Revelation Lesson 11

© 1998 "Yes Lord" Ministries

Revelation Lesson 11

The Great White Throne Judgment

Rev. 20:11-15

Well, the Thousand years of the Millennium are over. The Devil has been thrown in to the Lake of Burning sulfur to join B1 (the Antichrist) and B2 (the False Prophet), who had already been in that place of torment during the entire 1000 years. The people who had participated in the Devil's rebellion, at the end of the 1000 years, are all dead, having been killed by "fire which came down from heaven and devoured them."

So, all is well now, right? Everyone else will now go to heaven and live happily ever after, right? Well, not exactly! There is still ONE MORE very important event that must occur. And, there is something very important that still must be dealt with before Eternity begins!

What is the event?, you ask. And what has to be dealt with? Good questions. The event is the Great White Throne Judgment. The "something that still has to be dealt with" is SIN.

SIN !

SIN? What is sin? And why is sin important? And why does it have to be dealt with? And ....

Ok, let's start at the beginning. First the definition of SIN.

The Greek word for SIN is "hamartia" (Strong's # 266), and its literal meaning is "missing the mark." But, that phrase really doesn't adequately convey what sin is. So, let's look at my ancient 1938 Webster's Dictionary. It defines sin as "Transgression of the law of God or an instance of it...hence, any offense... " Well, that is a little clearer. Another dictionary, the Liberty Illustrated Bible Dictionary, gives us still more insight by defining sin as: "lawlessness... or transgression of God's will, either by omitting to do what God's law requires or by doing what it forbids. The transgression can occur in thought...word... or deed... "

Hmmm. Yes, that is clearing things up even more.

But to REALLY understand what sin is and to see it from God's perspective, let's see what the Bible has to say about sin. You knew I was going to say that, didn't you? Because, the best way to find out about anything is to always go to God's word. So, let's do that.

Actually there are hundreds, perhaps thousands, of verses in the Bible which explain, describe, talk about, etc. sin. But, we will look at only a few. So, as you read the following verses, every time you see the word, Sin, or any word used in the place of the word, sin, put a BLACK CIRCLE around the word and then put an X in the middle of the circle. (your symbol will look a lot like the universal do not enter sign that you see on highways, doorways, etc.) Also, underline, in Black, what is said about sin or how sin is described or defined.

<>< <>< <>< <>< WHAT the Bible Says about SIN <>< <>< <>< <><

1 John 3:4 Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.

1 John 5:17 All wrongdoing is sin, ...

James 4:17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.

Proverbs 14:21 He who despises his neighbor sins, but blessed is he who is kind to the needy

1 John 3:15 Anyone who hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life in him.

Romans 14:23b ... everything that does not come from faith is sin.

Matt. 5:22 But I (Jesus) tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. Again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca' (an Aramaic term of contempt) is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'you fool' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Proverbs 24:9 The schemes of folly are sin, and men detest a mocker.

Kings 8:46 ... for there is no one who does not sin...

Ps. 53:3 Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

Proverbs 20:9 Who can say, "I have kept my heart pure; I am clean and without sin"?

Ecclesiastes 7:20 There is not a righteous man on earth who does what is right and never sins.

Isaiah 53:6 We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid in Him the iniquity of us all.

Isaiah 64:6 All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.

Romans 3:23 ...For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God...

John 8:34 Jesus replied, "I tell you the truth, everyone who sins is a slave to sin."

Galatians 3:22 But the scripture declares that the whole world is a prisoner of sin, so that what was promised, being given through faith in Jesus Christ, might be given to those who believe.

1 John 1:8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us.

James 1:14-15 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

James 2:10-11 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. For He who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker (sinner).

In this next passage, MANY sins are listed and or described. So, as you read it, in addition to the marking you are doing, also underline in RED, the sins (lawless acts or actions) that are mentioned.

Romans 1:18-32 The wrath of God is being revealed from heaven against all the godlessness and wickedness of men who suppress the truth by their wickedness, since what may be known about God is plain to them, because God has made it plain to them. For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse. For although they knew God, they neither glorified him as God nor gave thanks to him, but their thinking became futile and their foolish hearts were darkened. Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools and exchanged the glory of the immortal God for images made to look like mortal man and birds and animals and reptiles. Therefore God gave them over in the sinful desires of their hearts to sexual impurity for the degrading of their bodies with one another. They exchanged the truth of God for a lie, and worshiped and served created things rather than the Creator--who is forever praised. Amen. Because of this, God gave them over to shameful lusts. Even their women exchanged natural relations for unnatural ones. In the same way the men also abandoned natural relations with women and were inflamed with lust for one another. Men committed indecent acts with other men, and received in themselves the due penalty for their perversion. Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwhile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done. They have become filled with every kind of wickedness, evil, greed and depravity. They are full of envy, murder, strife, deceit and malice. They are gossips, slanderers, God-haters, insolent, arrogant and boastful; they invent ways of doing evil; they disobey their parents; they are senseless, faithless, heartless, ruthless. Although they know God's righteous decree that those who do such things deserve death, they not only continue to do these very things but also approve of those who practice them.

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Ok, we have seen WHAT SIN IS. It is ________________________________________

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Give some (at least 10) specific examples of Sin. __________________________________

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But, so what?

Why is sin such a big deal to God?

Why is it so important?

What does sin cause?

And why does sin have to be dealt with?

