December 31, 2022
And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)
The book of Revelation is an accounting by God through the Apostle John of all that will happen in the final chapters of human history on this present earth. It is given in both literal and symbolic language to us. Although there are some disagreements about how to interpret parts of the Revelation, there is no confusion about the final result.
THE ENDGAME
The only perfectly righteous Judge will judge “the small and the great.” Those who have trusted in Christ for their forgiveness and salvation will be spared this judgment, for their judgment has fallen on Christ. The future for them promises all the glory of a new, sinless Paradise, made ready by God.
But every person in human history who has rejected Christ will face a sure and eternal judgment. Their deeds will add to their punishment for ignoring God every day. His judgment will be accurate, just, and final. The unbelieving will be forever separated from the glorious kingdom of God, experiencing eternal torment in the “lake of fire.” No words can give a description of this as compelling as its reality.
You may laugh at this and ignore these words once again. But there will be no laughter on that day. Those who laughed at Noah’s ark made fun until the door closed, and the rains came, never ceasing till everything on earth perished but those safe in God’s ark. There was no escape and no appeal then. And there will be none in the final judgment.
A FINAL CHANCE
… is yours today to turn to Christ. To run to Him as your only source of forgiveness, cleansing, salvation, and eternal life. To cry out to Him in faith, embracing His gracious gift of deliverance.
All your resolutions and goals—personal, relational, professional, and financial—are temporary and will seem so trivial on that day. They pale in comparison to this singular eternal question:
Is your name written in the book of life?
If it is not, nothing else matters.
February 18, 2025
I have known many people who have had great joy and power in the midst of great suffering. It is humbling that the slightest inconveniences deter many of us from following God. We have not gotten to the bottom—settled the issue. Most often, we live for our comfort, reputation, or gain. When any of those goals are touched, we are troubled and discontent.
February 17, 2025
The repentant who finds God gains everything. “He who has God and everything else,” said C.S. Lewis, “has no more than he who has God alone.”
February 12, 2025
Repentance helps us. Repentance heals us. Repentance restores us and refreshes us. And these are all the outcomes a loving Father desires for His children.
