When the Books Are Opened

If you could open the record of your life right now — every thought, every word, every choice — what would you see? It’s sobering to think about. But for God’s people, it’s not meant to terrify — it’s meant to purify. It reminds us that life is short and eternity is sure. Now, as we reach the final month of our vision plan, we come to the moment when the Kingdom reaches its fulfillment — the moment when faith becomes sight.

1. The Throne Is Set — God’s Justice Is Certain

   1. Revelation 20:11: Then I saw a great white throne and one seated on it. Earth and heaven fled from his presence, and no place was found for them.

   2. Every knee will bow before it — believers and unbelievers alike.

      1. Romans 14:10, We will all stand before the judgment seat of God.

   3. God’s justice isn’t delayed — it’s simply waiting for its appointed hour.

      1. 2 Peter 3:9: The Lord does not delay his promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.

2. The Books Are Opened — Our Lives Are Revealed

   1. Revelation 20:12: 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.

      1. Ecclesiastes 12:14: For God will bring every act to judgment, including every hidden thing, whether good or evil.

      2. Matthew 12:36: I tell you that on the day of judgment people will have to account for every careless word they speak.

   2. We will see our lives for what they really were — not as we meant them to be, but as they were. The good and the bad.

      1. But judgment isn’t just about exposing sin — it’s about revealing faithfulness.

      2. Nothing done in faith is ever lost. Hebrews 6:10: For God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you demonstrated for his name by serving the saints—and by continuing to serve them.

3. The Book of Life — Grace Still Speaks Louder Than Guilt

   1. If you belong to Jesus, your record no longer stands against you.

      1. Colossians 2:14: He erased the certificate of debt, with its obligations, that was against us and opposed to us, and has taken it away by nailing it to the cross.

      2. He will see His own righteousness covering your weakness.

         1. Romans 8:1: Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus,

   2. Judgment day is not a threat to those who walk in the light — it’s the moment faith is vindicated.

4. The Call — Live in Light of That Day

   1. 2 Peter 3:11-12: Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, it is clear what sort of people you should be in holy conduct and godliness as you wait for the day of God and hasten its coming.

   2. Live with conviction about the present.

   3. Stop wasting time on what doesn’t matter.

   4. 2 Corinthians 5:9:Therefore, whether we are at home or away, we make it our aim to be pleasing to him.

5. As We Close

   1. For some, judgment day will be a day of terror — because they lived only for themselves.

   2. But for those in the Book of Life, it will be a day of triumph.

      1. Are you living ready? Righteous? Are you seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness?

   3. Dee Bowman used to say, “If we miss heaven, we’ve missed all there is.” He was right.