Part 4 - The Second Scroll: The End of the Age and the New Creation [20-22]

note: these are very rough notes

D. Seven Visions of the End of the Age and the New Creation [20-22:5] continued

  1. A new heaven and a new earth [21:1]
  2. A bride adorned for her husband. “Behold, I am making all things new!” [21:2-8]
  3. The beauty of the city (the wife of the Lamb) [21:9-27]
    • there is no temple because Jesus is there, he dwells in the city so he is with us and in us
    • gold and precious stones is US. WE are the city, this is not where we will live.
    • this is new Eden imagery. Eden was described with precious stones, and the presence of God was there
      • Similar language was used to describe Solomon’s temple, which is a picture of the church, the people of God
    • But in Eden there were only two people—now there is a city
      • The new creation will be unimaginably more amazing than even Eden
    • Just as Adam was given a task in Eden, we will be called into new destinies and responsibilities
    • Picture language has to be used to describe the new creation because there is something about it that is totally out of our comprehension in its wonder and glory
  4. The River of Life [22:1-5]
    • [21:22]—the Father and Jesus are mentioned, but where is the Holy Spirit? [22:1,2]—the River of Life maybe symbolizes the Holy Spirit.
    • He flows through the city, so he is flowing through US, in an unlimited amount.
    • will there be animals in heaven? Rom. 8 says the whole creation groans and longs for its redemption.
      • Probably, but we can’t be sure. Anyway, it will be good!

Epilogue

  • Jesus is coming soon—so take this seriously!!!
  • there is an invitation for whoever wants to come and take the water of life freely

Some Problems in understanding Revelation

  • Revelation seems so dark compared to other parts of the NT: Jesus and the kingdom, Paul’s teaching on the end times. Also, what about evangelism?
    • Revelation is not a balanced view of the future. It is presenting the military side. We must take it with other parts of Scripture, e.g. Ephesians’ teaching that the church will come into maturity
    • there are hints of evangelism in Revelation e.g. people giving glory to God—something people never are said to do involuntarily
    • in spiritual warfare, people get saved, not killed!
    • chapter [11:15]—it is the evil rulers who are destroyed, but maybe lots of people who followed them will be saved
  • We are told just to endure, to hang on. Is this all we will be doing?
    • but we are part of Christ’s army. this means we will fight!
  • What about transforming our culture. Should we even try?
    • yes!

Response

  • Praise God for the amazing and extraordinary future we have and destiny we are called into
  • Pray that the power of the Spirit in us will give us strength to endure the persecution and be victorious as we join Jesus in smashing the strongholds of Satan
‹ Sequence of events in Revelationup