ENDURING TO THE END

We are not saved because we endure, but we endure because we are saved. The grace of God that saves us, secures us, and sustains us. Even though Revelation 14 speaks specifically of those who will come to faith in a future time of tribulation, it also applies generally to saints of all the ages, and their “patience,” that is, their perseverance, (v. 12-13).  Those who are blood-washed and born again belong to Christ and endure to the end.

We note their RIGHTEOUSNESS,  “here are those who keep the commandments of God and the faith of Jesus,” (v. 12b).  Because we are kept by the grace of God, we are governed by God and keep His commands. As has been said, “Faith alone saves, but saving faith is never alone.”  Faith in Christ is the root of our salvation, but obedience is the fruit of it.

Further, we find their REST,  “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: ‘ “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” ’  ‘ “Yes,” ‘ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors,’ “ (v. 13a). The righteous who are faithful unto death need not fear death when it comes. If we are “in the Lord,” having a genuine relationship with Him, then we die in the Lord’s arms, as He rocks us to sleep, and carries us home.

Then comes their REWARD, “ ‘and their works follow them,’ ” (v. 13b).  The all-knowing God is documenting every deed done in His name and for His glory. Others may not take notice. We may never get recognition here, but we are assured of reward hereafter!  This reality is echoed in Hebrews 6:10,  “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.”

So, servant of God—press on!  Do not think about quitting!  So long as God keeps you here, keep true to Him, and He will keep you by His grace to endure to the end!

RETRIBUTION OR REST?

“since it is a righteous thing with God to repay with tribulation those who trouble you, and to give you who are troubled rest with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (‭2 Thessalonians‬ ‭1:6-8‬‬)

We are going to spend eternity somewhere—heaven or hell. We can receive retribution, paying the price for what we have earned as we experience the justice and wrath of God, or we can enter rest, because Christ paid the price for us in suffering the wrath and justice demanded in His death on the cross.

What is the “rest” Paul mentions here?  This is how it is described in Revelation 14:13, “Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.“‘ ‘Yes,’ says the Spirit, ‘that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.’”

This eternal rest is heaven—the everlasting home of the saints.  It is the place where we will abide in the presence of God in the fullness of His glory, where we will worship Christ and see Him face to face, where we will be united with loved ones gone before us, and where there will be no sin, no sorrow, no sickness—no more.

What a day that will be!  Give praise to God who sent His Son to die that we might live, to suffer the punishment we merit so we can have His merits by faith and enter His rest!

OUR KEEPER

The LORD is your keeper….  (Psalm 121:5)

God’s children are His special treasure.  He guards His gems.  Peter says we are, “kept by the power of God…” (1 Pet.1:5).  Recently, I saw a quote from Pastor John MacArthur that underscored this, “If you could lose your salvation, you would.”  God is our Keeper and that is good news!  It is also the theme of Psalm 121.

The Psalmist points to THE SOURCE OF HELP (v.1-2).  Look to Him.  When we look around us, we see nothing but problems.  When we look within us, we see nothing but inadequacy—or foolishly arrogant self-sufficiency.  When we look above us, we find a God mighty to save!  As the author would climb the hills to Jerusalem, at last on Mt. Zion, he would reach the Temple where dwelt the glory of God.  Surely the One who called into existence the universe by the sheer power of His spoken word can help us—no matter the seeming enormity of our need!

We can know THE STABILITY OF HEAVEN (v.3a).  Stand on Him.  There are many slippery paths.  There are stones aplenty to stumble over.  A fall can be disastrous.  Yet, our steps can be steadfast, for God steadies us.  He is the Rock—our firm foundation.

We are comforted by THE SLEEPLESSNESS OF YAHWEH (v.3b-4).  Rest in Him.  Why should I stay awake at night—tossing and turning with a mind filled with anxiety?  God stays awake, watching over me, so there is no point in both of us being up!  I think of a loving parent, rising in the darkness to look into an infant’s cradle, making sure the baby is alright.  That is what our Heavenly Father does for us.  “Now, I lay me down to sleep; I pray the Lord, my soul to keep.

We are given THE SHELTER OF GOD (v.5-6).  Run to Him.  The sun’s light need not scorch us by day.  The moon’s beams need not keep us awake by night.  He is the shelter we can find—twenty-four hours, through all the days of our life.  The sun and moon are symbolic for one day—and thus, we have all day protection.  The right hand is mentioned, representing human need.  God fills that empty hand with His provision.

We trust in THE SECURITY OF SALVATION (v.7-8).  Trust in Him.  No evil can destroy the child of God.  That does not mean we are exempt from pain—even our body may become sick and death can come.  True harm to the real you is not a threat, however, if you know Christ. Our soul will be preserved.  No power on earth or scheme of hell can touch the real man or woman we are—our redeemed soul—that dwells in this house of clay.  Actually, the body also will be ultimately preserved, raised in a glorified state in the resurrection.  When I leave home in the morning, God travels with me.  When I arrive home in the evening, He has been with me.  At last, at the end of life’s journey, God will usher me into eternity where I will abide in His presence forevermore!

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.  (1 Thess.5:23)