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Commentary on Revelation 20 verses 11–15
The utter destruction of the devil's kingdom very properly leads to an account of the day of judgment, which will determine every man's everlasting state; and we may be assured there will be a judgment when we see the prince of this world is judged, Joh 16:11. This will be a great day, the great day, when all shall appear before the judgment-seat of Christ. The Lord help us firmly to believe this doctrine of the judgment to come. It is a doctrine that made Felix tremble. Here we have a description of it, where observe, 1. We behold the throne, and tribunal of judgment, great and white, very glorious and perfectly just and righteous. The throne of iniquity, that establishes wickedness by a law, has no fellowship with this righteous throne and tribunal. 2. The appearance of the Judge, and that is the Lord Jesus Christ, who then puts on such majesty and terror that the earth and the heaven flee from his face, and there is no place found for them; there is a dissolution of the whole frame of nature, Pe2 3:10. 3. The persons to be judged (Rev 20:12): The dead, small and great; that is, young and old, low and high, poor and rich. None are so mean but they have some talents to account for, and none so great as to avoid the jurisdiction of this court; not only those that are found alive at the coming of Christ, but all who have died before; the grave shall surrender the bodies of men, hell shall surrender the souls of the wicked, the sea shall surrender the many who seemed to have been lost in it. 4. The rule of judgment settled: The books were opened. What books? The books of God's omniscience, who is greater than our consciences, and knows all things (there is a book of remembrance with him both for good and bad); and the book of the sinner's conscience, which, though formerly secret, will now be opened. And another book shall be opened - the book of the scriptures, the statute-book of heaven, the rule of life. This book is opened as containing the law, the touchstone by which the hearts and lives of men are to be tried. This book determines matter of right; the other books give evidence of matters of fact. Some, by the other book, called the book of life, understand the book of God's eternal counsels; but that does not seem to belong to the affair of judgment: in eternal election God does not act judicially, but with absolute sovereign freedom. 5. The cause to be tried; and that is, the works of men, what they have done and whether it be good or evil. By their works men shall be justified or condemned; for though God knows their state and their principles, and looks chiefly at these, yet, being to approve himself to angels and men as a righteous God, he will try their principles by their practices, and so will be justified when he speaks and clear when he judges. 6. The issue of the trial and judgment; and this will be according to the evidence of fact, and rule of judgment. All those who have made a covenant with death, and an agreement with hell, shall then be condemned with their infernal confederates, cast with them into the lake of fire, as not being entitled to eternal life, according to the rules of life laid down in the scripture; but those whose names are written in that book (that is, those that are justified and acquitted by the gospel) shall then be justified and acquitted by the Judge, and shall enter into eternal life, having nothing more to fear from death, or hell, or wicked men; for these are all destroyed together. Let it be our great concern to see on what terms we stand with our Bibles, whether they justify us or condemn us now; for the Judge of all will proceed by that rule. Christ shall judge the secrets of all men according to the gospel. Happy are those who have so ordered and stated their cause according to the gospel as to know beforehand that they shall be justified in the great day of the Lord!
In the Apocalypse John saw this new Jerusalem descending upon the new earth. For after the times of the kingdom, he says, "I saw a great white throne, and Him who sat upon it, from whose face the earth fled away, and the heavens; and there was no more place for them." And he sets forth, too, the things connected with the general resurrection and the judgment, mentioning "the dead, great and small." "The sea," he says, "gave up the dead which it had in it, and death and hell delivered up the dead that they contained; and the books were opened. Moreover," he says, "the book of life was opened, and the dead were judged out of those things that were written in the books, according to their works; and death and hell were sent into the lake of fire, the second death." Now this is what is called Gehenna, which the Lord styled eternal fire.
He says he saw scrolls opened, and another scroll, but he makes clear the character of the latter, “which is the book of each person’s life.” The first scrolls he mentions, then, must represent the holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments. These will be opened to show the commandments of God, and the other scroll [will] show how these commandments were kept or disobeyed by each and every person. As for this latter scroll, if one considers it materially, it surpasses all powers of thought for size and length. And if it contains the entire life record of all people, how much time would it take to read it? Are we to suppose that there will be an equal number of angels and people present in the judgment and that each person will hear his life record read out by an angel accredited to him for this task? In this supposition, there would not be one book for all but a book for each. Yet, the Apocalypse wants us to think of one book.… No, the book in question must symbolize some divine action in virtue of which each person will recall his deeds, good or bad, and review them mentally so that, without a moment’s delay, each one’s conscience will be either burdened or unburdened and thus, collectively and individually, all will be judged at the same moment. And because, in virtue of this divine illumination, each person will, so to speak, read the record of his deeds, God’s action is called a “book.”
