He Give Quietness (Job 34:29)
Job had days when earth and hell seemed set against him. Many of us have felt overwhelmed and near drowning with each wave after another of conflict, sickness, or financial challenges. How we long to hear Christ’s voice above the screams of the wind whipping through the cords holding the sails of our little boat. “Peace, be still!” He draws near and whispers the assurance of His presence. When He does, an infinite calm keeps our hearts and minds in peace.
Only You!
In this story, a king entered his garden one morning and found everything withered and dying. He asked the oak that stood near the gate what the trouble was. He found it was sick of life and determined to die because it was not tall and beautiful like the pine. The pine was out of heart because it could not bear grapes like the vine. Likewise, the vine would throw its life away because it could not stand erect and have as delicate fruit as the peach tree. The geranium was fretting because it was not tall, fragrant like the lilac, and so on throughout the garden. Coming to a heart’s-ease, he found its bright face lifted as cheery as ever. “Well, heart, I’m glad, amidst all this discouragement, to find one brave little flower. You do not seem to be the least disheartened.” “No, I am not of much account, but I thought that if you wanted an oak, or a pine, or a peach tree, or a lilac, you would have planted one, but as I knew you wanted a heart’s-ease, I am determined to be the best little heart’s-ease that I can.”
“Others may do a greater work, but you have your part to do, and no one in all God’s heritage can do it so well as you.”
—- copied from Streams in the Desert, Cowman, January 7, pegs 7 & 8
Book of Revelation – Chapter 22
We are at the closing chapter of the Book of Revelation. Only those folks that repent of their sins, expressing their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ for forgiveness and eternity, will be admitted into the new Jerusalem.
From verses 1 & 2: We read of a pure river of water of life, clear as a crystal, flowing out of the throne of God and the Lamb. Its very transparency allows for the reflection of the glory of God. The river flows pure and unobstructed, symbolizing everlasting life’s constant flow from God’s throne to God’s people. It seems to flow down the center of the street with the tree of life on either side of the river bearing 12 types of fruit with a fresh yield each month. Hence, there will be an infinite variety that will fill heaven. Even with glorified bodies, we can enjoy the habit of eating. We will enjoy the best drink possible – the pure, refreshing water direct from the throne of God. There is no pollution with this water. The full delights of glory remain unrevealed until the right moment. The leaves of the tree of life are for the health of the nations. Life in heaven will be fully energized and exciting.
In verse 3, there is no more curse on humanity. This curse started in the Garden of Eden, was partially removed during the Millennium, and is now permanently obliterated. It means the end of sorrow, pain, and especially death – the most terrible aspect of the curse (Genesis 2:17) – forever.
In verse 4, we will observe the beauty of our Savior’s countenance daily as we live in His presence forever and ever. There we will spend all eternity carrying out the infinitive variety of tasks that the limitless mind of God can conceive. There is nothing beyond His face in terms of bliss once we have seen Him (John Phillips commentary, page 257).
Then in verse 5, there is no night to experience there in heaven (the new Jerusalem). You will not need a candle, nor the light of the sun, because the Lord God gives the residents light, and they shall reign forever and ever. It is the glory of Christ that illuminates the city and its inhabitants.
Now comes the closing remarks as the Book of Revelation concludes with verses 6 through 21.
In verse 6: God-breathed. Everything written, said, and shown was to show God’s servants and believers in the Lord Jesus Christ that these things must happen shortly. The angel proceeds to tell John why God has allowed him to experience this vision of the Revelation. He says, “The God of the holy prophets who is truth and cannot lie, sent me to tell you that the things you have heard and seen must come to pass speedily.” So, “we see that God’s Word is accurate and its truths have been transmitted, recorded, arranged, and preserved exactly as God had in mind.” (John Phillips commentary, page 258).
In verse 7: Now, Jesus speaks, “Behold, I come quickly,” indicating that once a series of events start, they will proceed in rapidly increasing succession. Van Impe adds, “In other words, when these things begin to come to pass (see Luke 21:28), the signs and events will fall into place so speedily – one after another – that a state of preparedness should be maintained.”
What should we do then to be ready? To be prepared for the Lord’s return, an individual “should keep the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” Meaning: we are to long for Christ’s return and our eternal fellowship with Him. “After reading Revelation, Christians should love Christ more, seek to be more like Christ, hope for their resurrection bodies, and anticipate their eternal rewards.” John MacArthur, Because the Time is Near, page 330.
