Revelation 21:9 – 22:5 – Lesson 27

 

Revelation 21:9-27 – New Jerusalem

John experienced one of the 7 angels who had the 7 bowls of plagues call him to come and he would show him the wife of the Lamb.  At this point the marriage had already taken place.  John was carried away in the Spirit to a mountain where he saw the Holy City of Jerusalem coming down from heaven. The Lamb’s wife represents God’s city.  I’m sure John had a hard time describing what he saw with human words.  He said it shone with the glory of God.  It had brilliance like precious jewels, clear as crystal.  It had a high wall with 12 gates with 12 angels at the gates.  On the gates were written the names of the 12 tribes of Israel.  Three gates were on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west.  The city wall had 12 foundations with the names of the 12 apostles of the Lamb. (Rev. 21:9-14)  The Lamb’s wife is described as the new city of Jerusalem.  This is where the bride of Christ, the church will live forever.

Scenes that described of John being “in the Spirit”:

Revelation 1:19-20 – John was told to write what he saw and send it to the 7 churches.

Revelation 4:1-11 – John saw the throne in heaven where God was being worshiped.

Revelation 17:1-6 – John saw the punishment of the great prostitute.

Revelation 21:9-14 – John saw the New Jerusalem.

Revelation 17:1-6 and Revelation 21:9-14 are different.  In Revelation 17 we see the evil Babylon ruling over the earth and wanting to destroy God’s people.  While Revelation 21 we saw the Holy City, Jerusalem after all evil has left the world forever.

This world is not our home.  Our home is in heaven.  There is nothing like going home.  There is no place like home.  There is a peace, joy, rest, tranquility, and a sense of belonging.  The best part is that Jesus will be there with us.  That is what heaven will be like.  John gives us a beautiful description of our heavenly home.

John describes details of the New Jerusalem:

The city was laid out in a square, as long as it was wide.  It measured 12,000 stadia in length, wide, and high.  Its wall was 144 cubits thick and made of jasper.  The city was made of pure gold as pure as glass.  The foundations of the walls were decorated with all kinds of precious stones – jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, carnelian, chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth, and amethyst.  The 12 gates were pearls.  The streets were pure gold like transparent glass.  (Rev. 21:15-21)

The significance of all the jewels in the New Jerusalem is not a drab, dull, boring city, because it radiates God’s glory.  The 12 stones on the high priest’s breastplate in Exodus 28 were for the 12 tribes of Israel.  The number 12 is considered a perfect number indicating completeness and symbolizes God’s power and authority.  There are 12 tribes of Israel, 12 apostles, Jacob had 12 sons, the woman in chapter 12 wears a crown with 12 stars, the Holy City has 12 gates with 12 angels, and 12 precious stones mentioned here.  The 144,000 we saw sealed in chapter 12 is 12,000 cubed.  A stadia or furlong is about 1,200 miles in length.  The city then is approximately 1,200 miles times 12,000 on each of its 4 sides so there is plenty of room for billions of God’s people who are not limited by gravity.  I love how the Bible ties everything together in a neat bow.  God leaves nothing to chance or coincidence. 

I looked up what all these precious stones were:

Jasper = Diamond

Sapphire = Brilliant blue stone

Chalcedony = Sky blue with colored stripes

Emerald = Bright green stone

Sardonyx = Red and white striped stone

Carnelian = Various shades of Red

Chrysolite = Transparent gold or yellow

Beryl = Shades of green, yellow and blue

Topaz = Yellowish green

Chrysoprase = Gold tinted green

Jacinth = blue or violet colored

Amethyst = Purple stone

God and His eternal plan are portrayed in the description of the city.  Precious stones like these are highly treasured and sought after.  God treasures His people.  We are precious to Him and He seeks after us.

