The apostle John, in his Revelation, tells us another exciting fact about the righteous dead, when he reveals that they are blessed and holy. He writes, “And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was committed to them. Then I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God, who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received his mark on their foreheads or on their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. But the rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection. Over such the second death has no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with Him a thousand years” (Revelation 20:4-6). How is it that we are in this state? Is it simply through our own attempts to be holy? No. It is God who makes us holy by gift and by grace. The gift comes when we receive Jesus, for it is at this point that we are accounted righteous through the sacrifice of the Cross. It’s not something we earn. It’s something we’re given. When we walk with Jesus, after being born again, the Holy Spirit progressively transforms us into the likeness of God - this is the grace that makes us holy. We can and should seek to be holy, but without a personal relationship with God, this is impossible. If you do not yet know Jesus Christ as your friend and Saviour, today can be your day to embrace God’s gift of blessedness. On the Home page you will find a prayer to help you take this vital step.