(The following is the December 27 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Revelation 20 and pay close attention to verses 11-15.)

God knows everything we’ve ever done, along with every thought, attitude, and motive, and we are accountable for all of it. John’s Revelation gives us a glimpse of how God will use this knowledge to accomplish his perfect justice: “Then I saw a great white throne and one seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from his presence, and no place was found for them. I also saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life, and the dead were judged according to their works by what was written in the books. Then the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them; each one was judged according to their works. Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. And anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire” (vv. 11-15).

The Bible is clear that we are saved by grace through faith and not by works (Eph. 2:8-9), so we mustn’t misinterpret this passage to mean otherwise. Those who turn from their sin and place their trust in Christ have their names written in the Lamb’s book of life. Their works will determine their heavenly rewards, but they won’t suffer God’s wrath because Christ took their punishment. What will happen to others who don’t know Christ? Their unrighteous deeds will be exposed and judged by God. Every sinful thought, act, and broken commandment will demand punishment by a just God. A lake of unquenchable fire will be their destination forever.

Thank God that is not the fate of those whose names are in the book of life. We have a different, magnificent destiny.

Next Step:
Do you know with confidence that your name is in the Lamb’s book of life? Pray for others who haven’t surrendered to Christ as Lord.