“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.” (v. 12)

When we get to the end, in Revelation 20, we tend to jump down to v. 15. We are (perhaps rightly) preoccupied with the Book of Life. We have hoped—and, in Christ, we are assured—that our names have been inscribed there since before the beginning. That’s the grace of the Gospel and of election, and we cling to it.

But don’t miss the fact that that Book is clarified by another:

Among the texts opened at the judgment, there is also a Book of the Dead. It’s where you’ll find the names of…well…those who are dead. As in, not raised to life in Jesus by the Spirit.

And it contains an awful record: all of the sinful works of every person’s life. That’s what is read at the judgment seat. It’s their permanent record—and they will each be judged on the merit of their works.

Can you sense how glorious the mercy of the Book of Life is? Instead of having all your sins remembered by the other book and read at your judgment, your name is read elsewhere. It’s in a Book that doesn’t recount your works, but Jesus’ work for you, with your grace-bought name filed under His record.

At the end of all things, it’s a tale of two records. Let the awfulness of one stir your gratitude for the other.

— Tyler