The Great White Throne judgment is the final judgment of the wicked dead, described in Revelation 20:11–15. It is the moment when all those who rejected God are resurrected, judged according to their works, and cast into the lake of fire.
Revelation 20:11–12 says:
“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it… And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened.”
This judgment is distinct from the judgment seat of Christ, which is for believers (2 Corinthians 5:10). The Great White Throne judgment is only for the unrighteous who have not been born again.
Verse 13–15 continues:
“The sea gave up the dead who were in it… and they were judged, each one according to his works… And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.”
The “books” contain the deeds of the unrighteous. While salvation is by grace through faith, judgment for the lost is based on their works, which reveal their rejection of God and His righteousness.
The Book of Life is also present, confirming that those being judged were not among the saved. Their names are not found in it, because they chose sin over salvation.
This terrifying punishment underscores the seriousness of rejecting God’s mercy. The time for grace is now. Those who refuse the gospel will face this judgment. But those who are in Christ will not come into condemnation (John 5:24).
The Great White Throne judgment shows God’s perfect justice and the fulfillment of all His warnings.
