What are the Books that are opened of Judgement Day?

DrewIrwin wrote:We know about the Book of LIFE. But what about the other books? Do we know what they are? Whats to know about them?Stever's response:Rev 20:12-13 mentions the "books". 12. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the BOOKS WERE OPENED: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. 13. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works"I have always thought that the other "Books" refered to is the Bible, that contains the Old Testament and the New Testament. Since each person judged at the Great White Throne is not saved and has been trying to earn his/her own way to heaven by their own works, the Books of the Bible are brought forward to prove to them that their works are nothing more than hollow brass and that their own righteousness is nothing more than filthy rags and that there is no way to earn your way to heaven- it is a free gift, for those that believe in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ performed all of the works necessary for man to be saved and to have eternal life. Since they have rejected Christ they then realize that He is indeed King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and all of them will bow down before Him, before He casts them into hell.God bless,Stever

Stever saidI have always thoght that the other "Books" refered to is the Bible, that contains the Old Testament and the New Testament. Well, here's one book that's not in the Bible, to which God might refer:(NKJV) Malachi 316 Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name. 17 "They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him." 18 Then you shall again discern Between the righteous and the wicked, Between one who serves God And one who does not serve Him.

A quick NT word search on 'book' revealed this in the KJV.Matthew 1:1 The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. Mark 12:26 And as touching the dead, that they rise: have ye not read in the book of Moses, how in the bush God spake unto him, saying, I [am] the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? Luke 3:4 As it is written in the book of the words of Esaias the prophet, saying, The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Luke 20:42 And David himself saith in the book of Psalms, The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou on my right hand, Acts 7:42Then God turned, and gave them up to worship the host of heaven; as it is written in the book of the prophets, O ye house of Israel, have ye offered to me slain beasts and sacrifices [by the space of] forty years in the wilderness? (Which prophets? Do we know?)Galatians 3:10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed [is] every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them. Hebrews 10:7 (Jesus is speaking.)Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me,) to do thy will, O God. Revelation 1:11 Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send [it] unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea. Revelation 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.Revelation 10:2 And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and [his] left [foot] on the earth, There are also some other books mentioned in the Old Testament, which are not prophecy or law. Chronicles (histories) were kept, which are not in our scriptures.

Since each person judged at the Great White Throne is not saved Hi Stever,Knowing we have discussed this before, I don't want to go over old ground which anyone can read from the archives.... but, could you please explain the relevance of Mal 3:18 (second post above), according to your belief system?

dorcas wrote:Since each person judged at the Great White Throne is not saved Hi Stever,Knowing we have discussed this before, I don't want to go over old ground which anyone can read from the archives.... but, could you please explain the relevance of Mal 3:18 (second post above), according to your belief system?xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxStever's repsonse:Dear Linn (dorcas):You have stated:"but, could you please explain the relevance of Mal 3:18 (second post above), according to YOUR BELIEF SYSTEM?XXXXXMalachi 3:18 refers to Christs second coming, when He comes to the earth with His Saints. He separates the sheep from the Goats, taking the Sheep (who have come through the Tribulation, and come to a belief in Jesus Christ as the Messiah) in their bodies of flesh and blood into his 1,000 year reign on the earth. The goats are destroyed by the Word of His mouth, at this same time----His second coming. The Sheep, mostly Jews, but others as well, who have come to belief in the Messiah during the tribulation, will enter the 1,000 year reign with Him.These believers in Christ will have billions of children over this thousand year period who will not necessarily be saved (the same problem that we have today with our own children). This event in Malachi that you refer to above is 1,000 years BEFORE the events that we have been discussing on this thread in regards to the final judgment at the END OF TIME, just before Christ creates a new heaven and a new earth, that can be found at the end of Revelation and other parts of the Bible as well.Linn, I have posted much on the subject of eshatology over the past 6 years on the internet and I can honestly say that you are the only one who seems to have difficulty with any of it.To clarify my position:I lean to a PREMILLENNIAL Interpretation of Bible Prophecy- From the first century believers have held that the second coming will be followed by a thousand years of Christ's literal reign on this earth. This was a predominant view of the early church as witnessed by the early church fathers. By the third century the Alexandrian school of theology, bringing in sweeping allegorical interpretation of Scripture, succceeded in displacing the premillennial view. Books that might assist you in understanding what I post:1.\tWhat the Bible Teaches by R.A. Torrey- especially the chapter on "The Coming again of Jesus Christ" that consists of 37 pages. Also, the chapter on "The Future Destiny of those who reject the redemption of Jesus Christ (12 pages)and Chapter 18--"The Future Destiny of Believers" as well as a section of 25 pages on "What the Bible Teaches about the Devil, or Satan". 2.\tThe Bible Knowledge Commentary (One Book for the Old Testament (1589 pages) and One Book for the New Testament- [991 pages]) by John F., Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck3.\tAll of the Messianic Prophecies of the Bible by Herbert Lockyer [528 pages]4. The Prophecy Knowledge Handbook by John F. Walvoord [809 pages]Perhaps by understanding that what I post does have a Biblical basis, maybe we can reach some sort of common ground?God bless,Stever

Linn, I have posted much on the subject of eshatology over the past 6 years on the internet and I can honestly say that you are the only one who seems to have difficulty with any of it.Hi Steve,Thanks for the booklist, which I will keep. I note your placing of Malachi 3:18, but I also notice you have not committed yourself on the other books referred to in the Bible, as to whether they will be there in Revelation 20. Is there any reason to believe they will not be there?As you may remember, I drew your attention to the last verse in Revelation 20, which contains the word 'if' (or the same meaning as 'if') - which is why I believe you can't assume that only the unsaved will stand before the great white throne.Revelation 10:15NASBAnd if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.NKJVAnd anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire. KJVAnd whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Youngand if any one was not found written in the scroll of the life, he was cast to the lake of the fire. TEVWhoever did not have his name written in the book of the living was thrown into the lake of fire. How can you read these words, and not get the strong impression that there will be at least one person whose name IS written in the book of life, there, (at the great white throne), too?

How can you read these words, and not get the strong impression that there will be at least one person whose name IS written in the book of life, there, (at the great white throne), too?Stever-Think about it this way: if everybody standing before the throne would be cast into the lake of fire anyways, why would anyone bother to open the Book of Life, already knowing the person's name is not there? Had it indeed been a question of everyone being cast into the lake, wouldn't it have been better if John had written "Everyone was cast into the lake of fire because their name was not found in the Book of Life"? As previously suggested, the "if" presupposes at least two options - to be or not to be saved.After all, all this does not matter (correct me if I am wrong) if your name is written in the Book of Life already.

