Rev/ 21:6-8
And He said to me, It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son. But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable, as for murders, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.
How glorious is this chapter! John saw the new Jerusalem [the first one gone.] coming down from heaven prepared as a bride adorned for her husband [the church, bride of Christ]. Then a voice spoke saying, Behold the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they wil be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away [reversal of the curse]. What a wonder and a hope!
God stands beyond the universe's beginning and end. He is the sovereign God who predates all time [alpha and Omega]. God gives to each of us springs of living water, God's free gift of grace. The conqueror's blessing [that God will be his God and he will be the son of God] stands in opposition to those whose portion is the lake of fire. The conquerors remained true regardless of persecution or even death.
Then John was carried away in the Spirit [saw a vision] to a great high mountain [Ezk. 40:2-3] to view the Holy City, Jerusalem. The city will have the glory of God with a radiance like a rare jewel, jasper clear as crystal. It has a high wall with 12 gates. At the gates were 12 angels and on the gates were the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. The wall of the city had 12 foundations and inscribed on them were the name of the 12 apostles. The city was foresquare, 12,000 stadia with its length and height being equal. Its wall was 144 cubits with the walls being jasper, while the city was pure gold clear as glass. The foundation was covered in every kind of jewel, and the gates were a single pearl. and the streets were pure gold. What a picture! The bride of Christ in every way contrasts to anything clothed in evil [prostitutes].
The temple in the City was the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb. There was no need of sun or moon for God's glory is its light [truth and purity]. By its light the nations will walk and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it [those whose names were written in the book of life]. The gates will never be shut. and there will be no night. Nothing unclean will enter in nor anyone detestable or false. Enemies, wars, and conflict are all gone. The Lamb's book of life has determined the citizenry. It is amazing to think that I will be part of this great city, that I will live in the light of the Father and the Son for eternity, and that all the struggle with the old nature will be completely over.
Father,
Thank You for this glimpse into eternity free from the curse of my flesh. Strengthen me to be a conqueror for You, to be constantly faithful to You.
In the name of the Lamb,
Amen
God stands beyond the universe's beginning and end. He is the sovereign God who predates all time [alpha and Omega]. God gives to each of us springs of living water, God's free gift of grace. The conqueror's blessing [that God will be his God and he will be the son of God] stands in opposition to those whose portion is the lake of fire. The conquerors remained true regardless of persecution or even death.
Then John was carried away in the Spirit [saw a vision] to a great high mountain [Ezk. 40:2-3] to view the Holy City, Jerusalem. The city will have the glory of God with a radiance like a rare jewel, jasper clear as crystal. It has a high wall with 12 gates. At the gates were 12 angels and on the gates were the names of the 12 tribes of Israel. The wall of the city had 12 foundations and inscribed on them were the name of the 12 apostles. The city was foresquare, 12,000 stadia with its length and height being equal. Its wall was 144 cubits with the walls being jasper, while the city was pure gold clear as glass. The foundation was covered in every kind of jewel, and the gates were a single pearl. and the streets were pure gold. What a picture! The bride of Christ in every way contrasts to anything clothed in evil [prostitutes].
The temple in the City was the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb. There was no need of sun or moon for God's glory is its light [truth and purity]. By its light the nations will walk and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it [those whose names were written in the book of life]. The gates will never be shut. and there will be no night. Nothing unclean will enter in nor anyone detestable or false. Enemies, wars, and conflict are all gone. The Lamb's book of life has determined the citizenry. It is amazing to think that I will be part of this great city, that I will live in the light of the Father and the Son for eternity, and that all the struggle with the old nature will be completely over.
Father,
Thank You for this glimpse into eternity free from the curse of my flesh. Strengthen me to be a conqueror for You, to be constantly faithful to You.
In the name of the Lamb,
Amen
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