John didn’t see a temple, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.  It didn’t need the sun or the moon for the glory of God gives it light and the Lamb is its lamp. It’s never nighttime.  The Lord’s glory will illuminate the city.  This city is full of the glory of God.  At no time will be gates be closed, because there will be no enemy to enter.  Nothing impure will ever enter it, only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. (Rev. 21:22-27) 

There are passages about the temple throughout the Bible ...

1 Kings 8:21 – Here the temple is an actual building that housed the Ark and inside was the presence of God.

John 2:19-22 – Jesus referred to the temple as His body.

1 Corinthians 6:19 – Our bodies are referred to as a temple.

These verses refer to God’s light…

Exodus 13:21 – By day the Lord went ahead of them in a pillar of cloud to guide the people and He was pillar of fire by night.

Psalm 119:105 – His Word in a light to our path.

John 8:12 – Jesus said He was the Light of the world.

This is not a city that we can really understand.  Even John probably had a hard time describing it in human language.  The city is very large.  It would have to be since it is a place for all of God’s people.  It will be the center of the new earth and a place where the Lord will be the King over all nations.  He has already dealt with the unholy and only clean and good will exist there.

Do you want to live there?  I sure do.  It will be a place of rest, a place of complete security, a place of refreshment for God’s people, a place without fear, a place of true worship, and a place of joy and holiness.  God will provide security and stability and lavish provisions for His people.  We will enjoy its beauty and unity with other believers for eternity.  We will walk in His presence.  We will have unending fellowship with Jesus.  Hallelujah! 

John’s revelation says eternity is real!  Believers will go to an eternal heaven forever, but unbelievers will go to eternal punishment forever.

Principle:  Just like to precious stones in the New Jerusalem we are treasured and precious to God.

Revelation 22:1-5 – The River of Life

The angel showed John the River of life.  It was as clear as crystal that flowed from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the street.  On each side was the Tree of Life bearing 12 crops of fruit yielding fruit every month.  The leaves are for the healing of the nations.  There will no longer be any curse.  The throne of God and the Lamb will be in the holy city and servants to serve Him.  They will be able to see His face.  His name will be written on their foreheads.  There will be no more night nor a need for light for the Lord God will give them light.  They will reign forever and ever. (Revelation 22:1-5)

Have you received new life by believing in Jesus as Savior?  What a great honor to carry His name.  It is thrilling to be identified with Him.  He promises a glorious future of hope, peace and security for all who believe in Him.

The Tree of Life has not been mentioned in the Bible since Genesis 3 when Adam and Eve sinned in the garden.  If you remember, God provided all they needed and told them they could eat of any tree in the garden except the tree of knowledge of good and evil.  If they ate from that tree, they would live forever in their sin.  However, they disobeyed God and He kicked them out, cursed them, and banned them from the garden.  They could no longer eat from the Tree of Life.  Because of their sin, they would have to work for their food.  That Paradise is now restored.  All that was lost is redeemed by the Lamb. 

We are the servants.  We will have the honor of serving Him.  The Bible tells us no one can see the face of God and live, but in the New Jerusalem we will have glorified bodied and we will be able to see His face.  There we will be in His presence all the time and can look on His face anytime.  This will be the greatest blessing. 

Jesus is the source of all light.  The sun and moon will have no purpose.  His presence is all we will need.  His Kingdom has no end.

Principle:  God will live with His people forever in the new heaven and new earth.

Next week we will continue the study of Revelation.  – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Revelation 20:11 – 21:8 – Lesson 26

 

 Revelation 20:11-15 – Great White Throne Judgment

At the end of the Millennial the Great White Throne Judgment will take place.  It will be the time of judgment for all humans throughout history who have died in their sins.  This will be the final judgment of the human race, but Christians need not fear because, “That if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” – Rom. 10:9

