"Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life." Revelation 21:27
To me, the best part about going out of town is running in new places. I love to just lace up and go with no planned destination. Saturday's run found me in the hospital district of Springfield. As I zigzagged through the parking lots and streets of the individual departments and clinics, I couldn't help but notice that most of them were named after or dedicated to someone. It made me think that each of these people must have done something to make their name worth remembering. If someone took the time to put their name on the side of a building, they must have done something good right? Wouldn't it be great if entering God's kingdom was that easy? If our good works could get us there? These people may have done something worthy of the world to remember but would God know them and welcome them into heaven? Would their names be written in "the book"?
Ephesians 2:8-9 says, "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works" and Romans 10:9 tells us, "if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." The bible is very clear then that works won't get us into heaven. Its only by His grace, and through our faith in Him that we are saved. Good works and deeds are simply the result of our faith. If you love Christ, it's impossible to live a life not loving, serving and helping others.
How wonderful it will then be to find our names written in the "Lamb's book of life"! What are you working for today? To have your name on a plaque or building? Or to ensure that your name is written in the only place that really matters?
Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us the way to eternal life. May we remember that it is not by anything we can do that we are saved, but only by your grace and through our faith. May our works be a result of a heart focused on You and a willingness to serve and love others as You have called us to do. We look forward to the day when we will spend eternity in your presence. In your precious name we pray Jesus, Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Lose my Soul - Toby Mac
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