Sunset in Hawaii – Esther is coming on Friday!

Revelation 21, 22

These are the final chapters of Revelation. The Millennium has come to an end with the final great white throne judgement. Satan, once and for all, is cast into the lake of fire along with all those whose name is not written in the book. The lake of fire is the final state of eternity for those who have rejected Christ. It is an ominous reality.

Conversely, chapter 21 tells of the other eternal state of the faithful, the bride of Christ, those who have overcome.  John writes, “then I saw a new heaven and a new earth…and I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride for her husband,” 21:1,2. “And God Himself will be among them, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; nor mourning, or crying or pain; the first things have passed away,” 21:3,4.

The first things have passed

In other words, the state we live in now will be gone. Our mortal lives have glimpses of the beauty of God’s grace, for sure. We experience love, joy, beauty, laughter and pleasure. But the essence of our current lives also have a state of vulnerability to grief, fear, pain and tears. Our lives are brief and we do not know what the immediate future on earth holds. This state will pass. Our longing for a perfect state of being will be fulfilled. “And He who sits on the throne said, ‘behold, I am making all things new,” 21:5. Yes, when we are saved, He makes us a new creation in Christ. But that is strictly a spiritual state of newness in Christ. It is wonderful beyond description but we still have to drag around this sinful body and mind that often pulls us down. But in our eternal state ALL things will be new. Our mind, soul, body and spirit will be NEW!

The New Jerusalem is described in chapter 21.  The glory of God shines; the walls are emboldened with jewels; the gates are pearls and the streets of the city are pure gold, like transparent glass. John closes Revelation with “these words are faithful and true.” 22:7 says “I am coming quickly. Blessed is he who heeds the words of this prophecy of this book.”

Based on these closing words of Revelations, how then should I live? Lord, help me to live in my current state with a clear understanding of my final state. May I live with a view toward eternity. May my words and my prayers for the lost be intensified. Regarding my own state, may I be assured of God’s plan for me – to give me a future and a hope. “He who testifies to these things says, ‘yes, I am coming quickly’, Amen. Come Lord Jesus! “The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen,” 22:20, 21.