the books at the great white throne

During a Bible study in Tollebeek (Sunday, July 7th) on the theme, “what is the second death?”, Revelation 20 verse 12 came up, briefly, for discussion.

And I perceived the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne. And scrolls were opened. And another scroll was opened which is the scroll of life. And the dead were judged by that which is written in the scrolls, in accord with their acts.

I commented that in “the books” (lit. scrolls) the works of the dead, who stand before the great white throne, are listed. That is the usual explanation. But afterwards, I was approached by a good friend. He said: It does not say that the works of people are recorded in “the books”. And indeed, literally translated, it says:

… the dead were judged by that which is written in the scrolls, in accord with their acts.

The works of man will be uncovered, that is for sure. But is that what is written in “the books”? No, “the books” are the criterion by which people will be judged, i.e., condemned! I was happy with this correction! Of which books, then, are we to think? On which other books than “the Scriptures”, inspired by God (2Tim.3:16)? Are these not the most excellent “books” that shed light on the works of man? Even when  heaven and earth will have passed by (Rev.20:11), the words of God and what “is written” will be of undiminished value!

Heaven and earth shall be passing by, yet My words may by no means be passing by. -Matt.24:35-

Delen: