That was such a powerful message Brother Matthew. Your reflection on Revelation 20 truly touched my heart. It reminds us that one day “the books will be opened,” and every thought, word, and action will be laid bare before our holy God. Yet what a comfort to know that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). The reminder that our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life fills us with both gratitude and hope. Your message challenges us to live each day ready to meet the Lord—walking in holiness, humility, and love. As it says in 2 Corinthians 5:10, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. How blessed we are that through the blood of Jesus, our sins are not just covered—they are completely forgiven and erased. Please remember our ministry here in India in your prayers. We are working among children, widows, and families who are in great need, sharing the Gospel and showing the love of Christ through both word and deed. Many of our children come from very poor families and have never received even a small gift during Christmas. We are praying that God will provide the means to bless them this year with small gifts, clothes, and food so they can feel the joy of Jesus’ love in this season. Your words are a great encouragement to us in our mission. Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth (1 John 3:18). May the Lord continue to bless your ministry, strengthen your faith, and use your teachings to bring many souls into the Book of Life.
Now that you mention it, I think I've heard that somewhere before too.
I think the thing with the first set of books being opened - contrasted with the lamb's book of life - is to impressed upon the saved just how much their salvation is by grace.
Amen, Matthew. I believe that the effect at the conclusion of the whole judgment scene will be that everyone will see that salvation was all what God had done.
That was such a powerful message Brother Matthew. Your reflection on Revelation 20 truly touched my heart. It reminds us that one day “the books will be opened,” and every thought, word, and action will be laid bare before our holy God. Yet what a comfort to know that there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1). The reminder that our names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life fills us with both gratitude and hope. Your message challenges us to live each day ready to meet the Lord—walking in holiness, humility, and love. As it says in 2 Corinthians 5:10, For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive the things done in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad. How blessed we are that through the blood of Jesus, our sins are not just covered—they are completely forgiven and erased. Please remember our ministry here in India in your prayers. We are working among children, widows, and families who are in great need, sharing the Gospel and showing the love of Christ through both word and deed. Many of our children come from very poor families and have never received even a small gift during Christmas. We are praying that God will provide the means to bless them this year with small gifts, clothes, and food so they can feel the joy of Jesus’ love in this season. Your words are a great encouragement to us in our mission. Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth (1 John 3:18). May the Lord continue to bless your ministry, strengthen your faith, and use your teachings to bring many souls into the Book of Life.
Hey Matthew,
Good article, Thank you! 🙏 😊
I’ve also heard it said among some brethren that the statement “and books were opened” applies to the books of the Bible.
With the reasoning being that we have that which will judge us (ref. John 12:48).
With the thought process that God won’t need a written Santa list of naughty & nice deeds bcuz of His omniscience.
Either way the most important thing is, first things first.
Hence, get yer name in the book of life!
Thx again,
I always enjoy yer writing. ✍️
Thank you!
Now that you mention it, I think I've heard that somewhere before too.
I think the thing with the first set of books being opened - contrasted with the lamb's book of life - is to impressed upon the saved just how much their salvation is by grace.
Amen, Matthew. I believe that the effect at the conclusion of the whole judgment scene will be that everyone will see that salvation was all what God had done.