SAT – inTro

Read This Week’s Passage:

Revelation 20:11-21:1

KJV 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. 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. ¹⁴ And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ¹⁵ And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. ¹ And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. CEV ¹¹ I saw a great white throne with someone sitting on it. Earth and heaven tried to run away, but there was no place for them to go. ¹² I also saw all the dead people standing in front of that throne. Every one of them was there, no matter who they had once been. Several books were opened, and then the book of life was opened. The dead were judged by what those books said they had done. ¹³ The sea gave up the dead people who were in it, and death and its kingdom also gave up their dead. Then everyone was judged by what they had done. ¹⁴ Afterwards, death and its kingdom were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ¹⁵ Anyone whose name wasn't written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire. ¹ I saw a new heaven and a new earth. The first heaven and the first earth had disappeared, and so had the sea.

The focus of this week’s lesson is verse 12:

“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books” (emphasis supplied). Revelation 20:12

KJV 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. CEV ¹² I also saw all the dead people standing in front of that throne. Every one of them was there, no matter who they had once been. Several books were opened, and then the book of life was opened. The dead were judged by what those books said they had done.

The immediately preceding and succeeding contexts of this verse indicate that it is describing the millennial judgment of the wicked in heaven.

The Bible affirms that all the wicked will be dead on earth during this judgment:

“The rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished” (NKJV) Revelation 20:5

KJV ⁵ But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. CEV ^5-6 These people are the first to be raised to life, and they are especially blessed and holy. The second death has no power over them. They will be priests for God and Christ and will rule with them for 1,000 years. No other dead people were raised to life until 1,000 years later.

So the question is, How can dead people stand before God in judgment in heaven while they are dead on earth?

Some of those who believe in the immortality of the soul claim that it is the immortal souls of the wicked that will stand in judgment before God.

This is reading into the text what is not there.

Furthermore, the text does not say that the dead stood before God after they resurrected.

The text explicitly states that the dead stood before God.

The judgment process of the wicked during and after the millennium will follow the same three-step process as the judgment of the righteous dead had done before (see Week 8 [URL:https://sabbath-school.adventech.io/en/2022-04-cq/08/01]).

The judgment process of the wicked

First, the heavenly court in heaven will review their life records in the books.

Second, based on the evidence, the heavenly jury will pronounce the verdict and sentence.

Finally, the sentence will be executed in the lake of fire after the thousand years.

So let’s begin our study on the standing dead.

SUN – Three Stages [of Judgment] (inGest)

As we pointed out in Week 8 [URL:https://sabbath-school.adventech.io/en/2022-04-cq/08/01], the judgment of the righteous before the millennium follows a three-step process:

Judgment of the righteous

STEP 1 – The judgment review in heaven before the Second Coming – Revelation 14:6-7

KJV ⁶ And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people, ⁷ Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. CEV ⁶ I saw another angel. This one was flying across the sky and had the eternal good news to announce to the people of every race, tribe, language, and nation on earth. ⁷ The angel shouted, “Worship and honor God! The time has come for him to judge everyone. Kneel down before the one who created heaven and earth, the oceans, and every stream.”
Daniel 8:14

KJV ¹⁴ And he said unto me, Unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. CEV ¹⁴ The other answered, “It will be 2,300 evenings and mornings before the temple is dedicated and in use again.”

STEP 2 – The announcement of the verdict and sentence in heaven – Revelation 22:11

KJV ¹¹ He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still. CEV ¹¹ Evil people will keep on being evil, and everyone who is dirty-minded will still be dirty-minded. But good people will keep on doing right, and God's people will always be holy.

STEP 3 – The implementation of the verdict (the reward) when Jesus returns to earth – Revelation 22:12

KJV ¹² And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. CEV ¹² Then I was told: I am coming soon! And when I come, I will reward everyone for what they have done.

The judgment of the wicked during and after the millennium will follow the same three-step process.

Before the process begins, however, Jesus will return to earth in power and glory.

