20 SEPTEMBER (PREACHED OLNEY FAIR DAY)
The book of life
‘And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. 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.’ Revelation 20:11–12
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Matthew 25:31–46
How dreadful when they shall be found sinners against the law, and judgement given against them according to these books. What is the sentence? Read Matthew 25. But will this be the end of all mankind, seeing all have sinned against God? This is what we have all deserved, but we are told of another book: the book of life. What is this, but the revelation of God’s love and mercy by Jesus Christ and his purpose to pardon and accept and bless all who are found believers in his name.
Be not afraid, you that have fled to Jesus for refuge. He, your Saviour, will be your Judge—and he himself will with strict justice overrule every charge against you. It will then appear, and you will not be backward to own it, that you have been great sinners, great debtors, but Jesus will put in a plea in arrest of judgement, and say, Deliver them from going down to the pit, I have found ransom [Job 33:24]. The more you think of the terrors of that, you will see the more cause to bless and praise him.
FOR MEDITATION:
But the book of life I see,
May my name be written there!
Then from guilt and danger free,
Glad I’ll meet him in the air:
That’s the book I hope to plead,
’Tis the gospel opened wide;
Lord, I am a wretch indeed!
I have sinned, but thou hast died.
SERMON: REVELATION 20:11–12 [5/6] [EASTER MONDAY EVENING]
Milo 