Well, again, the Bible has the answers. So, as you read these scriptures, which are only the tip of the iceberg of the many many scriptures which answer these questions, do the following:

    • 1. Whenever you see any word or phrase which explains why sin is important and what it causes or produces, UNDERLINE the word or phrase in RED.
    • .
    • 2. Whenever you see any word or phrase which describes, explains, or give the consequences (results, punishment) for sin or explains why God can NOT overlook sin and can not just sweep it under the rug and pretend it never happened, UNDERLINE it in BLACK.

<>< <>< <>< Why is Sin Important and Serious ? <>< <>< <><

Ephesians 2:1a & 3b As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins...gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts ... (therefore) ...we were... objects of wrath

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death ...

Jeremiah 14:10 This is what the LORD says about this people: "They greatly love to wander; they do not restrain their feet. So the LORD does not accept them; He will now remember their wickedness and punish them for their sins."

Micah 3:4 Then they will cry out to the LORD, but He will not answer them. At that time He will hide His face from them because of the evil they have done.

2 Thessalonians 2:12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.

Deut. 25:16 For the LORD your God detests anyone who does these things, anyone who deals dishonestly.

Psalms 5:4-6 You are not a God who takes pleasure in evil; with you the wicked cannot dwell. The arrogant cannot stand in your presence; you hate all who do wrong. You destroy those who tell lies; bloodthirsty and deceitful men the LORD abhors.

Proverbs 6:16-19 There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

Zechariah 8:17 do not plot evil against your neighbor, and do not love to swear falsely. I hate all this, declares the LORD.

Luke 16:15 He (Jesus) said to them, "You are the ones who justify yourselves in the eyes of men, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight.

I Chronicles 10:13 Saul died because he was unfaithful to the LORD; he did not keep the word of the LORD and even consulted a medium for guidance.

Proverbs 11:19 The truly righteous man attains life, but he who pursues evil goes to his death.

Ezekiel 18:4b ... the soul who sins is the one who will die.

Romans 5:12 Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all men, because all sinned.

Isaiah 59:2 But your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden His face from you, so that He will not hear.

Proverbs 11:21 Be sure of this; The wicked will not go unpunished, but those who are righteous will go free.

Proverbs 16:5 The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished.

Proverbs 19:5 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out lies will not go free.

Proverbs 19 9 A false witness will not go unpunished, and he who pours out lies will perish.

Jeremiah 11:11 Therefore this is what the LORD says: "I will bring on them a disaster they cannot escape. Although they cry out to me, I will not listen to them."

Hebrews 2:3 how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the LORD, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.

Romans 2: 2-9a Now we know that God's judgment on those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere man, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God's judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of His kindness, tolerance, and patience, not realizing that God's kindness leads you toward repentance? But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God's wrath, when His righteous judgment will be revealed. God will give to each person according to what he has done. ... for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be troubleand distress for every human being who does evil.

Romans 3:23 For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God

Psalms 53:5 Everyone has turned away, they have together become corrupt; there is no one who does good, not even one.

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Ok, Ok! I understand! You can stop! I get the point! God is Holy and Jesus Christ is also Holy (sinless.) But ALL of mankind (every single person who has ever lived) has sinned and is a sinner! And, sin is not absence of good. Rather, sin is EVIL; Sin is disobedience to God's commands; Sin is rebellion against God and His Law. . And, not only that, but sin makes the sinner totally unable to fellowship with, talk with, or even be in the presence of of this Holy Righteous God (except at the time of Judgment and during the handing out of the punishment.) Therefore, sin MUST be punished! And that punishment is death and eternal torment in hell.

OH NO!

OH YES!

So, what can be done about sin? Is there any remedy? Any payment? Is there anything that WE can do to be forgiven of our sins? Or do all sinners HAVE to go to hell?

Well, yes, there IS something that can be done! And there is something that Has been done!

There is a way to escape the death penalty of sin!

What is it? What is the way? How can you and I escape this horrible death penalty of sin?

Well, the answer is simple. It is to let Someone else pay the penalty for us! It is to let someone die in my place, in your place, and, in that death, to pay the sin-debt that I owe, that you owe for the sins (disobedience, lawlessness) that you and I have committed.

But there is a catch. There is a problem, a BIG problem! This sin penalty can not be paid by just ANY someone. It must be paid by a TOTALLY SINLESS person!. OH NO! There is the problem. We have just read that there is NO ONE who is sinless. We have read that EVERYONE has sinned! Alas and alack! What to do! We are doomed.

And, yes we are or we would be....BUT.... Praise to the Lord, there IS a Someone Who IS sinless and Who IS not only willing to pay that sin debt penalty for you and for me, and for anyone who will accept His offer of Salvation from the death penalty of sin, but Who has already paid it in FULL !!!!

WHO? Who would do such a thing? And WHY?

Well, again, the Bible has the answer. So, in the following verses, Put a RED CROSS on the name of WHO it is who provides this Salvation (or any word or phrase which is used in place of His name) and UNDERLINE in RED, what it is that He does and why.

Colossians 1:13-14, 19-22 For He (God) has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son (Jesus) He loves, in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. ... For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross. Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation--

Colossians 2: 13-14 When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your sinful nature, God

made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the written code, with its regulations,

that was against us and that stood opposed to us; he took it away, nailing it to the cross.

Colossians 3: 1-4 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things. For you died, and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is your life, appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.

Luke 2:11 Today in the town of David, a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord.

