The Bible tells us that God knows everything, and that He is keeping a record of our lives. On the Judgment Day, we will be required to give an account of what He has recorded (Romans 14:11-12). “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books according to their works” (Revelation 20:12). When we stand before God in judgment, it will be too late to change our eternal destiny.

God sees both the good and the evil that we do. He knows our very thoughts and attitudes-good or bad. “Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do” (Hebrews 4:13). We will be judged by the record of our deeds. “For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil” (Ecclesiastes 12:14).

The Choice is Ours

In this life we can choose to follow Christ and His teachings or to follow the desires of our sinful flesh. In Galatians 5, the Bible lists the sins of the flesh. These are, “Adultery, fornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, idolatry, witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, heresies, envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like” (Galatians 5:19-21). If we are guilty of these, this scripture tells us we cannot inherit the kingdom of God. By the grace of a loving heavenly Father, we receive forgiveness when we repent and believe in Christ. The blood of Christ then covers our sins and they will be erased from the record.

The Bible also lists the fruit that is produced in our lives when we surrender to God. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance…” (Galatians 5:22-23). It is a miracle of grace that we can have this fruit associated with our names in the records in heaven.

The Word of God warns us about the pitfalls and perils that will confront us, “This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away” (2 Timothy 3:1-5). It is evident that conditions in the world are not favorable to Christian living. We are surrounded by evil of every description. Since we are accountable for our every word and deed, we must make those choices that will bring forth the fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives.

There are many passages in the Bible that warn us about neglecting our salvation. “And if the righteous scarcely be saved, where shall the ungodly and the sinner appear?” (1 Peter 4:18). “And the Lord said unto Moses, Whosoever hath sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book” (Exodus 32:33). “Come see a man [Jesus], which told me all things that ever I did” (John 4:29). Although these are sober words, God has promised to forgive our sins when we repent and believe in the atoning blood of Christ. Instead of blotting out our names, He will blot our sins from the records.

Is Your Name in the Book of Life?

In order to have our names written in the book of life, we must accept the invitation of Jesus: “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). No one is exempt from the guilt of sin without the atoning blood of Jesus. Because of His love, He voluntarily shed His blood on the cross for our sins. Jesus said to Nicodemus, “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God” (John 3:3). He also said, “Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 18:3). Jesus invites everyone to come to Him and be saved from sin.

After our names have been written in the book of life we do not want to have them erased. Jesus says, “Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown” (Revelation 3:11). And again, “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). These verses warn us to be watchful and not to neglect our commitment to serve God. Satan, the enemy of our soul, is described as a roaring lion that will devour us if we do not resist him steadfastly in the faith (1 Peter 5:8-9). We need to search God’s Word and be constant in our prayers, or else our salvation may slip away from us. We are promised, “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels” (Revelation 3:5).

Be Ready for the Judgment Day

Today is the day of grace, an opportunity to set our house in order and to prepare for the Judgment Day. When we die, our mortal bodies will return to dust. But when Jesus returns to judge the world on the Resurrection Day, everyone will receive an immortal body that will live eternally in heaven or in hell. If there is any stain of sin on our hearts, let us turn to Jesus today to have it washed away. Then we can be ready to enter heaven on that great and notable day. “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27).

At this moment you are alive, you breathe, you move about or work. You may be living in comfort or existing in misery. The sun rises and sets; somewhere a child is being born; but also somewhere, someone is always dying.

All of life is only a

temporary arrangement.

But,

Where will you go after death?

Whether you are religious,

or simply do not believe in any religion—

You still need to settle this most

important question,

because after a brief earth-life, man goes

to his eternal destiny. (Ecclesiastes 12:5)

But Where?

The cemetery where you will be buried cannot entomb your soul. Though your body was burned at the cremation pyre, it could not consume your soul. If you perished in the depth of the sea, your soul would not drown.

Your soul will never die!

The God of heaven and earth

has said, “All souls are Mine.”

Some place in the hereafter your soul, “the real you,” will meet the deeds done while your body was still alive (in this life)—whether good or bad. Refer to Hebrews 9:27.

You may worship sincerely.

You may feel sorry for your bad deeds.

You may even restore that which was stolen.

Surely these are all necessary—

But—

You cannot atone for your own sins.

The GOD of Heaven, the righteous Judge of all the earth knows your sins and life—nothing is hidden from Him. You with your sins can never enter the bliss and glory of the future world.

But this same Heavenly God is a God of love. He has designed a way for the redemption of your life and your soul. You need not be cast into everlasting doom and hell fire. God sent Jesus into this world to save your soul. Jesus took your sins upon Himself when He suffered and died on the cross of Calvary. God gave the best heaven had as a sacrifice for your sins. “But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5). These words were prophesied about Jesus many years before He came to Earth.

Will you believe that Jesus loves you? Will you pray and confess your sins to Him? Will you repent and believe in Jesus, the Son of the Living God? Upon a total commitment to Him, He will bring peace to your soul and give you a glorious life after death. Only then can you be assured of an eternal home of great joy and comfort for your soul.

But OH! The pit of doom and unending fire awaiting those who in this lifetime reject the redeeming love of Jesus. There will be no turning or saving after death. “Then shall he say unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels” (Matthew 25:41). “And cast ye the unprofitable servant into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 25:30).

