NOW IS THE DAY OF SALVATION

This post begins with a statement of an important biblical principle.

Revelation 22:11 “He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.”

Though man was given freedom of choice, there comes a point in time when there are no more opportunities for grace and forgiveness.  At that time, if you have chosen to be unjust (actively do wrong morally, socially, or physically; hurt, injure, be an offender) and/or filthy (associate with dirt and depravity…to become morally dirty), then your eternity will be with those likeminded—all who have rejected Jesus and chosen to follow Satan in rejection and disobedience.  On the other hand, if you choose to accept God’s gift of salvation that clothes you in His righteousness (innocence, holiness) and holiness (purity, being morally blameless), you will continue in that state for eternity in fellowship with the Savior.

Revelation 22:12 “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”

This can only be the Messiah talking.  This is the one about whom the revelation was given—Jesus Christ.  He is coming quickly/suddenly.  When He comes, He will reward (pay for service—good or bad) every man (each individual who has ever lived) according to his works.  This sounds at first hearing like salvation by works.  I think the following two verses shed the best light regarding Jesus’ perspective as He uttered these words to John.

John 6:29 “Jesus answered and said unto them, This is the work of God, that ye believe on him whom he hath sent.”

The work of the believer is to believe on Jesus, the Son of God.  This will result in eternal fellowship with the Savior.

John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

The work of the unbeliever is revealed when measured against the law.  Our work in the flesh can never measure up and will only bring forth death, separation from God forever.

John 3:18-19 “He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God. And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.”

Isn’t it sad that most men reject God because they love their evil deeds so much and can’t stand the thought of giving them up to serve God!

Revelation 22:13 “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.”

Jesus is still speaking; identifying Himself in the same way that God is identified, as shown in the following verses.  The Word of God is clear and consistent in presenting the Father and Son as two yet one.

John 1:1 “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

Isaiah 44:6 “Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.”

The introductory phrase to the next verse again seems to say that we can earn our way into eternal fellowship with the Savior and all its privileges. 

Revelation 22:14–15 “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city. For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.”

The book of James was given to help us understand saving faith.  Our faith is proven by our works.  If we say that we have faith, but our actions do not match what our lips say, we are only deceiving ourselves.  True faith will produce action—obedience to His word.

James 2:14-17 “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?  Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”

The Apostle John also addressed this truth in his first epistle.

1 John 2:3-4 “And hereby we do know that we know him, if we keep his commandments. He that saith, I know him, and keepeth not his commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him.”

Dogs – This was a term of humiliation and designated one as bad or evil.

Sorcerer – One who gives spell-giving potions, a posioner, a magician

Whoremongers – Prostitutes, fornicators

Murderer – One who commits intentional homicide

Idolators – Image worshippers

“whosoever loves and tells lies”

All those that fall into these categories will be separated from God forever!

(to be continued…)

THE IMPORTANCE OF PROPHECY AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE FOR US TODAY

Revelation 22:6–7 “And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done. Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.”

“These sayings” – I think this is referring to everything that has been shown and told to John during this “revelation.”  It is ALL sure and trustworthy; it was meant to reveal not conceal.  God Almighty, who inspired the holy prophets, sent his angel/messenger to show, to make clear to His servants (all believers from that time forward) the events that would “shortly” come to pass.  The Greek for “shortly” implies that events would happen very quickly once they had begun.  Again, I can’t help but think of the verses that explain God’s perspective on time.

Psalms 90:4 “For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.”

2 Peter 3:8 “But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.”

I am reminded again of the unchanging character of God.  He always prepares His people and tells them what to expect in light of coming judgment.

The speaker obviously changes.  Who has this revelation been about?  Who is the one whose coming we await?  The speaker has to be Jesus.  When He returns, it will be quickly (shortly, suddenly, without delay). 

“Keepeth” – guard, maintain, hold fast, preserve, watch

This message is precious.  It is worth preserving and guarding with an attitude of watchfulness as to the return of Jesus, future to the time of its revelation to John.  Though the context of this verse is referring specifically to the revelation being given to John, it would also seem to be an appropriate beatitude regarding the whole Word of God.  God never changes, nor does His word; His word is truth.

Malachi 3:6 “For I am the LORD, I change not….”

Hebrews 13:8 “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.”

Psalms 119:160 “Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.”

Proverbs 30:5–6 “Every word of God is pure: he is a shield unto them that put their trust in him. Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar.”