John saw Jesus sitting on the great white throne.  White symbolizes the purity of the One who sits on it.  We know it’s Jesus because John 5:10 tells us, “the Father judges no one, but has entrusted all judgment to the Son.”  The earth and sky as we know it did not exist.  He saw every person from the great to the rich to the poor who had died standing before the throne.  The books were opened.  These books contained a record of the resurrected dead who were not saved – their every thought, word and deed.  Jesus judged each person according to His records in the books.  This might mean there are different degrees of hell.  Everyone who didn’t accept Jesus will have to account for their deeds.  All the dead people and those who had gone to Hades were judged and thrown into the Lake of Fire.  The Lake of Fire is the 2^nd death.  This is a place of eternal punishment.  Another book was opened, which is the book of life.  Those whose names are not written in the Book of life will go into the lake of fire.  Those whose names are in the book will not go into the Lake of Fire, because these are God’s people – all believers.  They believe in Jesus and will not suffer for their sins.  Jesus had already taken away their sins when He died on the cross.  God has raised them to eternal life to be with Him forever. (Rev. 20:11-15)

Believers will be judged according to their deeds at the Judgment Seat of Christ.  Some believe this will occur in heaven between the Rapture of the church and Christ’s return.  Some believe it will occur during the tribulation and will have already occurred prior to the Tribulation judgments being poured out upon the earth.  Matthew 16:27 tell us it will take place after His return the earth.  Revelation 22:12 tells us it will take place after the Rapture of the church.  We know this judgment had already happened because it is represented in Revelation 4 when faithful believers throughout history lay their crowns down before the throne and worship the Lord.  Believers will not be judged for sin at the Judgment Seat of Christ.  Every sin of every believer was judged at the  cross.  Jesus had already taken away their sins when He died on the cross.  God has raised them to eternal life to be with Him forever.

Do not make that terrible mistake by not accepting Jesus as your Savior.  Place your faith in Him and ask Him to forgive your sins.  Be ready when He returns with your name in the Book of life.  Believe, repent and be baptized.  Do not put it off!  Tomorrow may be too late.

What can you do to be saved and be sure your name is in the Book of Life? 

Admit you are a sinner – Rom.3:23, 6:23     

Confess Jesus is Lord – Rom. 10:9-10     

Repent of your sins – Luke 13:5    

Believe in Jesus – John 3:16; 14:6      

Then be baptized in obedience as a public testimony.  

Then to promote spiritual growth join with other Christians in a church, pray, read the Bible, and witness.

The second death is the resurrection to dead.  This happens when the millennium is over.  These are unbelievers who will be raised for eternal punishment in the lake of fire.  Romans 8:1-4 tell us that there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, because through Him the law of the Spirit of life has set believers free.

Principle:  Unbelievers stand before the Great White Throne Judgment and believers will stand before the Judgment Seat of Christ.

Revelation 21:1-8 – New Jerusalem

This chapter describes the New Jerusalem following the Millennium and the final judgment.

Heaven and earth are replaced by a new heaven and a new earth.  This has to happen in order to get rid of sin, evil, sickness, suffering, and death.  Everything will be cleansed from all sin and ready for God’s people.  Everything is made new!  Earth had been the domain of Satan and now is purified so God can come down to the new earth.  It will be like the Garden of Eden. 

John saw a new heaven and a new earth.  The 1^st earth and the 1^st heaven were now gone.  Even the sea was gone.  2 Peter 3:13 says the earth will be destroyed by fire.  It will be consumed, destroyed, and completely forgotten.  Why then do we try to build riches of houses, cars, large bank accounts?  Nothing on earth is going to survive this fire.

Then John saw the Holy City, the New Jerusalem coming down from heaven.  This city is called holy because everyone who in it is holy.  It is Christ’s Kingdom.  John heard a loud voice saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them.  They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God.  He will wipe every tear from their eyes.  There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” – Rev. 21:1-4   

New Jerusalem comes down from heaven to us just like Jesus came down to earth to us.  God desires to dwell with us ever since the garden.  God dwelt with His people in the Old Testament in a sanctuary called the Tabernacle.  Now that Jesus has come and died for us, He dwells with us through His Holy Spirit.  In the New Jerusalem God will dwell with us continually and believers will literally see Him as He is.  All sin will be gone and all tears, pain, sorrow, fear, and death will be removed.  God repairs creation and re-creates it for His children.  There will be eternal life there for all believers.  God’s dwelling with His people is His grand plan of redemption, which He has stated throughout the Bible.

