OUR DEEDS WILL FOLLOW US EVEN AFTER DEATH

Proclamation:

“Then I heard a voice from heaven say, ‘Write: Blessed are the dead who die in The Lord from now on.’  Yes, says The Spirit, ‘They will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them.’” Revelation 14:13 (NIV)

Explanation:

The apostle John, who referred to himself as the disciple whom Jesus loved, recounted an out of body experience that he had in which things beyond earth were revealed to him.  He was told by angels and by The Holy Spirit of God to write what he saw and heard.  He was told that those who die believing in Jesus, The Christ, will be blessed.  They will be given rest from their earthly labor, and they will be rewarded for their works which were obedient to God’s Word.

Application:

The good and the bad that we do will live on after we die.  There is a record being kept in heaven of all that we think, say and do in this life. (1 John 5:7)  Both the saved saints and unsaved sinners will be judged after death but they will be judged differently.  The unsaved sinner’s life will be recounted to show that they had the opportunity to accept Christ but refused.  Then they will be condemned to spend eternity in hell and damnation. (Revelation 20:15)  The saved saint’s life will be recounted to give an account of their stewardship. (Romans 14:12)   Jesus, The Christ, will judge (John 5:22) each of our thoughts (Romans 2:16 and Hebrews 4:12) words (Matthew 12:36) and actions. (Revelations 20:12-13)  We will be given a reward for all that gives God glory and that passes through the test of fire. (1 Corinthians 3:13-14)  The rewards which we will receive in heaven will be based upon what we did in life to give God glory.  All who believe and love Him will receive a crown of righteousness (2 Timothy 4:8) but everyone in heaven will not have the same rewards. (Matthew 10:41-42)  Some will have great rewards in heaven. (Matthew 5:11-12)  There will be many mansions in heaven but they may not all be equal. (John 14:2)  Let us do more for the glory of God, for in the end that is all that will matter.