Who is free before God if not those who are declared to be by the power of him who judges the works of each one? God is said to have a book, which is not a physical book but a spiritual book, that is, the eternal memory in which the names of the elect are kept. And so the psalm says, “The righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.” “Also another book was opened, which is the Book of Life.” The Book of Life, and Life itself, is the Lord Jesus Christ. Then he shall be opened, that is, made manifest to every creature, when he will render to each according to his work. “And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, by what they had done.” “God has spoken once, and I have heard these two things,” it says. And what these two things are he makes clearer when he says, “The kingdom is the Lord’s, and he is the governor of the nations.” There he heard of the kingdom; here he has beheld the book. There he heard two things; here he has also seen another book. And what is contained in these two books he says there, “the power of God is also yours, O Lord, and mercy.” The power is in the judging and the mercy is in the giving of recompense. “And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, by what they had done.” And so he says there, “for you will recompense everyone according to his works.”
By the dead he means either all persons, since they experience the death of the body, or those who have died because of [their] transgressions. The “great and small” are either those who are older or younger, or more likely those who have done the works of death and will appropriately be punished for these acts. Or the great are the righteous and the small those sinners who are worthless because of the baseness of their soul. The books that are opened are indicative of the deeds and of the conscience of each person. There is but one book of Life in which the names of the saints are written.
And the dead were judged from what was written in the books, etc. That is, they were judged according to the Testaments, based on what they did or did not do from them. The books can also be understood as the deeds of the righteous, by the comparison of which the wicked are condemned, as if in the opening of the books, they read the good that they themselves did not want to do.
And the books were opened, etc. Another version says: Which is the book of the life of each one. Therefore, the opened books are called the Testaments of God. For the world will be judged according to both Testaments. The book of life is the memory of each one’s deeds, not that He has a book of remembrance, but as the knower of all secrets.
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne. For when the Son of Man sits on the throne of His majesty, then all nations will be gathered before Him.
QUESTION: And I saw a great throne, and one sitting upon it, and before him the books were opened; and another book was opened, which is the book of life. ANSWER: Another edition has “which is the book of the life of each person.” So, by the books opened he means the Testaments, for the world shall be judged according to both Testaments. By the book of the life of each person he means the memory of our actions, not that the Knower of secrets has a book to remind him of things. THERE FOLLOWS: And the dead were judged by those things which are written in the books, according to their works. ANSWER: That is, they were judged by the Testaments, according to what they had done or not done of what is in them. The books may also be understood to mean the acts of the just, by comparison with which the reprobates are damned, and, when this happens, it is as if they read in books exposed the good they themselves had refused to do.
And I saw, he says, the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne. He calls the righteous great, not because of bodily size, but because of the glory and brilliance of virtue, and he calls the sinners small as nothing because of their lowliness and baseness.
And the little scrolls were opened; and another little scroll was opened, which is the book of life. The Lord in the Gospels says that the way leading to punishment is broad and spacious, and that many go on it; but that the way leading to life is narrow and compressed, and that few are not only walking on it, but also finding it (see Matt. 7:13-14). Therefore, he saw many scrolls and one scroll; many in which all men are written because of the multitude of those contained, one however of life, in which are those chosen from the others and who are as it were flawless in virtue and walking every rough and upward road of virtue.
And he says that each of those in the scrolls was judged according to his own deeds. And at the beginning of the sixth discourse he also remembers another little scroll, which he calls a tiny scroll.
Now the scroll and little scroll of life are threefold in meaning: he calls a tiny scroll in which are those very ungodly according to what is conceived there; the little scroll of life, in which are the very pious and righteous; and scrolls, in which all people are somewhat average, partaking of wickedness and virtue; and speaking of the matters concerning the resurrection:
For to say "and I saw the dead standing before the throne receiving and being judged according to their works" is to speak of the resurrection. For having risen, he saw the reward for the dead, receiving his recompense.