John was told by God to write these words because they are trustworthy and true.  God said, “I am making everything new!” – Rev. 21:5  Everything that He said will happen.  God has completed His final work.  He completed creation in Genesis (Genesis 2:3).  He completed His work on the cross (John 19:30).  Now His has completed His plan for renewing creation.  “It is done.  I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.  To him who is thirsty I will give to drink without cost from the spring of the water of life.” – Revelation 21:6.  His plan is complete.  He leaves nothing unfinished.

Alpha and Omega are the A to Z in the Greek alphabet meaning He is the first and the last.  The water of life is free.  People today are thirsting for so many things that won’t give them fulfillment – like money possessions and even relationships.  Only Jesus can give you satisfaction to never thirst for anything again.  All you need to do is ask God to deepen your thirst for Him.  Then He will fill your life with satisfaction and joy.

The overcomers will inherit all this, but the unbelieving have their place in the fiery lake, the 2^nd death. (Rev. 21:7-8)  There are 2 kinds of people – believers and unbelievers.  They experience 2 different lifestyles on earth and go to 2 different eternal destinies.  Believers go to eternal life.  Unbelievers will experience the 2^nd death - the lake of fire, because they are vile, murderers, sexually immoral, practice magic arts, idolaters, and liars as described in verse 8.  Those whose lives are characterized by such things are evidence they are not saved and will not enter the heavenly city.  All who prefer sin to Jesus Christ are assured of the 2^nd death.

Principle:  To restore His creation, God must rid the world of sin; He will judge sin and live with His people forever.

Next week we will continue the study of Revelation 21 and also study Revelation 22.  – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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Revelation 20:1-10 – Lesson 25

 

Revelation 20:1-6 – The Thousand Year Millennium         

John saw an angel coming down from heaven.  This angel had power given to him by God.  He had the key to the Abyss and a great chain in his hand.  He seized the dragon, Satan and bound him for 1,000 years.  The angel threw Satan into the Abyss and locked and sealed it to keep him from deceiving the nations until the 1,000 years ended.  There he will have no power.  Then Satan will be released for only a short time. (Rev. 20:1-3)  The Abyss is the place where demons live and the place where they wait for God’s punishment. 

This shows God’s sovereignty and authority over the all things – heaven, earth, humanity and Satan and his demons.  God can do what He wants, to who He wants because He is the Creator of all and everything is under His control.

What the Scriptures say about Satan ….

John 8:42-45 – He is a liar, a father of lies, and a murderer.

2 Corinthians 4:4 – He blinds the eyes of unbelievers.

1 Peter 5:8 – He prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.

Why would God release Satan?  This is one of the mysteries of God.  First of all let’s not forget it’s God’s plan.  Perhaps it is to show the depravity of the human heart and how easily we can be deceived.  It proves beyond any doubt the sinfulness of man and that we all need a Savior.  Satan will come out to seduce the nations.  He will muster them for war.  Remember during the Millennium people will be living as usual – marrying and having children.  Men will still have a sinful nature.  They will have a choice to follow Jesus or not.  God has always allowed people to choose between good and evil.  This time will be no different.  Many will respond to Satan’s intrigue and reject God.

Then John saw those who had been given authority to judge sitting on thrones.  He saw souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony for Jesus and the Word of God.  These are those who lived during the Great Tribulation and had not worshiped the beast or his image or received his mark.  They will come to life and reigned with Christ for 1,000 years.  This is the 1^st resurrection.  The 2^nd death has no power over them.  The rest of the dead will not come to life until the 1,000 years has ended.  That will be the 2^nd resurrection, the 2^nd death.  (Rev. 20:4-6)  (Note:  Remember believers before the tribulation began were already raptured.)

