By: Juliet Constantine

"And he said to me, 'Do not seal the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand. He who is unjust, let him be unjust still; he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy, let him be holy still.'” (Rev. 22:11)
 

Most people, at one time or another have taken some type of examination. These are normally held under supervised conditions, and sharing is prohibited. This is a crucial time for many as desired hopes and dreams lie in the results that will be revealed.

I read an article from a doctoral student whose dream was dashed because he failed his final paper by one mark! In this instance, the university seemed to have all the “I’s” doted and the “t’s” crossed; no court battle would overruled their decision. That’s wasted money, wasted time, and wasted dreams. A lifetime has passed him by, and he had nothing to show for it. If only he had studied a little harder.

John, in vision, saw a time when Jesus will say to His faithful recording angels, “pens and pencils down”; when the great and dreadful benediction on sin will be pronounced – “he who is filthy, let him be filthy still; he who is righteous, let him be righteous still; he who is holy let him be holy still.” Yes, the date and the judge have already been appointed. The Apostle Paul alluded to this when he wrote, “Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead.” (Acts 17:30-31)

The judgment is set and the judge has been appointed. The examination is nearing its end. It is minutes to midnight. For some, their examination will culminate at Jesus’ return; but for others, theirs will end when they die. When death comes, it is pens and pencils down. The next thing they’ll know is their results. How will they fare – did they pass or did they fail? As we near the end of this process, how will we fare? Will we pass or fail? Will we hear “well done”, or will we hear “depart from me”?

With pens and pencils down, all recording is completed. When you die, the record of your life is finished. If we pass we pass. If we fail we fail. Anyone who dies in their sin will be filthy and nothing can be done to change that state: no purgatory, no rich offerings, no prayers-- nothing can change the state of one’s record. Pens and pencils down! We cannot erase anything or add anything. The examination is over.

For some, despair and uncertainty will line their faces, but others will be rejoicing when they hear the result - “well done”. However, while we are still living, we have some more time to write a good paper. With God’s help we can all get a passing mark. Jesus made it possible for us all to pass. Why not allow Him to show you how to write the story of your life? He will be your personal tutor, examiner, marker, and judge. Your results will be a sure pass with Him in your corner. Ask Him today. He’s waiting.

Thank You Father for giving ample warning before You punish. Dear God, whatever is necessary to be done in my life to help me to receive that passing grade, do it I pray, in Jesus’ name, amen.

Copyrighted by Juliet Constantine 2014 (for “Alone With God – Finding Jesus In The Scriptures” Daily Devotional)