Luke 19:10 For the Son of Man (Jesus) came to seek and to save what was lost.

John 3:17 For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through Him.

Acts 5:31 God exalted Him (Jesus) to His own right hand as Prince and Savior that He might give repentance and forgiveness of sins to Israel. (and to us)

I Timothy 1:15 Here is a trustworthy saying that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners -- of whom I (Paul) am the worst.

Isaiah 53:5 But He (Jesus) was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; upon Him and by His wounds we are healed.

2 Corinthians 5:21 God made Him Who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.

Galatians 3:13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us, for it is written; "Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree."

Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, Who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

Hebrews 9:28 so Christ was sacrificed once to take away the sins of many people; and He will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for Him.

I Peter 2:24-25 He (Jesus) Himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, so that we might die to sins and live for righteousness; by His wounds you have been healed. For you were like sheep going astray, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls.

1 Peter 3:18 For Christ died for sins once for all, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God. He was put to death in the body but made alive by the Spirit.

Isaiah 53:12 Therefore I (God) will give Him (Jesus) a portion among the great, and He will divide the spoils with the strong, because He poured out His life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For He bore the sine of many, and made intercession for the transgressors.

1 John 3:5 But you know that He appeared so that He might take away our sins. And in Him is no sin.

Isaiah 53:4 Surely He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered Him stricken by God, smitten by Him, and afflicted.

Matthew 8:17 This was to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet Isaiah, "He took up our infirmities and carried our diseases."

John 19:17 Carrying His own cross, He went out to the Place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha.)

1 Timothy 2:5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus, Who gave Himself as a ransom for all men ...

Hebrews 9:15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance -- now that He has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

1 John 2:1-2 My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have one Who speaks to the Father in our defense -- Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.

John 1:29 The next day John (the Baptist) saw Jesus coming toward him and said, "Look, the Lamb of God, Who takes away the sin of the world!"

1 Corinthians 5:7 Get rid of the old yeast that you may be a new batch without yeast -- as you really are. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.

1 Peter 1:18-21 For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. Through Him you believe in God, Who raised Him from the dead and glorified Him, and so your faith and hope are in God.

John 15:13 Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down His life for His friends.

2 Corinthians 8:9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.

Galatians 1:4 -5 Grace and peace to you from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave Himself for our sins to rescue us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to Whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.

Ephesians 5:2 and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.

Titus 2:14 Who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all wickedness and to purify for Himself a people that are His very own, eager to do what is good.

1 John 3:16 This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down His life for us. ...

Rev. 1:5 and from Jesus Christ, Who is the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him Who loves us and has freed us from our sins by His blood.

John 10:11 I (Jesus) am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep.

John 12:24 I (Jesus) tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds.

Romans 5:6 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly.

1 Corinthians 5:3 ...Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures.

2 Corinthians 5:15 And He died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for Him Who died for them and was raised again.

Hebrews 2:9 But we see Jesus, Who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor because He suffered death, so that by the grace of God He might taste death for everyone.

Rev. 5:9 And they sang a new song: "You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because You were slain, and with Your blood You purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation.

John 3:14-15 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, that everyone who believes in Him may have eternal life.

John 6:35 Then Jesus declared, "I am the bread of life. He who comes to Me will never go hungry, and he who believes in Me will never be thirsty.

1 Corinthians 3:11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.

Acts 4:12 Salvation is found in no one else. for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.

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And, Praise the Lord, there are MANY who have accepted Jesus' gift of Salvation!

They have Chosen to Serve God. And, because of that choice and because of Jesus' sacrifice, they are saved from the wrath of God and from the Judgment of God. They have been declared Righteous and are now able to fellowship with and live with God FOREVER in His Eternal Kingdom!

Are you one of those who have chosen to serve God and who have trusted in Jesus to provide the death penalty payment for your sin? I have and I pray that you have or will.

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BUT, there are many who have NOT accepted Jesus' atoning substitute sacrifice for sin. They have not confessed their sins to God. They have not asked for forgiveness. They have not turned from their sinful ways. They have NOT CHOSEN to serve God. For whatever reason, they either think they don't really have to do that, or that God really is not serious when He says He abhors (hates) sin and cannot look upon it and will punish all unconfessed sin and all unforgiven sinners, or they think that their good works will outweigh their sins and therefore God will overlook their sins and will not impose the sin penalty on them.

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Are they right? Will their sins be overlooked?

Or are they literally playing with fire, the eternal lake of fire of torment and punishment?

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Well, let's look at that time of Judgment when ALL SINNERS (all those who have NOT accepted Jesus' atoning sacrifice for their sin and have not made Him their Lord and Master and who have NOT CHOSEN to Follow Jesus) must and will come before the GREAT WHITE THRONE for JUDGMENT. And we will see if their gamble pays off. We will see if their serving of themselves or of some other God or if their good works are sufficient to keep them from having to pay the death penalty for sin themselves. We will see what their eternal destiny is!

The GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT OF GOD !!!

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And, as we usually do, let's begin by reading about the GWT (Great White Throne Judgment) as it is recorded for us in the Book of Revelation.

So, read Revelation 20:11-15. As you read, mark the following:

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1. LAKE OF FIRE by putting a RED jagged oval around the phrase.

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2. BOOK OF LIFE... put a PURPLE or BLUE rectangle on the phrase or any word which is used to mean the same thing. Be alert, not every reference to book or books is referring to the Book of Life. There are other books also opened. Distinguish this book from the others by marking the others in different colors (of your choice).

