Reading for May 17th

THE ACTS OF SALVATION In 20.11-22.5: Three visions close out John's story. The dead are raised and judged; the world is renewed; and the city of God is established. Read Revelation 20.11-15 In 20,11-15: The judgment of the dead. The great white throne recalls 4.2, but white now because it represents the victory won in battles. In verse 12: The image of the books of deeds plays on the metaphor of the finality of the written word and the lived life. The book of life is the book that gives life (as the tree of life, 2.7; 22.4). In verse 14: The sea, death, and Hades (the grave) are the three repositories of the dead, here clearly meaning their bodies. The second death is now identified with the lake of fire but not described as an eternal torment. This would seem to the be the end of evil, but see 22.11, 15. Comments or Questions..