In what ways should Revelation 20:12 inspire us to share the Gospel? The final courtroom John witnessed “And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. And there were opened books, and another book was opened—the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books.” Urgency born from certainty • Judgment is not symbolic; it is a fixed appointment (Hebrews 9:27). • A day is set when the risen Christ will judge the world with justice (Acts 17:30-31). • Because the event is certain, our witness cannot be casual. Universal standing, universal need • “Great and small” means every social rank, culture, and era. • No exemptions: “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ” (2 Corinthians 5:10). • The Gospel is therefore for every neighbor, coworker, and relative without exception. The opened books—eternal accountability • Every deed and word is preserved (Matthew 12:36). • God’s record is exhaustive and unalterable; no one can plead ignorance or edit the files. • Recognizing that friends will answer for every action fuels compassionate boldness. The Book of Life—the only rescue • Only those whose names are written there are spared (Revelation 20:15). • That inscription comes solely through faith in Jesus Christ (John 5:24; Romans 8:1). • We share the Gospel because people need more than good deeds; they need their names recorded. Gospel-driven compassion • “Since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men” (2 Corinthians 5:11). • Ezekiel 33:8 warns that silence makes us complicit; love warns of danger. • Jude 1:23 calls us to “snatch others from the fire,” combining mercy with urgency. Scripture echoes that reinforce the call • Matthew 28:18-20: Christ’s authority sends us to every nation. • Romans 10:14: Hearing requires a messenger; someone must speak. • Acts 4:12: “There is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” Putting the warning into action • Ask God daily for a tender heart that feels the weight of eternity. • Keep a short list of unbelieving friends and pursue intentional conversations. • Share your testimony; stories open doors to the Savior’s story. • Carry Scripture—on your phone, in memory—so truth, not opinion, does the persuading. • Support missionary work; Revelation’s global scene calls for global outreach. • Live transparently; credibility adorns the message (Philippians 2:14-16). |
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