze, 159 00:09:12,090 --> 00:09:15,010 the silver and the gold all together were broken in pieces and 160 00:09:15,010 --> 00:09:17,850 became like the chaff of the summer threshing floors. 161 00:09:17,930 --> 00:09:21,010 And the wind carries them away so that not a trace of them could 162 00:09:21,010 --> 00:09:21,450 be found. 163 00:09:22,100 --> 00:09:25,900 But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and 164 00:09:25,900 --> 00:09:27,060 filled the whole earth. 165 00:09:27,700 --> 00:09:31,300 Daniel's talking about the idolatry of his time. 166 00:09:31,940 --> 00:09:34,820 He's talking about those graven images, but in particular 167 00:09:34,820 --> 00:09:38,140 the vision given to him of what was meant with each part of 168 00:09:38,140 --> 00:09:39,140 these graven images. 169 00:09:39,460 --> 00:09:44,140 And so in saying all of this, what he prophesied is becoming a 170 00:09:44,140 --> 00:09:44,500 reality. 171 00:09:44,500 --> 00:09:47,540 For the stone that's mentioned here represents the kingdom of God 172 00:09:47,620 --> 00:09:51,680 that is now a great mountain filling the earth, and the anti God 173 00:09:51,760 --> 00:09:53,760 kingdoms no longer reign. 174 00:09:54,800 --> 00:09:59,000 And as he looks on the Great white Throne, he understands it to 175 00:09:59,000 --> 00:10:01,120 be that very place of God's judgment. 176 00:10:01,600 --> 00:10:05,480 Heaven and earth flee, John says, from God's presence, and no 177 00:10:05,480 --> 00:10:07,040 place is found for them. 178 00:10:07,360 --> 00:10:10,880 And this tells us that the end of history has arrived. 179 00:10:11,600 --> 00:10:16,400 Their fleeing means that the world as we know it is no more. 180 00:10:17,840 --> 00:10:21,520 And so we see similar expressions elsewhere in Revelation. 181 00:10:22,320 --> 00:10:26,880 When the new heaven and earth arrive, the first earth passes away 182 00:10:27,280 --> 00:10:28,560 along with the sea. 183 00:10:28,720 --> 00:10:32,480 So John speaks here of the passing away of the old creation, 184 00:10:33,600 --> 00:10:37,040 but he sees more than just the Great White Throne. 185 00:10:37,840 --> 00:10:42,240 What he sees in verse 12 can appear gruesome to our modern sensitivities, 186 00:10:42,640 --> 00:10:46,440 but it is a reality that we must understand, because this is 187 00:10:46,440 --> 00:10:47,840 what verse 12 tells us. 188 00:10:48,400 --> 00:10:52,320 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, 189 00:10:52,320 --> 00:10:53,680 and books were opened. 190 00:10:55,360 --> 00:10:58,680 Then another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. 191 00:10:58,680 --> 00:11:02,160 And the dead were judged by what was written in the books according 192 00:11:02,240 --> 00:11:03,520 to what they had done. 193 00:11:04,640 --> 00:11:07,720 Seeing the dead as John sees them here is not something that we're 194 00:11:07,720 --> 00:11:08,240 used to. 195 00:11:08,880 --> 00:11:12,680 But that's not the point of what John is communicating to us. 196 00:11:12,680 --> 00:11:15,040 In fact, he's telling us here a number of things. 197 00:11:16,050 --> 00:11:20,850 First of all, all the dead, whether powerful or poor, stand before 198 00:11:20,930 --> 00:11:23,570 God's throne to be assessed by Him. 199 00:11:24,210 --> 00:11:28,930 There's no one who can escape, be it those who were used to buying 200 00:11:28,930 --> 00:11:32,770 their way out of situations, or those who feel they have no power 201 00:11:32,770 --> 00:11:37,810 at all, rich and poor alike, will be before the throne. 202 00:11:38,690 --> 00:11:44,000 But secondly, John says before him also that books are opened, including 203 00:11:44,160 --> 00:11:45,040 the Book of Life. 204 00:11:45,040 --> 00:11:48,840 Now, we read of the Book of Life in chapter three, and its presence 205 00:11:48,840 --> 00:11:51,760 here means that the time of judgment has come. 206 00:11:52,400 --> 00:11:55,680 The dead are judged by what is written in the book. 207 00:11:56,080 --> 00:11:59,360 In other words, they're judged according to their works. 