January 19 Devotion

Evening Devotion
Revelation 21:8

New International Version (NIV)

8 But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”


Reflection:
It's frightening to read this verse. Who could ever be saved from the "fiery lake of burning sulfur"? The good news is whoever believes that Christ died for his sins so he can be redeemed, AND acknowledges that Jesus is Lord is saved from hell.
Jesus said "I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life; no one comes to the Father except through Me." He is the only way by which our sins can be forgiven, He is the only Truth--the only gift that God gave to men that can bring salvation, the true expression of God's grace and mercy, the only Life--for apart from Him, our lives are meaningless, powerless, and doomed to eternal consequence.
But once Jesus becomes our LIFE, we are not just forgiven and freed from hell, but also have been set free to enjoy all the gifts that He has in store for us.

Dear God,
Thank you because without Your Son's sacrifice on the cross, I would end up experiencing second death for I am not sinless. But because of your grace, I know You have made a way for me in heaven. Thank you so much that I can always look forward to the day that You'll take me home. I pray that while enjoying the life You gave me here on earth and looking forward to the eternal life with You in the future, may I always share Your good news of salvation with my loved ones, my friends, and all those whom You've entrusted me to share Your Word. In Jesus' name, Amen.