Read Revelation 6:14-17

KJV ¹⁴ And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. ¹⁵ And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; ¹⁶ And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: ¹⁷ For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? CEV ¹⁴ Then the sky was rolled up like a scroll, and all mountains and islands were moved from their places. ¹⁵ The kings of the earth, its famous people, and its military leaders hid in caves or behind rocks on the mountains. They hid there together with the rich and the powerful and with all the slaves and free people. ¹⁶ Then they shouted to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us! Hide us from the one who sits on the throne and from the anger of the Lamb. ¹⁷ That terrible day has come! God and the Lamb will show their anger, and who can face it?”

This passage describes the second coming of Jesus, when every mountain and island will be moved out of its place (not be found) and the wicked will cry out for the mountains and rocks to fall on them to hide them from the face of the One who is seated on the throne.

Read Revelation 20:11

KJV 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. CEV ¹¹ I saw a great white throne with someone sitting on it. Earth and heaven tried to run away, but there was no place for them to go.

This passage further describes the Second Coming, where there is One sitting on a throne before whose face heaven and earth find no place.

The brightness of Christ’s coming will destroy the wicked, and they will remain dead for one thousand years – 2 Thessalonians 1:7-8

KJV ⁷ And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels, ⁸ In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ: CEV ⁷ but he will give you relief from your troubles. God will do the same for us, when the Lord Jesus comes from heaven with his powerful angels ⁸ and with a flaming fire. Our Lord Jesus will punish anyone who doesn't know God and won't obey his message.
Revelation 20:5

KJV ⁵ But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. CEV ^5-6 These people are the first to be raised to life, and they are especially blessed and holy. The second death has no power over them. They will be priests for God and Christ and will rule with them for 1,000 years. No other dead people were raised to life until 1,000 years later.

After Christ's Second Coming, the three-step process will then begin:

Judgment of the wicked

STEP 1 – The Millennial Review:

The faithful will join Jesus in judgment

At the Second Coming, the faithful martyrs will come to life – Revelation 20:4-5

KJV ⁴ And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. ⁵ But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. CEV ⁴ I saw thrones, and sitting on those thrones were the ones who had been given the right to judge. I also saw the souls of the people who had their heads cut off because they had told about Jesus and preached God's message. They were the same ones who had not worshiped the beast or the idol, and they had refused to let its mark be put on their foreheads or hands. They will come to life and rule with Christ for 1,000 years. ^5-6 These people are the first to be raised to life, and they are especially blessed and holy. The second death has no power over them. They will be priests for God and Christ and will rule with them for 1,000 years. No other dead people were raised to life until 1,000 years later.

The faithful martyrs along with the redeemed of all ages will participate with Jesus in the heavenly millennial judgment – 1 Corinthians 6:1-3

KJV ¹ Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? ² Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? ³ Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? CEV ¹ When one of you has a complaint against another, do you take your complaint to a court of sinners? Or do you take it to God's people? ² Don't you know that God's people will judge the world? And if you are going to judge the world, can't you settle small problems? ³ Don't you know we will judge angels? And if this is so, we can surely judge everyday matters.

During this judgment, the wicked dead will stand before God’s judgment bar, not in person but through the record of their lives – Revelation 20:12-13

KJV 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. CEV ¹² I also saw all the dead people standing in front of that throne. Every one of them was there, no matter who they had once been. Several books were opened, and then the book of life was opened. The dead were judged by what those books said they had done. ¹³ The sea gave up the dead people who were in it, and death and its kingdom also gave up their dead. Then everyone was judged by what they had done.

It is in this sense that the dead stand before God.

STEP 2 – The Verdict/Sentence

Verdict and sentence

After the judgment reviews the lives of the wicked, the heavenly court will pronounce the verdict and sentence.

The redeemed,

“meted out to the wicked the portion which they must suffer, according to their works; and it was written against their names in the book of death.” (Ellen G. White, Early Writings (Battle Creek, MI: Review and Herald, 1882), 291.)

STEP 3 – The Execution of the Sentence:

Execution of the sentence

The third stage, the execution of the sentence, will take place on earth after the millennium.

The wicked will resurrect and see with their own eyes the record of their lives, and will confess the justice of their sentence – Isaiah 45:23

KJV ²³ I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. CEV ²³ I have made a solemn promise, one that won't be broken: Everyone will bow down and worship me.
Philippians 2:9-11

KJV ⁹ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 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. CEV ⁹ Then God gave Christ the highest place and honored his name above all others. ¹⁰ So at the name of Jesus everyone will bow down, those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. ¹¹ And to the glory of God the Father everyone will openly agree, “Jesus Christ is Lord!”