Ok. That is your assignment. So stop now and read and mark Rev. 20:11-15

<>< <>< <>< <>< Pause while you do this assignment <>< <>< <>< <><<><

Ok! I see you have finished. Now, based on what you have read, answer the following questions:

What did John see? (20: 11) _____________________________________________

Who is seated on the throne? Is it God the Father? Or is it Jesus? Hmmmm. Before you answer that question, let's look at a few verses in the Bible which will help clarify this for you.

So, read the following verses, and as you read them, whenever you see a reference to God the Father, mark His name by putting a Blue TRIANGLE on His name or any word used in place of His name. And, whenever you see the Name, Jesus, or any word used to mean Jesus, put a Blue or Purple CROSS on that word. Ok, here are the verses:

Acts 17:30-31 In the past God overlooked such ignorance, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent. For he has set a day when he will judge the world with justice by the man he has appointed. He has given proof of this to all men by raising him from the dead."

John 5:22 Moreover, the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son,

Ok, let me ask you that question again: Who is seated on the throne? Is it God the Father? Or is it Jesus? _____________________________________________

Correct, it is Jesus who will be the Judge at the Great White Throne Judgment ! WOW!

In Rev. 20:11, we also read that "Earth and sky fled from His presence, and there was no place for them. " Why do the earth and sky flee? (Hint: before you answer this, read this passage from Romans. When you see a clue as to why the earth and sky can not be in the presence of the Holy Righteous God, underline it.)

Romans 8: 19-22 The creation waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the glorious freedom of the children of God. We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time.

Ok, let me ask you again, Why does the earth and sky flee from the presence of God at the

GWT Judgment? ______________________________________________________

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Hmmmmmm. Very interesting.

So this Romans passage reminds us that the sin of Adam and Eve introduced sin into the entire human race so that everyone is a sinner. But, not only mankind was corrupted and permeated by sin, their sin also produced sin effects on the entire creation of God, including the earth, sky, animals, plants, etc. Therefore, there is now SIN in all of creation! That is why it is groaning and in bondage to decay! That is why animals attack people, why insects sting and bite us, why the thorns of roses are present, why we have sickness, cancer, etc. etc. etc. These things are the result of sin.

Therefore, does it make sense now why earth and sky fled from the presence of the Judge? Yes, because nothing that has SIN can be in the presence of God! (except at the time of the handing out of the Judgement). So, they had to flee.

But, mankind can NOT flee God. Man can NOT escape that easily. God MUST judge sin! And He will! And this judgment will be at the GWT judgment!

Since man cannot and does not flee. Who, then, do we see standing before the throne in Rev. 20:12? _____________________________________________________________

Who are these DEAD people? Are these the people who were killed in that last war and revolt at the end of the 1000 years? Or does it include more than those?

Circle your answer from the 2 choices below:

1. The dead are ONLY those who were killed in the last war and revolt at the end of the 1000 years.

2. The dead are ALL the people who have EVER lived at any time on the planet earth but who

did NOT accept Jesus' atoning substitute sacrifice for sin and therefore have NOT been redeemed from the death penalty of sin. They are still sinners who have not confessed their sins to God and who have not asked for His forgiveness! Therefore, the punishment for their sins is still due. They still have to stand before God and be judged.

Yes, you are correct if you selected answer # 2. And NOW is that time! Their time of judgment for EVERY sin they have ever committed is here and now at the Great White Throne Judgment!

So, let's see what happens.

First of all, we were looking at this group. Do you imagine it is a large group? Or a small one?

..........................................LARGE......................SMALL

Where have these people come from? (20:13) ____________________________________

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Hmmmmm. Does this mean, then, that no matter where or how a person died, or even if he or she was buried at sea or drowned or whatever, they will still be brought before the GWT judgment seat of God?................................YES.......................NO

And, what kinds of people will be there? Only the poor? Only the rich? Only the famous? Only the unknowns? Who? (20:12) _____________________________________________

Explain your answer: _____________________________________________________

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What does it mean in 20:12 when it describes these people as "the dead, the great and small, ...."

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Yes, there is a huge crowd there, because this group consists of people going all the way back to the very beginning of time! And, whether they were rich or poor, famous or insignificant has nothing to do with their participation in or exclusion from this judgment The ONLY exclusion that is granted from being judged at this GWT Judgment is IF a person had PREVIOUSLY (before they died) chosen to serve and obey God (in Old Testament times). Or, for those who lived after the time of Jesus' death and resurrection, the 'requirement for exclusion' is IF they had chosen to Serve God Jesus and accepted Jesus' free gift of forgiveness and salvation. Everyone else WILL be at this GWT judgment!!!! Hmmmm!

So, Who is NOT going to be judged and punished at this judgment? ____________________

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And, Rev. 20:15 adds some additional information to your answer to that question, which is:

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Hmmmm. Interesting. Hold that thought as we will look at the Book of Life in more detail in a few minutes.

But speaking of Books! What does Rev 20:12 say about the books? Write that verse here:

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And also write Rev. 20:15 here because it mentions an important book again:

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So, there seem to be several BOOKS which will be used at the GWT judgment to determine the eternal destiny of all who will be judged. One of these books is the "Book of Life." But others are alluded to. And they seem to be very important, critical, and necessary to this judgment. So, let's see if the Bible can give us some information about what some of these books are and what they contain. I think you will find this very interesting.