Deuteronomy 4:1–2 “Now therefore hearken, O Israel, unto the statutes and unto the judgments, which I teach you, for to do them, that ye may live, and go in and possess the land which the LORD God of your fathers giveth you. Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it, that ye may keep the commandments of the LORD your God which I command you.”

“blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book” - The declaration of this blessing is a powerful rebuke to those that declare the study of prophecy to be unimportant and a waste of time.  Sadly, there are many recognized leaders in the church today who hold that view.  Whatever their motive, it is self-serving and/or in disobedience to the will of God for His people. 

Revelation 22:8–10 “And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things. Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God. And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.”

Once again, John testifies again to the fact that all that he has written he saw and heard with his own eyes and ears.  Although he has been warned before, John again falls down to worship at the feet of his angelic guide. The angel rebukes John and tells him to worship God.  The angel identifies himself as a “fellowservant,” one who serves the same master.  He also identifies himself as “of thy brethren.”  This indicates a connection from the womb, which I think is saying that he is one of Jewish birth.  Not only that, but he is one of the prophets. 

This can get really confusing.  John has had “angels” and “elders” speak with him during the process of this revelation.  I have always considered the angels to be those of the “higher creation” in the heavens that are God’s special ministering servants on behalf of man.  Actually, the term is inclusive of any individual doing God’s bidding as requested at any given time—His messengers.  It would seem that there is a likelihood that some of God’s prophets will get to participate in the events about which they prophesied since this angel was originally identified as one that had poured out one of the seven vials of judgment. 

John is told that this book is not to be sealed or kept secret.  The information contained in this prophecy is important for the churches to know. Why?  Because the time is at hand—near. 

Here we are looking at these prophecies almost 2000 years after the fact.  That doesn’t seem very “near” in our eyes; but in relation to eternity, the passage of time has been minimal.  As we listen to God’s message, we need to keep our faith focused on His truth and not our expectations.  What to God is “a very little while” can often seem like forever from the human point of view.

 

Psalm 37:10 For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be.

Haggai 2:6-7 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come:

Hebrews 10:37 For yet a little while, and he that shall come will come, and will not tarry.

In God’s economy of time, “yet a little while” and the wicked will not be found on earth; that won’t happen until eternity begins.  In just “a little while” from the time of Haggai’s prophecy, “the desire of all nations,” which I believe is a reference to Jesus, the Messiah, would come; that would be over 500 years later.  “Yet a little while” and Jesus will come again according to the writer of Hebrews; it’s already been 2000 years.

Notice that the directive given here is completely opposite to the instruction given to Daniel regarding his record of prophecy.  Daniel was told that the words given him were sealed until the time of the end, whereas John is told that the information that had been given to him was important for the churches to know “now.” 

Daniel 12:9-10 “And he said, Go thy way, Daniel: for the words are closed up and sealed till the time of the end.  Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly: and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.”

(to be continued…)

HEAVENLY SUSTENANCE AND INTIMATE WORSHIP

We have finally reached the last chapter of Revelation.

Revelation 22:1–2 “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”

It seems that the angel now takes John on a tour inside the city.  We are still talking about the New Jerusalem, which is home to the throne of God and of the Lamb—notice one throne for Father and Son.  Maybe it is one throne platform with more than one seat.  We know that the Son has been seated at the right hand of the Father, and we have seen them interact (e.g., Son taking the 7-sealed scroll from the Father) as separate entities.  Suffice it to say that the future will reveal the reality.

The throne is the source of a special river of water—the water of life—and it is clear as crystal (again emphasizing the purity of everything associated with God).  There is no longer a concern about those in the new heaven and earth partaking of this source of nourishment, since their eternal condition has already been determined.  

Again, there is reference made to “the street” and “the river” in the city.  It seems that the tree of life grows along the street and along both sides of the river in the New Jerusalem.  Evidently, there is going to continue a marking of the passage of time, since this tree is going to yield fruit “every month.”  The wording of this verse is not clear as to whether the tree will yield a different fruit each month or will just produce a new supply of all 12 fruits every month.  The Complete Jewish Bible translation states “a different kind every month.”  Even the leaves of the tree have a purpose—the healing of the nations.

2322. qerapei÷a therapeia, ther-ap-i´-ah; from 2323; attendance (specially, medical, i.e. cure); healing….