208 00:12:00,080 --> 00:12:03,600 And that's what that phrase means, according to what they've 209 00:12:03,600 --> 00:12:04,000 done. 210 00:12:05,520 --> 00:12:09,120 Now, Scripture repeatedly says that judgment will be according to 211 00:12:09,120 --> 00:12:09,600 works. 212 00:12:10,530 --> 00:12:13,370 Judgment according to works is not merely an Old Testament theme, 213 00:12:13,370 --> 00:12:16,050 but is also prominent in the New Testament. 214 00:12:16,530 --> 00:12:19,850 Those who are in the Book of Life have performed works warranting 215 00:12:19,850 --> 00:12:23,890 inclusion, while those who are punished are those who have pursued 216 00:12:24,290 --> 00:12:25,890 and practiced evil. 217 00:12:27,090 --> 00:12:28,850 Now, let me be clear. 218 00:12:29,010 --> 00:12:34,850 These works are not the basis for being found in the Book of Life. 219 00:12:35,900 --> 00:12:41,420 It is salvation in Christ that warrants inclusion in the Book of 220 00:12:41,420 --> 00:12:41,740 Life. 221 00:12:42,300 --> 00:12:49,460 Rather, these works constitute the necessary evidence of belonging 222 00:12:49,460 --> 00:12:49,980 to God. 223 00:12:53,500 --> 00:12:56,460 So names in the Book of Life are there because of their salvation, 224 00:12:57,100 --> 00:13:00,620 but what is recorded is what they have done for Christ. 225 00:13:01,950 --> 00:13:05,710 Daniel teaches in chapter 12 of his book that those written in 226 00:13:05,710 --> 00:13:10,110 the book will be delivered on the last day, raised to everlasting 227 00:13:10,110 --> 00:13:10,510 life. 228 00:13:10,830 --> 00:13:15,870 But those who have done evil will know shame and everlasting contempt. 229 00:13:17,230 --> 00:13:21,030 So Daniel prophesied what we're seeing here now in chapter 230 00:13:21,030 --> 00:13:26,270 20 of those who are not found in the Book, who have not received 231 00:13:26,270 --> 00:13:29,430 Christ, and who have not lived the life that they're commanded to 232 00:13:29,430 --> 00:13:29,710 live. 233 00:13:31,050 --> 00:13:32,730 But John also sees the sea. 234 00:13:33,050 --> 00:13:36,170 He sees death, and he sees Hades giving up the dead. 235 00:13:36,970 --> 00:13:40,330 Now, none of the powers of the world, those that terrify human beings, 236 00:13:40,330 --> 00:13:43,050 can withstand the voice of God or his power. 237 00:13:43,050 --> 00:13:48,890 And so the sea here is not a neutral thing to God's people, as 238 00:13:48,890 --> 00:13:49,250 we know. 239 00:13:49,250 --> 00:13:54,650 As we've often said, the sea represents chaos, it represents destruction, 240 00:13:54,650 --> 00:13:55,290 because it. 241 00:13:55,460 --> 00:13:57,940 It can't be controlled by humanity. 242 00:13:59,220 --> 00:14:02,140 And whenever you look into the next chapter, you'll notice that 243 00:14:02,140 --> 00:14:04,260 there is no longer any sea. 244 00:14:05,220 --> 00:14:10,260 Now, I know that's hard for people of Analong to accept, particularly 245 00:14:10,260 --> 00:14:14,940 fishermen, but we have to understand what the Jewish mind has 246 00:14:14,940 --> 00:14:22,780 always understood of the sea, a place of terror, of chaos and destruction. 247 00:14:23,260 --> 00:14:26,460 And so John tells us again that the dead are judged according 248 00:14:26,460 --> 00:14:27,580 to their works. 249 00:14:27,660 --> 00:14:31,300 And by repeating this, he is telling us that God's judgment is 250 00:14:31,300 --> 00:14:33,020 impartial and it's fair. 251 00:14:33,260 --> 00:14:35,300 It's not arbitrary or spiteful. 252 00:14:35,300 --> 00:14:40,140 Again, what we saw in Psalm 75 this morning, God's judgments agree 253 00:14:40,140 --> 00:14:42,700 with what is right and what is true. 254 00:14:43,020 --> 00:14:46,060 And no one will be able to question that truth. 