The Faith I Live By

Judged From the Records, July 23

Living in the Judgment Hour

For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Ecclesiastes 12:14. FLB 210.1

In the great day of final atonement and investigative judgment, the only cases considered are those of the professed people of God. The judgment of the wicked is a distinct and separate work, and takes place at a later period.... The books of record in heaven, in which the names and the deeds of men are registered, are to determine the decisions of the judgment.... FLB 210.2

The book of life contains the names of all who have ever entered the service of God. Jesus bade His disciples, “Rejoice, because your names are written in heaven.” Luke 10:20. Paul speaks of his faithful fellow workers, “Whose names are in the book of life.” Philippians 4:3.... FLB 210.3

“A book of remembrance” is written before God, in which are recorded the good deeds of “them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.” Malachi 3:16. Their words of faith, their acts of love, are registered in heaven.... FLB 210.4

There is a record also of the sins of men.... The secret purposes and motives appear in the unerring register. FLB 210.5

Every man's work passes in review before God.... Opposite each name in the books of heaven is entered, with terrible exactness, every wrong word, every selfish act, every unfulfilled duty, and every secret sin, with every artful dissembling. Heaven-sent warnings or reproofs neglected, wasted moments, unimproved opportunities, the influence exerted for good or for evil, with its far-reaching results, all are chronicled by the recording angel.^{62The Great Controversy, 480-482.} FLB 210.6

If your name is registered in the Lamb's book of life, then all will be well with you. Be ready and anxious to confess your faults and forsake them, that your mistakes and sins may go beforehand to judgment and be blotted out.^{63Testimonies for the Church 5:331.} FLB 210.7