There is a reason that the Bible is the best-selling book of all time. Perhaps, reading pages that are described as living and active can be engaging and life changing, Hebrews 4:12. Yet, the one question I always wanted to know about as a child was what happens to human beings after you die? My question went unanswered for me until college.
I entreat and advise Euodia and I entreat and advise Syntyche to agree and to work in harmony in the Lord. 3 And I exhort you too, [my] genuine yokefellow, help these [two women to keep on cooperating], for they have toiled along with me in [the spreading of] the good news (the Gospel), as have Clement and the rest of my fellow workers whose names are in the Book of Life. 4 Rejoice in the Lord always [delight, gladden yourselves in Him]; again I say, Rejoice! – Philippians 4:2-4.
Attending any funeral is depressing and sad. Yet, when you don’t know if the person who passed away is with Jesus in heaven can be crushing and gut wrenching. I remember attending a funeral at a strange church in high school after my friend committed suicide. The pastor kept saying “if there is God and if there is a heaven, we hope that Kevin is there.” This experience wanted me to know more about the Bible’s teaching on the Book of Life.
And if anyone’s [name] was not found recorded in the Book of Life, he was hurled into the lake of fire, Revelation 20:15.
The apostle Paul mentions the Book of Life in today’s first passage. The context of this letter highlights why you should rejoice in the Lord. Perhaps, this is the same reason why angels rejoice in heaven whenever a lost sheep is found by the Shepherd, Luke 15:7. While 99 percent of funerals claim that the person who died is now in heaven, this isn’t consistent with Jesus’ teaching in Mattew 7:13-14. According to one disciple, you can know for sure, guaranteeing your place in the Book of Life, 1 John 5:13.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 