255 00:14:46,460 --> 00:14:50,540 No one will be able to stand before him and cry, that's not fair. 256 00:14:50,540 --> 00:14:55,980 And we've seen that in the previous chapters, because God is 257 00:14:55,980 --> 00:14:57,380 right in his judgments. 258 00:14:58,020 --> 00:15:01,860 He is true in his judgments, and everything he does is the truth. 259 00:15:03,220 --> 00:15:06,980 And as we come to verse 14, there may be something here that 260 00:15:06,980 --> 00:15:10,180 also surprises us, because we've just read that Death and Hades 261 00:15:10,180 --> 00:15:13,300 give up their dead, and now we see their destruction. 262 00:15:13,780 --> 00:15:16,940 Because verse 14 says, Then death and Hades were thrown into 263 00:15:16,940 --> 00:15:17,860 the lake of fire. 264 00:15:18,100 --> 00:15:20,780 This is the second death, the lake of fire. 265 00:15:21,260 --> 00:15:26,460 And of course, repetition is used here to affirm what has been 266 00:15:26,460 --> 00:15:28,860 said so that we will take it more seriously. 267 00:15:29,500 --> 00:15:32,740 And in this verse we get a sense that the end of history has 268 00:15:32,740 --> 00:15:35,980 arrived as Death and Hades are cast into this lake of fire. 269 00:15:36,620 --> 00:15:39,820 Death is the last enemy, as Paul writes in First Corinthians, 270 00:15:39,820 --> 00:15:41,900 chapter 15, and verse 26. 271 00:15:41,900 --> 00:15:46,230 And Hades represents the realm of death and final punishment. 272 00:15:47,430 --> 00:15:51,590 So everything opposing God is now confined to the lake of fire, 273 00:15:52,470 --> 00:15:56,630 destined here, or defined here as the second death. 274 00:15:57,670 --> 00:16:02,590 Death is absent from the new creation along with the pain and 275 00:16:02,590 --> 00:16:03,430 sorrow it brings. 276 00:16:03,430 --> 00:16:06,870 Just read through to the next chapter in verse four, where we're 277 00:16:06,870 --> 00:16:09,710 told he will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death shall 278 00:16:09,710 --> 00:16:10,470 be no more. 279 00:16:11,050 --> 00:16:14,250 Neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, 280 00:16:14,250 --> 00:16:16,250 for the former things have passed away. 281 00:16:16,970 --> 00:16:21,330 And so here in chapter 20, and as we'll see in chapter 21, death 282 00:16:21,330 --> 00:16:22,410 needs to be dealt with. 283 00:16:23,290 --> 00:16:24,890 And this is how it is dealt with. 284 00:16:25,530 --> 00:16:30,650 Death is effectively punished as it's thrown into the lake of fire 285 00:16:30,650 --> 00:16:32,490 and consumed by it. 286 00:16:33,610 --> 00:16:36,650 And this is good news for those who belong to Christ. 287 00:16:37,480 --> 00:16:41,280 We're seeing here the promise of isaiah in chapter 25 and verse 288 00:16:41,280 --> 00:16:41,640 8. 289 00:16:41,880 --> 00:16:46,000 It's becoming a reality, because Isaiah says there, speaking 290 00:16:46,000 --> 00:16:49,320 of the Lord of hosts, he will swallow up death forever. 291 00:16:50,440 --> 00:16:55,040 Isn't that good news, that all the pain, all the suffering, all 292 00:16:55,040 --> 00:16:58,360 the burden that really has brought us down will be no more? 293 00:16:59,080 --> 00:17:03,080 And here, even before we get to this great affirmation in chapter 294 00:17:03,080 --> 00:17:04,920 21, we have it here in chapter 20. 295 00:17:07,400 --> 00:17:11,760 And as the chapter closes, we see the sobering reality of the consequences 296 00:17:11,760 --> 00:17:12,440 of sin. 297 00:17:12,920 --> 00:17:16,120 For John tells us in verse 15, and if anyone's name was not found 298 00:17:16,120 --> 00:17:20,520 written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. 