Thurs., 12/5/13 Devotion (1 Jn. 4:17)

Today's encouragement comes from 1 John 4:17, where we read these amazing words:

"Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have bold-ness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world."

This is a remarkable verse (above). The love God has for His church-men who trust in Jesus alone is so profound that it totally chases-out any fear of the great Judgment Day. On top of this, John teaches us here that this is at least partly because [quote], "As He [Christ] is, so are we in *this* world." (In other words, as Christ is free and glorified in heaven; so is the true church on earth.)

Faithful churched Christians who sincerely trust Jesus Christ alone have no reason to fear death, or judgment. For them to do so is a great affront to God the Father. After all, He has already poured out all His wrath on His Son. There is no more left for us, the children of God.

[Puritan quote of the day: "So let us seriously and fruitfully consider what excellent times the Lord has set us in, and respond thankfully and obediently." --Richard Sibbes, in, "Glorious Freedom"]