One of the main reasons we have books, is to impart knowledge to its reader. The Bible is a document made up of many books, (66) to pass its knowledge unto us. A few of the many bits of knowledge from the Scripture for our understanding include: Psa 119:130 "The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple." Psa 119:105 "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path." John 13:15 "For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you." 1 Tim 4:12 "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity." 2 Tim 3:16-17 "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work." (NIV) These , along with many more give insight as to the benefits of God's Word. There are Four particular books named in the Scripture demanding special notice. FOUR BOOKS Book 1. Book of God's Word for His Messengers: Ezek 2:9-10 "And when I looked, behold, an hand was sent unto me; and, lo, a roll of a book was therein; and he spread it before me; and it was written within and without: and there was written therein lamentations, and mourning, and woe." What did this book contain? Ezekiel's ministry can be divided into two phases: (1) 593-587, characterized by warnings of coming judgment on Judah and Jerusalem, and (2) 587-571, a period characterized by messages of encouragement and hope for the future. The antitype to this "srcoll of a book" could very well be the Bible itself. It is replete with warnings of coming judgement as well as words of encouragement and hope. It reveals to us God's plan and purpose as to our condition and what we must do. It reveals to us God's knowledge of His people, Israel, and God's dealing with them. It also reveals the Father's knowledge of His people, the Church, and His purpose for it. Book 2. Book of God's Rememberance: Mal 3:16-17 "Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." This special book was one that contained the names of those who feared the Lord, those who thought upon His name. The purpose of the book is a record of believers, both from the Old and new Testament. It is referred to in Revelation as the Lambs Book of Life. It was the Book of the Living in Christ. Whenever a person becomes a believer, their name is recorded. This is a very important book as will be seen in the day of judgement. Book 3. Book of God's Wrath.(Book of Redemption) Rev 5:1 "And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals." The third book as you read concerning it in Revelation deals with God pouring out HIs wrath on the earth. As the seals are opened, events begin to happen on the earth that will be catastrophic. It is the wrath of God but it is also His redemption. We know, according to Scripture, in the beginning God created all things and it was GOOD. but subsequent to the fall of man because of sin, the earth was cursed. God set out to redeem man, spiritually, through the CROSS. He will redeem man, bodily, through the "catching away" or rapture. Following that great event He will begin to redeem the earth. This will be seen with the opening of the seven seals. When all is accomplished, the Bible says there will be a "new heaven and new earth" that has been purified. Book 4. Books of Man's Accountibility. Rev 20:11-15 "And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them. And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire." This fourth book is one we hear preached on the most and requires our attention. We must take notice that there are different books mentioned. One set is "the books" plural and the other is, "another book" singular. The BOOK, singular, is called the book of life. It is the book of the living, the book of rememberance containing the names of all those who believe. The other books list accountibility of those who have never trusted and believed. They are not listed in the Book of Life and are judged out of those books. Why are Christians not listed there? "As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world...But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved." Ephe.2:1-5 (NIV) Christians, who have been made alive in Christ and possess eternel life are listed among the living, not the dead. Will Christians be judged? Of course. We are also held accountible and must give an account of ourselves as a result of our salvation. 2 Cor 5:10 "For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, that each one may receive what is due him for the things done while in the body, whether good or bad."1 Cor 3:11-15 "For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. If any man builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, his work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each man's work. If what he has built survives, he will receive his reward. If it is burned up, he will suffer loss; he himself will be saved, but only as one escaping through the flames."(NIV) Our day will come and it reveal how we've lived since becoming a Christian. We will receive or lose rewards. What about those in the other books? If you notice, all venues give up their "DEAD" and following accountibility they were cast into the Lake of Fire. This is the second death. It is eternal. Where are you today? Jesus said in John 6:45 "Every man therefore that hath heard, and hath learned of the Father, cometh unto me." If you have not come to Jesus, through His Word by faith, you already know which book your in. Why not take a few minutes and get yourself listed in THE BOOK. Don't be confused by a maze of theology. Paul emphasizes "That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved."Rom.10:9-10 (NIV) It is just a matter of trusting Christ as your redeemer and because He lives, you live also. Now is the time to enter into life, a new life in Christ. Wont you trust Him today? If you have any comments or discussion about this message, let me know. I'd love to hear from you. BACK|HOME