Why we need to know that God Records Memorials
Definition of Memorial: Oxford hardcopy dictionary page 1768: Preserving (state of keeping from decay, loss or destruction) the memory of a person, thing or event as a record - chronical of personal reminiscence of the history of a person and events. An act of commemoration (calling to remembrance) as an observance.
Growing up, I remember someone telling me that God keeps a scrap book of everything. I thought about it for a moment and imagined a massive library with billions of scrap books with everybody's name since the beginning of creation.
As I mature in Christ, I believe it is essential to bear in mind that scripture does teach God keeps record of every minute detail of our lives including every word and thought and action.
There are however two distinctions in persons regarding what is recorded and for what purpose.
FOR THE SAVED
The day a sinner is saved from eternal damnation their name is entered into the BOOK OF LIFE
Psalm 69:28 KJV, Daniel 12:1 KJV, Philippians 4:3 KJV, Revelation 3:5 KJV,
Revelation 13:8 KJV, Revelation 17;8 KJV, Revelation 20:12 KJV,
For those of us who are saved by the precious blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, our sins (all sin, past, present, and future) have been washed away and we stand before God as righteous.
Isaiah 1:18 KJV, Psalms 103:12 KJV . 1 John 1:7 KJV , 1 Corinthians 6:11 KJV, Romans 6:6 KJV
Therefore, although our names are permanently recorded in the Book of Life, our sins - none - are not recorded in heaven. Praise God! Hallelujah!
What is recorded in heaven is our WORKS as a Christian living for Christ Jesus. These are not works required for salvation but rather works done after we are saved. These are what is referred to our rewards and there are also certain crowns each of us will receive according to what we've done.
For those of us who are saved, our day of salvation will be marked with a crown of REJOICING 1 Thessalonians 2:29 KJV .
When each of us stand before the Judgment SEAT of Jesus Christ called the BEMA SEAT 2 Corinthians 5:10 KJV . This Judgment is not regarding our salvation but rather our works we've done for our Lord as Christians. Here are the crowns we may get depending on what we've accomplished. Exception: All true Christians will receive the crown of REJOICING.
The Crown of Righteousness 2 Timothy 4:8 KJV.
The Incorruptible Crown 1 Corinthians 9:24-27 KJV.
The Crown of Life James 1:12 KJV
The Crown of Glory 1 Peter 5:2-4 KJV
The Crown of Rejoicing 1 Thessalonians 2:19 KJV
A shining light of brilliance. Just as stars have different intensity some of us will shine brighter than others depending on our works and accomplishments that have been recorded in heaven.
Each of us as true Christians must ensure we are striving lawfully to gain our rewards. 2 Timothy 2:5 KJV 1 Corinthians 3:12-15 KJV
See study on striving lawfully which is rightly dividing the word of truth in working and teaching in the proper dispensation of GRACE. 2 Timothy 2:15 KJV
FOR THE UNSAVED
First these who are not saved will be found guilty at the GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT
Their names are not recorded in the Book of LIFE. However, in Psalms 56, we've seen clearly that all is recorded. This means that since the unsaved sinner has not been washed of their sins, all of their sins will be recorded as a witness and testimony against them. After the sinner is pronounced guilty an angel will throw them into the eternal lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-15 KJV
Afterwards, for all eternity in Heaven the smoke from the torment from those souls burning in the lake of fire will rise up to heaven. This is shockingly vivid and terrifying memorial that is eternal.
Here again we see a very clear and literal depiction of the smoke of the torment from those souls burning in the eternal lake of fire, rising up to heaven forever. This is terrifying.
I believe in God's total sovereignty and divinity eternally displays his perfection. We see here His perfect love that was rejected is commemorated is now proving his perfect justice. The words and context are exactly the same as God addressing the destruction of the world in the flood Genesis and for Sodom and Gomorrah.
Conclusion:
Yes, we need to understand that God keeps records. Most importantly we need to run to the cross and be saved if we are not. Salvation found in the GOSPEL OF GRACE: We are saved if we BELIEVE Jesus came to the cross and died for our sins, he was buried according to scriptures, and he rose again on the third day according to scriptures, 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV.
As saved Christians, we need to be striving lawfully to obtain our rewards. Running the race set before us Hebrews 12:1-9 KJV - Fighting the good fight. 1 Timothy 6:12 KJV Spreading the GOSPEL OF GRACE. Serving our Lord, knowing we will be rewarded accordingly FOR ETERNITY.
This is why I personally record and document something important with this statement: "may this stand as both an eternal witness and testimony... " In responding to my Blog/Youtube critics "I pray both our works stand as a witness and may they be either burned at the BEMA or may our words and work stand as an eternal memorial for our Lord. Amen! IF YOU ARE NOT SAVED your words will stand as a witness at your GREAT WHITE THRONE JUDGMENT. If you are not saved, find Jesus now. Here's the plan: 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 KJV. Believe alone by faith and not by works that Jesus died for your sins, he was buried, and he rose again on the third day.
that was extremely powerful, dear Brother
ReplyDeleteThank you Brother, To God be the Glory. Thank you for your fellowship and discipleship. Looking forward to eternity of working with you.
Delete