JUNE 1, 2024
Topic: REDEMPTION: VICTORY OVER DEATH
Text: REV. 7: 13-17
Memory Verse: “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence” – Rev. 7:15
Man was formed from dust and to dust must he return. This was God’s verdict after our first parents sinned in the Garden of Eden and the relationship between man and God broke down. Every man and woman has been subject to physical death since then.
Thereafter, Satan has been terrorizing humankind with the fear of death and subjecting man to lifelong bondage. (Hebrew 2:15). God then decided to offer humankind a way out, by sending Jesus Christ to die for our sins. Nevertheless, it was not an open cheque, there is a proviso; man has a role to play.
“For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16). Anyone who fulfils this condition will be redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ. This redemption is from the second death that is different from the physical death and which every soul will experience according to God’s verdict in Genesis 3:19.
“So Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him” (Heb. 9:27-28). And if anyone’s name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the Lake of fire” (Rev. 20:15). It is only those, whose names are found in the book of life that have victory over death.
Our memory verse captures the saints who are celebrating their victory over death. They are worshipping God before the throne. Is anyone reading this who wants to be part of the great multitude from every nation after leaving his/her life here on earth? The decision is yours.
PRAYER: Dear heavenly Father, I am grateful for your plan of love granting me victory over death. I depend on your grace to see me through until the end in Jesus’ name Amen.