dorcas wrote:Hi Steve,Thanks for the booklist, which I will keep. I note your placing of Malachi 3:18, but I also notice you have not committed yourself on the other books referred to in the Bible, as to whether they will be there in Revelation 20. Is there any reason to believe they will not be there?As you may remember, I drew your attention to the last verse in Revelation 20, which contains the word 'if' (or the same meaning as 'if') - which is why I believe you can't assume that only the unsaved will stand before the great white throne.xxxxxxxxxStever's response:Hi Dorcas:This is probably not the best format to answer your question, but I will try to at least respond the best I can:1. THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT: ALSO CALLED THE JUDGMENT OF THE DAMNED It is appointed unto men once to die. When a person dies that is not "in" Christ, they go to a place called hell. There they are tormented day and night in the flame. Then they are brought forth unto the resurrection of damnation. They are delivered up to the great white throne judgment. The books are opened, including the book of life. They are judged according to those things that are written in the books. They are judged according to their works. The Bible never mentions that there is any singing or praising at this judgment. The Bible does not mention any rewards being given at this judgment. It is the judgment of condemnation—the judgment of the damned. Jesus Christ shall judge. The heart is searched. Every work is brought into judgment. Every secret thing is revealed. Nothing is hid. Nothing shall be covered. Everything shall be revealed. Every secret word that was spoken in darkness shall be heard. Every word that was spoken, even in closets, shall be proclaimed. Every idle (or careless) word that was spoken they shall render account for it.Many will try to justify themselves, but their iniquity shall condemn them. Even the rust of their gold and silver shall be a witness against them.The Word shall judge each person. The Law is the strength of sin, and sin is the sting of death.Moses will accuse. The men of Nineveh and the Queen of the South shall condemn. Other saints will be a witness against people in the judgment. Some appear to be judged more severely than others, according to the opportunities that they had.Finally, the horrible and terrifying end: the nearly countless people from many generations shall be cast eternally into the lake of fire. Probably not a single person ever really understood that this place would be their final and eternal destiny. The "second death" is death and hell being cast into the lake of fire. There they shall stay, being tormented forever and ever, with no hope of ever being released. And there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth for time without end.The bible will judge the lost at the Great White Throne:John 12:48 tells us "He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day."---i.e "in the volume of the Book, it is written of Me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Hebrews 10:72, SOME SCRIPTURE:As a Christian I know that I will NEVER:A).\tSEE CONDEMNATION\tHE THAT BELIEVETH ON HIM IS NOT CONDEMNED: BUT HE THAT BELIEVETH NOT IS CONDEMNED ALREADY, BECAUSE HE HATH NOT BELIEVED IN THE NAME OF THE ONLY BEGOTTEN SON OF GOD-John 3:18.B).\tTHERE IS THEREFORE NOW NO CONDEMNATION TO THEM WHICH ARE IN CHRIST JESUS, WHO WALK NOT AFTER THE FLESH, BUT AFTER THE SPIRIT. Romans 8:1 XXXXXXXXX C). As a Christian I know that I am delivered from the wrath to come (Wrath= Great Tribulation, as well as Hell)------ AND TO WAIT FOR HIS SON FROM HEAVEN, WHOM HE RAISED FROM THE DEAD, EVEN JESUS, WHICH DELIVERED US FROM THE WRATH TO COME. 1 Thes 1:10 D). As a Christian I know that since I believe in Christ that I will have everlasting life, and not suffer God's wrath-------"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-Jn 3:36". E). As a Christian I know that the Spirit dwells in me, the Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, and that same spirit will raise me from the dead:"BUT IF THE SPIRIT OF HIM THAT RAISED UP JESUS FROM THE DEAD DWELL IN YOU, HE THAT RAISED UP CHRIST FROM THE DEAD SHALL ALSO QUICKEN YOUR MORTAL BODIES BY HIS SPIRIT THAT DWELLETH IN YOU." Romans 8:11 F). As a Christian believer I know that I am a joint Heir with Jesus Christ, and that I will live again in a glorified body, just like Christ's:"AND IF CHILDREN, THEN HEIRS; HEIRS OF GOD, AND JOINT-HEIRS WITH CHRIST; IF SO BE THAT WE SUFFER WITH HIM, THAT WE MAY BE ALSO GLORIFIED TOGETHER." Romans 8:17 \tG). John 12:48 tells us that God's Word (the Bible) will judge the lost at the Great White Throne: " He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day."H). 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-Jn 3:36. \t\t\t\t\t\tConclusion of the above Scripture\t He that does not believe on Jesus and does not believe God’s Word is already condemned. That condemnation will take many people to the great white throne judgment and the lake of fire. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX3.-NOW, A WARNING OF JUDGMENT AGAINST THESE PEOPLE I TELL YOU, NAY: BUT, EXCEPT YE REPENT, YE SHALL ALL LIKEWISE PERISH-Lk 13:3,5. This is a strong warning. Judgment lies ahead. THE LORD KNOWETH HOW...TO RESERVE THE UNJUST UNTO THE DAY OF JUDGMENT TO BE PUNISHED-2 Pe 2:9. Again a strong warning to the unjust that refuse to repent. Judgment lies ahead. (For) WHEN LUST HATH CONCEIVED, IT BRINGETH FORTH SIN: AND SIN, WHEN IT IS FINISHED, BRINGETH FORTH DEATH-Ja 1:15. The Scriptures ask, WHAT FRUIT HAD YE THEN IN THOSE THINGS WHEREOF YE ARE NOW ASHAMED? FOR THE END OF THOSE THINGS IS DEATH-Ro 6:21. FOR HE THAT SOWETH TO HIS FLESH SHALL OF THE FLESH REAP CORRUPTION-Gal 6:8. Judgment lies ahead. AND WITH ALL DECEIVABLENESS OF UNRIGHTEOUSNESS IN THEM THAT PERISH; BECAUSE THEY RECEIVED NOT THE LOVE OF THE TRUTH, THAT THEY MIGHT BE SAVED. AND FOR THIS CAUSE GOD SHALL SEND THEM STRONG DELUSION, THAT THEY SHOULD BELIEVE A (or the) LIE: THAT THEY ALL MIGHT BE DAMNED WHO BELIEVED NOT THE TRUTH, BUT HAD PLEASURE IN UNRIGHTEOUSNESS-2 Thes 2:10-12. This is a strong warning to those of this generation that reject the Gospel and believe not the truth, but have pleasure in unrighteousness. They shall be sent a strong delusion from God so that, during the Tribulation, they will believe the lie and perish. The Bible warns people, IF WE DELIBERATELY KEEP ON SINNING AFTER WE HAVE RECEIVED THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE TRUTH, NO SACRIFICE FOR SINS IS LEFT, BUT ONLY A FEARFUL EXPECTATION OF JUDGMENT AND OF RAGING FIRE THAT WILL CONSUME THE ENEMIES OF GOD-Heb 10:26,27 NIV. God’s Word warns people, OF HOW MUCH SORER (or more severe) PUNISHMENT, SUPPOSE YE, SHALL HE BE THOUGHT WORTHY, WHO HATH TRODDEN UNDER FOOT THE SON OF GOD, AND HATH COUNTED THE BLOOD OF THE COVENANT, WHEREWITH HE WAS SANCTIFIED, AN UNHOLY THING, AND HATH DONE DESPITE UNTO THE SPIRIT OF GRACE? FOR WE KNOW