February 4

Let us rejoice and be glad and give Him the glory. For the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His bride has made herself ready. — Rev 19:7 BSB

To enter heaven, we need two things: a right to be there, and a readiness for it. Our only right comes through the blood and righteousness of the Son of God—His blood that cleanses us from all sin, and His righteousness that justifies us. Nothing unclean can enter heaven, as God has said: “Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

But in addition to this right, we also need to be made fit for heaven. As the apostle says, we must give thanks to the Father, who has made us fit to share in the inheritance of the saints in light. While on earth, we must begin to sing the notes of that heavenly anthem, which will one day ring out in full harmony from the redeemed. If we are to join in that heavenly marriage supper, we must not only be dressed in the fine linen of the saints’ righteousness but also have the kingdom of God, which is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, established in our hearts.