Again, John falls before the angel in verses 8 & 9 to worship him in light of all these revelations. He shouldn’t, nor should we worship anyone or anything but God only! The angel sets John straight again on this issue.
From verse 10, we read that the angel speaks to John once more, saying, “Don’t seal the sayings of the prophecy of this book, for the time is at hand.” Therefore, neither should we seal the prophecy of the sayings of this book. People are to be made aware of the future. They must learn the history of the churches and the plan of the ages. Then, as they live in these times, they will understand God’s program. They will also realize that, once the events begin, they will speedily come to pass. Knowing this, they will be prepared.
In verse 11, there is a choice to be made. Each individual must choose what they shall be; unjust and filthy in hell or righteous and holy in heaven. We are to choose wisely! A person’s response to the exclamation of the prophecy of Revelation will fix their eternal destiny.
In verse 12, the prophetic time clock is ticking, and every event will certainly and speedily come to pass as written. The Lord says, “When I come, I will finish the work of redemption which I began.”
In verse 13, God says, “For I am the Alpha and Omega, the author and finisher of the faith.” (Hebrews 12:2).
Verse 14:
- “Blessed are they that wash their robes that they may have right to the tree of life.” Dr. C. I. Scofield.
- “Blessed are they that wash their robes in the Lamb’s blood that they may have the right to the tree of life and enter through the gates into the city.” Dr. A. C. Gaebelein, Dr. H. A. Ironsides, Dr. J. A. Seuss
From verse 15: a list of those not allowed into the city: dogs (people of a vile & harmful character), sorcerers (those that practice occult activities and those who use drugs), whoremongers (those engaged in illicit sexual activities), murderers, idolaters (people who worship false gods), liars (people who love and practice lying). Listed are those who lack the “new birth” experience and who love and habitually practice any such sins above and continually refuse Christ’s invitation to repentance and salvation, as seen in 2 Corinthians 5:17. Notice this crowd is also listed in Revelation 21:8.
In verse 16, the message of the Revelation is valid (true) because Christ inaugurates (initiates) and guarantees it. God extends the gospel call one last time before the book closes. Jesus is the root and offspring of David and the bright & morning star.
“COME” is the call in verse 17. The Holy Spirit and the Bride plead, “COME!” If you hear this call, let your voice join the chorus. God compassionately declares, “Believe in Me; come to Me. Invite Me into your heart and life.” The first part of verse 17 is a prayer addressed to Christ for Him to “Come” by the Holy Spirit and the Church. The second part of the same verse is addressed to unbelievers to come to faith in Christ. It is the last call for unbelievers to repent.
Clink this link: https://youtu.be/lkqB2hth4rA
Verse 18 and 19: We are to take the Book of Revelation seriously. One must not meddle with or handle lightly the truths that mean so much to the God of heaven and earth. God’s wrath abides on those who tamper with His Word, cutting out the parts that offend them and adding their own ideas to it.
The final message to the Church is that our Lord will return. In verse 20: Surely I come quickly. With Revelation’s promises given over 2,000 years ago, the history we trace seems like a long time. When you see the beginning of these events and their rapid succession of signs following speedily, Jesus will come soon or suddenly. Remember, it has only been two days since Christ left to prepare a place for us and His promised return (refer to 2 Peter 3:8). The response of His people is AMEN (or so be it).
Verse 21: The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all as an expression of God’s grace toward fallen humanity. The Lord of glory offers heaven to those who accept His glorious invitation and return to Him in light of His inevitable return. AMEN.
FINAL COMMENTS:
Thank you for joining me on this journey through the Book of Revelation. I hope you have received encouragement about the future and that your faith has increased in His promises. I recommend that you read the Book of Revelation for yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit for guidance to understand His word. May you find courage in living a faithful life before Him.
Book of Revelation – Chapter 21
After the Great White Throne Judgement of chapter 20, the heavens and the world move toward another judgment; chapter 21 is the eternal state with new heavens and a new earth. This chapter and the next present a fantastic future that awaits every believer of all dispensations and ages. Without warning, the heavens disappear with an earsplitting noise. All heavenly bodies or planets burn up and be destroyed. The world we know as earth with everything in it will vanish. The noise of this destruction will be deafening. Refer to 2 Peter 3:7-13.
