11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire.
21 Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. 4 He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.”
5 And he who was seated on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” Also he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 And he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. 7 The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. 8 But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.”
It seems that most people today are not concerned by Death. When people hear the word "Cancer" or "Terminal", what do they think? Most of us decide that we are going to start fighting. Some go out and start fundraisers or help search for the cure, when a family member hears these words. How many ask if their name is written in the Book of Life? How many wonder into which Lake they will be thrown?
Have you been purified by Fire and Water? Will you find yourself in the Lake of the Fire? Is your Name written in the Book of Life? I do not mean on a church roster or some book found in your church office. God opens up the book of Life and looks for names. Those whose names are found int he book are brought into the Holy City, the New Jerusalem which descends from Heaven. Those who do not have their names found will be cast into the Lake of Fire with Satan and Hades and Death.
Is your name in that book? Have you been Baptized into Christ's death and resurrection? John the Baptist tells us Christ will Baptize you with Fire and the Holy Spirit. In your baptism you were purified by Fire and Water. In your Baptism you were redeemed of all your transgressions. Your name has been written in the Book of Life, by your Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the World. The second death has no hold on you. Do not fear the Lake of Fire, but show concern for others who will be cast into the Lake of Fire.
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