HIM THAT HATH SAID, VENGEANCE BELONGETH UNTO ME, I WILL RECOMPENSE, SAITH THE LORD-Heb 10:29,30. Again, a strong warning to those that were sanctified but have done contrary to the Spirit of grace—judgment lies ahead. FOR I TESTIFY UNTO EVERY MAN THAT HEARETH THE WORDS OF THE PROPHECY OF THIS BOOK, IF ANY MAN SHALL ADD UNTO THESE THINGS, GOD SHALL ADD UNTO HIM THE PLAGUES THAT ARE WRITTEN IN THIS BOOK-Rev 22:18. Once more, a strong warning to those that would add to the Revelation—judgment lies ahead. And those that committed the unforgivable sin, they shall also be at this judgment. It is written, WHEREFORE I SAY UNTO YOU, ALL MANNER OF SIN AND BLASPHEMY SHALL BE FORGIVEN UNTO MEN: BUT THE BLASPHEMY AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST SHALL NOT BE FORGIVEN UNTO MEN. AND WHOSOEVER SPEAKETH A WORD AGAINST THE SON OF MAN, IT SHALL BE FORGIVEN HIM: BUT WHOSOEVER SPEAKETH AGAINST THE HOLY GHOST, IT SHALL NOT BE FORGIVEN HIM, NEITHER IN THIS WORLD, NEITHER IN THE WORLD TO COME-Mt 12:31,32; ref Lk 12:10; Mk 3:28,29.4. -JUDGMENT UPON THESE CITIES IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT Jesus warned the cities that would not receive Him or those whom He sent that when the day of judgment came, it would be better for Sodom and Gomorrha or Tyre and Sidon than for them. Judgment has already come upon the cities mentioned; however, the "great white throne judgment" may also be alluded to here, when the people of these cities will face the final judgment. It is written, Mt 10:14,15-AND WHOSOEVER SHALL NOT RECEIVE YOU, NOR HEAR YOUR WORDS, WHEN YE DEPART OUT OF THAT HOUSE OR CITY, SHAKE OFF THE DUST OF YOUR FEET. VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, IT SHALL BE MORE TOLERABLE FOR THE LAND OF SODOM AND GOMORRHA IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT, THAN FOR THAT CITY. Mt 11:20-24-THEN BEGAN HE (Jesus) TO UPBRAID (or denounce) THE CITIES WHEREIN MOST OF HIS MIGHTY WORKS WERE DONE, BECAUSE THEY REPENTED NOT: WOE UNTO THEE, CHORAZIN! WOE UNTO THEE, BETHSAIDA! FOR IF THE MIGHTY WORKS, WHICH WERE DONE IN YOU, HAD BEEN DONE IN TYRE AND SIDON, THEY WOULD HAVE REPENTED LONG AGO IN SACKCLOTH AND ASHES. BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, IT SHALL BE MORE TOLERABLE FOR TYRE AND SIDON AT THE DAY OF JUDGMENT, THAN FOR YOU. AND THOU, CAPERNAUM, WHICH ART EXALTED UNTO HEAVEN, SHALT BE BROUGHT DOWN TO HELL: FOR IF THE MIGHTY WORKS, WHICH HAVE BEEN DONE IN THEE, HAD BEEN DONE IN SODOM, IT WOULD HAVE REMAINED UNTIL THIS DAY. BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT IT SHALL BE MORE TOLERABLE FOR THE LAND OF SODOM IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT, THAN FOR THEE. Lk 10:12-15-BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT IT SHALL BE MORE TOLERABLE IN THAT DAY FOR SODOM, THAN FOR THAT CITY. WOE UNTO THEE, CHORAZIN! WOE UNTO THEE, BETHSAIDA! FOR IF THE MIGHTY WORKS HAD BEEN DONE IN TYRE AND SIDON, WHICH HAVE BEEN DONE IN YOU, THEY HAD A GREAT WHILE AGO REPENTED, SITTING IN SACKCLOTH AND ASHES. BUT IT SHALL BE MORE TOLERABLE FOR TYRE AND SIDON AT THE JUDGMENT, THAN FOR YOU. AND THOU, CAPERNAUM, WHICH ART EXALTED TO HEAVEN, SHALT BE THRUST DOWN TO HELL.5-A PERSON DIES, GOES TO HELL, AND IS TORMENTED WHILE WAITING FOR THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT When a person dies without Christ, they perish to a place called "hell." They shall remain there until they are delivered up to the final judgment, the great white throne judgment. It is written, THERE WAS A CERTAIN RICH MAN, WHICH WAS CLOTHED IN PURPLE AND FINE LINEN, AND FARED SUMPTUOUSLY EVERY DAY...AND IT CAME TO PASS, THAT THE...RICH MAN...DIED, AND WAS BURIED; AND IN HELL HE LIFT UP HIS EYES, BEING IN TORMENTS-Lk 16:19,22,23. Note, he perished to hell. As mentioned previously, in Lk 10:12-15, Chorazin, Bethsaida, and Capernaum were named. Then it is written, THOU…SHALT BE THRUST DOWN TO HELL. Note, the people of these cities were thrust down to hell and shall stay there until they are delivered up to the great white throne judgment. FOR THE TIME IS COME THAT JUDGMENT MUST BEGIN AT THE HOUSE OF GOD: AND IF IT FIRST BEGIN AT US, WHAT SHALL THE END BE OF THEM THAT OBEY NOT THE GOSPEL OF GOD? AND IF THE RIGHTEOUS SCARCELY BE SAVED, WHERE SHALL THE UNGODLY AND THE SINNER APPEAR?-1 Pe 4:17,18. The answer is, those who die today without Christ shall appear at the great white throne judgment. (For) IT IS APPOINTED UNTO MEN ONCE TO DIE, BUT AFTER THIS THE JUDGMENT-Heb 9:27. Once a person dies without Christ, they shall not be delivered up until the thousand years are finished. BUT THE REST OF THE DEAD LIVED NOT AGAIN UNTIL THE THOUSAND YEARS WERE FINISHED-Rev 20:5. SO MAN LIETH DOWN, AND RISETH NOT: TILL THE HEAVENS BE NO MORE, THEY SHALL NOT AWAKE, NOR BE RAISED OUT OF THEIR SLEEP-Job 14:12. BUT THE HEAVENS AND THE EARTH, WHICH ARE NOW, BY THE SAME WORD ARE KEPT IN STORE, RESERVED UNTO FIRE AGAINST THE DAY OF JUDGMENT AND PERDITION OF UNGODLY MEN. BUT THE DAY OF THE LORD WILL COME AS A THIEF IN THE NIGHT; IN THE WHICH THE HEAVENS SHALL PASS AWAY WITH A GREAT NOISE, AND THE ELEMENTS SHALL MELT WITH FERVENT HEAT, THE EARTH ALSO AND THE WORKS THAT ARE THEREIN SHALL BE BURNED UP-2 Pe 3:7,10. (For) THE FIRST HEAVEN AND THE FIRST EARTH WERE PASSED AWAY-Rev 21:1.6-THE JUDGMENT Some say that a loving God would never condemn anyone to the eternal lake of fire. Those that say this neither believe or understand the Scriptures. Neither do they understand the overwhelming love of God as revealed in His only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. God, through His Son, Jesus, offered the greatest gift possible to mankind—the gift of eternal life. Those that refuse to receive the forgiveness of their sins through faith in Jesus Christ shall pay for their own sins. FOR THE WAGES OF SIN IS DEATH-Ro 6:23. It is written, FOR THE LORD LOVETH JUDGMENT-Ps 37:28; AND MERCY REJOICETH AGAINST JUDGMENT-Ja 2:13. Know this, IT IS A FEARFUL THING TO FALL INTO THE HANDS OF THE LIVING GOD-Heb 10:31. Those that have died without Christ, (they) SHALL COME FORTH...THAT HAVE DONE EVIL, UNTO THE RESURRECTION OF DAMNATION-Jn 5:29. AND I SAW A GREAT WHITE THRONE, AND HIM THAT SAT ON IT, FROM WHOSE FACE THE EARTH AND THE HEAVEN FLED AWAY; AND THERE WAS FOUND NO PLACE FOR THEM. AND I SAW THE DEAD, SMALL AND GREAT, STAND BEFORE GOD; AND THE BOOKS WERE OPENED: AND ANOTHER BOOK WAS OPENED, WHICH IS THE BOOK OF LIFE: AND THE DEAD WERE JUDGED OUT OF THOSE THINGS WHICH WERE WRITTEN IN THE BOOKS, ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS. AND THE SEA GAVE UP THE DEAD WHICH WERE IN IT; AND DEATH AND HELL DELIVERED UP THE DEAD WHICH WERE IN THEM: AND THEY WERE JUDGED EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO THEIR WORKS-Rev 20:11-13. There appears to be a book of works and the book of life. Some also would say there is a third book, the Lamb’s book of life-ref Rev 21:27.7- JESUS SHALL JUDGE AND HE COMMANDED US...TO TESTIFY THAT IT IS HE (Jesus) WHICH