In verse 1, we read of a new heaven and new earth with no sea. New is not merely new as to time but also as to kind. Therefore the sky will look similar, as will the world, but also different. For example, the new earth has no sea. The first earth and the first heavens are purged with fire and regenerated. This purging is necessary because Satan defiled both spheres, and God makes them anew and fresh. All of this occurs at the end of the Great White Throne Judgment.
- Old Jerusalem exists today. It is historic, the City of David.
- In the exact location as the first, a second Jerusalem becomes the center for Christ’s millennial kingdom on earth and the earthly nations’ capital city. Also, during this thousand-year reign, a satellite city (the new Jerusalem) hovers above this planet. This celestial city is home to all believers during this period and eternity.
- Finally, the new Jerusalem descends to the new earth at the end of the thousand-year reign of Christ. It serves as heaven’s capital city on the new earth eternally.
Verse 2 speaks of a new Jerusalem coming down from heaven, a new capital city. People in the new Jerusalem will live in peace and harmony.
Then we come to verse 3, where God dwells with His people. Before the Fall in Eden, God came and walked with Adam in the cool of the day, so God shall live with men forever and delight in His abiding presence. Presently, the location of God’s Tabernacle is in heaven. He descends to earth with His heavenly entourage, settling in the new Jerusalem to begin global operations from this satellite city. The redeemed in their glorified bodies live in the new Jerusalem.
In verse 4: God will wipe away all tears from their eyes; there will be no more death, no more sorrow, no more crying, no more pain; for the former things pass away, such is this land of eternal life. No more cancers, diseases, heart attacks, automobile accidents, or wars. What is declared is the absence of anything to be sorry about. There is no sadness, no disappointments, no pain, no tears of regret, no loss of loved ones, no more funerals, no more graves, no more hospitals, no more broken homes, and no more broken hearts. And sin has ceased because Satan forever remains incarcerated in Gehenna, the lake of fire.
In verses 5 and 6, God adds that he is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. All creation began without sin, and now it has ended without sin. Our spiritual thirst will be satisfied forever.
From verse 7, we learn the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God (1 John 5:4) is an overcomer; he shall inherit all things, and God will be his God, and he shall be His son.
Verse 8 speaks about those sinners who miss this eternal paradise upon the earth. Where are they now? They are in the lake of fire (the second death) with no second chance, no reprieve, no commuted sentence. This list should be read as a description of eternal character. Who did not make it?
- The fearful; are those who rejected Christ to escape the ridicule of men.
- The unbelieving; are those who rejected the doctrine of Christ’s deity and shed blood as the only means of obtaining eternal life.
- The abominable; are those who engage in corrupt practices, speaking the language of Christendom but never living it. They profess that they know God, but in their works, they deny him. They are described as being an abominable (hateful & obnoxious), disobedient (unruly & disorderly), and unprincipled (immoral, unethical, & corrupt) rogue (or SOB) Titus 1:16.
- The murderers; are those who carry hatred within their hearts and minds for others (1 John 3:15).
- The whoremongers; are those who engaged in fornication (premarital sex), adultery (extra-marital flings), or perverted sex.
- The sorcerers; are those who practiced drug usage for “kicks” and “highs.”
- The idolaters: are people who worship or revere anyone or anything other than God, living and trustworthy, or using idols in worship. (1 John 5:21).
- All liars; are those who deceived others, distorted the truth, and destroyed humanity by lies.
Verse 9: Now John is shown the Bride, the Lamb’s wife. She is the one who made herself ready in fine linen, clean and white (chapter 19:7-8), and who returns with Him (Christ) for the 1,000-year honeymoon (chapter 19:11-16).
In verse 10: The great city, the holy (heavenly) Jerusalem, descends out of heaven from God. John is impressed by the city’s brilliance, the size of the municipality, and the city’s beauty. The new Jerusalem reflects its people, the redeemed or the Bride.
From verses 11 thru 14, we get a description of the new Jerusalem in more detail. The city was clear as crystal, with a great wall, 12 large gates, and 12 foundations.
- A great high wall surrounded the city. It is an eternal memorial of our hidden life with Christ in God (Colossians 3:3) until we appear with Him in glory (Colossians 3:4). It reminds the believers that God loves His people and protects them while on earth.