They will then be cast into the lake of fire to suffer the second death – Revelation 20:14-15

KJV ¹⁴ And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ¹⁵ And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. CEV ¹⁴ Afterwards, death and its kingdom were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ¹⁵ Anyone whose name wasn't written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Chronology from the Second Coming to the Destruction of the Wicked

Summary of events from the Second Coming to destruction of the wicked

Following is the summary of events from the Second Coming to the destruction of the wicked found in Revelation 20:11-15

KJV 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. 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. ¹⁴ And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ¹⁵ And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. CEV ¹¹ I saw a great white throne with someone sitting on it. Earth and heaven tried to run away, but there was no place for them to go. ¹² I also saw all the dead people standing in front of that throne. Every one of them was there, no matter who they had once been. Several books were opened, and then the book of life was opened. The dead were judged by what those books said they had done. ¹³ The sea gave up the dead people who were in it, and death and its kingdom also gave up their dead. Then everyone was judged by what they had done. ¹⁴ Afterwards, death and its kingdom were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ¹⁵ Anyone whose name wasn't written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

The Second Coming – Revelation 20:11

KJV 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. CEV ¹¹ I saw a great white throne with someone sitting on it. Earth and heaven tried to run away, but there was no place for them to go.

The Investigation and sentencing of the wicked – Revelation 20:12

KJV 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. CEV ¹² I also saw all the dead people standing in front of that throne. Every one of them was there, no matter who they had once been. Several books were opened, and then the book of life was opened. The dead were judged by what those books said they had done.

The investigation and sentencing of the wicked in heaven during the thousand years.

The dead will stand before God, not in person but through the record of their lives.

After the millenium – Revelation 20:13

KJV 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. CEV ¹³ The sea gave up the dead people who were in it, and death and its kingdom also gave up their dead. Then everyone was judged by what they had done.

After the millennium, the sea and the grave will give up the wicked dead, and they will see with their own eyes the record of their lives and confess the justice of their sentence.

The sentence executed – Revelation 20:14-15

KJV ¹⁴ And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ¹⁵ And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. CEV ¹⁴ Afterwards, death and its kingdom were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ¹⁵ Anyone whose name wasn't written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

The sentence will be executed in the lake of fire.

Questions

Why must God execute judgment and justice at all?

What does the amount of time used for the entire process reveal about God’s character?

MON – The Second Resurrection (inTerpret)

The resurrection of the wicked after the millennium is described in Revelation:

“The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works” (emphasis supplied) Revelation 20:13

KJV 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. CEV ¹³ The sea gave up the dead people who were in it, and death and its kingdom also gave up their dead. Then everyone was judged by what they had done.

The expressions “gave up” and “delivered up” are similar to the language of Isaiah:

“Your dead shall live; together with my dead body they shall arise. Awake and sing, you who dwell in dust; for your dew is like the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead” (emphasis supplied). Isaiah 26:19

KJV ¹⁹ Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. CEV ¹⁹ Your people will rise to life! Tell them to leave their graves and celebrate with shouts. You refresh the earth like morning dew; you give life to the dead.

As with the righteous, the wicked will resurrect with the selfsame character they had in life.

The wicked will resume at the precise point where they left off when they died.

God preserved a precise record of their lives on His “heavenly hard drive,” and He will return to them their self-identity without the minutest change.

During the thousand years the wicked dead will appear in judgment through their records, after the thousand years they will live again and appear in person. Revelation 20:5

KJV ⁵ But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. CEV ^5-6 These people are the first to be raised to life, and they are especially blessed and holy. The second death has no power over them. They will be priests for God and Christ and will rule with them for 1,000 years. No other dead people were raised to life until 1,000 years later.

“There are kings and generals who conquered nations, valiant men who never lost a battle, proud, ambitious warriors whose approach made kingdoms tremble. In death these experienced no change. As they come up from the grave, they resume the current of their thoughts just where it ceased. They are actuated by the same desire to conquer that ruled them when they fell.” (Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press, 1911), 664.)

Clearly, the wicked not only receive the breath of life but also the precise record of their lives that God preserved on His “heavenly hard drive.”

