FromNowUntilForeverBook8.5x5.5 REV.indd

returned excitedly from a fruitful ministry venture, Jesus said, “Do not rejoice in this; that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven” (Luke 10:20).Paul sought help for colleagues whose names “Are in the book of life” (Philippians 4:3). What really excites me is that the number of people in this book just keeps growing and growing, minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day. Since angels rejoice in heaven every time someone is converted on earth (Luke 15:10), there’s a consistent celebration over the ever increasing population of believers, which surely amounts to several billion by now! Tragically, the names of those brought before the great white throne will not appear in the book of life.That being the case, all they will have to present to Jesus is what is listed in the other book referred to in Revelation 20:12, the: Book of deeds- This is a written record of the works of all people, both saved and lost. Christ will no doubt make good use of this at the judgment seat of believers, detailed in chapter 11. Tragically, these deeds, no matter how marvelous, do no good for the lost, whose names do not appear in this book of life. Those appearing at the great white throne, never having embraced and appropriated the deeds of Jesus, particularly His death on the Cross, are left with nothing to show for them- selves besides their own feeble works. To help clarify, consider if an unbeliever puts together a five-minute multi-media presentation of the most religious and righteous moments of his/her life to present to the Lord on judgment day. Contained in this presentation is the person feeding the hungry, attending church regularly, giving gen- erously, and serving those in need, and other deeds. Having

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