- Twelve angels staff the 12 gates. These gates remain open, and the angels welcome those possessing the right and privilege to enter the city. Each gate has the name of the twelve tribes of Israel.
- The city sets on 12 foundations, each named after each of the twelve apostles of Christ.
In verses 15 thru 17, the size of the new Jerusalem gets revealed.
- The city forms a perfect cube of tetragonal shape. Its width, length, and height are equal (at 12,000 furlongs or 1,5000 miles). This distance would cover a geographic area in the USA, extending from Maine’s northernmost point to the southernmost point of Florida and from the eastern seaboard to Colorado. A city of this size could house every person ever born, plus billions of additional people. Remember, from verse 3, this city comes down from heaven and orbits earth during the millennium reign before coming to rest upon the new earth as eternity begins.
- The walls surrounding the city extend 216 feet high by the measure of a man. The wall is relatively low compared to the city’s walls, reflecting no need to ward off an attack.
In verses 18 thru 21, we see a further description of the wall, foundations, and gates.
- The wall of jasper represents Christ, in His radiant glory, surrounding His saints.
- The city was pure gold, like transparent glass, which typifies the righteousness of God’s holy nature. The transparency allows God’s glory to shine through to every aspect of the city and beyond.
- The various foundation stones – brilliant – picture the Lord’s attributes and various aspects of His redemptive work.
- A single pearl composes each gate that never shuts. Each immense pearl symbolizes the tremendous sufferings of Christ.
- Streets made of pure gold appear as transparent glass.
Verse 22 tells us that there was no temple in the city (new Jerusalem) for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple because God has chosen to dwell with His people.
In verse 23, there is no need for the sun or moon since God and the Lamb lighten everything. No wonder there shall be no night there, for the night is an impossibility since Christ’s splendor, and glory shines brilliantly.
Verses 24 thru 26: These verses picture the multitudes who came through the Millennium as born-again, regenerated believers. These did not follow Satan in the final rebellion upon release from the bottomless pit. Therefore, they entered the eternal state in bodies of flesh. Their rulers, kings, and presidents are also born-again and still living in earthly bodies. They bring their glory and honor into the New Jerusalem as well. They come to praise Him, who is all in all. Security is needless in the land of an eternal day with no night.
In verse 27: The warning flag is again lifted as John writes, “But nothing impure will enter the city, nor anyone who does shameful things or tells lies. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of the living will enter the city.” GNT
Book of Revelation – Chapter 20
The Millennium, the golden age some call this time, has come! The Bible teaches a 1,000-year reign by the Lord Jesus Christ on earth. What would changes look like in a millennium kingdom?
- The Antichrist and the false prophet are in the lake of fire. Those deceivers are out of the way. Satan is chained and locked in the bottomless pit, for God is not yet through with him.
- Since man will not practice war again, the earth’s armies are no more. Fallen into ruin and decay are all the military academies. Melted down is much of war’s machinery, now converted to useful implements for peace.
- Jerusalem becomes the world’s capital from which Christ rules the earth. The nations come there to worship the living God.
- Prosperity becomes evident from all points of the globe. Poverty becomes unknown as everyone has all the heart desires.
- There are no prisons, no hospitals, no mental institutions, no barracks, no saloons, no brothels, no casinos, or retirement or nursing homes.
- The bloom of youth is on everyone’s cheek, even at a hundred years of age. Cemeteries are relics of the past. Tears are rare.
- The wolf, lamb, calf, lion, cow, bear, child, and scorpion all are at peace.
- Jesus rules as King. His reign is righteous, and the nations obey. Infractions or violations of the laws of His kingdom are not allowed. Sin is dealt with swiftly, with proper judgment.
Verses 1 thru 3 tell us that Satan no longer has the key to the bottomless pit; an angel does. This angel comes down from heaven, armed with authority and power from God. He binds Satan with a chain, throws him into the bottomless pit (FYI, this is not the lake of fire), and seals the door. No more deception of the nations for a thousand years. But God still has a reason to keep Satan available. We will see God’s reason later toward the end of the Revelation.