As we noted in an earlier lesson, the spirit is more than just the breath of life; it is the breath along with the life record and character of the person:

“Our personal identity is preserved in the resurrection, though not the same particles of matter or material substance as went into the grave. The wondrous works of God are a mystery to man. The spirit, the character of man, is returned to God, there to be preserved. In the resurrection, every man will have his own character.” (Ellen G. White, Maranatha, 301.)

The wicked will stand before the judgment bar of God for high treason against the government of heaven.

Their works will be revealed to them and the unchangeable sentence pronounced:

“The whole wicked world stand arraigned at the bar of God on the charge of high treason against the government of heaven. They have none to plead their cause; they are without excuse; and the sentence of eternal death is pronounced against them.” (White, The Great Controversy, 668.)

Then the sentence will be executed, when the wicked are cast into the lake of fire to suffer the second death – Revelation 20:11-15

KJV 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. 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. ¹⁴ And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ¹⁵ And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. CEV ¹¹ I saw a great white throne with someone sitting on it. Earth and heaven tried to run away, but there was no place for them to go. ¹² I also saw all the dead people standing in front of that throne. Every one of them was there, no matter who they had once been. Several books were opened, and then the book of life was opened. The dead were judged by what those books said they had done. ¹³ The sea gave up the dead people who were in it, and death and its kingdom also gave up their dead. Then everyone was judged by what they had done. ¹⁴ Afterwards, death and its kingdom were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death. ¹⁵ Anyone whose name wasn't written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

What questions emerge after studying this passage? What parts are difficult?

What other principles and conclusions do you find?

If death doesn’t bring about change for the wicked, then when was their opportunity?

How does understanding this impact your own life?

TUE – inSpect

How do the following verses relate to the primary passage?

Hebrews 12:22-24

KJV ²² But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels, ²³ To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect, ²⁴ And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. CEV ²² You have now come to Mount Zion and to the heavenly Jerusalem. This is the city of the living God, where thousands and thousands of angels have come to celebrate. ²³ Here you will find all of God's dearest children, whose names are written in heaven. And you will find God himself, who judges everyone. Here also are the spirits of those good people who have been made perfect. ²⁴ And Jesus is here! He is the one who makes God's new agreement with us, and his sprinkled blood says much better things than the blood of Abel.

Matthew 22:11-13

KJV ¹¹ And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment: ¹² And he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless. ¹³ Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness, there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth. CEV ¹¹ When the king went in to meet the guests, he found that one of them wasn't wearing the right kind of clothes for the wedding. ¹² The king asked, “Friend, why didn't you wear proper clothes for the wedding?” But the guest had no excuse. ¹³ So the king gave orders for this person to be tied hand and foot and to be thrown outside into the dark. That's where people will cry and grit their teeth in pain.

Revelation 15:2-4

KJV ² And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire: and them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God. ³ And they sing the song of Moses the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, Great and marvellous are thy works, Lord God Almighty; just and true are thy ways, thou King of saints. ⁴ Who shall not fear thee, O Lord, and glorify thy name? for thou only art holy: for all nations shall come and worship before thee; for thy judgments are made manifest. CEV ² Then I saw something that looked like a glass sea mixed with fire, and people were standing on it. They were the ones who had defeated the beast and the idol and the number that tells the name of the beast. God had given them harps, ³ and they were singing the song his servant Moses and the Lamb had sung. They were singing, “Lord God All-Powerful, you have done great and marvelous things. You are the ruler of all nations, and you do what is right and fair. ⁴ Lord, who doesn't honor and praise your name? You alone are holy, and all nations will come and worship you, because you have shown that you judge with fairness.”

Isaiah 26:19

KJV ¹⁹ Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. CEV ¹⁹ Your people will rise to life! Tell them to leave their graves and celebrate with shouts. You refresh the earth like morning dew; you give life to the dead.

Philippians 2:9-11

KJV ⁹ Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: 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. CEV ⁹ Then God gave Christ the highest place and honored his name above all others. ¹⁰ So at the name of Jesus everyone will bow down, those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth. ¹¹ And to the glory of God the Father everyone will openly agree, “Jesus Christ is Lord!”

What other verses or promises come to mind in connection with Revelation 20:11-21:1?