God, in the Holy Bible, warns of the impending final judgment of all the earth. In these Holy Scriptures it is prophesied that before that notable Day of Judgment there will be clear and pronounced signs.

Before His coming there shall be wars and rumors of wars, distress and perplexity of nations. Nations will be fighting each other and will seem to find no way of settling their differences of attitudes and opinions.

There shall be earthquakes and pestilences in various places. The Bible tells us that evil men will wax worse and worse. At the same time people will not heed the warning but be lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God. Are we not witnessing the fulfillment of these prophecies in our day? Refer to Matthew 24:6-7, 12 and also 2 Timothy 3:4.

Let us remember that our just and great Judge will not be influenced by our present wealth or poverty, fame or disgrace, or by our color, race, caste or creed. Some day we will stand before our great Creator and Lord to be judged according to our deeds. Read Matthew 25:32-33.

In the endless eternity ahead there will be no time clock, no annual calendar, and centuries will not be reckoned. The smoke of the torment of the sinner and ungodly shall ascend forever and forever—while at the same time the joys, songs, bliss, and comfort of the redeemed will be unending in heaven. Make your choice now! Soon it may be too late, “Behold, now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2, Matthew 11:28-30).

Alcohol, Drugs, Lust, Crime, Prison, Despair, Death

"For the wages of sin is death" (Romans 6:23)

Let us face the facts. The awful monsters-alcohol, drugs, and immorality-are threatening and destroying that which God created noble and good. Like the tentacles of a mighty octopus, they grasp and draw both young and old into their embrace.

An epidemic of huge proportions is upon today's society. The curse of alcohol, drugs, and immorality has left many people adrift, without an anchor, and headed for eternal destruction. People are readily influenced by their peers as well as by the media, magazines, newspapers, and television advertisements regarding these vices. The mind is assailed to the point where it is in a whirlpool of confusion and frustration, resulting in spiritual and physical deterioration.

Who should bear the blame for such disgraceful moral behavior? The younger generation? Not necessarily. Many parents have sanctioned, by their own ungodly living, the sins in which the younger generation indulges. Fathers and mothers are unaware that they are introducing their children to a drunkard's and drug addict's doom by failing to check their corrupt impulses. God's moral principles have been carelessly disregarded. A mighty cry should ascend to Heaven. How can we save ourselves and our children?

Our society cannot produce the quality of citizens that are needed when drinking and drug use are tolerated and encouraged through the laxity of parents, teachers, and professors. The use of alcohol is a great corrupter of public morals; destroying judgment, character, and life. It contributes to the wrecking and dividing of the home, one of God's holy institutions for the blessing of mankind.

Added to the menace of alcohol is the increasing use of illicit drugs. The bad effects of these drugs far outweigh any so-called benefits. The use of drugs can cause poor judgment and mental derangement. Drug users admit it is a death trip: mentally, physically and spiritually. Irreparable brain damage, murder, and suicide are often the tragic consequences of these indulgences.

People, because of their inherent sin, readily follow the tendencies and passions that Satan has designed. In this state the flesh seeks unrestricted fulfillment. Sexual immorality does not quench the fire of lust-it fuels it. Illicit sexual activity is no more a cure for lust than whiskey is a treatment for alcoholism. The truth is that we need to deal with our lust. The soul-that part that lives on in eternity, when reaching out for God's salvation-seeks to respect His laws.

Fornication, adultery, homosexuality, and sexual contact with animals is forbidden by the Word of God (Leviticus 18:23; Galatians 5:19-21). Immorality brings pain, heartbreak, wretchedness, guilt, and sexually transmitted diseases. Purity brings a sense of self-worth and dignity. It is a gross distortion to envision the highly principled individual as living in misery while the person of low morals has a life of bliss and fulfillment.

Amid this morass of immorality and spiritual blindness, of sin and shameless ungodliness, the Holy Bible sets the standard for moral behavior. It is the unquestionable and eternal authority on the matter of right and wrong.

God created man with the sex urge for the propagation of the human race and the enhancement of the marriage bond between husband and wife. He sanctions fulfillment of this desire only within rightful marriage. Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: But whoremongers and adulterers God will judge (Hebrews 13:4).

In the book of Romans, the apostle Paul writes on God's judgment on homosexuality. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: and likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. And even as they did not retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; (Romans 1:26-28). This was the abominable sin of Sodom and Gomorrah, and brought God's Judgment upon them (Genesis 19). According to the scriptures it is impossible to retain the Holy Spirit in our hearts and live a Christian life if we live and practice these sins.

If you want to be really happy in life and be at peace with yourself and God, you must come into fellowship with Him. Recognize and confess that you are a sinner and believe that Jesus died on the cross bearing your guilt. Victory is awaiting you!

As you open your heart to God and confess your sins, He will forgive you. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9).

Willingly commit your whole life to Jesus, your Savior, and follow in true obedience to His Word and Holy Spirit. The blessings of the changed life are pure thoughts, which bring about a wonderful change in our actions and activities. Christ will give you courage to face the problems of life and strength to overcome the temptations that may assail you. Come to Jesus now while He is calling. Seek ye the Lord while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near (Isaiah 55:6).