Isaiah 6:1-8; John 14:1-3; 1 Corinthians 2:8-9; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10; Revelation 4:2-11

Summary: How can anyone describe, with our limited human vocabulary, the glory and wonder of God’s heaven? John’s vision shows that God is in control of the events here on Earth and will bring all of history to a conclusion on His terms.

Revelation Chapter 4 opens with the apostle John being commanded to “come up here” (v.1). He is brought to the throne room of God Almighty in all of its glory and majesty. It is far more beautiful and magnificent than any kind of palace built for kings and emperors here on Earth.

What John sees is a place of both wonder and worship that words cannot adequately describe. He saw heaven’s perspective as it pertains to the troubles and evils of this world. When we focus exclusively on what is happening in our world today with all of its events, trials, and debauchery, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that for the child of God, this world “is not our home” (1 John 2:15-17).

Nothing of this present world system is going to last. Despite some people’s misguided efforts to “save the planet,” Scripture tells us that the earth will be burned up, along with the universe, with a “fervent heat” at some point in time in order for the LORD to create a new heaven and Earth free from the corruption of sin and its evil consequences (2 Peter 3:10). God is in control of His creation (Genesis 1:1; John 1:1-4; Colossians 1:16-17), and no power on Earth or elsewhere will change that fact.

John sees God Himself seated upon His throne (vv.2-3). To see the King of Creation, the Sovereign Almighty LORD, is a privilege and honor that surpasses any invitation to the palaces and mansions of the monarchs and rulers in this world and have an audience with them.

For the majority of British citizens, meeting with King Charles would be an honor. Many Americans would love to meet and talk with former President Trump. However, all that pales in comparison to having an audience with the LORD. The wonderful news is that we have that privilege anytime we want through the finished work of redemption by the Lord Jesus Christ (Romans 5:6-11, 6:23).

Unlike a modern king who is limited in his powers, Almighty God rules and reigns with absolute authority (Psalm 2:1-12, 103:19). This world may refuse to recognize God’s authority for now (Romans 1:18-32, 3:10-13, 23), but there will come a day when everyone faces Him, either as Savior or Judge, and will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God the Father (Matthew 25: 31-46; Romans 14:12; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Philippians 2:9-11; Hebrews 9:27).

Around the throne are magnificent jewels such as jasper, a hard stone that is firm and unchanging, a symbol of the unchanging and fixed nature of God. He does not need to make alternative plans in dealing with the affairs of creation. The plans He has for us are certain and sure. This included the plan He had made before the foundation of the world to redeem fallen humanity from the curse of sin and death (Isaiah 53:4-6; Ephesians 1:3-4).

Our fall into sin did not catch Him by surprise. He knew that the free will He gave us to obey or disobey Him would result in rebellion against Him. Yet, in His mercy, He did not leave us alone to bear the consequences and end up in hell as a result. The Lord Jesus Christ, God Incarnate, came to this world to live among us and take upon Himself the sins of the world that we cannot in any way, shape, or form do on our own (Isaiah 64:6; John 1:29, 3:16, 20:30-31).

Without the death, burial, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, the entire narrative of Revelation would not exist. The entirety of the New Testament would not exist. The Bible would be just another book, and we would still be dead in our sins with nothing to look forward to except an eternity in hell.

As the apostle Paul wrote, “If Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins” (1 Corinthians 15:16-19), and our “faith in Christ” would be nothing but a pitiable waste of time, effort, and reason.

Because He lives, the vision that is presented to John as He describes the indescribability of heaven is the result of God’s promise of salvation and mercy made a reality by the Lord Jesus Christ.

This wonderous description of heaven and the glory of God will continue with the next message. Now, I want to ask you this question: Are you prepared to meet God? Be honest. If you were to die today, and you stood before God, and He asked you, “What right do you have to enter into my heaven?” how would you answer? If it is by your works, that will not suffice. You can only enter the glory of heaven by asking the Lord Jesus to forgive you of your sins and to be your Lord and Savior this day (Romans 10:9-10, 13; 2 Corinthians 6:2). God’s heaven awaits you. I do not want you to miss it.

donaldwhitchard@outlook.com

www.realitycityreverend.com

Sometimes, the trials and struggles of this world are almost overwhelming. All the evil, hatred, and just pure meanness seem to be all there is, with nothing to look forward to. However, for all true believers in our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ, we have a special hope. In John 16:33, Jesus comforts us with, “I have said these things to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world. (ESV – all emphasis is mine)

After giving His disciples the above message, Jesus prayed a special prayer in John 17 to the Father about having come into the world, and that His mission was just about to be concluded. He prayed for special blessings for His disciples, but in verses 20-21, He included all who would receive and accept Him from then on. “I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in Me through their word, that they may all be one, just as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that You have sent Me.”

