Hello! I am Jon Paulien and I’m glad you came to this page to check out my work. I am a New Testament scholar and Professor of Religion at Loma Linda University. On this website you will find a collection of my articles, commentary on Revelation, and links to my blog, videos, and other resources. Make sure you check the articles link above regularly to see the latest postings. In my hand above is an exact replica of p52, the earliest extant New Testament manuscript fragment, containing portions of John, chapter 18. Centered above my head is a replica of ancient Greek pottery. At either end above are two sets of books from, and about, my favorite spiritual author, Ellen G. White. I hope you enjoy the site.

Daily Devotional For November 13, 2025

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And he (the angel) said to me, “Write: Blessed are those who have been called to the wedding banquet of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the genuine words of God.” Rev 19:9.

           Scholars of Revelation often debate whether the bride of the Lamb is the New Jerusalem itself (Rev 21:9-11) or the people of God. There is no mention of the city here, but there is mention of the saints. The wedding dress that the bride of the Lamb wears is “the righteous actions of the saints.” So the people of God certainly must have something to do with the bride. A city without inhabitants is not much of a city, so in a real sense the answer to the question of whether the bride is the city or the people must be “Yes.”
           These days there is increasing interest in a vegetarian diet. And that interest has to do with much more than just health. For many, foregoing a meat diet is an issue of justice (another word for righteous). If so, it ought to be of interest to those thinking about marrying the Lamb.
           Depending on what they eat, 20-60 vegetarians can be fed on the amount of land it takes to feed two meat-eating individuals. This means that if Americans alone reduced their meat consumption by ten per cent, it would result in 12 million tons of grain for human consumption. If distribution were not an issue, that would be enough to feed the 60 million individuals who starve to death each year!
           A plant-based diet also benefits the earth. One researcher argues that animal production uses more than a third of all raw materials and fossil fuels consumed in the United States. The fuel used in producing a single hamburger patty would power the average car for 20 miles!
           While water consumption has become a major concern in the age of pollution and conservation, few American consumers realize that beef production alone uses more water than that which is needed to produce the nation’s entire fruit and vegetable crop. One author estimates that you would save more water by not eating a pound of California beef than you would by not showering for a year!
           Everything we do touches others. From our food and clothing choices to the automobiles we drive and the vacations we take, we are affecting others, either for good or for bad. We need to evaluate all of our actions in the light of what Jesus would do. The righteous actions of the saints include taking only what we need, giving as much as we can, and living honestly and simply. As those awaiting the call to the wedding banquet of the Lamb, we will seek to arrange our lives in light of the righteousness of Christ. This will include attention to what we eat.¹

           Lord, I hear the call to practical godliness in every aspect of my life. I am open to a deeper and more righteous walk with You today.

¹ Based on Lauren Schwarz, “The Consuming Fire,” Adventist Review, October, 2003, 29.