The book of Revelation isn’t day-by-day history.
It depicts events on heaven and earth from the perspective of eternity. The viewpoint of eternity is “now.” God sees everything now – past, present, and future. We can trust God because He knows all things because He sees it all happening right now.
The four living beings surrounding the throne are depicted with eyes, lots of eyes:
And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind. Revelation 4:6 ESV
The eyes are indicative of God’s vision, His presence, and His view of time.
It happened, it happens, and it will happen – God sees it now. Nothing can be hidden. Scripture shows that we will be judged for actions, by our inner thoughts, and for motives.
Everything about us will be visible on Judgment Day.
I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. Revelation 20:12
Do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God. 1 Corinthians 4:5
With God, the proverbial “you don’t get away with anything” is true! Realize that because God sees everything now, no one can lie or deceive because it will be there “now” for everyone to see.
Think of the implications for you on Judgment Day:
Those thoughts that you keep to yourself – everyone will listen. Even your mother!
That million dollars given (or just one hundred). Everyone thought you generous, but it opened the door for a business deal. No reward in heaven!
Did you go on a mission trip to “serve the poor” but wanted to gain the attention of a really attractive person?
Fortunately, most of us will admit to similar behavior on Judgment Day.
Justice will be administered. Everything known. As we see the purity of God’s love, our racial attitudes, and our justifications of sin – will all be seen as self-serving lies.
In movies, villains sleep peacefully after committing acts of violence. The hardhearted of the earth will feel sorrow in God’s presence. Their mental defenses destroyed, narcissism extinguished – the purity of God will reveal stains of sin. All will confess, and all cry out for mercy.
Since salvation is by faith, those without faith:
Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” Revelation 6:15-17
Time to renew your faith!
Interruptions will feature the book of Revelation in 2021. Read #280, #281, #295, #307,
#316, #333 and #343 at grantedwardsauthor.com for previous blogs on Revelation.