WELCOME TO THE DRAMA OF REVELATION A Study of The Book of REVELATION SESSION XI 04/04/17 Session 1 Introduction and Background to Revelation Session 2 The Prologue (Chapter 1): Vision of the Coming King Session 3 The Proclamation (Chapters 2 & 3): Letters to the Seven Churches Session 4 The Problem (Chapters 4 & 5): Seven-Sealed Scroll THIS WEEK S CLASS REVELATION 21-22 Session 5 The Process: Seven Seals and Seven Trumpets (Ch. 9 11) Session 6 & 7 Seven Key Figures in the End-Times Drama Session 8 Plagues: Seven Bowls of Final Judgements (Chapters 14 16) Session 9 and 10 Plagues: Seven Bowls of Final Judgements (Chapters 17 20) Session 11 Seven New Things (Chapters 21-22) 1
TRIUMPHAL RETURN OF CHRIST CHAPTER 19 This is one of the greatest chapters in the entire Bible! It deals with three of the most important events in our lives: 1) the marriage supper of the Lamb; 2) the return of Christ with His Church, and; 3) the final triumph over the Antichrist and the False Prophet. The climax of the entire Revelation is reached in this dramatic and exciting chapter in which Christ returns as the King of kings. THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM CHAPTER 20 In a series of incredible events, Satan is bound for one thousand years while Christ, the Bride, and the Tribulation martyrs rule on earth. Then, in one last great surprise, Satan is loosed after the Millennium and makes one final attempt to overthrow the work of God. This time his is cast into the lake of fire. Then the lost of all time stand before Christ at the Great White Throne Judgment. 2
NEW JERUSALEM CHAPTERS 21 AND 22 In Revelation 21:1 22:5 we have the most extensive revelation of the eternal home of the redeemed to be found anywhere in the Scriptures, and most suitably it forms the conclusion of all the revelation of the ages recorded in our Bible. The remaining verses (22:6-21) are simply an appendix including an exhortation, warning and promise. NEW JERUSALEM CHAPTER 21 The Revelation now takes us on to its grand conclusion: the eternal state. We are introduced to a new heaven and a new earth. Next we see the New Jerusalem the Bride of Christ. Finally, all the struggles of earth are over and the glory of God is with redeemed mankind. This is a brand new universe. It is paradise restored! 3
NEW JERUSALEM The final chapters of the Revelation takes us to the ultimate prophetic vision: eternity. Beyond the Great Tribulation and the Millennial Kingdom lies the final reality: the eternal state. The life and sum of all gospel promises and Christian privileges is the promise of eternity. Yet, the material prosperity of our era has caused some believers to lose sight of our ultimate goal, which is heaven itself. THE NEW WORLD ORDER Revelation 21 introduces us to a whole new series of events. We have entered the final phase of the Apocalypse. All judgments are now concluded. God shall wipe away all tears from our eyes, and there shall be no more sorrow or death. Even during the blessings of the Millennium, human sufferings were not totally eliminated. But in God s new world order, they are no more. 4
THE NEW WORLD ORDER John begins his final vision with the familiar words, and I saw (v. 1), reminding us again that the entire Revelation is a vision of future events. John records what he saw in the vocabulary, language, and descriptive terms of his own time. What he actually means by streets of gold or gates of pearl may be beyond our wildest imaginations or expectation. THE NEW WORLD ORDER John describes this place in several ways: He describes it as a city (v. 2). He speaks of its inhabitants (v. 24), its gates (v. 12), its size (v. 16), its foundations (v. 14), and its walls (v. 18). He describes the eternal state as a place of great activity, worship, and service to God. He also speaks of it as our eternal home, where we shall dwell forever. 5
THE NEW WORLD ORDER While the number seven does not appear in these chapters, it is evident that the focus is on seven new things in the eternal state: New heaven (21:1) New earth (21:1) New Jerusalem (21:2) New temple (21:22) New light (21:23) New paradise (22:1-5) In Chapters 21 and 22, we have the most detailed account in all the Bible of what heaven will be like. THE NEW WORLD ORDER The terms new heaven and new earth indicate a brandnew world is coming. Heaven refers to the atmospheric heavens (clouds, etc.), not to the dwelling place of God. It is the old planet and its atmosphere that have vanished and are replaced by a new heaven and new earth. The heaven where God dwells is often called the third heaven (2 Cor. 12:2) and need no replacement. It is the place from which the New Jerusalem descends to earth. 6
