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- Oct 26, 2007
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- 12,539
And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. Revelation 20:12 ESV
Two sets of books will be opened at the judgment. One will contain every good or bad deed a person has committed. The other will list the name of every believer. Those who die in their sins will face judgment for every single sin.
Imagine the fear and trepidation of the lost as those books are opened and read. Conversely, those who die in Jesus Christ will face no condemnation (Romans 8:1). Even so, believers will (or will not) receive rewards (Matthew 5:12; Luke 6:23; 1 Corinthians 3:14, 9:18)
The Bible promises crowns (priceless rewards) for faithful believers based on their behavior: the crown of life (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10), and imperishable crown (1 Corinthians 9:24-27), the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:6-8), the crown of glory (1 Peter 5:2-4), and the crown of rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19).
Study these passages. Write down the characteristics you need to exhibit. Then begin to consciously and prayerfully live them out, for these are the marks of the transformed believer.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for redeeming me and for being so clear about how I can earn heavenly rewards and crowns.
Two sets of books will be opened at the judgment. One will contain every good or bad deed a person has committed. The other will list the name of every believer. Those who die in their sins will face judgment for every single sin.
Imagine the fear and trepidation of the lost as those books are opened and read. Conversely, those who die in Jesus Christ will face no condemnation (Romans 8:1). Even so, believers will (or will not) receive rewards (Matthew 5:12; Luke 6:23; 1 Corinthians 3:14, 9:18)
The Bible promises crowns (priceless rewards) for faithful believers based on their behavior: the crown of life (James 1:12, Revelation 2:10), and imperishable crown (1 Corinthians 9:24-27), the crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:6-8), the crown of glory (1 Peter 5:2-4), and the crown of rejoicing (1 Thessalonians 2:19).
Study these passages. Write down the characteristics you need to exhibit. Then begin to consciously and prayerfully live them out, for these are the marks of the transformed believer.
Prayer: Lord, thank You for redeeming me and for being so clear about how I can earn heavenly rewards and crowns.