Believers who take part in the 1^st resurrection are “blessed and holy” because they are saved from the 2^nd death, which is the Lake of Fire.  They are safe and will live with Jesus always.  God will judge the rest of the people after the 1,000 years.  During the 1,000 years many people will have not believed and trusted God and they, too will die the 2^nd death going into the Lake of Fire.

What is the 1^st resurrection?  This is the resurrection to life.  This is when all believers - the church, Old Testament and Tribulation saints will be raised to life.  They will reign with Christ during the 1,000 year millennium and for eternity in heaven with Jesus.  Unbelievers will have no part in this resurrection.

What is the 2^nd resurrection or 2^nd Death?  This is the resurrection to death.  This happens when the millennium is over.  These are unbelievers who will be raised for eternal punishment in the lake of fire.

What is the Millennium?  Some believe this is not a literal 1,000 years, but I believe it is.  The 1,000 years is used 6 times in Revelation 20:2-7.  If it wasn’t a literal 1,000 years, then God would have said so.  It is 1,000 years when Christ will reign as God’s promise is fulfilled.  He will rule the world with the saints of all ages – Old and New Testament saints, Tribulation saints, and the church.  All evil is gone.  Satan will be locked away and cannot influence anyone.  It will be a time of peace and tranquility.

Revelation 20:7-10 – Satan’s Doom

Satan has been actively deceiving people since the Garden of Eden.  He deceived Adam and Eve and all humanity fell into a sinful nature.  He even tried to tempt Jesus.  He prowls around looking for people to devour.  He tries anything he can to defeat God and His purposes.  He is a master deceiver, a liar, and a murderer.  But God will restrain Satan showing his power is limited by the mighty hand of God.

Satan’s character will have not changed in the 1,000 years.  When the 1,000 years are over, Satan will be released from his prison only for a short time and will again try to deceive people of all the nations as he has always done.  He will cause nations from the four corners of the earth (Gog and Magog) to come together for war.  They will surround the city God loves.  That city is Jerusalem.  When Satan thinks he has won, fire will come down from heaven and devour them.  The Satan will be thrown into the lake of burning sulfur (Lake of Fire) joining the beast and the false prophet.  They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever. (Rev. 20:7-10)

Why would Satan and his rebels continue to fight the Kingdom of God?  Doesn’t Satan know God will win?  It is because he is full of pride and this pride has blinded him.  Sin is deceptive and deception is Satan’s very nature.  Human nature is also prideful, which is the worst sin and is the most evil of all sins.

People run from God because they love the world and they like their sin too much.  They are comfortable in their sin.  They put other things before Him.  They take their children to soccer games on Sunday instead of taking them to church, go to R and X rated movies, drink and party, and think only of themselves.  They don’t read their Bible or pray.

You can protect yourself from Satan’s deceptions by reading and studying the Bible regularly, staying on your knees in prayer and asking God to help you to stand firm, strong, faithful, and obedient to Him.

Can you imagine a life where there is no Satan?  He can’t temp anyone.  Remember there are 3 types of people who will populate the Millennium – Christians who have been raptured, Old Testament and New Testament saints, and believers who naturally survived the Battle of Armageddon.  These natural believers will live and have children and life will go on as it does today.  Their children will have to be taught about Jesus and many will not accept Him even though He will constantly be with them.  Because the nature of man is wicked, many of these children will rebel.  The earth will be filled with many people just like it is today.  There will be believers and unbelievers.

Principles: 

All history is controlled from Heaven.

Jesus will reign as King forever.

God’s promises are clear and His fulfillment is certain.

God remembers those who paid for truth.

If anyone’s name is not found in the book of life, he will be thrown into the lake of fire.

Next week we will finish the study in Revelation 20 and also study Revelation 21 where we will learn about the New Jerusalem. – I encourage you to trust in Jesus.

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