THE NEW JERUSALEM The New Jerusalem is referred to as a bride adorned for her husband (21:2). Later, the chapter (v. 9-10) makes it clear that this is the Bride of the Lamb, who was first introduced in 19:7-10. She returned from heaven with Christ in 19:11-16 and ruled with Him during the Millennial Kingdom (20:4). New she assumes a new and permanent position as the holy city. THE NEW JERUSALEM This time she is called both the bride and wife of the Lamb (21:9). Yet she is also referred to as a city. The figure of a bride-city captures two characteristics of the New Jerusalem: God s personal relationship with His people (i.e. the Bride), and; The life of the people in communion with Him (i.e., the city). 7
THE NEW JERUSALEM In anticipation of her arrival, a loud voice speaks from heaven announcing that the tabernacle of God is among men (21:3). This dramatic announcement indicates that God is now accessible to His people. He is no longer on the distant throne of heaven. Nor is He hidden beyond the veil in the holy of holies. THE NEW JERUSALEM God s accessibility now indicates: He will dwell with us. We shall be His people. He will be our God. He will wipe away our tears. There shall be no more death. There shall be no more sorrow. There shall be no more pain. The summary statement declares, the first things have passed away (v. 4), and God declares, Behold, I am making all things new (v. 5). 8
THE NEW JERUSALEM In addition to telling us what will be in heaven, John also lists seven things that will not be in the eternal state: Sea (21:1) Death (21:4) Mourning (21:4) Crying (21:4) Pain (21:4) Night (21:25) Curse (22:3) The picture painted in this chapter is that of the New Jerusalem suspended between heaven and earth. It is the final and permanent bond between the two. THE ULTIMATE PROMISE The words it is done (v. 6) appear for the second time in the Revelation. There are then three great It is finished statements in all of Scripture: On the cross: Atonement is paid in full (John 19:30) At Armageddon: Judgment is irrevocable (Rev. 16:17) At the dawn of eternity: A new world order is established (rev. 21:6) 9
THE ULTIMATE PROMISE The promise of God to the believers is that those who overcome (or persevere) will inherit these things (21:7). This concept occurs frequently in other parts of the New Testament, especially in the words of Jesus and Paul (Matt. 5:5); 19:29; Rom. 4:13; 1 Cor. 6:9). These things refers to all that is really essential and worthwhile for eternity. It is not a promise for earthly wealth and prosperity but for heavenly and eternal blessings (also see Rom. 8:28, 32). THE ULTIMATE PROMISE By contrast, the ungodly, unrepentant, and unbelieving multitudes introduced by the adversative but, will never see the New Jerusalem. They will be cast into the lake of fire, which is the second death (21:8). The rejected are listed in eight categories: Cowardly Unbelieving Abominable Murderers Immoral Persons Sorcerers Idolaters Liars 10
THE ULTIMATE PROMISE This is not to say that those who have ever committed these sins cannot be saved, but that those who continue to do so give evidence of an unrepentant and unconverted heart. THE HOLY CITY One of the seven angels associated with the bowl judgments invites John to come here and carries hm away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain (21:9-10). There he shows him the Bride, the Lamb s wife the holy Jerusalem. This invitation opens a detailed vision of the holy city in 21:11 22:5. 11
THE HOLY CITY The most dominant characteristic of the holy city is the presence of the glory of God. For over four hundred years the temple was dark and empty. It stood as a symbol of Israel s empty ritual. No glory. No God. No power. In the person of Jesus Christ, the glory had finally returned. However, Israel officially rejected the Messiah, and the glory was made available to Gentiles who by faith received the Savior and became the temples of the Holy Spirit. THE HOLY CITY In the New Jerusalem, the glory of God will be in full expression. The glory symbolizes God s presence with His people. Only those whose names are written in the Lamb s book of life can live in the holy city. 12
