Tag: final judgment
Saved by the Son!
Scripture reading for April 22nd: John 12, Psalm 80, Proverbs 18
Key Scriptures: John 12:44-48 “And Jesus cried out and said, “Whoever believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him Who sent Me. And whoever sees Me sees Him Who sent Me. I have come into the world as light, so that whoever believes in Me may not remain in darkness. If anyone hears My words and does not keep them, I do not judge him; for I did not come to judge the world but to save world. The one who rejects Me and does not receive My words has a judge; the word that I have spoke will judge him on the last day.””
Jesus explained that believing in Him and His words was the same as believing in the Father, who sent Him. He was the light that revealed the Father who was the unseen Spirit. Hearing Jesus’ words brings responsibility and ultimate judgment. Hearing and disobeying or rejecting Jesus’ words will bring judgment and those words will judge the person at the final judgment.
Faith Confession: Jesus, I receive You and Your words and know that they are words from the Father. Help me to share Your words with others so they may hear and obey.
Psalm 80:17-18 “But let Your hand be on the Man of Your right hand, the Son of man whom You have made strong for Yourself. Then we shall not turn back from You; give us life, and we will call upon Your Name.”
“I Am Coming Soon!”
Scripture reading for December 31st: Revelation 20-22
The end of the Bible tells of a new beginning! All who were faithful to Christ get to live in a new heaven and new earth where righteousness dwells. All who enjoy this new beginning have been faithful and trusted Christ. He has faithfully done what He promised.
John sees a Holy City, the new Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God. This city is prepared like a bride for her husband. (Revelation 21:2) A voice from heaven announces that the dwelling place of God is among men and He will live with them. He will comfort them and change the order of their existence. There will be no more tears, crying or pain. God is making everything new and His word is sure!
There will be some who won’t enjoy these new eternal accommodations. These are the cowardly and unbelieving, those who put off deciding to follow the Lord. Those who are murderers and are sexually immoral will not be invited in. Those practicing the occult and living lies will also be excluded and sent to the lake of burning sulfur. This lake is the second death spoken of at the Great White Throne judgment. (Revelation 20:14-15)
However, the new Jerusalem contains the most precious and beautiful treasures for the redeemed. There is the river of life that flows from the throne of God. It’s waters are crystal clear and flowing abundantly. The banks of the river are lined with the tree of life, bearing fruit each month of the year. It’s leaves bring healing to the nations. The best treasure of all is that those who dwell in this city will have God and the Lamb dwelling in their midst and they will see His face! What blessed peace and joy will be ours when we see Him and behold Him in all His glory!
“Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. Blessed are those who wash their robes that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city.” (Revelation 22:12-14)
Three times in this final chapter the Lord speaks of His soon return, and the final “blessed” concerns those who have their wedding clothes ready for His coming! The Spirit and Bride conclude with an invitation to all to come and join the Bridal party of those waiting for the soon return! Just reading the invitation to this party makes me want to be ready! May you be ready too!
As we come to the last day of this year, I am so blessed to have been able to write through the entire Bible. It is something that I haven’t done before but hope to do again next year! I know that I have experienced Jesus Christ in every book. I also know the Lord’s heart better and feel that I have grown spiritually in ways that I would not have without writing. Thank you for sharing this journey with me and please join me again next year! In His Love, Pastor John Morse