09.02.2017 Views

The Gospel in Revelation - Robert J. Wieland

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<strong>in</strong> heaven and before the millions of loyal angels?<br />

In the Judgment which is now <strong>in</strong> session (see<br />

<strong>Revelation</strong> 14:6, 7), our text says there will be a<br />

time when all the assembled hosts of heaven will<br />

look at each of us alone and scrut<strong>in</strong>ize our<br />

<strong>in</strong>dividual lives.<br />

Will they see all our mistakes, all the shameful<br />

th<strong>in</strong>gs that we hope will never come to light? Jesus<br />

knows that it was not our true purpose to do all<br />

those ugly th<strong>in</strong>gs. We have been captives of s<strong>in</strong>.<br />

When we believe <strong>in</strong> Christ and beg<strong>in</strong> to hate s<strong>in</strong>, "it<br />

is no longer I that do it, but s<strong>in</strong> that dwells <strong>in</strong> me"<br />

(Romans 7:17). "If we confess our s<strong>in</strong>s, he is<br />

faithful and just to forgive us our s<strong>in</strong>s, and to<br />

cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9).<br />

He will cleanse them with His blood.<br />

Remember that Jesus is seek<strong>in</strong>g to save us. He<br />

is not seek<strong>in</strong>g an excuse to condemn us. He wants<br />

us <strong>in</strong> His K<strong>in</strong>gdom, not out. At this moment, the<br />

Holy Spirit is draw<strong>in</strong>g each one to Christ, and<br />

impart<strong>in</strong>g to us His heavenly grace so that we may<br />

"overcome" if we will cease resist<strong>in</strong>g Him and<br />

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