In verse 4, John sees several thrones occupied for judgment. Those who sit on these thrones are members of the first resurrection – which include the Old Testament saints (Daniel 12:1-2), Church Age saints (1 Thess. 4:16-18 and 1 Corinthians 15:15-54), and Tribulation saints (Titus 2:13). These saints are entitled to sit upon thrones because they are members of the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9). Christ has made them kings and priests (chapter 5, verse 10). The Lord Jesus Christ deposes (or removes) two different classes of rulers:
- He punishes the host of the high ones in the heavenlies where Satan’s angelic princes once ruled, where the Church will judge from, and
- He punishes the kings of the earth upon the earth, where a redeemed Israel will rule.
Don’t miss an essential point in verses 5 and 6. The rest of the dead remain in their graves until the end of the millennium kingdom period. They await the 2nd resurrection to appear before the Great White Throne Judgment. But blessed and holy are those that are part of the 1st resurrection. The second death is powerless against them.
Verse 7 explains that Satan, once released from the bottomless pit after 1,000-years, will deceive the nations (verse 8) all over the globe. They will gather together to battle Christ the King and the saints. Their number is like the sand of the sea. They do not recall the destruction of the earth’s armies when Christ came to set up His kingdom a thousand years ago. Nor are they remember Russia’s disaster though some may. Gog and Magog symbolically lend their names to the dissidents of earth. So, they march onward. Verse 9 tells us that this massive army surrounds the saints and Jerusalem (the beloved city). Knowing what is happening and what is planned by those following Satan, Christ patiently waits. Then suddenly, at the appropriate time, fire comes down from God out of heaven and devours them all. There is no battle and no war, just ashes left.
Why did Christ allow this to happen to those that were children of the Millennium? During the millennium reign of Christ, humanity bore children, many of them. These children had the exact sinful nature that all people have. The release of Satan was to test their free will. Many of these children accepted Christ as their Savior, but many did not! Satan’s departure from the pit tried their love and loyalty to Christ. Was their love for Christ genuine, or were they submissive simply because He ruled with a rod of iron (chapter 19, verse 15)? The truth revealed that millions followed the devil, bringing to light the hidden world of darkness of the human heart.
In verse 10, Satan has deceived men and women for the final time. His punishment is already known. Immediately, he gets thrown into the lake of fire, where he joins the Antichrist and the false prophet, tormented day and night forever. Notice that Satan does not enter Hell until after the Millennium.
Immediately in verse 11, we see the Great White Throne for the judgment of the wicked. How terrible is the fear gripping every ungodly heart? Emptiness and torment without end await them. King Jesus sits as the Judge. So brilliant is His face that earth and heaven have fled away, defiled or marred by sin.
The Great White Throne Judgment (verses 12 thru 15) is history’s gloomiest period. All people not in the book of life stand before God in condemnation. Only the names of those saved through faith in Christ are in the book of life. The other book has a record of the unbeliever’s works for which they will give an account. All without Christ as their Savior have no hope.
- White represents the purity, justice, and holiness of God. It also symbolizes INTEGRITY for Christ. He is the truth.
- The Great White Throne pictures a decisive judgment about to fall on those who rejected the gospel. A solemn scene of unregenerate humanity comes face to face with God for the investigation of all their evil deeds.
SUMMARY:
Here are a few final points to make about the White Throne Judgment.
- God knows where every speck of human dust is hidden, and at His word, it will all come scurrying back to make the departed form again.
- In our English Bible, two Greek words – Hades and Gehenna- are translated as Hell. There are two words because there are two places.
- When Jesus used the word Hades, he referred to the “local jail” where the sinner remains bound until the Great White Throne Judgement. On Judgment Day, the sinner comes out of the local jail (Hades) and stands before the Judge (the Lord Jesus Christ). The sinner is found guilty and gets transferred to the final prison of souls (Gehenna). The lake of fire is usually synonymous with Gehenna.
- Death (the grave) and Hell (also Hades) deliver up the dead in them. Death delivers up the body. Hades delivers up the soul. Every man receives judgment according to his works which is the trial. Then Death (the grave) and Hades are cast into the lake of fire, Gehenna – the final prison.
- Those who trust in the merits of Christ’s shed blood stand exempt from the Great White Throne Judgment, good news!!! Those trusting in Christ have passed from death to life (John 5:24). There is no condemnation to them in Christ Jesus (Romans 8:1).
Bill Wyler
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