WAS ORDAINED OF GOD TO BE THE JUDGE OF QUICK AND DEAD-Acts 10:42. BECAUSE HE HATH APPOINTED A DAY, IN THE WHICH HE WILL JUDGE THE WORLD IN RIGHTEOUSNESS BY THAT MAN (Jesus) WHOM HE HATH ORDAINED; WHEREOF HE HATH GIVEN ASSURANCE UNTO ALL MEN, IN THAT HE HATH RAISED HIM FROM THE DEAD-Acts 17:31. IN THE DAY WHEN GOD SHALL JUDGE THE SECRETS OF MEN BY JESUS CHRIST-Ro 2:16.8-HOW SHALL PEOPLE BE JUDGED? FOR HE SHALL HAVE JUDGMENT WITHOUT MERCY, THAT HATH SHEWED NO MERCY-Ja 2:13.9 -WHAT SHALL JESUS DO? WHAT SHALL BE DONE AT THE JUDGMENT? BUT HE THAT DENIETH ME BEFORE MEN SHALL BE DENIED BEFORE THE ANGELS OF GOD-Lk 12:9. (For) THEY PROFESS THAT THEY KNOW GOD; BUT IN WORKS THEY DENY HIM, BEING ABOMINABLE, AND DISOBEDIENT, AND UNTO EVERY GOOD WORK REPROBATE-Titus 1:16. (For) IT WERE BETTER FOR HIM THAT A MILLSTONE WERE HANGED ABOUT HIS NECK, AND HE CAST INTO THE SEA, THAN THAT HE SHOULD OFFEND ONE OF THESE LITTLE ONES-Lk 17:2. I THE LORD SEARCH THE HEART, I TRY THE REINS, EVEN TO GIVE EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS WAYS, AND ACCORDING TO THE FRUIT OF HIS DOINGS-Jere 17:10. (For) BEFORE GOD, NOTHING CREATED IS HIDDEN, BUT ALL THINGS ARE NAKED AND OPEN TO THE EYES OF HIM-Heb 4:13 JNT.16 FOR GOD SHALL BRING EVERY WORK INTO JUDGMENT, WITH EVERY SECRET THING, WHETHER IT BE GOOD, OR WHETHER IT BE EVIL-Ecc 12:14. FOR NOTHING IS SECRET, THAT SHALL NOT BE MADE MANIFEST; NEITHER ANY THING HID, THAT SHALL NOT BE KNOWN AND COME ABROAD-Lk 8:17. FOR THERE IS NOTHING COVERED, THAT SHALL NOT BE REVEALED; NEITHER HID, THAT SHALL NOT BE KNOWN-Lk 12:2. FOR THERE IS NOTHING COVERED, THAT SHALL NOT BE REVEALED; AND HID, THAT SHALL NOT BE KNOWN-Mt 10:26. THEREFORE WHATSOEVER YE HAVE SPOKEN IN DARKNESS SHALL BE HEARD IN THE LIGHT; AND THAT WHICH YE HAVE SPOKEN IN THE EAR IN CLOSETS SHALL BE PROCLAIMED UPON THE HOUSETOPS-Lk 12:3. BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT EVERY IDLE WORD THAT MEN SHALL SPEAK, THEY SHALL GIVE ACCOUNT THEREOF IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT...AND BY THY WORDS THOU SHALT BE CONDEMNED-Mt 12:36,37. TAKE HEED THEREFORE HOW YE HEAR: FOR WHOSOEVER …HATH NOT, FROM HIM SHALL BE TAKEN EVEN THAT WHICH HE SEEMETH TO HAVE-Lk 8:18. 10-WHAT SHALL PEOPLE SAY OR DO AT THE JUDGMENT? MANY WILL SAY TO ME IN THAT DAY, LORD, LORD, HAVE WE NOT PROPHESIED IN THY NAME? AND IN THY NAME HAVE CAST OUT DEVILS? AND IN THY NAME DONE MANY WONDERFUL WORKS? AND THEN WILL I PROFESS UNTO THEM, I NEVER KNEW YOU: DEPART FROM ME, YE THAT WORK INIQUITY-Mt 7:22,23. WHEREIN THEY...SHALL GIVE ACCOUNT TO HIM THAT IS READY TO JUDGE THE QUICK AND THE DEAD-1 Pe 4:4,5.11- WHAT ELSE SHALL JUDGE? YOUR GOLD AND SILVER IS CANKERED; AND THE RUST OF THEM SHALL BE A WITNESS AGAINST YOU, AND SHALL EAT YOUR FLESH AS IT WERE FIRE. YE HAVE HEAPED TREASURE TOGETHER FOR THE LAST DAYS-Ja 5:3. HE THAT REJECTETH ME, AND RECEIVETH NOT MY WORDS, HATH ONE THAT JUDGETH HIM: THE WORD THAT I HAVE SPOKEN, THE SAME SHALL JUDGE HIM IN THE LAST DAY-Jn 12:48. THE STING OF DEATH IS SIN; AND THE STRENGTH OF SIN IS THE LAW-1 Cor 15:56.12-THE LAW FOR AS MANY AS HAVE SINNED WITHOUT LAW SHALL ALSO PERISH WITHOUT LAW: AND AS MANY AS HAVE SINNED IN THE LAW SHALL BE JUDGED BY THE LAW; (FOR NOT THE HEARERS OF THE LAW ARE JUST BEFORE GOD, BUT THE DOERS OF THE LAW SHALL BE JUSTIFIED. FOR WHEN THE GENTILES, WHICH HAVE NOT THE LAW, DO BY NATURE THE THINGS CONTAINED IN THE LAW, THESE, HAVING NOT THE LAW, ARE A LAW UNTO THEMSELVES: WHICH SHOW THE WORK OF THE LAW WRITTEN IN THEIR HEARTS, THEIR CONSCIENCE ALSO BEARING WITNESS, AND THEIR THOUGHTS THE MEAN WHILE ACCUSING OR ELSE EXCUSING ONE ANOTHER;) IN THE DAY WHEN GOD SHALL JUDGE THE SECRETS OF MEN BY JESUS CHRIST ACCORDING TO MY GOSPEL-Ro 2:12-13."NOW WE KNOW THAT WHAT THINGS SOEVER THE LAW SAITH, IT SAITH TO THEM WHO ARE UNDER THE LAW: THAT EVERY MOUTH MAY BE STOPPED, AND ALL THE WORLD MAY BECOME GUILTY BEFORE GOD. THEREFORE BY THE DEEDS OF THE LAW THERE SHALL NO FLESH BE JUSTIFIED IN HIS SIGHT: FOR BY THE LAW IS THE KNOWLEDGE OF SIN. BUT NOW THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD WITHOUT THE LAW IS MANIFESTED, BEING WITNESSED BY THE LAW AND THE PROPHETS; EVEN THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD WHICH IS BY FAITH OF JESUS CHRIST UNTO ALL AND UPON ALL THEM THAT BELIEVE: FOR THERE IS NO DIFFERENCE: FOR ALL HAVE SINNED, AND COME SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD-Ro 3:19-23. FOR WHOSOEVER SHALL KEEP THE WHOLE LAW, AND YET OFFEND IN ONE POINT, HE IS GUILTY OF ALL. FOR HE THAT SAID, DO NOT COMMIT ADULTERY, SAID ALSO, DO NOT KILL. NOW IF THOU COMMIT NO ADULTERY, YET IF THOU KILL, THOU ART BECOME A TRANSGRESSOR OF THE LAW-Ja 2:10,11.13-WHO ELSE SHALL JUDGE? Some of the saints will accuse, condemn, or judge others at this judgment. DO NOT THINK THAT I WILL ACCUSE YOU TO THE FATHER: THERE IS ONE THAT ACCUSETH YOU, EVEN MOSES, IN WHOM YE TRUST-Jn 5:45. THE MEN OF NINEVEH SHALL RISE (up at the judgment) IN JUDGMENT WITH THIS GENERATION, AND SHALL CONDEMN IT: BECAUSE THEY REPENTED AT THE PREACHING OF JONAH; AND, BEHOLD, A GREATER THAN JONAH IS HERE-Mt 12:41; ref Lk 11:32. THE QUEEN OF THE SOUTH SHALL RISE UP IN THE JUDGMENT WITH (the men of) THIS GENERATION, AND SHALL CONDEMN IT (or them): FOR SHE CAME FROM THE UTTERMOST (or utmost) PARTS OF THE EARTH TO HEAR THE WISDOM OF SOLOMON; AND, BEHOLD, A GREATER THAN SOLOMON IS HERE-Mt 12:42; ref Lk 11:31. AND IF I BY BEELZEBUB CAST OUT DEVILS, BY WHOM DO YOUR SONS CAST THEM OUT? THEREFORE SHALL THEY BE YOUR JUDGES-Lk 11:19.14-SOME SHALL BE JUDGED MORE SEVERELY THAN OTHERS The Scriptures appear to teach that a person will be judged more or less severely, according to the opportunities that they had to hear God’s Word and to come to Christ. They also seem to indicate a person will be judged more or less severely, according to the magnitude of the preaching and miracles that they heard or saw. It is written, VERILY I SAY UNTO YOU, IT SHALL BE MORE TOLERABLE FOR THE LAND OF SODOM AND GOMORRHA IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT, THAN FOR THAT CITY. WOE UNTO THEE, CHORAZIN! WOE UNTO THEE, BETHSAIDA! FOR IF THE MIGHTY WORKS, WHICH WERE DONE IN YOU, HAD BEEN DONE IN TYRE AND SIDON, THEY WOULD HAVE REPENTED LONG AGO IN SACKCLOTH AND ASHES. BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, IT SHALL BE MORE TOLERABLE FOR TYRE AND SIDON AT THE DAY OF JUDGMENT, THAN FOR YOU. AND THOU, CAPERNAUM, WHICH ART EXALTED UNTO HEAVEN, SHALT BE BROUGHT DOWN TO HELL: FOR IF THE MIGHTY WORKS, WHICH HAVE BEEN DONE IN THEE, HAD BEEN DONE IN SODOM, IT WOULD HAVE REMAINED UNTIL THIS DAY. BUT I SAY UNTO YOU, THAT IT SHALL BE MORE TOLERABLE FOR THE LAND OF SODOM IN THE DAY OF JUDGMENT, THAN FOR THEE-Mt 10:15; 11:21-24. 