299 00:17:23,320 --> 00:17:27,760 When we got married, an older minister and his wife gave us as 300 00:17:27,760 --> 00:17:30,280 a wedding gift a visitor's book. 301 00:17:31,730 --> 00:17:36,090 The visitors book sits on a dresser down in the hallway in the 302 00:17:36,090 --> 00:17:36,530 manse. 303 00:17:37,250 --> 00:17:40,410 But it's been a book that's been with us in every home that we've 304 00:17:40,410 --> 00:17:46,330 lived in, from Enid Drive in Belfast to Area 47 in Lilongwe, and 305 00:17:46,330 --> 00:17:48,210 now here in Anna Long. 306 00:17:49,570 --> 00:17:52,650 This older minister and his wife had been missionaries in Malawi. 307 00:17:52,650 --> 00:17:55,570 And they knew that in some way, maybe before we even knew that 308 00:17:55,570 --> 00:18:00,170 our calling would be and for part of our life to be in that African 309 00:18:00,170 --> 00:18:00,450 country. 310 00:18:01,650 --> 00:18:05,530 As I've said since 2011, when we got married, every person who 311 00:18:05,530 --> 00:18:08,690 has stayed with us has written in this book. 312 00:18:09,490 --> 00:18:11,930 Now, we don't want them to write flattering things about our 313 00:18:11,930 --> 00:18:13,890 hospitality, although that's nice if they do. 314 00:18:14,370 --> 00:18:17,970 The purpose of a visitor's book is to keep a record of who stayed 315 00:18:17,970 --> 00:18:23,650 with us because it forms who we are as a family as we recall those 316 00:18:23,650 --> 00:18:27,510 who have stayed in our homes and what circumstances perhaps have 317 00:18:27,510 --> 00:18:28,630 brought them to us. 318 00:18:30,790 --> 00:18:36,590 Now I say everyone has filled it out, bar one, and sadly, we'll 319 00:18:36,590 --> 00:18:39,190 never be able to get that person to sign the book. 320 00:18:39,830 --> 00:18:43,550 We were too busy saying goodbye that we missed asking them 321 00:18:43,550 --> 00:18:44,030 to sign it. 322 00:18:44,030 --> 00:18:49,990 And so their name is missing because they can no longer write 323 00:18:50,670 --> 00:18:52,190 because they have gone on to glory. 324 00:18:53,310 --> 00:18:56,270 It is sad for us that their name is missing because we are now 325 00:18:56,270 --> 00:19:00,350 missing a piece of what our family life down at the manse is 326 00:19:00,750 --> 00:19:03,390 and the experiences that we've shared with others. 327 00:19:04,670 --> 00:19:09,510 Now, this is a very simple illustration, but I'm trying to use 328 00:19:09,510 --> 00:19:11,870 it to highlight something that we're reading here. 329 00:19:13,070 --> 00:19:17,080 If your name is not found in the book of Life, then you're cast 330 00:19:17,080 --> 00:19:18,120 into the lake of fire. 331 00:19:19,720 --> 00:19:20,840 Now think about that. 332 00:19:22,840 --> 00:19:27,440 This is no visitor's book that someone happened to forget to put 333 00:19:27,440 --> 00:19:28,200 their name in. 334 00:19:29,880 --> 00:19:34,520 This is knowing here and now that if you have accepted the Savior, 335 00:19:34,760 --> 00:19:37,680 if you are living for him, then your name is found in the book 336 00:19:37,680 --> 00:19:38,120 of life. 337 00:19:39,240 --> 00:19:42,840 But if you have not come to Jesus for salvation, and if you are 338 00:19:42,840 --> 00:19:46,440 not living for him, then your name will not be there. 339 00:19:47,480 --> 00:19:53,280 And Scripture says that on that day of final judgment, you will 340 00:19:53,280 --> 00:19:56,200 be cast into the lake of fire. 341 00:20:00,120 --> 00:20:02,360 Do I want your name missing from the book? 342 00:20:03,480 --> 00:20:04,680 Absolutely not. 343 00:20:06,200 --> 00:20:09,170 After eight years, it turns out of I've actually come around 344 00:20:09,170 --> 00:20:14,130 to love you all, and I desperately want you in that book 345 00:20:14,130 --> 00:20:14,490 of life. 346 00:20:14,490 --> 00:20:16,730 And so I ask you to search your soul tonight. 347 00:20:17,690 --> 00:20:20,650 Are you sure your name is written in the Book of Life? 348 00:20:20,650 --> 00:20:26,410 Because if it is not, then you will not be joining me and others 349 00:20:26,410 --> 00:20:28,770 who are found in Christ in eternity in heaven. 