PARADISE RESTORED The Book of Revelation ends with a beautiful picture of paradise restored. The tree of life is once again accessible to mankind. When the entire unveiling of future events was completed, John was told not to seal the prophecy, but to leave it open for all to read. In the meantime, the Revelation closes with an invitation to come to Christ before it is too late. PARADISE RESTORED In the center of the New Jerusalem, John sees the river of life flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb. It is the source of all life that emanates from God. Then he sees something that has been missing from the Bible since Genesis 3: the Tree of Life! In the final chapter of the Revelation, we learn that all that was lost in the beginning will finally b regained. Paradise will be restored in the holy city. The biblical story, which began in the garden, ends in the eternal city. In between, there stands the cross of Jesus Christ. It alone has changed the destiny of mankind from death to life. 13
PARADISE RESTORED In the center of the New Jerusalem, John sees the river of life flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb. It is the source of all life that emanates from God. Then he sees something that has been missing from the Bible since Genesis 3: the tree of life! In the final chapter of the Revelation, we learn that all that was lost in the beginning will finally b regained. Paradise will be restored in the holy city. The biblical story, which began in the garden, ends in the eternal city. In between, there stands the cross of Jesus Christ. It alone has changed the destiny of mankind from death to life. RETURN TO EDEN The eternal state will return the new creation to the inherent qualities of the Garden of Eden only on a grander scale. In the return to the eternal state, you will find: The river of life (Gen. 2:10, 14; Rev. 22:1). The tree of life (Gen. 2:9; Rev. 22:2) The removal of the divine curse (Gen. 3:14-19; Rev. 22:3). 14
RETURN TO EDEN The Old Testament record of man s rebellion against God begins and ends with a curse. It starts with glorious potential of the divine creation and closes with mankind lost in sin s condemnation. The New Testament opens with Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:1), and it closes with Jesus Christ (Rev. 22:22). It begins with His first coming and concludes with His second coming. GOD IS THERE! The removal of the divine curse makes access to God a reality in the new paradise. We are no longer barred from His presence. The throne of God and the Lamb, who rule jointly over the eternal state, has come to earth and is the central feature of the eternal state. In the eternal city, faith shall become sight We shall see His face (22:4). 15
GOD IS THERE! Because of God s presence (v 5), three things will not be found in the new paradise: No night No lamp No sun The Lord God is all the light the redeemed will ever need. He will outshine all other light sources because He is the Source of light. THE FINAL APPEAL The final appeal is threefold: Spirit, Bride, and the one who wishes. The Spirit is the Holy Spirit who convicts of sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11). The Bride is the Church who publically issues the invitation of the gospel. The one who hears is the same as the one who wishes, and refers to anyone who is thirsty for a relationship with God. All three say, Come. The appeal to the reader is to come to Christ before it is too late. 16
THE FINAL APPEAL The final warning not to add or subtract from the words of this prophecy follows the appeal (22:18-19). Not only does this apply to tampering with the text itself, but it also ought to remind every commentator not to make the book say more or less than it actually says. The last words of Jesus are recorded in v. 20. He speaks to us one more time to remind us that He is coming soon. THE FINAL APPEAL The Revelation ends like an epistle with a benediction of grace. In the Revelation, as in the Gospels, grace has the first and last words. It is the expression of God s love that draws us to the Savior and keeps us at His side. As in the Revelation, so in history grace shall have the last word! And grace shall see us through! 17
Go back through the Revelation and discuss what you have learned about the following: The Triune God Satan Power in the world Kingdom of God (inheritance of the saints) The suffering (tribulation) of God s people The protection of God s people How God wants His people to act in light of the kingdom, the suffering, and the protection. WRAP-UP If you had to tell someone in a couple of sentences what Revelation is about, what would you say? What do you think is the most important lesson you have learned from studying Revelation? Have you changed in any way as a result of studying Revelation? If so, how? 18
Thank you for attending THE DRAMA OF REVELATION 19