15-WHAT CAN WE DO? THEREFORE JUDGE NOTHING BEFORE THE TIME, UNTIL THE LORD COME, WHO BOTH WILL BRING TO LIGHT THE HIDDEN THINGS OF DARKNESS-1 Cor 4:5. THEREFORE IF THINE ENEMY HUNGER, FEED HIM; IF HE THIRST, GIVE HIM DRINK: FOR IN SO DOING THOU SHALT HEAP COALS OF FIRE ON HIS HEAD-Ro 12:20.16-THE FINAL OUTCOME OF THE UNSAVED The thought of eternity in everlasting torment is horrible, yet some shall be punished even worse than others. Know that THE SEED OF THE WICKED SHALL BE CUT OFF-Ps 37:28. FOR, LO, THINE ENEMIES, O LORD, FOR, LO, THINE ENEMIES SHALL PERISH- Ps 92:9. AND THE DESTRUCTION OF THE TRANSGRESSORS AND OF THE SINNERS SHALL BE TOGETHER, AND THEY THAT FORSAKE THE LORD SHALL BE CONSUMED-Isa 1:28. AND DEATH AND HELL WERE CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE. THIS IS THE SECOND DEATH. AND WHOSOEVER WAS NOT FOUND WRITTEN IN THE BOOK OF LIFE WAS CAST INTO THE LAKE OF FIRE-Rev 20:14,15. For HE WILL BURN UP THE CHAFF WITH UNQUENCHABLE FIRE-Mt 3:12; INTO THE FIRE THAT NEVER SHALL BE QUENCHED-Mk 9:45; WHERE THEIR WORM DIETH NOT, AND THE FIRE IS NOT QUENCHED-Mk 9:44,46,48. And THERE SHALL BE WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH-Mt 24:51; WHEN YE SHALL SEE ABRAHAM, AND ISAAC, AND JACOB, AND ALL THE PROPHETS, IN THE KINGDOM OF GOD, AND YOU YOURSELVES THRUST OUT-Lk 13:28. For THE AXE IS LAID UNTO THE ROOT OF THE TREES: THEREFORE EVERY TREE WHICH BRINGETH NOT FORTH GOOD FRUIT IS HEWN DOWN, AND CAST INTO THE FIRE-Mt 3:10. For IF A MAN ABIDE NOT IN ME, HE IS CAST FORTH AS A BRANCH, AND IS WITHERED; AND MEN GATHER THEM, AND CAST THEM INTO THE FIRE, AND THEY ARE BURNED-Jn 15:6. And THE CHILDREN OF THE KINGDOM SHALL BE CAST OUT INTO OUTER DARKNESS: THERE SHALL BE WEEPING AND GNASHING OF TEETH-Mt 8:12. And THE FEARFUL, AND UNBELIEVING, AND THE ABOMINABLE, AND MURDERERS, AND WHOREMONGERS, AND SORCERERS, AND IDOLATERS, AND ALL LIARS, SHALL HAVE THEIR PART IN THE LAKE WHICH BURNETH WITH FIRE AND BRIMSTONE: WHICH IS THE SECOND DEATH-Rev 21:8. The ungodly, and those that SPEAK EVIL OF THOSE THINGS WHICH THEY KNOW NOT...CLOUDS THEY ARE WITHOUT WATER, CARRIED ABOUT OF WINDS; TREES WHOSE FRUIT WITHERETH, WITHOUT FRUIT, TWICE DEAD, PLUCKED UP BY THE ROOTS; RAGING WAVES OF THE SEA, FOAMING OUT THEIR OWN SHAME; WANDERING STARS, TO WHOM IS RESERVED THE BLACKNESS OF DARKNESS FOR EVER-Jude 10,12,13. AND THAT SERVANT, WHICH KNEW HIS LORD’S WILL, AND PREPARED NOT HIMSELF, NEITHER DID ACCORDING TO HIS WILL, SHALL BE BEATEN WITH MANY STRIPES-Lk 12:47. BUT HE THAT KNEW NOT, AND DID COMMIT THINGS WORTHY OF STRIPES, SHALL BE BEATEN WITH FEW STRIPES-Lk 12:48. And those WHICH DEVOUR WIDOW’S HOUSES, AND FOR A SHOW MAKE LONG PRAYERS: THE SAME SHALL RECEIVE GREATER DAMNATION-Lk 20:47; ref Mk 12:40. For AFTER THY HARDNESS AND IMPENITENT HEART TREASUREST UP UNTO THYSELF WRATH AGAINST THE DAY OF WRATH AND REVELATION OF THE RIGHTEOUS JUDGMENT OF GOD; WHO WILL RENDER TO EVERY MAN ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS-Ro 2:5,6.17-THE SAINTS (THAT'S US) PRESERVED FOREVER THE LORD...FORSAKETH NOT HIS SAINTS; THEY ARE PRESERVED FOR EVER-Ps 37:28.18-OTHER INFORMATION FOR MORE ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE DESOLATE THAN THE CHILDREN OF THE MARRIED WIFE-Isa 54:1.XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXThis is only 1/10th as long as it should be. Hope this makes some sense to those who read it.God bless,Steverp.s. I also know that those that are resurrected at the Great White Throne are not part of the "First Resurrection", and are therefore not saved. They are resurrected at the end of time of this earth. Believers have all been resurrected earlier Revelation 20:5 " 5. But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished."

philologos wrote:"....................................If I may borrow your phrase, 'I lean towards' an amillennial interpretation of the Revelation............................Stever's response:I was aware of your "leaning" long ago. It had to do with some comments you made about the Old Testament. I can't remember exactly what they were, but they diminished the fact that the Words of all of the Books of the entire Bible, both Old & New, are/were Spirit breathed!That is how far the divide is between you and me. I believe they were (Spirit breathed) and would bet my very life on it. You, on the other hand are not sure at all, and would never place that bet (on your life).God bless,Stever

Dear Dorcas:This is a continuation of my previous post, in answer to your question: "As you may remember, I drew your attention to the last verse in Revelation 20, which contains the word 'if' (or the same meaning as 'if') - which is why I believe YOU CAN'T ASSUME THAT ONLY THE UNSAVED WILL STAND BEFORE THE GREAT WHITE THRONE".-----------------Stever's continued response:We have seen what judgment is in store for the lost at the Great White Throne Judgment. What judgment is awaiting the believer of Jesus Christ as his/her Lord and Savior???This is a different judment than the Great White Throne. This judgment takes place to reward, not to punish. Only believers are present at this judment, and all of those attending will only be "judged" for the rewards that Christ will bestow upon them! What a difference! "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.(Romans 8:1)We (the saved) shall all stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ" (Romans 14:10).Salvation is a free gift from God, which is accepted by simple faith. "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Ephesians 2:8). Our gratitude for this "So Great Salvation" (Hebrews 2:3) results in a "faith which worketh by love" (Galatians 5:6). And, since "God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward His name" (Hebrews 6:10), He has appointed a time that "we must all appear before the Judgment Seat [Greek, Bema] of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad [worthless]" (2Corinthians 5:10). This Judgment Seat of Christ is also commonly known as the Bema Seat Judgment of Christ, where the Saints' works will be judged to determine the nature of their Heavenly reward-- without any mention of punishment for already penitently confessed, Divinely forgiven, and Providentially forgotten sins. "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath He removed our transgressions from us" (Psalm 103:12). "For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more" (Hebrews 8:12). "Thou hast cast all my sins behind Thy back" (Isaiah 38:17). True Saints Persevere To The EndThere is such a thing as the Perseverance of the Saints, that is, that the True Saints must and will continue in a righteous walk until the end. The LORD Jesus said, "And ye shall be hated of all men for My name's sake: but he that endureth to the end shall be saved" (Matthew 10:22). Perhaps some are unaware of our necessity to cooperate in our own perseverance in faith, holiness, and righteousness; for, it's necessity can be clearly seen in the Epistle to the Hebrews. "But Christ as a Son over His own house; whose house are we, if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm unto the end" (Hebrews 3:6). These Primitive Christians needed encouragement to persevere, though they had "not yet resisted unto blood, striving against sin" (12:4). "For we are