Revelation 20:15

And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.

And {G2532} whosoever {G1536} was {G2147} not {G3756} found {G2147} written {G1125} in {G1722} the book {G976} of life {G2222} was cast {G906} into {G1519} the lake {G3041} of fire {G4442}.

Anyone whose name was not found written in the Book of Life was hurled into the lake of fire.

And if anyone was found whose name was not written in the Book of Life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.

And if any was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire.

Commentary

Revelation 20:15 KJV delivers a stark and solemn conclusion to the description of the Great White Throne Judgment. This verse emphasizes the ultimate consequence for those whose names are not recorded in God's divine register of salvation, known as the Book of Life. It underscores the finality of divine judgment and the eternal separation of the unredeemed from God's presence.

Context

This verse immediately follows the account of the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20:11-14), where the dead, both great and small, stand before God. Books are opened, including the "book of life," and everyone is judged according to their works. Revelation 20:14 states that "death and hell were cast into the lake of fire," signifying the complete eradication of these spiritual enemies. Verse 15 then specifies the fate of individuals not found in the Book of Life, making it clear that inclusion in this book is the sole criterion for escaping this eternal punishment.

Key Themes and Messages

  • The Book of Life: This is a divine register of those who have received eternal life through faith in God. Its presence signifies salvation and eternal fellowship with Him, while its absence means eternal separation. The concept of a divine register appears elsewhere, such as in Philippians 4:3 and Revelation 21:27, underscoring its pivotal role in eschatology.
  • Divine Judgment and Justice: The verse highlights God's absolute righteousness and justice. The judgment is final, impartial, and based on whether one's name is found in the Book of Life, which ultimately points to one's relationship with Christ.
  • The Lake of Fire: This is presented as the ultimate, eternal destiny for the unredeemed. It is a place of conscious, everlasting punishment and separation from God, often described as the "second death" (Revelation 20:14). It symbolizes complete and irreversible alienation from the Creator.
  • Urgency of Salvation: Implicit in this verse is the critical importance of accepting God's offer of salvation through Christ. The final judgment leaves no room for appeals or second chances, emphasizing the need for a decision during one's earthly life.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "book of life" translates from the Greek biblion tฤ“s zลฤ“s, literally "book of the life." This emphasizes that it is not merely a list of names, but a record pertaining to life itself โ€“ eternal life. The term "lake of fire" (Greek limnฤ“ tou pyros) is unique to Revelation and consistently denotes the place of eternal punishment for the devil, his angels, and unrepentant humanity. It signifies a definitive and inescapable judgment.

Practical Application

Revelation 20:15 serves as a profound call to reflection and decision. It reminds us of:

  • The Gravity of Choice: Our eternal destiny hinges on our response to God's offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. The "Book of Life" is a metaphor for God's grace, where names are written not by human merit but by divine election and personal faith in Christ.
  • The Hope for Believers: For those whose names are written in the Book of Life, this verse offers immense comfort. It confirms their secure future and freedom from condemnation, reinforcing the promise of eternal life through faith in Jesus.
  • A Call to Proclaim: Understanding the severe consequences of not being in the Book of Life should motivate believers to share the Gospel with others, offering them the opportunity to find salvation and have their names inscribed in this life-giving register.
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Cross-References

  • John 3:36 (19 votes)

    He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.

  • 1 John 5:11 (13 votes)

    And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son.

  • 1 John 5:12 (13 votes)

    He that hath the Son hath life; [and] he that hath not the Son of God hath not life.

  • Acts 4:12 (13 votes)

    Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved.

  • John 14:6 (13 votes)

    Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

  • Matthew 13:50 (13 votes)

    And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

  • Matthew 25:41 (12 votes)

    Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels: