The Book of Memory Open Before Yahweh

Through the writing of the prophet Malachi, this passage deals with the fact that God records the reverence and good deeds of the righteous in a ‘book of memory’, and also records the deeds of the wicked, using them as the standard of judgment. God permits Satan's rule, but since he uses what is recorded as the basis when he decides final judgment and rewards, believers must act carefully at every moment.

Citing the visions of Daniel and John, the sermon stresses that the books will be opened at the judgment, and explains that believers who kept the faith through suffering will reign with Christ. Using the example of Abraham's obedience, it points out that since faith apart from works is dead, true faith naturally shows itself in good deeds and devotion. It also mentions the great tribulation and persecution believers will face in the last days, and warns that we must abandon formal faith and live honestly in the truth.

The sermon asks which side believers want to stand on, and asks whether we are checking every day that we are going the right way, carrying out the mission we have been given without being swept along by the currents of the world.