The Revelation

The Final Judgment — Revelation 20
Lesson 35 Bobby Stafford

The Final Judgment — Revelation 20

Introduction
Revelation 20:11–15 presents the final judgment before the great white throne. Every person will stand before Christ to be judged. This passage reveals the eternal destiny of every soul and the final defeat of Satan and evil.

The Great White Throne
John describes a “great white throne” and the One seated upon it. White signifies purity and righteousness. Jesus Christ, the righteous Judge, sits upon the throne (John 5:22). From His presence, heaven and earth flee, emphasizing the total end of the physical creation (2 Peter 3:10). Everything temporary passes away, leaving only eternity and judgment.

The Books Are Opened
John sees “the dead, small and great, standing before God.” Every soul stands accountable, and “books were opened.” These books represent the record of each person’s life, while another book—the Book of Life—contains the names of the saved. Those found in it inherit life everlasting; those missing from it face eternal separation. Paul affirms this in 2 Corinthians 5:10, reminding us that all will receive according to what they have done in this life.

The Universal Resurrection
John continues, “The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them.” This reveals the totality of resurrection—no one is left behind. Hades, the temporary abode of the dead, will be emptied and abolished. Death itself will be destroyed, fulfilling Paul’s declaration that “the last enemy to be destroyed is death” (1 Corinthians 15:26).

The Second Death
The “lake of fire” symbolizes eternal punishment, not annihilation but separation from God. This second death is the destiny of Satan, the beast, and all who reject God. The greatest horror of hell is eternal distance from God—never again to be in His presence or know His goodness.

The Book of Life and the Eternal Choice
The Book of Life contains the names of the faithful. Moses spoke of it (Exodus 32:32), and Paul mentioned it in Philippians 4:3. Those written in it are God’s redeemed, washed in the blood of Christ. To remain in that book requires faithfulness to the end (Revelation 2:10).

Call to Action
Every person will stand before Christ. Our names can only be found in the Book of Life if we have obeyed the gospel and continue to live faithfully. God’s judgment will be based on what we do in this life. The faithful will be welcomed into eternal life; the disobedient will face eternal loss. We must choose daily to walk with God, obey His Word, and live as His servants so that when our name is read, it will still be there.

The Final Judgment — Revelation 20 Sermon Outline:

• Introduction: Revelation 20:11–15 reveals the final judgment and eternal separation of righteous and wicked.

• I. The Great White Throne (Revelation 20:11)

  • “White” symbolizes purity and justice.

  • Jesus Christ, the Judge (John 5:22), reigns on the throne.

  • Heaven and earth flee—physical creation ends (2 Peter 3:10).

   

• II. The Books Are Opened (Revelation 20:12)

  • All humanity stands before God—“small and great.”

  • “Books” represent the record of deeds; the “Book of Life” records the faithful.

  • Judgment based on works (2 Corinthians 5:10).

   

• III. The Universal Resurrection (Revelation 20:13)

  • The sea, death, and Hades yield their dead.

  • All people will rise to face judgment (John 5:28–29).

  • Death and Hades end forever; no more waiting place.

   

• IV. The Second Death (Revelation 20:14)

  • The lake of fire is eternal punishment and separation from God.

  • Satan, the beast, and the false prophet suffer forever (Revelation 20:10).

  • “Death” means eternal separation, not annihilation.

   

• V. The Book of Life (Philippians 4:3; Exodus 32:32)

  • The record of the redeemed—those faithful to God.

  • Those not found written are cast into the lake of fire.

   

• VI. Application and Warning

  • Everyone will face judgment.

  • Salvation requires obedience (Mark 16:16).

  • Faithfulness until death ensures eternal life (Revelation 2:10).

   

Call to Action
God’s Word reminds us that judgment is certain. Today is the time to prepare. Have you obeyed the gospel? Are you living faithfully? The Book of Life contains only those who have followed Christ and remained steadfast. When the books are opened, may your name be found written there.

Key Takeaways

• Every person will stand before Christ (2 Corinthians 5:10).

• The heavens and earth will pass away (2 Peter 3:10).

• The Book of Life holds the names of the faithful (Philippians 4:3).

• The second death means eternal separation from God (Revelation 20:14).

• The faithful will receive the crown of life (Revelation 2:10).

Scripture Reference List

• Revelation 20:11–15 — The final judgment scene.

• John 5:22 — The Son is appointed Judge.

• 2 Peter 3:10 — The heavens and earth dissolved by fire.

• 2 Corinthians 5:10 — Judgment according to works.

• 1 Corinthians 15:26 — Death is the final enemy destroyed.

• Philippians 4:3 — The names of the faithful in the Book of Life.

• Revelation 2:10 — The crown of life promised to the faithful.

Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at Granby, MO

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