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SUMMARY
Revelation 20:12 presents a profound and sobering vision of the final judgment, often referred to as the Great White Throne Judgment. In this scene, all deceased humanity, from every walk of life, stands before God to be judged. The opening of various "books" reveals the meticulous record of human deeds, while the "Book of Life" serves as the ultimate register determining eternal destiny, underscoring God's perfect justice and omniscience in evaluating every life according to its works.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Revelation 20:12 is rich in Symbolism and Imagery. The "great white throne" (from the preceding verse) itself is symbolic of God's purity, authority, and ultimate judgment. The "dead, small and great" vividly pictures the universality of the judgment, encompassing all humanity without exception, creating a powerful image of countless souls standing before their Creator. The "books" are potent symbols of God's perfect Omniscience and meticulous record-keeping, suggesting an exhaustive account of every human life. The contrast between "the books" (plural, of works) and "the book of life" (singular) is a significant instance of Juxtaposition, highlighting the two distinct paths to eternal destiny: condemnation based on deeds versus salvation based on divine grace. This Antithesis underscores the critical choice presented to humanity and the different criteria applied in the final judgment. The entire scene employs Apocalyptic Imagery to convey profound theological truths about divine justice and the ultimate destiny of humanity in a dramatic and unforgettable manner.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 20:12 stands as a cornerstone of biblical eschatology, affirming the universal truth of a final judgment for all humanity. It powerfully illustrates God's absolute sovereignty, omniscience, and perfect justice. While salvation is unequivocally by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, this verse clarifies that those who have rejected God's gracious offer will face judgment based on their deeds, revealing the righteous basis for their condemnation. The distinction between the "books" of works and the "Book of Life" underscores the dual nature of divine reckoning: one for those who are "in Christ" and sealed for eternity, and another for those whose lives are measured against the standard of God's perfect law, leading to their just recompense. This scene serves as a solemn reminder that every life lived will ultimately be accounted for before the Creator.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The vision of the Great White Throne Judgment in Revelation 20:12 compels us to sober reflection on the ultimate realities of life, death, and eternity. It confronts us with the inescapable truth that every individual will one day stand before God, not merely for a casual review, but for a decisive judgment based on the records of their lives. For those who have not placed their faith in Jesus Christ, this verse serves as a stark warning: their works, however seemingly good by human standards, will be insufficient to merit salvation and will instead condemn them in the presence of a holy God. This should ignite a profound urgency to share the Gospel, offering the only pathway to having one's name written in the Book of Life. For believers, while our salvation is secure in Christ and we are not judged for condemnation based on our works, this verse still holds significance. It reminds us that our lives are lived before an omniscient God, and our deeds, though not the basis of our salvation, are a testament to the authenticity of our faith and will be evaluated for rewards (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Therefore, we are called to live lives that honor God, reflecting the grace we have received, knowing that our "works" (fruit of faith) will ultimately be revealed.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Who are "the dead, small and great" mentioned in this verse?
Answer: "The dead, small and great" refers to all people who have ever lived and died throughout history, from every social stratum and walk of life, who are not part of the church (the bride of Christ, who are already with Him). This includes kings and paupers, the famous and the forgotten, the young and the old. They are resurrected specifically for this final judgment, as described in Revelation 20:13, where "the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them." This emphasizes the universal scope of God's ultimate reckoning, ensuring that no one escapes accountability.
What are "the books" that were opened, and what is their purpose?
Answer: "The books" (plural) symbolize God's perfect and exhaustive record of every human being's thoughts, words, and deeds. These are not literal physical books but represent God's omniscience and His meticulous documentation of all that transpires in the lives of individuals. Their purpose is to serve as irrefutable evidence for the judgment, demonstrating the righteous basis upon which the unsaved are condemned "according to their works." This aligns with passages like Jeremiah 17:10, which states that the Lord "gives every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds."
What is "the book of life," and how is it different from "the books" of works?
Answer: "The book of life" is a distinct and singular register containing the names of all those who have been saved through faith in God's provision, specifically through Jesus Christ. It represents God's sovereign election and grace. It is fundamentally different from "the books" of works, which record human deeds for judgment leading to condemnation. The Book of Life is the ultimate criterion for eternal salvation; if a name is found written in it, that individual receives eternal life. If a name is not found there, the individual is judged by their works and cast into the lake of fire, as indicated in Revelation 20:15.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Revelation 20:12, while depicting a judgment for the unsaved, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. He is not only the Lamb slain for the sins of the world (John 1:29), but also the appointed Judge of all humanity (John 5:22 and Acts 17:31). For those whose names are found in "the book of life," their inclusion is solely due to their faith in Christ's atoning sacrifice, which covers their sins and imputes His righteousness to them (Romans 3:23-24). Believers are not judged for condemnation based on their works, because Christ has already borne the judgment for them on the cross (2 Corinthians 5:21). Instead, their works, as evidence of their faith, will be reviewed at the Bema Seat of Christ for the purpose of rewards (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Thus, the terrifying prospect of judgment "according to their works" is for those who have rejected the saving work of Christ, highlighting Him as the only means by which one's name can be eternally secured in the Book of Life, thereby escaping the wrath to come (1 Thessalonians 1:10).