THE FINAL CHAPTER
How a book begins and ends is of utmost importance. The Bible has been the bestselling book by a mile for generations and with good reason- exclusively within it is life. It is illuminating to look at the final chapter of Revelation, the last book in the Bible.
Judgment of God: While the Bible predominantly describes Jesus as a gentle Lamb who is constantly pleading with the world to turn away from sin and receive Him as a Savior, Revelation describes a Jesus who judges the world with righteousness. Just like workers who come before their boss to receive an evaluation of their job, we all will stand before Jesus, the One and only who can judge, because He alone paid for our sins with His blood. Our lives will unravel before our eyes and every act, word and thought will be judged to see our synchronicity with God. Above all our decision to accept or reject Christ as our Savior will become the basic standard for the provision of eternal life. For one who constantly endures through this world, being rejected and shamed because of his faith, that moment will finally bring justice home.
Too late to change: The final chapter of Revelation is also a final chapter of the history of this world. That which is discovered today by an earnest seeker, but hidden to those who choose to be led astray by the many deceptions in this world, will be crystal clear for all to see. And while many would be hoping and pleading for a second chance, there wont be any. ‘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’ (Revelation 22:11). The inability to change will be dramatic and we are beginning to see signs of it around the world. Be it religious extremism or materialism or autocratic governments that impede people from receiving the truth of Christ, the world around is increasingly becoming resistant to the life-giving gospel of Jesus.
The immutability of Christ: Today when the gospel of Jesus is presented, a few receive it and find salvation; the majority rejects Him and shows Him the door. The Christian faith is not one that is spread by coercion or force unlike some other religions and when a person decides to reject the gospel, Jesus respects the decision of a person and walks away. But rejecting Christ does not mean that He will go away forever. The final chapter shows Christ exalted above all else and ruling the universe and nations with righteousness and justice. And while that is hidden today, it wont be when all is said and done. Jesus’ words are striking, “Behold, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to everyone according to what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Rev 22:12,13).
Today is the day of salvation; the final chapter is one of judgment and reward. Let us not harden our hearts but find salvation as Jesus extends His hand to one and all and receive Him while the offer still remains.
