JOHN’S VISION

HH, Sir Godfrey Gregg D.Div

“And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” Revelation 20:12

I saw the dead, John says, his eyes anointed with the Spirit’s eye salve. I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God.

The vision has its sad and serious meaning:
It dissipates so roughly my fond and foolish dreams; for it is the assurance that even death will not open a door into quiet oblivion and rest. It overturns so completely my favourite tests and standards of conduct; for it carries me not to the bar of self or of society or of friends — but of God and the great white throne. It rebukes all pride and exclusiveness; for it destroys class distinctions, and sets the small side by side with the great — it tells me that rank and culture and correctness of belief will not help me unless I have hidden in the high tower of the Rock of Ages. And it cuts off a thousand vain hopes. For who can conceal himself from the King’s gaze? Who can escape the King’s verdict?

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But the vision has its bright and blessed meaning:
It promises the children of God a full and abundant life. It promises them a large and glorious brotherhood. It promises them a confirmed and unspotted holiness. The pillar of Cloud and Fire, which is so disquieting to Egypt — is a token of good to Israel.

May the grace of God prepare me here — for standing before Him yonder.