WED – Inside or Outside? (inVite)

The three-step judgment process has a specific objective—to demonstrate to the entire universe, both to the loyal and the rebellious, that God judged every case correctly.

In the pre-Advent investigative judgment, God will prove to the heavenly universe that He has a legal right to take the redeemed to heaven.

As the redeemed participate in the heavenly millennial judgment they will agree that God was just and true in condemning Satan, his angels, and the wicked.

Finally, the post-millennial judgment of Satan, his angels, and the wicked will persuade them that God was loving, fair, just, and merciful in condemning them to eternal destruction.

The prophet Isaiah described this important moment of world history:

“I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, that unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear” Isaiah 45:23

KJV ²³ I have sworn by myself, the word is gone out of my mouth in righteousness, and shall not return, That unto me every knee shall bow, every tongue shall swear. CEV ²³ I have made a solemn promise, one that won't be broken: Everyone will bow down and worship me.

Then, and only then, can God destroy sin and sinners and the final enemy, death – 1 Corinthians 15:27-28

KJV ²⁷ For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him. ²⁸ And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all. CEV ²⁷ When the Scriptures say he will put everything under his power, they don't include God. It was God who put everything under the power of Christ. ²⁸ After everything is under the power of God's Son, he will put himself under the power of God, who put everything under his Son's power. Then God will mean everything to everyone.

When The Great Controversy concludes, the universe will be clean and in perfect harmony.

The judgment process will leave no loose ends.

No one will blame God for being partial or for the existence of evil.

After the millennium, there will be only two groups:

Those inside the city of God and
those outside.

Those inside were saved by grace through faith in the righteousness of Jesus.

However, they were judged by their works, because works reveal whether faith is genuine – Revelation 22:12

KJV ¹² And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be. CEV ¹² Then I was told: I am coming soon! And when I come, I will reward everyone for what they have done.
Matthew 16:27

KJV ²⁷ For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. CEV ²⁷ The Son of Man will soon come in the glory of his Father and with his angels to reward all people for what they have done.

Human beings are not saved by a bare faith or by works, nor by faith plus works, but by a dynamic faith that works – James. 2:14-26

KJV ¹⁴ What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? ¹⁷ Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone. ¹⁸ Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works. ¹⁹ Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble. ²⁰ But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? ²¹ Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? ²² Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? ²³ And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God. ²⁴ Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. ²⁵ Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? ²⁶ For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also. CEV ¹⁴ My friends, what good is it to say you have faith, when you don't do anything to show you really do have faith? Can this kind of faith save you? ¹⁵ If you know someone who doesn't have any clothes or food, ¹⁶ you shouldn't just say, “I hope all goes well for you. I hope you will be warm and have plenty to eat.” What good is it to say this, unless you do something to help? ¹⁷ Faith that doesn't lead us to do good deeds is all alone and dead! ¹⁸ Suppose someone disagrees and says, “It is possible to have faith without doing kind deeds.” I would answer, “Prove that you have faith without doing kind deeds, and I will prove that I have faith by doing them.” ¹⁹ You surely believe there is only one God. That's fine. Even demons believe this, and it makes them shake with fear. ²⁰ Does some stupid person want proof that faith without deeds is useless? ²¹ Well, our ancestor Abraham pleased God by putting his son Isaac on the altar to sacrifice him. ²² Now you see how Abraham's faith and deeds worked together. He proved his faith was real by what he did. ²³ This is what the Scriptures mean by saying, “Abraham had faith in God, and God accepted him.” That's how Abraham became God's friend. ²⁴ You can now see that we please God by what we do and not only by what we believe. ²⁵ For example, Rahab had been a prostitute. But she pleased God when she welcomed the spies and sent them home by another way. ²⁶ Anyone who doesn't breathe is dead, and faith that doesn't do anything is just as dead!

The “heroes of faith” in Hebrews 11 not only believed but also acted out their faith.

The book of Revelation contrasts those inside the city with those outside:

“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie” (NKJV) Revelation 22:14-15

KJV ¹⁴ Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. ¹⁵ For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie. CEV ¹⁴ God will bless all who have washed their robes. They will each have the right to eat fruit from the tree that gives life, and they can enter the gates of the city. ¹⁵ But outside the city will be dogs, witches, immoral people, murderers, idol worshipers, and everyone who loves to tell lies and do wrong.