Our Jesus included everyone, regardless of where they were from and whatever their status was, as long as they would receive and accept Him as their eternal Shepherd (Joel 2:32, Acts 2:21, and Romans 10:13).

What is so sad is that Satan is still convincing people that the things of this world are most important and that Jesus doesn’t really exist. Paul tells us in 1 Timothy 6:9-10, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils. It is through this craving that some have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many pangs.”

The apostle John provided further teaching in 1 John 2:15-17; “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the desires of the eyes and the pride of life are not from the Father but from the world. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever.”

John continues his teaching in 1 John 2:22-23; “Who is the liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ? This is the antichrist, he who denies the Father and the Son. No one who denies the Son has the Father. Whoever confesses the Son has the Father also.”

When we say “Jesus the Christ,” we should know that “Christ” was not originally a name but a title from the Greek word “Christos,” which translates the Hebrew term “Mashiach” (Messiah), meaning “the Anointed One.” Also, the Hebrew for Jesus is Yeshua.

There are many today who have the belief that just because they acknowledge that Jesus is real, they are bound for glory. One disclaimer here: James 2:19 states, “You believe that God is one, you do well. Even the demons believe and shudder.”

The demons are fallen angels who followed Satan, who was initially an archangel with a serious pride problem (Isaiah 14:12-16, Ezekiel 28:13-19, 2 Peter 2:4, and Jude 1:6).

Satan and the fallen angels do not have a pathway to forgiveness as all humans do. Jesus said the lake of fire was prepared specifically for them (Matthew 25:41). They have no other option available for them. After all, they had been in the presence of the Holy Father and still turned away from Him.

As humans, we have a choice only because our Father loves all of us so much that He personally provided a pathway to eternal life with Him. He is all-knowing and knows that no human could ever meet His standard of perfection. Therefore, He sent a part of Himself, Jesus, who was born as a human but without the sin-nature blood that we all have. Joseph’s and Mary’s blood never mixed with His blood after the Holy Spirit placed Him in Mary’s womb. Therefore, when the sacrifice for sins was made at Calvary, the blood our Savior shed was sin-free and acceptable to God the Father.

All who will receive and accept the free gift that Jesus gave will be able to be forgiven of all sins and spend eternity with Him. This is found in Romans 10:9-13. And before anyone tells you they are sin-free, please direct them to Romans 3:10, Romans 3:23, and Romans 6:23 for starters.

All from the creation to Calvary that were out of the will of God, and all from Calvary to the end of this earth who did not accept the Savior will join Satan in that lake of fire forever. That’s found in Revelation 20:11-15.

No matter what false prophets or others may say, there are only two ways a soul can go after leaving this earth. Heaven with Jesus forever; hell with Satan forever. No other outcome exists.

One good part is we have the right to choose which path we will travel. God forces no one but will accept all who call out to be forgiven and saved by His Son. Once we have Jesus as our Eternal Shepherd, we will look forward to our Home in Heaven with Him.

A song by Eliza Edmunds in 1898 is called “When We All Get To Heaven.” It is a positive outlook for all believers to look forward to when we leave this sin-filled earth.

1.) Sing the wondrous love of Jesus; sing His mercy and His grace. In the mansions bright and blessed, He’ll prepare for us a place.

Ref.) When we all get to Heaven, what a day of rejoicing that will be. When we all see Jesus, we’ll sing and shout the victory!

2.) While we walk the pilgrim pathway, clouds will overspread the sky. But when traveling days are over, not a shadow, not a sigh. (ref)

3.) Let us then be true and faithful, trusting, serving every day. Just one glimpse of Him in glory will the toils of life repay. (ref)

4.) Onward to the prize before us, soon His beauty we’ll behold. Soon the pearly gates will open – we shall tread the streets of gold. (ref)

With all the signs present that were given to us by the prophets and Jesus Himself, it becomes obvious that the end of this age is very near.

Today would not be too early to consider where you want to spend all of eternity, as the Trumpet of God and the shout from an archangel could take place at any moment (1 Thessalonians 4:13-17, 1 Corinthians 15:51-53). God has provided a way for all true believers to avoid the tribulation/wrath period of seven years that will be the worst time this earth has ever experienced.

Jesus shed His blood for all who would accept His free gift. It is something that no one can ever earn or buy Ephesians 2:8-9). It is guaranteed for all who truly call out to Him to save them and to be their Precious Shepherd forever.

Jew or Gentile, His blood covers all of His precious flock of true believers. This world is not going to be here forever, and no matter what treasures one may have here, they will not make it into eternity. Only our love for Jesus will, and His gift is free.

Call on Him today, and you too will be saying, “Maranatha!” (Come, Lord Jesus!)

huebshman46@gmail.com

Also raptureforums.com

Home/featured articles