1 UNTO the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks;

2 I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them which are evil: and thou hast tried them which say they are apostles, and are not, and hast found them liars:

3 And hast borne, and hast patience, and for my name's sake hast laboured, and hast not fainted.

4 Nevertheless I have somewhat against thee, because thou hast left thy first love.

5 Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen, and repent, and do the first works; or else I will come unto thee quickly, and will remove thy candlestick out of his place, except thou repent.

We know from the Scriptures that God will save whom He will save, that we are to "work out our salvation with fear and trembling", and that those who call on our Lord's Name will never be refused. But.......

This passage in Revelation is clearly a call that there are (and surely will be) those for whom God has a message: realise what you are doing- and return wholeheartedly to Him! Can we get so carried away with "works', "ministries", "good things" and more that we (inadvertantly?) neglect to pause and consider our debt to Him for His Gift of Love that saves us? ("Saves" indicates an ongoing process, as I understand it).

The Baptists have an expression that surely is cause for much joy: "Once saved, always saved."

Consider verse 5 in the context of the passage (indeed, the whole chapter, the book, even the Bible!). I invite your thoughts and conclusions that they may be shared here (and elsewhere) with others. Give thanks always to God.

Have you left your first love, the Lord Jesus? God has promised to save all who claim His Son as Lord and Master. Follow Him, and let His Holy Spirit guide you daily. Let Him be your desire, and determine daily to be wholly His. The reward for those who do is eternity in the Kingdom of Heaven.

Have you not decided to accept Him? When is the best time to decide? Right this very moment, for today is the acceptable hour of your salvation in Jesus! We have no assurance of a "tomorrow"; the only assurance we have is the Promise that all who call upon the Saviour will be redeemed. No one can pray you into Heaven, plead with God for your soul, or intercede in any way if you perish without Him. God deals with you directly; you must do the same with Him. Jesus is the only "go-between".

Pray to God and confess that you are a sinner, accept His Son as your Saviour, and determine to live a life that pleases and serves Him. No, its not always easy, and yes there will be temptations. But He will send His Holy Spirit to guide and instruct you, and place other Christians around you for support and encouragement by His Word. There are Bible-believing churches to be found virtually everywhere where you may worship the Lord, and come to know Him as your First Love! Please, do it- today!

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