made partakers of Christ, if we hold the beginning of our confidence stedfast unto the end" (3:14).Notice how God's faithfulness is foundational to anyone who desires to obey the command to "hold the fort". "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for He is faithful that promised)" (Hebrews 10:23). Though love for Christ is the primary motivation for all Christian action, it is also appropriate to note that our future Heavenly reward will be for the works that we performed because of our confidence in God. "Cast not away therefore your Confidence, which hath great recompence of reward" (10:35). The Blessed Assurance of the True Saints is that no man shall "pluck [us] out of [our Saviour's] hand" (John 10:28), and that we need not live in fear of not persevering to the end. "38 Now the just shall live by faith: but if any man draw back, My soul shall have no pleasure in him. 39 But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul" (Hebrews 10:38-39).Let no mistake be made that any Saint's perseverance in holiness can be a tribute to man; instead, our perseverance is a testimony to the God that sustains and empowers by His grace. For "by the grace of God I am what I am" (1Corinthians 15:10). It will be seen in Heaven that though our willing cooperation in our own perseverance was absolutely necessary, it was God's faithfulness that made it all possible. "Faithful is He that calleth you, Who also will do it" (1Thessalonians 5:24). By then it will be obvious how valuable the "Exceeding Great And Precious Promises" (2Peter 1:4) were in securing our sanctification and our final perseverance. "Being confident of this very thing, that He which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ" (Philippians 1:6). Our cooperation in our perseverance will then seem as natural as Scripture is plain. "20 But ye, beloved, building up yourselves on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Ghost, 21 Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our LORD Jesus Christ unto eternal life" (Jude 20-21). What Is The Judgment Seat of Christ?First, the LORD Jesus Christ is the Judge of All the Earth (Genesis 18:25), since He has been given all authority or power. "All power is given unto Me in Heaven and in earth" (Matthew 28:18). It is extremely certain that the LORD Jesus will be the Judge seated upon the throne. "For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son" (John 5:22). Jesus must be the Judge of All, if all will bow to Him and confess that He is LORD. "10 That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in Heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; 11 And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is LORD, to the glory of God the Father" (Philippians 2:10-11).Second, the Judgment Seat of Christ refers specifically to God's judgment and rewarding of the Saints, WHILE THE GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT REFERS TO THE PUNISHMENT OF ALL SINNERS. "For we must all appear before the Judgment Seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad [worthless]" (2Corinthians 5:10). Between these two events all mankind will be judged, then we will be rewarded or punished accordingly. "11 And I saw a Great White Throne, and Him that sat on it, from Whose face the earth and the Heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works" (Revelation 20:11-12).Third, the determination of which of the two judgments-- Bema Seat for the Saints or White Throne for the sinner-- in which you will be judged is based upon whether or not you died in your sins. "I [Jesus] said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am He, ye shall die in your sins" (John 8:24). When we confess our sins to God, it not only demonstrates that He is "faithful and just to forgive us our sins" (1John 1:9), but it also explains why "if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged" (1Corinthians 11:31). Again, with promises such as Psalm 119:9-11, no Saint ever needs to fear dying in his sins. "9 Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to Thy Word. 10 With my whole heart have I sought Thee: O let me not wander from Thy Commandments. 11 Thy Word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against Thee" (Psalm 119:9-11).Finally, the nature of the judgment at the Judgment Seat of Christ for the Saints is a testing by fire. "11 For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 Now if any man build upon this foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, stubble; 13 Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is. 14 If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward. 15 If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire" (1Corinthians 3:11-15).The precious substances of "gold, silver, precious stones" (3:12) will survive the test "by fire" (3:13). These precious substances represent all the profitable or rewardable works committed by the Saints. "9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of Days did sit, Whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of His head like the pure wool: His Throne was like the fiery flame, and His wheels as burning fire. 10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before Him: thousand thousands ministered unto Him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before Him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened" (Daniel 7:9-10). Whatever abides the discerning, fiery judgment of the Judge of All the Earth will be rewarded. "If any man's work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward" (1Corinthians 3:14)."Wood, hay, [and] stubble" (1Corinthians 3:12) are the sinfully "bad" or worthless works (2Corinthians 5:10) committed by the Saint during his lifetime. Though those "bad" works (5:10) have been confessed by us and cleansed by the LORD Jesus' atoning work on Calvary, the Bema Seat Judgment's purpose is to give judgment as to what is worthy of reward for the Saints, and not what is worthy of punishment. "Every man's work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man's work of what sort it is" (1Corinthians 3:13). Even if the Saint suffers a loss of reward by this Judgment; still, he is not being punished or to be punished. "If any man's work shall be burned, he shall suffer loss: but he himself shall be saved; yet so as by fire" (3:15).Concern that his readers would obtain a "full reward" (2John 8) is a sobering reason why the Apostle John wrote his Second Epistle to the "elect lady and her children" (v. 1). He is especially jealous for the defense of the doctrines of Christ against the lies of deceivers and antichrists, who attempt to rob the Saints of their rewards. "7 For many deceivers are entered into the world, who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh. This is a deceiver and an antichrist. 