© 2014 by Tom Boynton (editing by Kathy Boynton)
The Bible’s book of Revelation describes two eternal destinies of man. One is referred to as “the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:14). We are told that “…whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire” (Revelation 20:15). The other destiny is referred to as “the holy city, new Jerusalem” (Revelation 21:2). Most folks have a preference for this destiny. Are you one of the people who will be there?
To answer this question, let’s look at God’s standard for access to this glorious destiny. The Bible tells us that absolute perfection is the criteria. Listen! “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life” (Revelation 21:27).
Are all of your attitudes, actions, thoughts, and personal characteristics absolutely pure? Neither are mine! There is only one human being that has ever met this standard. That is God the Son, Jesus Christ, who became human by means of the virgin birth. He came to pay the penalty for sin by sacrificing His holy human life on the cross of Calvary. Only by having His pure and righteous blood payment credited to your account can you ever meet this standard. No. You won’t meet it on your own, but His payment will be effective for every single one of His sheep who will call upon His name, ask His forgiveness, and follow Him. Jesus said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Does this mean that you will achieve absolute perfection in this life? No. But you will desire it and you will follow Him as you seek to be more like the Savior you love.
This phenomenon, whereby God’s people get credit for Jesus’ righteous payment, is described in 2 Corinthians 5:21: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” Jesus the Messiah bore the punishment for the wickedness of His people. As a result they become His followers and receive credit for His absolute purity.
Will you try to enter His holy eternal kingdom with your own righteousness, or by His absolute perfection?
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