The influence and power of the deceiver of all the deceived, that is the devil, has an expiration date. When his time is up, he is cast into a kingdom ablaze with putrid smelling brimstone.
“Then I saw a great white throne and Him who sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And there was found no place for them.” [2]
One of the devil’s deceptions was that people should fear to offend him more than God.
“And I saw the dead, small and great, standing before God, and books were opened. And another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged according to their works, by the things which were written in the books.” [3]
Those who trusted in their works to save them are judged by their works. Their works fell far short of God’s expectation. Only the saving work of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross, can atone for our sins and wipe our criminal records clean.
“The sea gave up the dead who were in it, and Death and Hades delivered up the dead who were in them. And they were judged, each one according to his works. Then Death and Hades were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.” [4]
Are our names in the Book of Life? Yes, if we believe in Jesus Christ...
“Jesus said to her, ‘I am the RESURRECTION and the LIFE. He who BELIEVES in ME, though he may die, he shall LIVE.’” [5]
“Therefore HE is also able to SAVE to the uttermost those who come to God through HIM, since HE always LIVES to make intercession for them.” [6]
“For by GRACE you have been SAVED through FAITH, and that not of yourselves; it is THE GIFT OF GOD, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” [7]
[1] Revelation 20:10
[2] Revelation 20:11
[3] Revelation 20:12
[4] Revelation 20:13-15
[5] John 11:25
[6] Hebrews 7:25
[7] Ephesians 2:8-9
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