8 Look to yourselves, that we lose not those things which we have wrought, but that we receive a full reward" (2John 7-8). Our LORD is also desirous that we obtain a "full reward" (v. 8). "Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown" (Revelation 3:11). What Are The Rewards For The Saints?May it be forever remembered that the LORD Jesus Christ is Himself the Believers' Reward. "After these things the Word of the LORD came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy Shield, and thy Exceeding Great Reward" (Genesis 15:1). Similarly, the Saints before the Tribulation Week look forward to the Blessed Hope of the Pre-Tribulational Rapture, but it is with the knowledge that the LORD Jesus Christ is Himself our Blessed Hope. "Looking for that Blessed Hope, and the glorious appearing of the Great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ" (Titus 2:13). Though Jesus is our Reward and Blessed Hope, there still will be a Pre-Tribulational Rapture and rewards for His Saints. "And, behold, I come quickly; and My Reward is with Me, to give every man according as his work shall be" (Revelation 22:12).Which rewards can we identify from Scripture? "Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy Crown" (Revelation 3:11). Let us be diligent with whatever fleeting moments that we have left to gather our Rewards for the Master. For what is the grand design and purpose of our gathering of rewards? It is that along with the 24 Elders, we may be able to "10 cast [our] crowns before the throne, saying, 11 Thou art worthy, O LORD, to receive glory and honour and power: for Thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:10-11).Five different crowns can be identified from Scripture: (1) the Incorruptible Crown,(2) the Crown of Rejoicing,(3) the Crown of Righteousness,(4) the Crown of Life, and(5) the Crown of Glory. With this limited definition of rewards, we can get a small idea of how the LORD will reward His own. "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him" (1Corinthians 2:9).First, the Incorruptible Crown. This is the Worker's Crown. "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an Incorruptible" (1Corinthians 9:25). We can be certain that this Incorruptible Crown is not a reference to salvation, because salvation is "not of works, lest any man should boast" (Ephesians 2:9). Unwearied faithfulness is always praiseworthy. "And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not" (Galatians 6:9). Remember, we labor not for the reward, but because of love for our Master. "Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our LORD Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father" (1Thessalonians 1:3).Labor for the Master in any lawful fashion is a candidate for the Incorruptible Crown. "All things are lawful for me, but all things are not expedient [profitable]: all things are lawful for me, but all things edify not" (1Corinthians 10:23). Ask the LORD for His direction, then perform your labor as unto the LORD. "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the LORD, and not unto men" (Colossians 3:23). The concept that "full-time Christian workers", i.e., pastors, evangelists, missionaries, etc., are alone doing the LORD's work is entirely false. Any Saint who faithfully and honestly labors to supply his own temporal needs-- and that of his family-- does the LORD's work. "Study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands" (1Thessalonians 4:11). Also, "if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel" (1Timothy 5:8). Second, the Crown of Rejoicing. This is the Soul Winner's Crown. "For what is our hope, or joy, or Crown of Rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our LORD Jesus Christ at His Coming?" (1Thessalonians 2:19). The Apostle Paul understood the necessity of bringing men to Christ. "Knowing therefore the terror of the LORD, we persuade men" (2Corinthians 5:11). Not only our speech but our example of life is to be our vehicle to win souls for the LORD Jesus Christ, for "he that winneth souls is wise" (Proverbs 11:30). Again, we may have labored, and others have "watered; but God gave the increase" (1Corinthians 3:6).It is difficult to picture ourselves preaching like the Apostle Peter to the multitude saved at Pentecost, or speaking like the Apostle Paul to the Athenians on Mars Hill, or testifying like Martin Luther before the Diet of Worms, or directing the convicted sinners like Charles G. Finney in young America, or urging the London masses like C. H. Spurgeon; but, whatever we do to cooperate with the Holy Spirit to bring men to Christ is part of the Soul Winner's Crown. "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of Incorruptible, by the Word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever" (1Peter 1:23).Possibly, one of the most complete descriptions of a soul winner's experience is that of Philip the Evangelist leading the Ethiopian eunuch to the LORD. This is a case in point of how to win a Soul Winner's Crown. "29 Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. [A soul winner must be led by the Spirit.] 30 And Philip ran thither to him, and heard him read the prophet Esaias, and said, Understandest thou what thou readest? 31 And he said, How can I, except some man should guide me? And he desired Philip that he would come up and sit with him. 32 The place of the Scripture which he read was this, He was led as a sheep to the slaughter; and like a lamb dumb before His shearer, so opened He not His mouth: 33 In His humiliation His judgment was taken away: and who shall declare His generation? for His life is taken from the earth. 34 And the eunuch answered Philip, and said, I pray thee, of whom speaketh the prophet this? of himself, or of some other man?"35 Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus. [A soul winner uses the Scriptures to point people to Christ.] 36 And as they went on their way, they came unto a certain water: and the eunuch said, See, here is water; what doth hinder me to be baptized? 37 And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. [A soul winner invites people to make an open decision of faith in the LORD.] 38 And he commanded the chariot to stand still: and they went down both into the water, both Philip and the eunuch; and he baptized him. 39 And when they were come up out of the water, the Spirit of the LORD caught away Philip, that the eunuch saw him no more: and he went on his way rejoicing" (Acts 8:29-39).Third, the Crown of Righteousness. This is the Watcher's Crown. "Henceforth there is laid up for me a Crown of Righteousness, which the LORD, the Righteous Judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love His appearing" (2Timothy 4:8). Not all Christians have been properly taught to watch and wait for the soon coming of the LORD Jesus Christ, but "unto them that look for Him shall He appear the second time without sin unto salvation" (Hebrews 9:28). I believe that the intercession of the Brethren for their honest but ignorant Spiritual siblings will cause all those who are walking without known sin to be ready for events such as the Pre-Tribulational