Read Revelation 20:11–15
Some of us spend a lot of time wondering “Am I good enough?” or “Do I measure up?” If we are judging by the world’s standards, it is hard to tell because the measuring tape is ever-changing. If we are judging by God’s standards, we need to change the question. None of us is good enough to earn salvation. None of us measure up to the example of Jesus. So, what do we ask instead? Perhaps we start by asking “How do I get saved?” and, eventually, we also ask “How do I help others get saved?”
Discussions about salvation can sometimes get off balance, tipping too far toward faith or leaning too much toward works. Both are important! We are saved by our faith, but our works serve as evidence of that salvation. God uses that evidence to judge humanity (see 20:13). As Paul puts it in Romans 2:6–7, “He will repay each one according to his works: eternal life to those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor, and immortality; but wrath and anger to those who are self-seeking and disobey the truth while obeying unrighteousness.” What we do matters. The rewards or consequences of our actions are very significant, but so are the motivations behind them. Notice the qualifier Paul puts in front of the description of good works: “by persistence.” Following Jesus can be a hard road to walk, but we gain heavenly rewards when we hold fast instead of giving up.
John closes today’s passage with a sobering reminder: “And anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire” (20:15). While most of us know the Great Commission (see Matthew 28:19–20), this verse reminds us of the urgency to fulfill it. Anyone who does not follow Jesus faces death—not once, but twice. If we truly love people like Jesus does, our hearts should break at the thought of
their eternal separation from Him. Are we making the most of every opportunity God gives us to share the
gospel? Do we persist in that good work, too?
