In the last book of the Bible we read at least four descriptions of those who will be in heaven. My dear reader, are these true of you?
The first of several songs of praise to be found in this same book commences with the words, “Unto Him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in His own blood” Revelation 1.5. It is evident that those who will populate heaven, have been cleansed from the defilement of sin. The unsullied purity and holiness of that celestial abode can never be contaminated by the loathsome defilement of sin; “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie …” Revelation 21.27. If you compare yourself with others, you may never be persuaded about your unclean state but when you stand in the fullest, purest, clearest light of the holiness of God Who “is light, and in Him is no darkness at all” 1John 1.5, you will understand your unfitness to be where God dwells. God’s verdict is final and non-negotiable, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” Romans 3.23.
Have you been cleansed? If not, then why not avail yourself of the cleansing power of the precious blood of Jesus Christ, God’s Son, which cleanseth from all sin, 1John 1.7.
Another great song, described as “a new song” is heard in heaven in Revelation chapter 5. Among the words of praise ascribed to the Lamb are these, “For Thou wast slain, And hast redeemed us to God by Thy blood …” Revelation 5.9. Another characteristic of those who will be in heaven is that they have been redeemed from the bondage of sin. Redemption suggests deliverance because of a price that has been paid. One of the greatest causes of joy in the heart of a believer is the knowledge that we have been delivered from the power of sin presently and from its penalty forever. The Son of God willingly took our place upon the cross and sustained the full punishment that was due to our sins. “Because the sinless Saviour died, my sinful soul is counted free; For God the Just is satisfied to look on Him and pardon me.” Dear Reader, have you that assurance that you will never be in hell because you have trusted Him Who “…bare our sins in His own body on the tree” 1Peter 2.24. If not, then hell is inescapable!
Revelation 21.24 further describes the inhabitants of heaven as “them which are saved”. They have been rescued from the very real consequences of their sins. They were not able to accomplish this by their own efforts; they could not purchase this salvation at any price; it could never be merited but it can be received. “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord” Romans 6.23. It is the product of the atoning sufferings and death of the Lord Jesus Christ and can only be obtained by faith in Him, Acts 4.12.
Finally, the closing words of Revelation chapter 21 emphasise that those who will be in heaven, “…are written in the Lamb’s book of life”. By wondrous grace their names are in God’s great register, inscribed there the moment they trusted Christ and never to be obliterated from those pages. Is your name there, my friend? That is all important for “whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” Revelation 20.15.
Do you fit the picture? God has graphically described those who will share His home forever. If these descriptions are not true of you, why not, just now, trust Christ, the only Saviour of sinners and start for heaven, assured that you will be there eternally.
Written by a Guest Blogger (Assembly Testimony 2010) for FTMP
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