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Revelation 22:14-15
The things that we have and are learning in the Book of the Revelation of Jesus Christ are in many ways a confirmation of the things that we have been taught in the gospel accounts of the life and ministry of Jesus. Revelation 22:14 (NKJV) declares, “14Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” That is our goal, right? To enter through the pearly gates and into the glory of God to live forever. For we also learn in Revelation 22:15, “15But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices al lie.” This is the free will choice that we all must make for ourselves.
This is the division of those who follow the ways of Jesus and those who do not follow the ways of Jesus.
“Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city” (Revelation 22:14). Simply hearing of His commandments or knowing them is not enough. We must apply them in our lives in living out a reflection of Christ Jesus; that we are following in His example – in His footsteps. Jesus declared in John 13:34-35, “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.” And in Matthew 22:37-40 Jesus declares, as He quotes Deuteronomy 6:5 and Leviticus 19:18, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets.”
Dear LORD,
Jesus explains the division of those who will receive access to the tree of life and of those who will be on the outside in Matthew 25. Those who will be on the outside will “go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life” (Matthew 25:46). Please speak to our hearts, souls, and minds and lead us to life – everlasting life – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.