Open Book

Revelation 2:10-11 Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, because the time is near. 11 Let him who does wrong continue to do wrong; let him who is vile continue to be vile; let him who does right continue to do right; and let him who is holy continue to be holy.”
 
WHEN the Lord gave to Daniel several visions of the future, he told Danial at one point, “But you, Daniel, close up and seal the words of the scroll until the time of the end. Many will go here and there to increase knowledge.” (Daniel 12:4) God gave to the prophets of old many visions to point to Jesus and his eternal kingdom. But he did not reveal all.
   Then Jesus came in the flesh to more fully reveal God to us: John 14:9b (Jesus said) “Anyone who has seen me has seen the Father.” Then the Spirit came to begin the church and prepare the world for God’s complete salvation plan. The Old Covenant is complete. The New Covenant is leading us to a new heaven and earth. It is time for John, the church and the world to know God will complete his plan.
   We praise God he has given us the Bible to reveal his plan. We see throughout its pages the promise, power, purpose and provision our Father in Heaven has for his children. And we see his judgment on those who reject him. Yes, it is essential to know there is a right way to God. All mankind is not one family under God. People cannot choose their own way and still go God’s way. Only God’s children can know the way to Heaven and call God, “Father.” John 1:12-13 Yet to all who received him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God – children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband's will, but born of God.
   Some people are vile, and some are holy. “Vile” is a harsh word, isn’t it? It means “dreadful”, “awful” and “revolting”. Vile sin separates mankind from God – the worst fate of all. Evil has ignited a fire of discontent into humanity’s soul. Many of God’s created order revolts against him as they refuse to trust his Word is life.
   But God’s children are holy – blessed and divine – when we receive Jesus as Lord and believe in his name. Our Spirit-empowered faith makes us clean before God. Jesus’ blood washes away the vile sin and dresses us in his holy robes of redemption.
   When he says, “Let him who is vile continue to be vile.” The Lord is not approving of sin. He is affirming some will remain vile in his sight and some will be holy. When he comes, there will be no time for change. One’s relationship with God, either vile or holy at that moment, will be forever.
   This is an urgent plea to the sinner. All must know there is the right, holy way to Heaven. God has given us time now. But at the moment of Jesus’ return, all time will be done.
   Where are you today? Are you vile before God’s eyes? Or are you the Father’s holy child covered with Jesus’ atoning blood?
 
Prayer: Lord God, you have revealed to mankind all we need to know to be holy before you. I pray for many who are your enemies will become your children today. Amen.