Rapture. "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the Law of Christ" (Galatians 6:2).At first, it may seem contradictory for the Saints to be so Heavenly minded that they may not give a great deal of attention to the matters that the world finds so important, i.e., building up one's house, socializing, pleasure seeking, planning and preparing to make one's financial situation in life more certain and easy; but, the Saints will attend to all other things in proportion to watching and waiting for the LORD's return as the LORD providentially allows. "Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the Day of God [literally, hastening the coming of the day of God], wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?" (2Peter 3:12).Why would the LORD give such a special reward to those that "love His appearing" (2Timothy 4:8)? The LORD Jesus knows that those who truly look for Him will walk sanctified and holy. "11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and Godliness, 12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the Day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?" (2Peter 3:11-12). Beside all this, how can we calculate the good of all the prayers that have been made that truly mean what they say when they pray that phrase from the LORD's Prayer-- "Thy Kingdom come" (Matthew 6:10)? It would seem that those who would receive this Crown of Righteousness would be best fitted to do all the monumental work of advancing the cause of the LORD Jesus Christ in this world.Fourth, the Crown of Life. This is the Martyr's Crown. "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a Crown of Life" (Revelation 2:10). Not all of the Saints die a martyr's death, but all of us are required to live a crucified life. "I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the faith of the Son of God, Who loved me, and gave Himself for me" (Galatians 2:20). Though the LORD Jesus specifically mentions being "faithful unto death" (Revelation 2:10) to these Christians of the Church of Smyrna, He also uses the words "suffer", "tribulation", and "faithful". Certainly, these three words are critical to receiving the Crown of Life.When James gave instructions on Practical Christian Living, he told us how to receive the Crown of Life. "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the Crown of Life, which the LORD hath promised to them that love Him" (James 1:12). In this instance, no particular mention is made of Christian Martyrdom, but the words "endureth temptation" and "tried" give us a good idea of how we are expected to win this Crown. We will always do well to remember the Words of our LORD concerning our testing for the Crown of Life. "These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33).So, not all who receive the Crown of Life will be Martyrs, but all who will win that Crown must be sufferers. "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Philippians 1:21). Living and suffering for the LORD Jesus should be the rule and not the exception for the Saints. "Yea, and all that will live Godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution" (2Timothy 3:12). Grace to suffer for the LORD is available to all who will pray. "Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need" (Hebrews 4:16). But, why have we all been given the opportunity to win the Crown of Life? Since suffering sanctifies us, we all may have ample opportunity to win this Crown. "For unto you it is given in the behalf of Christ, not only to believe on Him, but also to suffer for his sake" (Philippians 1:29). "8 Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my LORD: for Whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ... 10 That I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being made conformable unto His death" (3:8,10).Before leaving this discussion of the Crown of Life, special mention needs to be made about a prophet's reward. "He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet's reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man's reward" (Matthew 10:41). Since God's ancient and modern prophets have always been the occasion for suffering and persecution, those that heed their message most often will suffer the same persecution. But, note that the LORD Jesus makes special mention of our receiving a Prophet's Reward for "he that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet" (10:41). Again, perhaps this reward is connected to the Crown of Life because of its association with persecution and suffering. "11 Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. 12 Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12).And, for those Saints who have had to endure physical suffering-- not necessarily because of their Christian testimony-- but because of Divinely allowed infirmity or illness, this Crown of Life is also and perhaps especially for you. "12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: 13 But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's sufferings; that, when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy" (1Peter 4:12-13). If we would but suffer in a Christ-like way, this Crown is especially ours. "Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf" (4:16).Fifth, the Crown of Glory. This is the Shepherd's Crown. "And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away" (1Peter 5:4). Pastors are to be shepherds to God's people. "And I will give you pastors according to Mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding" (Jeremiah 3:15). The Apostle Peter was specially taught by the LORD the need of the shepherd to feed the Saints. "16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? He saith unto Him, Yea, LORD; Thou knowest that I love Thee. He saith unto him, Feed My sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou Me? Peter was grieved because He said unto him the third time, Lovest thou Me? And he said unto Him, LORD, Thou knowest all things; Thou knowest that I love Thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed My sheep" (John 21:16-17).Though pastors are specially fitted to shepherd the sheep in a local assembly, all those who assist in caring for the Sheep may also participate in this Crown. "Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind" (1Peter 5:2). When God's people can be lovingly cared for and edified by all the Spiritual gifts of the Body of Christ, then the Sheep will be properly shepherded. "28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way [which is love]" (1Corinthians 12:28-31). ConclusionWe are those servants to whom the LORD has delivered His goods and have been told to occupy until He returns. "And He called His ten servants, and delivered them ten pounds, and said unto them, Occupy till I come" (Luke 19:13). May we be able to say what the Apostle Paul said: "I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith" (2Timothy 4:7).May God give you much to lay down before the feet of our LORD and Saviour Jesus Christ.God bless,Stever