2323. qerapeu/w therapeuo, ther-ap-yoo´-o; from the same as 2324; to wait upon menially, i.e. (figuratively) to adore (God)…worship.

2324. qera¿pwn therapon, ther-ap´-ohn; … a menial attendant (as if cherishing):—servant.

After looking at these entries for the word “healing,” it makes me think that maybe these leaves will be used in our worship of God.  It doesn’t make sense that we would need anything for medicinal purposes.  God loves sweet aromas and was very specific on the ingredients for the anointing oil used for the priests (Exodus 30:30-38).  Again, the future will reveal the reality.

Revelation 22:3–5 “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.”

Once again God emphasizes that heaven and earth will never again be under a curse.  It will forever remain the beautiful, perfect creation that was intended by God for man from the beginning. 

The “but” seems to introduce a contrast.  I think it is reminding us that God never changed and His throne is the same.  Again, the reference is to “the” throne of God and of the Lamb.  Although referencing both God the Father and God the Son, “His” servants shall serve “Him”—one God.

“They,” His servants, all believers, will see (to gaze—i.e., with wide-open eyes, as at something remarkable) His face.  There will be total intimacy—Father with children.  All His servants have His name imprinted on their foreheads.  This reminds me of the 144,000 who were sealed in chapter 7, and that seal turned out to be the Father’s name written in their foreheads (14:1).  His seal is permanently and proudly displayed.

Again we are told that there will be no darkness in the New Jerusalem because of the brilliance of the glory of God, which will illumine the whole city.  “They,” the servants, will reign forever and ever.  It would appear that all believers will have areas of authority regarding the new heavens and earth and responsibilities associated with that authority.  You can’t reign unless there are reasons or responsibilities to necessitate that rule.

(to be continued…)

LIVING IN THE LIGHT OF GOD’S GLORY

With this post we will finish up chapter 21.

Revelation 21:22–27 “And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it. And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof. And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it. And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there. And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it. And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

In the new Jerusalem there will be no temple.  This is another verification of the truth that God will be dwelling among His people with unrestrained personal access.  The temple on earth always represented the place of God’s presence among His people.  In eternity the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb comprise the temple—present among His people and anticipating our every desire as we love and serve Him for eternity.

As stated previously, the glory of God and the Lamb is such that there will be no need for the sun or moon to provide light.  This brings to mind the words of Isaiah.

Isaiah 60:19 “The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.”

I have light sensitive eyes and can hardly imagine interacting with someone more brilliant than the sun.  I have a hard enough time just walking in bright sunlight as it is, but I’m sure my resurrected body will see just fine in the light of His glory.  Again, the reference is made to the Father and Son.

As always, the Holy Spirit continues to work “behind the scenes” so to speak, directing all attention to Father and Son.  I believe that He will continue to indwell all the saints as their “lifeblood” so to speak.  The following verses seem to imply that our resurrected bodies will be only flesh and bone.

1 Corinthians 15:50 “Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.”

Luke 24:39 “Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle me, and see; for a spirit hath not flesh and bones, as ye see me have.”

The Greek word for “nations” references those of like ethnicity and non-Jewish or Gentile, and I think the context calls for an understanding of “like ethnicity.”  It makes sense to me that the new earth will be for all the redeemed.

Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

That there would continue to be a governing hierarchy also makes sense—maybe established in light of heavenly rewards.  I conclude that the new earth will be the home away from home of man for eternity, but that we will be free to come and go as we please in fellowship, worship and service to the Lord.

The gates of the New Jerusalem will basically be used as places of tribute and honor to the 12 tribes of Israel.  They have no security purpose; they will never be closed.  Because of the brilliance of God’s glory, the city will never experience darkness.  “They,” the people of the nations, will bring glory and honor into the city as they come to worship and fellowship with God.

I think the Lord emphasizes that nothing that defiles, works abomination or makes a lie will be allowed to enter it because that was what ruined the original creation.  Our Father does not want us thinking that there is even a possibility that could happen again.

(to be continued…)

THE MAGNIFICENCE OF THE NEW JERUSALEM

This will be a long post, but I wanted to present this section in whole.  John now gives us a more complete description of the magnificent appearance of the new Jerusalem.

Revelation 21:9–10 “And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife. And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God, Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal; And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel: On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates. And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof. And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal. And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel. And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst. And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.”

