Bible Reading: Zechariah 9; 10; 11; 12, Revelation 20.
Memory Verse: “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:15 (KJV)
John wrote in Revelation 20:12 (KJV), “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.” So there are two set of books. One is the books and the other is the book of life. Every human being must find his/her name in one of the two books. If your name is not in the book of life, then it will be in the books.
What are the criteria for someone’s name being written in any of the books? The verse above tells us that people’s names are written in the book based on their works on earth. What type of works are you doing now? At home, in your office, in the church of God, in other social places. Do you show love in what you do? Are you impacting lives positively or negatively by your works? Are you causing joy or sorrow in all that you do? Your responses to these and other questions will reveal the type of work you do and in which of the books will your name be written.
It’s important to remember what Apostle James wrote in James 2:19-20 (KJV), “Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devil also believe, and tremble. But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?” So it’s crucial you place a lot of emphasis on your works. When your works impact lives positively with the right motive, then your name will be written in the book of life. But if your works impact life negatively, then your name will be written in other books. And the bible is quite clear on what happens to those whose names are in other books. Revelation 20:15 (KJV) says, “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” This is further explained in verse 10 that those in this fire shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
One can only imagine what the level of pain, suffering and everlasting that sorrow will be. It is therefore imperative that you review your lifestyle to ensure your works impact life positively so as to avoid this fire. If yes, there is just one more step. You need to believe Jesus as your Lord and Saviour and that by his grace, you are saved. Then you will be on the right side of the Lord.
Action Point: Check your life, do you show love in addition to your faith? Everyone who loves truly will have works that impact positively.
Bro. Biodun Oyapero