350 00:20:28,770 --> 00:20:30,730 Rather, you will be found in the lake of fire. 351 00:20:32,170 --> 00:20:35,690 Matthew describes this place of punishment as a fiery furnace, 352 00:20:35,690 --> 00:20:38,250 a place of weeping and gnashing of teeth. 353 00:20:38,830 --> 00:20:43,150 And he says that in chapter 13 and verses 42 and 50, Matthew also 354 00:20:43,150 --> 00:20:46,710 tells us the eternal fire is prepared for the devil and his angels. 355 00:20:46,710 --> 00:20:49,550 In chapter 25 is, which is what we're seeing with death and 356 00:20:49,550 --> 00:20:49,830 hate. 357 00:20:49,830 --> 00:20:51,630 He's been cast into the lake of fire. 358 00:20:51,790 --> 00:20:53,230 None of this is new information. 359 00:20:53,950 --> 00:20:55,470 We have been told it Already. 360 00:20:56,590 --> 00:20:58,830 And the punishment here is not temporary. 361 00:20:59,230 --> 00:21:02,430 It's not like going to the principal's office for however long 362 00:21:02,430 --> 00:21:04,510 they deem necessary for your punishment. 363 00:21:05,070 --> 00:21:08,830 John has made it very clear that the wicked suffer torment forever. 364 00:21:09,470 --> 00:21:12,430 They will never enjoy rest or peace. 365 00:21:13,070 --> 00:21:14,950 And again, Matthew confirms this. 366 00:21:14,950 --> 00:21:18,510 For the righteous will enjoy eternal life, while the wicked will 367 00:21:18,510 --> 00:21:20,270 suffer eternal punishment. 368 00:21:20,509 --> 00:21:22,750 And that again is found in Matthew 25. 369 00:21:23,470 --> 00:21:26,990 And so the parallel in Matthew, along with Revelation 20, 370 00:21:27,310 --> 00:21:29,870 shows that the punishment is permanent. 371 00:21:30,600 --> 00:21:34,280 Just as the life enjoyed by the righteous, by those in Christ 372 00:21:34,360 --> 00:21:39,560 whose names are found in the book of life, will last forever, 373 00:21:40,600 --> 00:21:44,920 those whose works testify that they truly belong to God, will be 374 00:21:44,920 --> 00:21:49,160 vindicated at the great and white throne as their names are read 375 00:21:49,160 --> 00:21:52,600 out or spoken of or found in that great book. 376 00:21:53,720 --> 00:21:56,880 And so, as we conclude this evening, we read these closing verses 377 00:21:56,880 --> 00:22:01,170 of chapter 20 and we understand how tragic will be this 378 00:22:01,330 --> 00:22:05,810 end in the case of those who heard the warning of the final judgment 379 00:22:05,970 --> 00:22:09,010 but refused the Gospel message of forgiveness in Christ. 380 00:22:10,050 --> 00:22:12,530 It is truly tragic. 381 00:22:13,730 --> 00:22:20,490 Was it because of pride that you wouldn't confess your sin, or 382 00:22:20,490 --> 00:22:26,540 you wouldn't bend the knee to Jesus in repayment, you will feel 383 00:22:26,540 --> 00:22:29,740 the penalty of those sins forever, while being forced to acknowledge 384 00:22:29,740 --> 00:22:34,860 in hell what Paul tells us, as we used in our call to worship, that 385 00:22:34,860 --> 00:22:38,820 at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on 386 00:22:38,820 --> 00:22:40,860 earth, and where else? 387 00:22:41,500 --> 00:22:45,660 Those under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ 388 00:22:45,660 --> 00:22:47,740 is Lord to the glory of God the Father. 389 00:22:48,380 --> 00:22:52,880 You see, it turns out on that last day when we will all confess 390 00:22:52,880 --> 00:22:55,600 Jesus Christ as Lord, because we will know it is true. 391 00:22:56,400 --> 00:23:00,000 For those in heaven, it will be a song and refrain of rejoicing. 392 00:23:01,200 --> 00:23:06,080 For those in hell, it will be bitter punishment to recite these 393 00:23:06,080 --> 00:23:10,640 words, knowing that you rejected your only way to salvation. 