Point is made that John is carried away in the spirit to a great high mountain to be shown the new Jerusalem descending from heaven; he needed to be closer to appreciate the details.  It is interesting to note that in the beginning of the chapter the city is described as a bride adorned for her husband, but in this section point is made that she is “the Wife of the Lamb.” 

We have entered eternity.  I am not sure the distinction between believers of different times or dispensations in the working of God are any longer valid.  In fact, the description of the city honors both Old Testament and New Testament servants of God; and the last verse in this chapter informs us that all may enter “whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life.” 

This appears to use a format like Genesis of going back to explain something that has already happened in fuller detail.  It would seem that the new earth is going to have some great and high mountains.

The city shines with the glory of God—a glory described later in the chapter as negating the need of the sun or moon within its confines.  The brilliance of her shining is compared to a crystal clear diamond.  This brilliance is the full revelation of the Shekinah glory of God and the Lamb and will be all the light that is needed.

The walls of the city are very high and have 12 gates or entry points that are attended by 12 angels.  Three gates are designated on each of the four sides of the city facing east, north, south and west respectively. Each of the 12 gates is named for one of the tribes of Israel, or each gate is inscribed with the names of all 12 tribes.  I tend to think that they will be individually named since that will be the case of the walls around Jerusalem in the millennial kingdom as revealed by Ezekiel and possibly in accordance with the same designation.

Ezekiel 48:31–34 “And the gates of the city shall be after the names of the tribes of Israel: three gates northward; one gate of Reuben, one gate of Judah, one gate of Levi. And at the east side…one gate of Joseph, one gate of Benjamin, one gate of Dan. And at the south… one gate of Simeon, one gate of Issachar, one gate of Zebulun. At the west side…one gate of Gad, one gate of Asher, one gate of Naphtali.”

The twelve foundations supporting the wall of the city are engraved with the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb or each foundation is inscribed with the names of all twelve apostles.  Again, I would tend to think that each foundation will be individually named as well.  Is the 12^th apostle being referenced Paul or Matthias, the one chosen to replace Judas?  Sentiment goes with Paul; he, however, refers to “the twelve” in his letter to the Corinthians, which at that time included Matthias.  Only the future will reveal the truth.

1 Corinthians 15:3–5 “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve….”

Not much is said about Matthias, but his appointment was considered directed by the Lord through the casting of lots.

Acts 1:20-26 “For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.  Wherefore of these men which have companied with us all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, Beginning from the baptism of John, unto that same day that he was taken up from us, must one be ordained to be a witness with us of his resurrection.  And they appointed two, Joseph called Barsabas, who was surnamed Justus, and Matthias.  And they prayed, and said, Thou, Lord, which knowest the hearts of all men, shew whether of these two thou hast chosen, That he may take part of this ministry and apostleship, from which Judas by transgression fell, that he might go to his own place.  And they gave forth their lots; and the lot fell upon Matthias; and he was numbered with the eleven apostles.”

Eerdman’s Dictionary provides the following insight:  “In the Bible, however, the casting of lots was one of the few legitimate means of divine revelation (as were dreams and direct communication with the deity). Lot casting is not among the condemned mantic or divinatory practices such as soothsaying, magic, and necromancy (cf. Deut. 18:10-12). Lot casting, therefore, had divine sanction and control. Though the throwing of the lots was a human action, the revelation was a direct message from God.  (Proverbs 16:33 - The lot is cast into the lap; but the whole disposing thereof is of the LORD.)”

Paul is also identified as an apostle, but he did not accompany Jesus in His time of ministry as did Matthias.  Again, only the future will tell.

Even common “tools” used in heaven are made of gold.  The measurements of the angel with John reveal that the length, breadth, and height of the city are equal; it is a cube.  A distance of 12,000 furlongs translates to about 1500 miles.  The walls are approximately 216 feet wide and are made of diamond.  The city itself is made of pure, transparent gold that looks like glass. 

Each of the twelve foundations of the city are adorned with precious stones (some of which we are unsure of their reference)—the first with diamond, the second with sapphire, the third with chalcedony, the fourth with emerald, the fifth with sardonyx, the sixth with sardius, the seventh with chrysolite, the eighth with beryl, the ninth with topaz, the tenth with chrysoprasus, the eleventh with jacinth and the twelfth with amethyst.  Each of the 12 gates is made of a single pearl, and the street of the city is of pure, transparent gold.

(to be continued…)