As the Millennium (which we’re living in now) draws to a close, Satan will be ‘released’ to deceive the nations without limit, leading to the final rebellion. 2 Thess 2 says the same thing as it discusses ‘the man of lawlessness’. He is none other than ‘The Antichrist’, or ‘the beast from the sea’ in Rev 13. Yet the beast is more than just a man. He is the ruler of a world-wide government, which he deceived the world into thinking is a good idea (when it totally isn’t!).
Rev 13 tells us there will be enormous pressure on Christians to give their ultimate allegiance to that government, rather than God. The mark of the beast is symbolic of this allegiance. Yet aligning ourselves with the beast is joining the losing side. Even his innumerable army is defeated in less than a verse (Rev 20:9b).
Following the final battle of Armageddon, every human who has ever lived is brought before the judgment seat of God, where books (plural) are opened; one for every person, telling all their deeds. If that sounds terrifying, John then tells us of another book; ‘the Lamb’s book of life’. The Lamb took upon himself the punishment for all the sins of his people. So if you’re name is found in the book of life, the other book with your good and bad deeds in it isn’t even opened.
So how will we live today, knowing the only way to avoid God’s judgment is to have our name found in the Lamb’s book of life? Surely it means (i) ensuring my name is in there, and (ii) imploring others to do the same. So may we (a) pray for opportunities to speak to them about Jesus, (b) grab those opportunities when they arise, and (iii) invite them along to church to learn more.
