What does Revelation 20:11 mean?

The throne mentioned in this verse is not the same one mentioned in Revelation 4. That throne was surrounded by a rainbow, symbolic of mercy and everlasting life. Here, John sees a white throne, symbolic of the purity of the One who sits on it. Our Savior and Lord sits on this kind of throne because it is the seat of judgment. Acts 17:31 predicts a coming time of judgment "by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead." This "man" must be Jesus, whom God raised from the dead.

The presence of the Judge on the great white throne causes the earth and sky to flee away. Perhaps the judgment takes place somewhere in outer space, and while it convenes, earth and sky pass away (2 Peter 3:10–13). Bible teachers are divided in their speculation of whether the earth and the heavens will be destroyed or renovated. The word describing the "new" heaven and earth in Revelation 21:1 indicates freshness and might suggest a renovated heaven and earth.

The events described here serve to remind us that God is not "only" loving and merciful, He is also holy, pure, and righteous. Every single sin, of every size and type, must be judged and punished—either through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, or an eternity in hell (John 3:16–18; Romans 6:23).