What Do We Know About the Great White Throne Judgment? (Rev 20)

In my Bible study this year, we’ve discussed how the world has changed, especially since 2020, and what the future might bring.   

Sin is abounding. We’ve seen things brought into the light that were previously in darkness.  Many hold morals, ethics, and values relative only to their personal circumstances, situations, or opinions.  Instead of acknowledging absolute truths that the real Truth Giver gives, they follow their own fallible thinking and that of others.

The Real Truth Giver

Jesus’ commandments and teachings are clearly given in the Bible.  Yet, they are being culturally contextualized and conformed to the thinking and ways of this world.  Many believers compromise to fit into this world rather than believing and trusting God and being faithful to Him and His Word.  While they should be working to build His Kingdom, all too often, many are enjoying the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and are prideful in themselves. 

We must be aware of what is happening.  And we must resolve to care.  We have been commissioned to tell people of the true hope and the saving and sanctifying grace that only comes from a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.   We are to share the gospel with all people.

Christians need to hear it to strengthen their faith and build their commitment to and dependence on Jesus.  They must be equipped, encouraged, and empowered to work as laborers in the field, for we know the harvest is coming soon.  Non-Christians need to hear the gospel of saving grace in Jesus so they can be part of the harvest and not be left behind.  

In studying and discussing current events and the increasing sin in the world, we started to feel discouraged, so I decided we should study eternity.

Why Study Eternity

I asked the women, “Why should we study about eternity?” and I got many great answers: “It gives us hope.” “It is the promised joy that is set before us.” “It will be glorious beyond what we can imagine.”

All those answers are true! But I suggested another reason to study about eternity.  It should remind us that many will never see that future hope, that abounding joy, and that ultimate glory.  They will be judged and found wanting at the Great White Throne Judgment (Revelation 20).

The Final Harvest

The Bible talks about a harvest in which all who belong to Jesus will be taken to be with Him:

Mat 13:30  Let both grow together until the harvest, and at the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, “First gather together the tares and bind them in bundles to burn them, but gather the wheat into my barn.”

After this, the seven years of Tribulation will take place (Revelation 6-19) and then a final “harvest” (Rev 14:14-20, Matt 24:30-31).  And then, the final judgment: 

Phil 2:10  That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;

Rom 14:11  For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.

Rev 20:11  Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.

Revelation 20 — The Great White Throne Judgment

Watch the Bible study and remember that you don’t want anyone to stand before God in their own “good” works.  Everyone needs the righteousness of Christ that can only be received when one trusts in Him and is given salvation. 

Resolve today to share your faith. Help others to come out of the darkness of this world and into the glorious light of the Kingdom, and then they too will one day receive the ultimate glory — living in the eternal state (Rev 21-22:6) with God.

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Powerpoint and teaching received from a seminar by Dallas Theological Seminary at the Billy Graham Training Center at The Cove.