In the following verses, if a book is specifically named, CIRCLE or HIGHLIGHT the name of the book in a color of your choice. Also underline, in the same color, what the book contains or the description of the contents of the book, if it is described or explained in the verse. We will begin with, since we already know about this one, "The Book of Life." I used PURPLE for my color for this book. There is another book which is referred to as the "Lamb's Book of Life." If you think this is the same book as "The Book of Life," use the same color, Purple, to mark it. But, if you think this is a different book, then use a different color. I used GREEN to mark the references to the "Lamb's book of Life." (Was that a hint?) And there are other books. So, pay attention, and choose your colors accordingly. Ok. Here are the passages for you to read and mark.

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Some of the Books at the GWT Judgment

(God's) BOOK OF LIFE

Exodus 32:33 The LORD replied to Moses, "Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book.

Ps 69:28 May they be blotted out of the book of life and not be listed with the righteous.

Philippians 4:3 Yes, and I ask you, loyal yokefellow, help these women who have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers, whose names are in the book of life.

Daniel 12:1-2 At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people -- everyone whose name is found written in the book--will be delivered. Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake: some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.

Luke 10:20 However, do not rejoice that the spirits submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.

Rev. 3:5 He who overcomes will, like them, be dressed in white. I will never blot out his name from the book of life, but will acknowledge his name before my Father and his angels.

Rev. 17:8 The beast, which you saw, once was, now is not, and will come up out of the Abyss and go to his destruction. The inhabitants of the earth whose names have not been written in the book of life from the creation of the world will be astonished when they see the beast, because he once was, now is not, and yet will come.

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The LAMB'S BOOK OF LIFE

Heb. 12:22-23a But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven.

Rev 13:8 All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast--all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world.

Rev. 21:27 Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life.

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The BOOK OF THE LAW

Deut. 31:26 Take this Book of the Law and place it beside the ark of the covenant of the LORD your God. There it will remain as a witness against you.

Joshua 1:8a Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it

2 Kings 22:8-13 & 23:1-3 Hilkiah the high priest said to Shaphan the secretary, "I have found the Book of the Law in the temple of the LORD." He gave it to Shaphan, who read it. Then Shaphan the secretary went to the king and reported to him: "Your officials have paid out the money that was in the temple of the LORD and have entrusted it to the workers and supervisors at the temple." Then Shaphan the secretary informed the king, "Hilkiah the priest has given me a book." And Shaphan read from it in the presence of the king. When the king heard the words of the Book of the Law, he tore his robes. He gave these orders to Hilkiah the priest, Ahikam son of Shaphan, Acbor son of Micaiah, Shaphan the secretary and Asaiah the king's attendant: "Go and inquire of the LORD for me and for the people and for all Judah about what is written in this book that has been found. Great is the LORD's anger that burns against us because our fathers have not obeyed the words of this book; they have not acted in accordance with all that is written there concerning us." ... Then the king called together all the elders of Judah and Jerusalem. He went up to the temple of the LORD with the men of Judah, the people of Jerusalem, the priests and the prophets--all the people from the least to the greatest. He read in their hearing all the words of the Book of the Covenant, which had been found in the temple of the LORD. The king stood by the pillar and renewed the covenant in the presence of the LORD--to follow the LORD and keep his commands, regulations and decrees with all his heart and all his soul, thus confirming the words of the covenant written in this book. Then all the people pledged themselves to the covenant.

Gal. 3:10 All who rely on observing the law are under a curse, for it is written: "Cursed is everyone who does not continue to do everything written in the Book of the Law." (Deut. 27:26)

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Books of DEEDS / MAN'S WORKS (WHAT THEY HAVE DONE)

2 Corinthians 11:15 It is not surprising, then, if his servants masquerade as servants of righteousness. Their end will be what their actions deserve.

Matthew 16:27 For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he has done.

Rev 20:12-13 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what he had done.

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Books of CONSCIENCE

Romans 2:14-16 (Indeed, when Gentiles, who do not have the law, do by nature things required by the law, they are a law for themselves, even though they do not have the law, since they show that the requirements of the law are written on their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts now accusing, now even defending them.) This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.

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Book of WORDS

Matthew 12:36-37 But I tell you that men will have to give account on the day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. For by your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you will be condemned."

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Book of SECRET WORDS

Romans 2:16 This will take place on the day when God will judge men's secrets through Jesus Christ, as my gospel declares.

Ecclesiastes 12:14 For God will bring every deed into judgment, including every hidden thing, whether it is good or evil.

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So, we see that there will be many books opened in Heaven. What things do these books contain?

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________

What is the purpose of these books? How will they be used? ________________________

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What will be the CONSEQUENCES of the GWT Judgment?

The following scriptures will tell you. As you read them, underline or highlight in RED what will happen to EVERY PERSON who is judged at the GWT judgment! (There are, of course, a whole lot more. But these FEW will be enough to show you!)

Psalm 9:17 (KJV) The wicked shall be turned into hell......

Revelation 20:15 If anyone's name was not found written in the Book of Life, he (or she) was thrown into the lake of fire.

So, I ask you again, What will be the CONSEQUENCES of the GWT Judgment? _________

_______________________________________________________________________

What? Do you mean that all my good works, all my good deeds, all my money which I gave to the poor, all those kind things I did, all those...... will not keep me out of hell ??????

Yes, that is EXACTLY what GOD says! Let's read it again! "If anyone's name was not found written in the Book of Life, he (or she) was thrown into the lake of fire."

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So, What IS this GOD'S BOOK OF LIFE

and

How does one get their name written in it????

Good question.

First, let me tell you what the "BOOK OF LIFE" is. You have read the scriptures about it. So, you know that the Book of Life is a registery of all the people who have EVER been born. In this way it is very much like the Book of Records (Registry) in a Nation or a County of a Country. As you know, whenever anyone is born in a City or a County or Nation, their name is entered into a Book of Citizens. IF their name is in that book, they are considered to be living members of that City, County, Country, or Nation. As such, they, can, therefore, vote and exercise the rights as a citizen. BUT, when that person dies, their name is blotted out (erased, deleted, marked through, or otherwise expunged) from that book. They are no longer considered to be living citizens.

God's Book of Life is much like the Book of Records Registry (and, indeed, this is no doubt where the Cities and nations got their brilliant idea to have such a book! They are following God's example of keeping records.) Anyway, God's Book of life is where EVERY person's name is recorded -- the name of EVERY person who will be born and live on earth at any time during the entire ages. And, indeed, this book was written BEFORE the beginning of time! For, you see, God KNEW before you were even born that you WOULD be born and He put your name in His (God the Father's) Book of Life.

Psalm 139: 13-16 is one of the places that confirms that fact. Read it for yourself, and underline, in PURPLE, the confirmation of the fact that God knows all about you and that your birth is no surprise to Him. Indeed, He even planned it! What an awesome God !!!

Psalm 139:13-16 For You (God) created my inmost being; You knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise You because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from You when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, Your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in Your book before one of them came to be.

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So, Yes, God knew you would be born! And He wrote your name in the (God's) Book of Life even before you were born, even before He created the world!. And, in His opinion you ARE alive fom that time UNTIL the time that you DIE. If, during your life on earth, you decide to Choose to Serve God and you confess your sins to God and ask for His forgiveness and accept Jesus' FREE gift of forgiveness and eternal salvation, THEN 2 things happen:

    • 1. At the time of your Salvation (your Choosing to serve God and your acceptance of the gift of forgiveness and salvation), your name is written in the LAMB'S BOOK of LIFE, signifying that you are now a member of Jesus's Eternal Kingdom. So now your name is in TWO Books! -- in God's Book of Life and in the Lamb's Book of Life.
    • .
    • 2. Jesus and God PROMISE (see Rev. 3:5) that they will NEVER blot you out of the God's Book of Life, that book which contained your name even before you were born and which will contain it until you die. Normally, at the time of your death, your name would have been blotted out (erased) from God's Book of Life. But, since you decided you wanted to remain a member of God's Kingdom, and you Chose to become a forever servant of Jesus Christ, you gained citizenship in Jesus' Kingdom because you chose to accept His offer of forgiveness and salvation, which He is able to provide because of His atoning sacrifice for sin.

So, When you Choose to serve God (Jesus), you are also choosing to serve God (The Father). You now have a double entry in God's Kingdom. Your name is written as a NEW entry into the "Lamb's Book of Life" and you have the assurance that there is NO possible way that your name can ever be removed from God's Registry (Book of Living People.) Then, even if you should die physically, you are not REALLY dead in God's opinion because He takes you at your death directly into His Kingdom and you are STILL ALIVE there in His Kingdom with Him.

HOWEVER, IF during your lifetime, you do NOT choose Jesus and you do NOT choose to have your name written in the Lamb's Book of Life, THEN, at the time of your Physical death, you are blotted out of God's Book of Life and you will have NO other opportunity EVER to change your mind!!!! You are considered to be dead in your sins. Your name is not in either book. And, since you are a sinner, you can NOT fellowship with God. You can NOT enter His eternal Kingdom because there is NO sin there. (Rev. 21:8 confirms this: But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars -- their place will be in the fiery lake of burning suffer. This is the second death.)

Then, you will, indeed you MUST, at the appointed time, appear at the GWT Judgment to receive your "Official Punishment and Sentence" -- and you will be sent directly from the GWT Judgment to your ETERNAL 'home' in the Lake of Fire! which is also referred to as the (20:14)

___________________________________ . Yes, the Second Death.

Is this an eternal punishment? Yes!

But, you say, I have been told that it is not eternal. And I have been told that if I don't go to heaven, I go to some place that is just not where God is (absence of God) and it is not soooooo bad. And I have been told that there is no hell. So, why should I really worry about this. In fact some people say that there is a hell but even if you go there you just burn up and are anhillated and in a second or two it is all over. So why should I worry?

Well, for one thing, you need to quit listening to what OTHERS SAY and start listening to WHAT GOD SAYS. So, I will let God and His Bible answer those questions for you.

This is what God the Father and Jesus have to say about Hell. As you read these verses, underline in RED, the descriptions of what occurs there and how long it lasts!

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What God and Jesus say about Hell !

Matthew 15:46 Then they will go away to eternal punishment, but the righteous to eternal life.

Matt. 13:42 They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Matt 7:23 Then I (Jesus) will tell them plainly, "I never knew you. Away from Me, you evildoers."

Matt 8:12 But the subjects of the kingdom will be thrown outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth."

