So, I just took my last final exam for my entire master’s degree. Isn’t that exciting? It is for me…
The contents of the exam were based on the book of Revelation. I’ve spent the last couple of weeks working through the book and have found so many wonderfully sanctifying truths…the prayer of Jesus being answered daily, “Sanctify them with your truth.”[1]I’ve told many people this, but my favorite songs are those which speak of the second coming of Jesus Christ. The thought of watching the clouds roll back, He rides in on a white horse with His saints (the Church) coming to judge and wage war of the wickedness of the world. Sometimes, it almost seems too good to be true, but it gets even better.
I’d imagine this part of Revelation is most people’s favorites (or at least the Christian’s). Revelation 21:1-11 gives some great detail about what the New Jerusalem will be like, the one God will bring down from the heavens to the new earth. My favorite phrase in the whole description is, “…the first things have passed away.”[2]Just before this phrase, John mentions what these “first things” are:
In the New Jerusalem, these things will no longer exist. We will live among God, not being divided by sin or any other fellowship breaking thing. We will not see pain, death, tears, etc. Our sin and temptation to sin will be no more. We will have perfect fellowship with the Father – so much so, that there will be no need of a temple for God will dwell among us. It’s a place that sometimes seems to good to be true. Thank God for our Savior, Jesus Christ, who shed His blood that we may be a part of this reality. We will partake in such a reality, and it could be sooner than we think. Come, Lord Jesus come.
[1]John 17:17
[2]Revelation 21:4
[3]Revelation 21:3
[4]Revelation 21:4
[5]Ibid
[6]Ibid
[7]Ibid
[8]Ibid
