READ: Malachi 1,2; Proverbs 31; Revelation 21
SCRIPTURE: Revelation 21: 27
Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or
deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
OBSERVATION: Many people from developing and
under-developed countries desire to move or live in developed countries for
various reasons. They make desperate efforts to achieve it. However, a person
cannot quickly get a Visa and entry permit to such countries. People do not
give up their efforts seeing the hurdles in getting a Visa or entry permit. The
harder the rules are the harder they try to get it. Finally, when they get the
citizenship of their desired country, they feel as if they have achieved
something great thing. In Rev. 21, we see an appealing description of God’s new
Heaven, new earth, and the new heavenly Jerusalem. The blessed life in the new
heaven is incomparable to the riches of any earthly country.
People whose names are in the book of
life alone can enter into the new city of God. When Christians talk about
heaven, we see that they often talk about who would not enter heaven and warn
people about it. In Rev.3:5, we read that “the one who is victorious” will have
their names written on the book of life. Jesus promises that the faithful believers’
names will be in the book of life. Apostle Paul writes the suffering believers
in Philippi, “our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from
there, the Lord Jesus Christ” (Phil.3:20). When the 72 disciples whom Jesus
sent for God’s kingdom work returned and reported with great joy about the
power of Jesus’ name in their ministry, Jesus said, “do not rejoice that the spirits
submit to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven” (Luke
10:17-20). All those who believe Jesus, the bread of life, those who listen to
his words and obey them, and those who are led by the Holy Spirit and live holy
will inherit eternal life.
When the slain Lamb of God opens the
book of life, the faithful disciples will receive their due reward from the
Lord. There will be unspeakable and indescribable joy among the believers in the
New Jerusalem. They will sing, “Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord.” Let us remember:
Our faith in Jesus Christ is not vain. When we are saved by grace through
faith, we begin a new life on this earth to live faithfully to serve God and
will continue to live with Jesus in eternity also. How much more grateful we
should be for God’s great salvation!
APPLICATION: My faith in Jesus
Christ holds promise for the present life and the life to come. I cannot come before God by any works I have
done but only by God's grace! God saves me because of his love, not because
something good is in me. Without any discrimination, I must share God’s love with
all who need it and invite them to believe Jesus and register their name in the
book of life and live in eternity.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father,
thank you for your promise of eternal life. Jesus, thank you for your salvation.
Holy Spirit, help me to live a life worthy of the Lord expectantly wait for the
fulfillment of God’s promise in my life. Amen.
- Arputharaj Samuel
+91 9538328573
Day – 364
(Tamil version
of this devotion is posted here)
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