DAILY ENCOURAGEMENT – MONDAY – THE HOLY CITY.

The tragedy of life is not that it ends so soon, but that we wait so long to begin it. - Richard L. Evans.

And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day--and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life. - Rev 21:23.

For those who are followers of Jesus Christ, by that I mean, those that follow Him and obey His teachings, there is a promise of eternal life in the Holy City, the City of our God! And the requirements to enter into this City, are those whose name is written in the Lamb’s Book Of Life…

Perfect and direct communion with God, will more than supply the place of gospel institutions. And what words can more full express the union and co-equality of the Son with the Father, in the Godhead? What a dismal world would this be, if it were not for the light of the sun! What is there in heaven that supplies its place? The glory of God lightens that city, and the Lamb is the Light thereof.

God in Christ will be an everlasting Fountain of knowledge and joy to the saints in heaven. There is no night, therefore no need of shutting the gates; all is at peace and secure. The whole shows us that we should be more and more led to think of heaven as filled with the glory of God, and enlightened by the presence of the Lord Jesus.

Nothing sinful or unclean, idolatrous, or false and deceitful, can enter. All the inhabitants are made perfect in holiness. Now the saints feel a sad mixture of corruption, which hinders them in the service of God, and interrupts their communion with him; but, at their entrance into the holy of holies, they are washed in the laver of Christ's blood, and presented to the Father without spot.

None are admitted into heaven who work abominations. It is free from hypocrites, such as make lies. As nothing unclean can enter heaven, let us be stirred up by these glimpses of heavenly things, to use all diligence, and to perfect holiness in the fear of God. – E-SWORD BIBLE, Matthew Henry Commentary.

DO YOU WANT TO ENTER IN TO THE HOLY CITY? IF SO...

WHAT THEN?
When the great plants of our cities
Have turned out their last finished work;
When our merchants have sold their last yard of silk
And dismissed the last tired clerk,
When our banks have raked in their last dollar
And paid the last dividend;
When the Judge of earth says, “Close for the night,”
And ask for a balance... WHAT THEN?

When the choir has sung its last anthem,
And the preacher has made his last prayer;
When the people have heard their last sermon
And the sound has died out on the air;
When the Bible lies closed on the altar
And the pews are all empty of men
And each one stands facing his record
And the Great Book is opened... WHAT THEN?

When the actors have played their last drama
And the mimic has made his last fun,
When the film has flashed its last picture
And the billboard has displayed its last run;
When the crowds seeking pleasure have vanished
And gone out in the darkness again
When the trumpet of ages is sounded,
And we stand before Him... WHAT THEN? - Author Unknown.

OH! What a joyful day that will be for those that are written in the Lamb’s Book Of Life! Is your name there?

Loving Father, help me by the power of the Holy Spirit, to obey the teachings of your dear Son and my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Help me Lord to have clean hands and a pure heart, keep me away from things that are detestable and false, that I may enter into your Holy City some day and dwell with you, Jesus and the Holy Spirit! I ask this in the mighty name of Jesus, Amen!

GBYAY