The Book of Life

https://odb.org/2024/01/22/the-right-focus-3

The 72 followers of Christ who were sent out to proclaim the Good News were amazed that even demons flee at the name of Jesus. Please read Luke 10. It proves the divinity of Christ. But Christ cautioned them while it might be great to have authority over demonic forces; they should rejoice that their names are written in heaven (the Book of Life). In other words, salvation is more important than the powers and spiritual authority bestowed upon us as believers.

Salvation is by the grace of God. We can not work for our salvation. Christ died for our sins. That is why we are saved. We must then repent of our sins and accept Jesus as our Lord and Saviour. That means we give our lives to Christ and live for Him. We thus need to safeguard this salvation and don’t forfeit it by careless living or living a life with no regard to God. James already warned us before that faith without (good) works is dead. Paul talks about working out our salvation with fear and trembling. We must do our part and fulfil our role in the Kingdom of God. Not live life in isolation in our faith or not serving Him. The book of Daniel talks about those who stood firm in their faith during the end times and would never have their names blotted out from the Book of Life.

I think we should be reminded every now and then that salvation is a journey, a race. Some say it’s a test. But whether it is a test or not, we need to run the race and complete it until the finish line. We need endurance and perseverance, both of which we know Christ will provide us as we call upon His name. Not just maintaining our moral compass and continuing our fellowship with Christ but serving Him with all our heart, mind, and strength. We want Him to tell us at the end – well done, good and faithful servant!