DEATH—THE BOOK CLOSED
It is a serious thing to be brought into contact with death, even if it be that of a saint, and doubtless the Lord would speak to us by it. While, on the one hand, we rejoice to think of the unmingled joy of the one who has departed to be with Christ, on the other hand there is a serious consideration for others who remain. Death closes our life of responsibility, our time of service and testimony. The record is written in heaven; the book is closed. In that book everything stands just as it is. We cannot alter it, or add anything to it, nor take anything from it, however much we might desire to do so; there it stands just as the Lord has recorded it.
But that book will be opened again, “we shall all be placed before the judgment-seat of God ... So then each of us shall give an account concerning himself to God”, Rom 14: 10-12. “For we must all be manifested before the judgment-seat of the Christ, that each may receive the things done in the body, according to those he has done, whether it be good or evil”, 2 Cor 5: 10. When the book is re-opened everything will appear just as it was when it was closed. All will pass under the scrutiny of the Lord; He will pass His judgment on it all. Thank God we shall not be judged according to our works, but our works will be judged. The believer will be saved, but he may suffer loss; his works be burned up.
On the other hand, every bit of service done in Christ’s name and for His sake will receive its reward, every kindness shewn to those who are His will be recognised. It says of those who die in the Lord, “Their works do follow them” (Rev 14: 13), none are lost. It is written, “do not judge anything before the time, until the Lord shall come, who shall also both bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and shall make manifest the counsels of hearts; and then shall each have his praise from God”, 1 Cor 4: 5. It will be a great thing in that day to hear the Master say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant”. Paul at the end of his course could welcome the thought of the coming of the righteous judge, assured that there was a crown of righteousness awaiting him. He had kept the faith, he had not surrendered it for present ease, or worldly advantage. He had fought a good fight, he had contended for the faith at all costs to himself, even his own life. Well for those who can in like manner look forward to the coming of the righteous judge. There are such, for Paul said, “But not only to me, but also to all who love his appearing”, 2 Tim 4: 8.
In view of the fleeting character of our life in this world we may well adopt the prayer of the man of God in Psalm 90, “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom”. Each day is of importance; they may be few. They are not to be wasted in self-indulgence, or the pursuit of worldly pleasures, or riches, but should be devoted to the service of the Lord. Our wisdom is expressed in the words of the apostle, “Wherefore also we are zealous, whether present or absent, to be agreeable to him”. “For the love of the Christ constrains us, having judged this: that ... he died for all, that they who live should no longer live to themselves, but to him who died for them and has been raised”, 2 Cor 5: 9, 14, 15. The Lord give us to take these things to heart, that we may be wise in the use of present opportunities, redeeming the time because the days are evil. “Behold, I come quickly, and my reward with me to render to every one as his work shall be”, Rev 22: 12.
From Goodly Words vol 7 (1929)