16 For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world.

17 And the world is passing away, along with its desires; but whoever does the will of God abides forever.

— 1 John 2:16-17

Therefore I urge you, brothers, on account of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, which is your spiritual service of worship.

— Romans 12:1

9 Do you not know that the wicked will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived: Neither the sexually immoral, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor men who submit to or perform homosexual acts,

10 nor thieves, nor the greedy, nor drunkards, nor verbal abusers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God.

11 And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

— 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and salvation from Christ to you.

Throughout the book of Revelation, God shows mercy to His people as His justice prevails. Revelation describes the victory of God and His people alongside the defeat of Satan and evil. God allows evil to reach its fullness. Wickedness will become fully ripe before His final acts of judgment fall on the unrepentant. Amid the rain of justice, God’s people are mercifully protected, even if they are martyred. Even during God’s righteous acts of judgment, warnings are issued and evangelistic calls ring out: turn to Christ and be saved from God’s wrath. The two witnesses testify, and the angels proclaim the eternal gospel to every tribe and nation. God’s mercy continues to welcome repentant sinners until judgment falls.

When we recognize the extent of God’s justice and mercy, we realize our fleeting lives should not be wasted on this world and its fading pleasure. The life-changing reality of God’s mercy calls us to offer ourselves wholly to God as a living sacrifice. Because God is merciful and judgment is certain, we must not delay. We can confidently share the gospel with anyone, knowing that no sinner is beyond God’s mercy. God’s justice and mercy perfectly express His abiding love for a world that desperately needs Him.