Matt. 22:13 "Then the king told the attendants, 'Tie him hand and foot and throw him outside, into the darkness, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'

Matt 5:22 But I (Jesus) tell you that anyone who is angry with his brother will be subject to judgment. again, anyone who says to his brother, 'Raca,' is answerable to the Sanhedrin. But anyone who says, 'You fool"' will be in danger of the fire of hell.

Mat 13:41 The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil.

Matt 25:41 Then He will say to those on His left, "Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.

Mark 9:43 If your hand causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life maimed than with two hands to go into hell, where the fire never goes out.

Mark 9:45 And if your foot causes you to sin, cut it off. It is better for you to enter life crippled than to have two feet and be thrown into hell.

Mark 9:47-49 And if your eye causes you to sin, pluck it out. It is better for you to enter the kingdom of God with one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into hell where 'their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched.

Luke 16:22-24 The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side (Abraham's bosom). The rich man also died and was buried. In hell, {Greek Hades} where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, `Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.'

Matt. 10:28 Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the one who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matt 22:33 You snakes! You brood of vipers! How will you escape being condemned to hell?

Matt 24:51 He will cut him to pieces and assign him a place with the hypocrites, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Romans 2:8 But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.

2 Thess 1:9 They will be punished with everlasting destruction and shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of His power.

Hebrews 2:2-3 For if the message spoken by angels was binding, and every violation and disobedience received its just punishment, how shall we escape if we ignore such a great salvation? This salvation, which was first announced by the Lord, was confirmed to us by those who heard Him.

Heb 10:29 How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace.?

2 Peter 2:4-17 For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, {Greek Tartarus} putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; if he did not spare the ancient world when he brought the flood on its ungodly people, but protected Noah, a preacher of righteousness, and seven others; if he condemned the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah by burning them to ashes, and made them an example of what is going to happen to the ungodly; and if he rescued Lot, a righteous man, who was distressed by the filthy lives of lawless men (for that righteous man, living among them day after day, was tormented in his righteous soul by the lawless deeds he saw and heard)-- if this is so, then the Lord knows how to rescue godly men from trials and to hold the unrighteous for the day of judgment, while continuing their punishment. This is especially true of those who follow the corrupt desire of the sinful nature and despise authority. Bold and arrogant, these men are not afraid to slander celestial beings; yet even angels, although they are stronger and more powerful, do not bring slanderous accusations against such beings in the presence of the Lord. But these men blaspheme in matters they do not understand. They are like brute beasts, creatures of instinct, born only to be caught and destroyed, and like beasts they too will perish. They will be paid back with harm for the harm they have done. Their idea of pleasure is to carouse in broad daylight. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their pleasures while they feast with you. With eyes full of adultery, they never stop sinning; they seduce the unstable; they are experts in greed--an accursed brood! They have left the straight way and wandered off to follow the way of Balaam son of Beor, who loved the wages of wickedness. But he was rebuked for his wrongdoing by a donkey--a beast without speech--who spoke with a man's voice and restrained the prophet's madness. These men are springs without water and mists driven by a storm. Blackest darkness is reserved for them.

Jude 13 They are wild waves of the sea, foaming up their shame; wandering stars, for whom blackest darkness has been reserved forever.

Rev. 14:11 And the smoke of their torment rises for ever and ever. There is no rest day or night for those who worship the beast and his image, or for anyone who receives the mark of his name.

Daniel 12:2 Multitudes who sleep in the dust of the earth will awake; some to everlasting life, others to shame and everlasting contempt.

Malachi 4:1 Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire," says the LORD Almighty. ...

Matt 3:12 His winnowing fork is in His hand and He will clear His threshing floor, gathering the wheat into His barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire.

John 3:36 Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life, but whoever rejects the Son will not see life, for God's wrath remains on him.

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Hmmmmmm. If God thought this was just a figurative place or a non-existent place, why did He have so much to say about it and why are the details sooooo explicit? And, since God can NOT lie, surely these are not lies! Surely HELL MUST BE REAL! And those who do NOT Choose to serve God will be sent there FOREVER after their unrepented and unforgiven sins have been judged and condemned at the GWT judgment and after their works and deeds have been found to be insufficient to BUY them into God's Kingdom. (Ephes 2:16 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith -- and this NOT FROM YOURSELVES, it is the gift of God--NOT BY WORKS, SO THAT NO ONE CAN BOAST.)

OH NO!...OH YES!!!

And, those books that are opened at the GWT Judgment contain ALL of the works and deeds, good and bad, that each individual has EVER done. And, Yes, you will have an opportunity to 'tell' God all the good things you did, BUT, are your GOOD DEEDS what God bases the decision concerning your eternal destiny on?............Yes? ................No?

NO!!!! Then, What does He base it on? ____________________________________

What BOOK is His cross check to know IF you are a LIVING member of His eternal Kingdom and that you have CHOSEN to serve, obey and Love Him Forever?

(20:15) __________________________________________

How can a person be SURE that their name is recorded permanently in God's Book of Life? (John 3:36) _______________________________________________________

And, if your name is NOT in the Lamb's Book of Life at the time you die, what happens to your name in God's Book of Life? ___________________________________________

Yes, it is blotted out. Therefore you are considered to be one of the (20:12) ____________

and you will be (20:12) _____________________________ and this judgment will be based on

(20:12) _________________________________________________________________

Since NO ONE can be saved by doing good deeds and IF a person does not have his name written in the Lamb's Book of life (by having been saved); then, at his death, his name will no longer remain in God's Book of Life (the Book of the Living), because it is blotted out at the time of his death. So, IF a person's name is NOT in the Books of Life, THEN, what will be his (her) outcome of this GWT Judgment? (20:15) ____________________________________

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So each unsaved person WILL come INDIVIDUALLY before the GREAT WHITE THRONE Judgment Seat of God (Jesus Christ.) And he or she will receive the eternal consequences, the JUST Judgment of God, based on what is determined about him or her at the time of their judgment. And this judgment comes down to one simple thing, is or is not their name in God's Book of Life ! And it is only in that book IF they had chosen to serve God!