394 00:23:12,960 --> 00:23:17,400 Was it through worldly wisdom that you've rejected the pleas of 395 00:23:17,400 --> 00:23:19,540 the gospel of God's grace, gracious love? 396 00:23:20,500 --> 00:23:23,180 Because I don't believe anyone here wants to consider an eternity 397 00:23:23,180 --> 00:23:23,940 without God. 398 00:23:24,740 --> 00:23:28,700 Yet through the unrepentant of our repentance of our sins, that 399 00:23:28,700 --> 00:23:30,260 is what we will face. 400 00:23:31,540 --> 00:23:34,180 Paul reminds us in 1st Corinthians 1:18. 401 00:23:34,500 --> 00:23:37,460 For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, 402 00:23:38,020 --> 00:23:43,060 but to us who are being saved, it is the power of God. 403 00:23:46,190 --> 00:23:48,750 Books are powerful things. 404 00:23:50,270 --> 00:23:56,590 This book that we call Scripture or the Bible is the most 405 00:23:56,670 --> 00:23:58,590 powerful book we can know. 406 00:24:00,830 --> 00:24:06,510 But in eternity, what will matter before that great white throne 407 00:24:06,510 --> 00:24:08,190 is that great book of life. 408 00:24:09,310 --> 00:24:12,070 And whether our name is found in it or not. 409 00:24:12,070 --> 00:24:16,120 And so I urge you this evening to know for sure. 410 00:24:16,840 --> 00:24:20,960 To know without shadow of doubt that your name is written there. 411 00:24:20,960 --> 00:24:23,640 Because the punishment is far too great. 412 00:24:25,880 --> 00:24:31,080 And while there is still time, come to Jesus. 413 00:24:32,120 --> 00:24:33,200 Trust in him. 414 00:24:33,200 --> 00:24:37,240 His arms are open wide as they were on Calvary's cross because he 415 00:24:37,240 --> 00:24:38,200 died for you. 416 00:24:38,360 --> 00:24:40,030 That you would know forgiveness of sins. 417 00:24:40,900 --> 00:24:46,100 And as you know forgiveness of sins, you would rejoice in that wonderful 418 00:24:46,100 --> 00:24:49,140 assurance that you are his forever. 419 00:24:51,140 --> 00:24:57,460 So please, tonight, don't allow the cross to be folly to you. 420 00:24:58,900 --> 00:25:02,460 But may you know what Jesus has accomplished to be the power 421 00:25:02,460 --> 00:25:05,560 of your life and the assurance of. 422 00:25:06,030 --> 00:25:07,310 Of eternity with him. 423 00:25:08,750 --> 00:25:09,550 Let us pray. 424 00:25:10,750 --> 00:25:14,830 Our Father God, we thank you that you have made it clear to us 425 00:25:14,830 --> 00:25:20,270 what we must do so that we will be faithful unto Jesus. 426 00:25:21,790 --> 00:25:23,670 And so we pray that you will help us to respond. 427 00:25:23,670 --> 00:25:27,110 Help us to search our lives, each of us to know that our names 428 00:25:27,110 --> 00:25:28,510 are written in the book of life. 429 00:25:29,470 --> 00:25:33,150 That we will know forgiveness of sins, that we will know that we're 430 00:25:33,150 --> 00:25:33,550 found there. 431 00:25:33,550 --> 00:25:39,300 Because our works are telling the world that we love Jesus. 432 00:25:39,940 --> 00:25:43,780 They're a demonstration of whom we've placed our trust in. 433 00:25:45,060 --> 00:25:48,420 So, Lord, keep us faithful, Keep us true. 434 00:25:49,140 --> 00:25:53,460 And may we not ignore this, for it is truly at our peril. 435 00:25:55,700 --> 00:25:58,380 Lord, help us to know that there is a throne to which we can 436 00:25:58,380 --> 00:26:03,790 come to this night, your amazing throne, and know Jesus as 437 00:26:03,790 --> 00:26:04,350 Savior. 438 00:26:05,070 --> 00:26:08,310 So that as we come to the great White Throne on that last day 439 00:26:08,310 --> 00:26:12,670 of human history, we will rejoice in knowing we are found with 440 00:26:12,670 --> 00:26:14,510 Christ and Him alone. 441 00:26:15,390 --> 00:26:17,350 So speak to us clearly. 442 00:26:17,350 --> 00:26:19,630 We pray in Jesus name. 443 00:26:20,590 --> 00:26:21,230 Amen. 444 00:26:27,120 --> 00:26:36,690 Sam.