Insightful Musings on the Scriptures
by
Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67
Good morning, special ones.
One reason you are special is that you have been called to live at a very special time in human history. Things are really shaping up to get horrible—before the King of kings steps in to take over—just like the Bible says.
Speaking of horrible, there is one little word that particularly catches my attention in this chapter—“beheaded.” I’ll quote the sentence: “And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and because of the word of God” (Rev. 20:4). Hmm. Have we heard of any beheadings recently? Has anyone else wondered why this radical terroristic religion is even allowed to exist on this planet? Naturally speaking, perhaps politically-correct tolerant liberalism is more worthy of our fear than is ISIS. But let not your heart be troubled. It’s all right on schedule. The King of kings has it all covered. Are you excited yet?
Have a wonderful day.
Love, Dad/Ray.
Here are a couple of vital Bible math equations: (1) 1B=2D. (2) 2B=1D. They represent the two fundamental options presented to all humans with functional minds.
You probably have it figured out, but here’s the meaning: If you are only born once (physically), then you die twice (physically and spiritually…which is eternally). But if you are born twice (physically and spiritually) then you only die once (physically). I don’t have to think on this very long to determine which option I prefer.
Let me direct your attention to a couple important ideas:
- Notice the core factor that determines which equation applies to each individual. Verse 12 states, “The dead (those who had died physically) were judged according to what they had DONE as recorded in the books.” Then verse 13 adds, “…each person (notice that they still had conscious existence following their physical death) was judged according to what he had DONE.” I’ve emphasized the word “DONE” for this reason: It is my understanding that what I DO is a direct result of my internal orientation (heart) and the corresponding volitional choices I make. Of course there are involuntary or automated aspects of what I do—like digesting and breathing. I see no evidence that I will be held responsible for any of that. But what I choose to digest and breathe—as well as believe and accept and love, etc., that is what I will be held accountable for—that is what will determine my eternal destiny. Pretty serious stuff!
- Notice also the strong implication of God’s use of supernatural technology. If all people are judged according to what they have DONE, it only makes sense that everything we have ever done is all captured and recorded in high definition audio-visual full recall format. Think of it—your entire life on record—played back on a big screen—maybe for everyone to see. I can only imagine that this kind of absolute documentation would absolutely silence justifying, blaming, complaining, argumentation, and bad memories on the part of those being judged.
Is it any big wonder WHY God would make the first and foremost COMMAND (requirement) of the Bible, “Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength?” (Deuteronomy 6:5; Matthew 22:36-40.) If this is the priority for human life from God’s perspective, we humans are wise to make it our own.
“If I ever reach heaven I expect to find three wonders there:
first, to meet some I had not thought to see there;
second, to miss some I had expected to see there;
and third, the greatest wonder of all, to find myself there.”