Connect Daniel 7:10 with Revelation 20:12 on the theme of divine judgment. Setting the Prophetic Stage “ A river of fire was flowing, coming out from His presence. Thousands upon thousands attended Him, and myriads upon myriads stood before Him. The court was convened, and the books were opened.” (Daniel 7:10) “ And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and the books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their deeds, as recorded in the books.” (Revelation 20:12) Divine Assembly: One Court, One Judge • Daniel’s “court” and John’s “great white throne” scene describe the same heavenly courtroom. • The innumerable angels (“thousands upon thousands”) in Daniel match the “great and small” resurrected humanity in Revelation. • Both visions feature God seated in regal authority (cf. Psalm 9:7–8; Isaiah 33:22). The Books: Records of Perfect Justice • Plural “books” appear in both passages. – These contain every deed, word, and motive (Matthew 12:36; Ecclesiastes 12:14). • Revelation adds “another book… the Book of Life,” guaranteeing that salvation rests on grace, not works (Luke 10:20; Philippians 4:3). • Nothing escapes divine documentation—absolute transparency (Hebrews 4:13). Consistency of Judgment: From Old Covenant to New • Daniel foretells; Revelation fulfills. One seamless plan spans Testaments (Isaiah 46:9–10). • The same fiery imagery—“river of fire” (Daniel) and “lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15)—underscores righteous retribution. • Both passages affirm individual accountability (Romans 2:5–6; 2 Corinthians 5:10). • Resurrection precedes judgment in each vision (Daniel 12:2; Revelation 20:13). Implications for Believers Today • Justice will be public and comprehensive; secret sin is temporary, but God’s verdict is eternal. • Security rests in having one’s name written in the Book of Life through faith in Christ (John 5:24; Acts 16:31). • Present choices matter; deeds done in Christ’s power receive reward (1 Corinthians 3:12–15). • The certainty of judgment fuels holy living and gospel urgency (2 Peter 3:11–12; Acts 17:31). |
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