“He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son. But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death” Revelation 21:7-8

KJV ⁷ He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. ⁸ But 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. CEV ⁷ All who win the victory will be given these blessings. I will be their God, and they will be my people. ⁸ But I will tell you what will happen to cowards and to everyone who is unfaithful or dirty-minded or who murders or is sexually immoral or uses witchcraft or worships idols or tells lies. They will be thrown into that lake of fire and burning sulfur. This is the second death.

We must come to Jesus now and claim Him as our advocate.

If we repent of our sins, confess them, and trust His righteousness, He will defend us in the judgment.

At death or the close of probation, however, all cases are decided and there will be no changing sides:

1 John 2:1-2

KJV ¹ My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: ² And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world. CEV ¹ My children, I am writing this so you won't sin. But if you do sin, Jesus Christ always does the right thing, and he will speak to the Father for us. ² Christ is the sacrifice that takes away our sins and the sins of all the world's people.

Hebrews 7:26

KJV ²⁶ For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; CEV ²⁶ Jesus is the high priest we need. He is holy and innocent and faultless, and not at all like us sinners. Jesus is honored above all beings in heaven,

Hebrews 4:15

KJV ¹⁵ For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. CEV ¹⁵ Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin!

What do the three steps in the judgment pro cess reveal about God’s character?

What is He saying to you through these texts?

How do you see Jesus differently or see Him again?

Prayer:

How do you respond to seeing Jesus in this way?

THU – Judging Angels (inSight)

Then I saw thrones, and Jesus and the redeemed saints sat upon them; and the saints reigned as kings and priests unto God. Christ, in union with His people, judged the wicked dead, comparing their acts with the statute book, the Word of God, and deciding every case according to the deeds done in the body. Then they meted out to the wicked the portion which they must suffer, according to their works; and it was written against their names in the book of death. Satan also and his angels were judged by Jesus and the saints. Satan's punishment was to be far greater than that of those whom he had deceived. His suffering would so far exceed theirs as to bear no comparison with it. After all those whom he had deceived had perished, Satan was still to live and suffer on much longer.” (Ellen G. White, Early Writings (Battle Creek, MI: Review and Herald, 1882), 290, 291.)

“During the thousand years between the first and the second resurrection the judgment of the wicked takes place. The apostle Paul points to this judgment as an event that follows the second advent. ‘Judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts.’ 1 Corinthians 4:5

KJV ⁵ Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God. CEV ⁵ So don't judge anyone until the Lord returns. He will show what is hidden in the dark and what is in everyone's heart. Then God will be the one who praises each of us.

Daniel declares that when the Ancient of Days came, ‘judgment was given to the saints of the Most High.’ Daniel 7:22

KJV ²² Until the Ancient of days came, and judgment was given to the saints of the most High; and the time came that the saints possessed the kingdom. CEV ²² Then God Most High, the Eternal God, came and judged in favor of his chosen ones, because the time had arrived for them to be given the kingdom.

At this time the righteous reign as kings and priests unto God. John in the Revelation says: ‘I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them.’ ‘They shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years.’ Revelation 20:4

KJV ⁴ And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. CEV ⁴ I saw thrones, and sitting on those thrones were the ones who had been given the right to judge. I also saw the souls of the people who had their heads cut off because they had told about Jesus and preached God's message. They were the same ones who had not worshiped the beast or the idol, and they had refused to let its mark be put on their foreheads or hands. They will come to life and rule with Christ for 1,000 years.
Revelation 20:6

KJV ⁶ Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. CEV ^5-6 These people are the first to be raised to life, and they are especially blessed and holy. The second death has no power over them. They will be priests for God and Christ and will rule with them for 1,000 years. No other dead people were raised to life until 1,000 years later.

It is at this time that, as foretold by Paul, ‘the saints shall judge the world.’ 1 Corinthians 6:2

KJV ² Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? CEV ² Don't you know that God's people will judge the world? And if you are going to judge the world, can't you settle small problems?

In union with Christ they judge the wicked, comparing their acts with the statute book, the Bible, and deciding every case according to the deeds done in the body. Then the portion which the wicked must suffer is meted out, according to their works; and it is recorded against their names in the book of death.

