“And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.”
(Revelation 20:10)
Our ever-changing world leads to a number of concerns and uncertainties. And yet for the believer, in the midst of it all stands a foundation that cannot be shaken—the everlasting, unchanging truths of Scripture (Isa. 40:8). Our knowledge of God and experience of grace arising from His Word offer light and stability for these dark and unsettling times. As Samuel Clarke said, “that slight, careless, and only customary assent to the great truths of religion, which is the sum of most men’s faith, seems to be the chief reason why things of the utmost importance have so small an effect upon the lives and actions of men.”[1]
True religion, or what we might refer to more specifically as the Gospel of God, demands more than just mental assent or acknowledgment. It calls for a clear understanding, an unwavering conviction, and a persistent obedience to its truths. By immersing ourselves in the divine doctrines of Scripture, we begin to see the world through a lens of godly wisdom and clarity. For God’s truth, when fully embraced, has the power to guide and shape the heart, mind, passions, and behavior of His people.
Of course, it’s natural to have moments of doubt, times of temptation, and periods of despair. In such times, however, we must continue to stand firm on the foundation of truth that never cracks and is never shaken. This unwavering anchor of the soul enables us to navigate the stormy seas of life with confidence, calm, and faith in the sovereignty of our Heavenly Father.
But we must remember we cannot accomplish this in our own strength. A consistent practice of obedience, worship, prayer, and contemplation of Scripture allows the Holy Spirit to incorporate God’s Word, which is our strength and sustenance, into our very being.
We must also remember that God is the all-powerful Creator and Sustainer of this world. The more we grow to trust Him, the less we concern ourselves with the chaos that surrounds us. For it is God who ultimately determines the intricacies of time and eternity. He governs all events, both major and minor, significant and insignificant. This is the God we serve.
God, as he is described in the scriptures, is not just an abstract concept. He is the Supreme Being, the All-powerful Creator who holds the universe in His hands. It is vivid with details of glory and majesty which in turn strengthens our union with Him. Similarly, the idea of Judgment Day should not be a distant, vague thought. Envisioning the grandeur and solemnity of that day serves as a powerful reminder of the choices we make in life.
Moreover, the ultimate rewards and consequences of our actions should be at the forefront of our minds. The happiness of those who walk the path of righteousness and are admitted to the heavenly realms is incomparable. On the other hand, the misery of those who stray from the path is a somber reminder of the importance of our choices. The words of Revelation 20:10 ring true, where it speaks of the torment in the “lake of fire and brimstone, where they shall be tormented day and night forever and ever.”
Contemplations:
- The Power of Meditation: In my quiet moments, when I reflect on the teachings of Scripture, I realize the incredible impact of meditation. It is through this deep introspection that the doctrines come more alive to me, moving beyond mere words on a page to truths that resonate within my very soul.
- The Majesty of God: Whenever I ponder the passages about God in Scripture, such as how He measures out the “waters in the hollow of his hand,” (Isaiah 40:12), I am overwhelmed by His omnipotence. Such contemplation fills me with awe and reverence, drawing me closer to my God and reassuring my soul of His sovereignty over all.
- The Solemnity of Judgment Day: The vivid imagery of Judgment Day, with its fiery throne and countless beings in attendance, serves as a reminder for me to live in alignment with His will and His ways. Knowing that my actions in this life determine my fate in the hereafter encourages me to strive for holiness.
- Rewards and Consequences: The promise of eternal happiness for the righteous and the stark warning of torment for the wicked (Rev. 20:10) constantly remind me of the weight of my choices. Every decision I make echoes into eternity, urging me to walk the path of righteousness and truth.
A Prayer for Resting in Eternal Certainties
Lord of all creation, the Ancient of Days, You who reign from everlasting to everlasting, I bow before You in humble adoration. You are the unchanging One, the firm foundation, the Rock upon which all truth stands. Though the earth trembles and the nations rage, You remain steadfast, ruling with wisdom, justice, and infinite power. I praise You, Sovereign God, for the certainty of Your Word, for the promises that never fail, for the decrees that stand unmoved from age to age. Your truth endures forever, and Your judgments are sure.
Father, I confess that my heart is often troubled by the chaos of this world. I am too easily shaken by uncertainties, too quickly discouraged by the fleeting troubles of this life. Forgive me, Lord, for the weakness of my faith, for the times when I have doubted Your Word and lived as though this world were my home. Forgive me for being so easily caught up in the cares of life instead of resting in the unshakable certainty of Your eternal decrees. I have feared what is passing and fleeting instead of setting my heart upon the eternal glories You have prepared for Your people. Lord, strengthen my faith. Anchor my soul in Your truth. Let me stand firm upon Your promises, unmoved by the shifting sands of earthly concerns.
I thank You, O mighty God, that my salvation is not rooted in my own strength but in the finished work of Christ. I thank You that You have written my name in the Lamb’s Book of Life, securing me in grace, keeping me by Your power, and holding me fast against all the forces of evil. Your Word declares that the deceiver shall be cast into the lake of fire, that the enemies of righteousness shall be no more, and that Your kingdom shall stand forever, and I rejoice in this certainty, Lord! I thank You that Your justice is sure, that Your mercy is boundless, and that Your love endures without end.
Teach me, O Lord, to meditate deeply upon Your truth. Let my mind be filled with the knowledge of Your Word, that I may not be swayed by the lies of this world. Let my heart be captivated by Your majesty, that I may stand in reverent awe of Your greatness. Let the solemn nature of Judgment Day ever be before me, that I may walk in holiness and wisdom. And let the promise of eternal joy encourage me on to faithfulness, that I may pursue righteousness with zeal.
O Lord, lead me in the paths of truth. Keep my feet from stumbling. Let me not drift into complacency or be lulled into spiritual slumber, but let my life be marked by a steadfast trust in Your eternal certainties. When doubts arise, remind me of Your unshakable promises. When trials press in, let me find refuge in Your sovereignty. When temptation lures me, draw my heart back to the fear of the Lord, which is the beginning of wisdom.
And Father, let my life be a testimony of Your truth. May I not only rest in the certainty of Your Word but proclaim it boldly to those who are lost in deception. May my lips speak of Your justice, my hands labor for Your kingdom, and my heart burn with love for Your glorious name. Let my every breath be given to the praise of the One who rules in righteousness, whose dominion has no end.
I rest, O Lord, in the assurance that Your kingdom shall stand forever, that evil shall be abolished, that truth shall triumph, and that I shall dwell in Your presence for eternity. Keep me faithful until that day when I stand before You, clothed in the righteousness of Christ, and hear the blessed words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”
In the name of Jesus Christ, my Redeemer and King, I pray. Amen.
Further references for Rev. 20:10:
Rev. 14:10; Matt. 25:41; Isa. 33:14; John 14:30
[1] Samuel Clarke, Three Practical Essays … Containing Instructions for a Holy Life, (London: Printed for James Knapton .., 1699), 93–94.
