Question:
Why is the book of life opened in rev. 20:13 if this is the judgment of the wicked dead? And why does it say in v15 that whosoever was not found written in the book of life….
Answer:
There are three different types of books at the Great White Throne Judgment. The only people appearing at this judgment are lost people. They are there to be judged and cast into the Lake of Fire.
First, the Bible is one of the Books that will be there. John 12:48 says, “He that rejecteth me, and receiveth not my words, hath one that judgeth him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day.”
Second, there will be Books of Works there. It will be written proof of their sinful deeds. Revelation 20:12 says, “and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Matthew 12:36,37 says, “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment. For by thy words thou shalt be justified, and by thy words thou shalt be condemned.”
Third, the Book of Life will be there. Revelation 20:12, “and another book was opened, which is the book of life.” This will be the final proof to show that they were never saved — their names are not recorded there.
The Bible is there, to show how people were taught to be saved, despite their rejection of it. The Books of Works are there, to show the sinful deeds that people did in their lives. And the Book of Life is there, to show that their names are missing — showing that they never trusted Jesus Christ to save them, and thus have no part nor right to go to heaven.
Have you repented of your sin and trusted Jesus Christ to save you?