God encouraged John by revealing to him, in visions, what he should share with others: the message that Jesus Christ frees us from sin (Revelation 1:5), that He is alive forever and ever, and that He is in control of the past, present, and future (Revelation 1:17-18). It is an encouraging message. John wrote down everything he heard and saw in the Book of Revelation so that Christians would be encouraged, especially in times of persecution.

We can also encourage others with the message that God forgives, saves, and offers eternal life to sinners who come to Him (Romans 10:9-11). We also remind others that God knows everything and is all-powerful.

"For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16). Jesus, the Son of God, became the sacrificial Lamb of God who died on the cross so that we can be forgiven. In John’s vision, the 24 elders (which possibly represent the 12 tribes of Israel and the 12 apostles) fell down and worshiped the Lamb (Revelation 5:14). The Lamb is worthy of all praise, honor, and glory. We, too, must worship Him in all we think, say, and do (Romans 12:1).

From the time of Adam and Eve, humans have been given the choice to obey or disobey God. Moses gave the Israelites the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. They chose life by loving the Lord their God, obeying Him and committing themselves firmly to Him (Deuteronomy 30:19-20). Joshua challenged the Israelites to choose between serving the Lord God or idols (Joshua 24:15). Each of us has this choice to make: to love and serve God and to be on His team, or to be on Satan’s team. Choose God and life. With Jesus, you are on the winning side.

In Revelation 21:27, we read that, “Nothing evil will be allowed to enter (the New Jerusalem), nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty – but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” How can you be sure that your name is written down in the Book of Life? It’s as easy as ABC. You need to:

Admit you are a sinner and deserve to be punished (Romans 3:23, 6:23). Believe Jesus died and rose again to be your Savior (Romans 5:8). Confess your sin and commit your life to God (1 John 1:9, Romans 10:9).

“But to all who believed him [Jesus] and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). Through God’s amazing love and forgiveness, you can be assured of being able to enter heaven: the New Jerusalem!

If we keep in mind the fact that Jesus will come again suddenly and at any time (Revelation 22:7), it should change the way we think, speak, and behave. What if Jesus came and you were busy doing something that would hurt Him? What if you had put off doing something you should have done? Live each day in such a way that you will be ready for His return and won’t be ashamed of your thoughts, attitudes, speech, or behavior at the time of Jesus’ return. The Bible is filled with God’s instructions for living, and God has given us the Holy Spirit to help us live godly lives while we wait for Jesus to come again.