“Satan also and evil angels are judged by Christ and His people. Says Paul: ‘Know ye not that we shall judge angels?’ 1 Corinthians 6:3

KJV ³ Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? CEV ³ Don't you know we will judge angels? And if this is so, we can surely judge everyday matters.

And Jude declares that ‘the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, He hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.’ Jude 6

KJV ⁶ And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. CEV ⁶ You also know about the angels who didn't do their work and left their proper places. God chained them with everlasting chains and is now keeping them in dark pits until the great day of judgment.

(Ellen G. White, The Great Controversy (Mountain View, CA: Pacific Press, 1911), 660, 661.)

After this week’s study of the chapter, where are areas in your personal life that need to be opened up to God?

Where are areas in your family, school, work, and church life that need to be opened up to God?

FRI – inQuire

What parallels do you find between the following passages?

Revelation 6:14-17

KJV ¹⁴ And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. ¹⁵ And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; ¹⁶ And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: ¹⁷ For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? CEV ¹⁴ Then the sky was rolled up like a scroll, and all mountains and islands were moved from their places. ¹⁵ The kings of the earth, its famous people, and its military leaders hid in caves or behind rocks on the mountains. They hid there together with the rich and the powerful and with all the slaves and free people. ¹⁶ Then they shouted to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us! Hide us from the one who sits on the throne and from the anger of the Lamb. ¹⁷ That terrible day has come! God and the Lamb will show their anger, and who can face it?”

Revelation 20:11

KJV 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. CEV ¹¹ I saw a great white throne with someone sitting on it. Earth and heaven tried to run away, but there was no place for them to go.

What event are these verses describing?

What evidence do we have that God functions on the basis of the principle of “innocent until proven guilty in a court of law?”

If God knows all, does He really need a judgment?

During the thousand years the wicked dead will stand before God in judgment – Revelation 20:12

KJV 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. CEV ¹² I also saw all the dead people standing in front of that throne. Every one of them was there, no matter who they had once been. Several books were opened, and then the book of life was opened. The dead were judged by what those books said they had done.

How can dead people stand before God?

Why does God allow the righteous to participate in the judgment of Satan and the wicked during the millennium?

1 Corinthians 6:1-3

KJV ¹ Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unjust, and not before the saints? ² Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world? and if the world shall be judged by you, are ye unworthy to judge the smallest matters? ³ Know ye not that we shall judge angels? how much more things that pertain to this life? CEV ¹ When one of you has a complaint against another, do you take your complaint to a court of sinners? Or do you take it to God's people? ² Don't you know that God's people will judge the world? And if you are going to judge the world, can't you settle small problems? ³ Don't you know we will judge angels? And if this is so, we can surely judge everyday matters.

Revelation 20:4-6

KJV ⁴ And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. ⁵ But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. ⁶ Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years. CEV ⁴ I saw thrones, and sitting on those thrones were the ones who had been given the right to judge. I also saw the souls of the people who had their heads cut off because they had told about Jesus and preached God's message. They were the same ones who had not worshiped the beast or the idol, and they had refused to let its mark be put on their foreheads or hands. They will come to life and rule with Christ for 1,000 years. ^5-6 These people are the first to be raised to life, and they are especially blessed and holy. The second death has no power over them. They will be priests for God and Christ and will rule with them for 1,000 years. No other dead people were raised to life until 1,000 years later.

How does the extended meaning of the word spirit help us understand the manner in which the wicked dead stand before God?

What is the meaning of, “the sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them”, stated in Revelation 20:13

KJV 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. CEV ¹³ The sea gave up the dead people who were in it, and death and its kingdom also gave up their dead. Then everyone was judged by what they had done.
Compare with Isaiah 26:19

KJV ¹⁹ Thy dead men shall live, together with my dead body shall they arise. Awake and sing, ye that dwell in dust: for thy dew is as the dew of herbs, and the earth shall cast out the dead. CEV ¹⁹ Your people will rise to life! Tell them to leave their graves and celebrate with shouts. You refresh the earth like morning dew; you give life to the dead.

Why is it necessary that Satan and the wicked will witness the record of their lives after the millennium?

How do you explain that we are saved by grace through faith, but we are judged by works?