The wicked need to know what awaits them after death, in the hope that they will change their minds and behaviour while they still have time.

The Bible tells us:

“I saw a great white throne, and Him Who sat on it … 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

The Books were opened

What books are these? There are many books described in Scripture but here I draw attention to what happens when these books are opened.

In summary, it means that the thoughts, speech and behaviour of every human being will be revealed at the Day of Judgment so that it will be made very clear why everyone receives the judgment that they do.

In this world, people complain about God’s judgments, but Scripture makes clear that this will be explained, especially at the Day of Judgment.

Shocking revelations

These books will reveal the behaviour of every human being, who will be “judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works”.

How do you feel about your thoughts, speech and behaviour being exposed for all to know? This is the prospect ahead of mankind, and it is time that they were told about it and learned what to do about it. It is unlikely that the practitioners of violence and sexual abuse think about it. However, have you heard about it, or thought about it?

This exposure will demonstrate the huge difference between the lives of the godly and the wicked in this world. This difference begins in this life. They are on separating pathways Ps 1:1,4-6. When they die, there will be a huge gulf between them Ps 1:6 and Lk 16:26. Exposing a lifetime of history will show how different are these characters and what they deserve.

Memory

Opening the books recalls memories, as indicated by “a book of remembrance” Mal 3:16. People who are in danger of death sometimes describe seeing the whole of their life unfolding rapidly before their memory. This sharpening of people’s memories reminds us that opening the books will bring to mind many memories that people want to forget.

Their actions: all the deeds done in our bodies will be revealed 2Cor 5:10. “God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” Ecc 12:14.

Their words will be judged and they will have to give account for every idle word they spoke Mat 12:36-37. They will be forced to explain themselves on the Day of Judgment. Why did atheists ignore the Book of Creation Ps 19:1? Why did sceptics ignore God’s Book of Revelation Jn 5:45-47? Why did they ignore God’s providence speaking to them Ps 19:11-13, Rom 1:18-20? Why did they ignore Jesus Christ and His words Jn 12:48? They may want to keep silence, but they will not be allowed to remain silent. They will have “to give account” and their answers will expose that they are without excuse.

Their thoughts will be exposed 1Cor 4:5 and judged for good Mal 3:16 or for ill Act 8:22.

“God will judge the secrets of men” Rom 2:16 and these secrets will be exposed for all to see when the Books are opened . Whatever was hidden from others will now be exposed.

The wicked will not “get away with it” when they die. Worse, this exposure will continue with them throughout eternity, as a fire in their experience that cannot be quenched Mk 9:44.

Utility

It is important to tell everyone this, but in particular violent and immoral people. Such publicity would have a tremendous benefit on current world affairs. Important as this is, it is more important to prepare everyone for “the world to come”. It shows how necessary and how important is the Person and mission of the Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God sent into this world to save sinners from their sins Jn 3:16. How thankful we should be that He knows how to do this. How will He accomplish this? Here is a summary.