Bible Reading: Psalm 64; Revelation 20.
“And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” – Revelation – 20:15 (KJV).
The scripture makes it clear that after man’s pilgrimage on earth, he will stand before God on the last day to give account of his life and stewardship on earth. Jesus is now our savior but on the last day he will be the judge. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this, the judgment” – Hebrews 9:27 (KJV). For the believers in Christ Jesus, their stewardship will be tried by fire to determine their reward. “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is” – 1 Corinthians 3:13 (KJV). It is not so much of the volume or size of work but of the quality of work, the motive and the faithfulness. God wants quantity but not at the expense of quality. His standard cannot be compromised for quantity.
For the sinners or unbelievers, however, their condemnation will not be based on their stewardship but on their relationship with Jesus. Anyone that has no relationship with Jesus, who has failed to accept Jesus as Lord and savior, is condemned already. Not because he is irredeemable but because he has not believed in the savior Jesus Christ. Our text concerns sinners who will not embrace the salvation provided by Jesus through his death on the cross and his resurrection in newness of life. Anyone who receives the salvation in Jesus has his name written in the book of life, but all that reject this offer of a savior will be cast into the lake of fire where they will weep and gnash their teeth in pains and agony forever and ever. This is the second death, eternity without Christ and without hope.
Today, Jesus offers himself as a saviour; not willing that any should perish but all who will reject this offer of salvation will have to face the white throne judgment and the wrath of God. The white throne judgment is not for deciding the destination of sinners, that has already been decided by them in rejecting the love of God. “For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life” – John 3:16 (KJV).
PRAYER: Dear Lord, help sinners to come to the knowledge of the truth.
Rev. Vincent Diolu