I can’t
believe the summer is almost over! Where has the time gone? I’m honored to
finish out the book of Revelation here. This material is heavy, and my reading
of it is one of many I’m sure. But nevertheless here we go!
Chapter 20
of Revelation talks about the binding of the devil, Christ’s return and 1000
year reign, Satan’s rebellion and finally the Great White Throne Judgment. Easy
stuff, right? There are many interpretations of this material, regarding the
capture of Satan and Jesus’ 1000 year earthly kingdom. After this period, Satan
is then released for one final battle that ends all battles for good and evil
and sin. Finally, judgment comes as it says in Revelation 20:12 (ESV) “And I saw the dead, great and small,
standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was
opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written
in the books, according to what they had done.” This speaks to the final
and eternal judgment that we will all face at the very end. It can seem a bit
daunting, but don’t worry, it gets better!
Chapter 21
begins with the creation of the new universe. Sin, and demons and Satan have
been defeated forever and cast into the lake of fire. Now, a new heaven and new
earth will be created, a new eternal dwelling for the redeemed. Honestly, it’s
difficult for our minds to grasp this idea. The old universe destroyed? A new
universe created that will last forever for us? What? But we can rejoice in
this idea, knowing that one day we will all be created anew, living with God in
his new creation forever! That’s pretty awesome if you ask me! In Revelation
21:4 (ESV) it says “He will wipe away
every tear form their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be
mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for former things have passed away.”
In this new world, nothing will be sad, or disappointing or wrong in anyway. We
will all live in joy, happiness, and peace with God and one another. This
chapter raises more questions than it answers, but we can take heart knowing
that this new world, this new life will be amazing. And we should all look
forward to that day!
The final chapter,
Chapter 22 further expands on this new world and gives us the final words and
warnings of Jesus. It talks about the new river of life, where the continual
flow of eternal life will flow from God’s throne. It speaks to the tree of
life, going all the way back to Genesis and the symbol of both eternal life and
the never ending blessing of God. Finally, it tells of Jesus and His return. In
Revelation 22:7 Jesus says “And behold,
I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of
this book.” Jesus is coming back! And we don’t know when, today, tomorrow
or a hundred years from now. But we can be certain that He will return, and all
of this will come to pass! Pretty amazing stuff, right?
There’s way
more in these three chapters that I could possibly cover in one post. But I
encourage you to read it, go through it, study it! The best conversations of
faith occur while studying and discussing the Scripture! Good luck!
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