Is this the SAME Judgment as the Bema Judgment Seat about which we studied earlier in this course in lesson 8? .................YES............................... NO

Is this the SAME Judgment as the Judgment of the Nations which we studied in Lesson 10?

..............................................YES.................................NO

Why? Explain your answer. Specifically, How is the Great White Throne Judgment DIFFERENT from the Bema Judgment and the Judgment of the Nations?

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To contrast these 3 judgments, fill in the information on the following chart. If you have forgotten what you learned about the Bema, you may refer back to the Scriptures and information in Lesson 8 of this course. To refresh your memory concerning the "Judgment of the Nations" (JON), refer back to the Scriptures in Lesson 10. The information concerning the GWT judgment, you have just read.

The 3 JUDGMENTS

..........................................the BEMA.................the Judgment Of the Nations...........the Great White Throne.............

Who is the Judge?

Who is judged?

What is judged?

Why is Sin judged?

How is Sin judged?

Why are Works judged?

How are the works judged?

Do "Good Works" give

youany reward or benefit

in this Judgment?

Why?

Is "God's book of Life"

(the Book of the Living) a

factor in this judgment?

Why?

Is having your name written

in the "Lamb's book of Life"

important in this Judgment?

Why?

What are the consequences

of this Judgment?

ie. What happens?

Well, we have looked at the Great White Throne Judgment of God! It is A truly awesome event. And, as you will surely agree, this is NOT a Judgment that you want to attend as a participant. But, you do NOT have to attend, you do NOT have to be judged. There IS a way to avoid this Judgment.

How Can you avoid the GWT Judgment? Based on what you have studied in this lesson, How can you escape this Judgment? _______________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

Yes, you can escape the GWT Judgment by Choosing to serve God as your God. BUT you must make this choice now, while you are still alive. You do this by repenting of your sins, confessing them to God, asking for His forgiveness, accepting the Free Gift of Salvation based on the substitutionary atoning Sacrifice of Jesus, and letting Jesus be Lord of your Life.

Will you have another or a second opportunity to do this AT the time of the GWT Judgment? .........................................YES...........................NO

Does this decision to Choose God and to serve and obey Him forever have to be made BEFORE you die?

..........................................YES............................NO

Have you made this decision to Choose God?...................YES................NO

If not, why not? Are you aware that you are standing in the danger of ETERNITY in the LAKE OF FIRE if you refuse to choose to turn from your sins, confess them to God, ask His forgiveness, and accept the atoning substitutionary sacrifice of Jesus which He paid as your sin penalty for you?...................................YES

Remember, this choice must be made BEFORE you die! There are NO second chances after you die!

As we end this lesson, I plead with you to consider what you have read and studied in this lesson

If you have already made that decision, then I would urge you to do 3 things:

1. Thank God once again for having saved you.....

2. Tell others. Warn them. Let them know that there IS a time of Judgment coming and there is a way to escape it. Then tell them the way....or give them a copy of this lesson or this course and let them find out for themselves.

3. PRAY that God will send people (including yourself) to those who are lost and who are heading for hell. Pray that they will hear God's warnings and will turn to Him and Choose Him.....

.And....IF you have not yet Chosen to Serve God....do it now! Do not delay.

Let's close our lesson with a passage from Ezekiel. (Ezekiel 33:11). It truly shows God's heart.

For, you see, God really does NOT want to condemn anyone to hell. He really loves us and even sent His Son, Jesus, to pay the debt penalty so that we could and would ESCAPE the death penalty of Sin. But, it is SIN that God hates and it is SIN (rebellion from Him, lawlessness, the refusing to obey Him) that God, the Holy Righteous God can NOT abide with, look upon, or allow into His kingdom. Therefore, sin and the unrepentant sinner must be punished!

God is pure, holy and sinless. We can be also IF we accept the Sin Covering Sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ which atones for our sins and imputes (imparts) Righteousness (sinlessness) to us so that we can dwell with God in His kingdom forever!

God does not want to have to banish the sinner to eternal punishment in the Lake of Fire. But,

He HAS to because He is a God of Justice and because ALL unconfessed and unatoned for sin MUST be punished.

So you ask: How then can we live eternally WITH God in His Kingdom and NOT have to spend eternity in the lake of fire of eternal punishment?

God's answer is:

..."As surely as I live, declares the Sovereign LORD,

I TAKE NO PLEASURE IN THE DEATH OF THE WICKED,

But rather that they turn from their ways and live.

Turn! Turn from your evil ways! ...

Ezekiel 33: 11

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Scriptures unless otherwise indicated are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION.

Copyright © 1973,1978,1984 International Bible Society.

Used by permission of Zondervan Publishers.

This material is Copyrighted,

but you may copy and freely distribute it,

as long as NO fee for profit is charged and it is NOT changed in any way.

This is for the Glory of God and NOT for the financial profit of man.

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