REVELATION 20.11 I saw a great white throne, and him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. There was found no place for them. 20.12 I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works.
REVELATION 20.13 The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades [or, Hell] gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to his works. 20.14 Death and Hades [or, Hell] were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 20.15 If anyone was not found written in the book of life, he was cast into the lake of fire. -WEB Bible
This amazing image of Judgment Day is exceptionally well-organized and conveys the drama of this dreaded day. At the top of the image is the typical scene in heaven, with figures that we are now familiar with:
- Jesus Christ on the white throne, with Mary and a disciple (or possibly John the Baptist) standing behind him.
- Christ holds a cross as his scepter, and a book because he is the Word of God, the Alpha and Omega.
- The four Seraphim are on each side, and under the throne.
- The twenty-four Elders are sitting on their thrones.
- Many angels are arranged in this scene, as well as archangels in beautiful uniforms.
In the center of the image stands the Accused, with Satan the serpent on the right, pointing an accusing finger at him, as he reads off the list of offenses.
- Behind the Accused stands an angel with the Book of Life in one hand and a set of measuring scales in the other.
- On the right side of the image, many poor souls have already been thrown into the lake of fire.
- On the left side of the image, many people have been judged and their names were found in the Book of Life, so they stand watching the proceedings. Their eyes are lifted up to Christ.
- In the lower left, angels with trumpets call forth the dead for their turn at the Judgment seat.
We know from scriptures that there will be
- Judgment for unbelievers
- Judgment for believers to examine their deeds and give rewards
IMAGE CREDIT: Russian artist Viktor Mikhaylovich Vasnetsov, 1848-1926.