Paradise

705.  "Paradise" March 5, 2013
Revelation 22-Part 28
And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.  Revelation 22:1 KJV

LET IT GLOW

What do you consider paradise? (Paradise is defined as heaven in Webster's Dictionary.)

I think it would be paradise to live in a place where everyone loved each other and got along without fussing; where pain no longer existed due to a resurrected body; where evil was completely wiped out; sin was banished; where I didn't tire from working; no complaining, only joyful and grateful attitudes; love was always expressed. The list could go one. Won't you share  your ideas of paradise?

"A Paradise Regained" is how Falwell described the contents of chapter 22. The scene shifts from the New Jerusalem above the earth to heaven itself. This chapter reveals beautifully that what was lost in Genesis is regained in the Revelation.

Liberty Bible Commentary describes what is revealed in this chapter. What shall be there?

• The pure river of water of life, described as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and the Lamb. It speaks of fullness of refreshment, life, and joy (Ps. 36:8). There are heavenly and earthly streams of blessing: earthly in Ezekiel 47:1 and Zechariah 14:8; heavenly in this passage. All comes from the seat of His blessed government. (verse 1)
• The tree of life is in the midst of the street, on the other side of the river. Satisfying fruit will be there in abundance for the saints to partake of. Even the leaves will promote the sustained health of the nations. (verse 2)
• The throne of God and of the Lamb will be there. (verse 3b)
• God's servants will gladly serve Him; shall see God's face, since they have a glorified body; the name of God will be in their foreheads; they shall reign forever with King Christ. (verse 3-5)

Quite a description, isn't it?
Do I allow the Holy Spirit to give me pure thoughts? a pure life?

LET IT GROW

What will be banished, wiped out completely, forever?

• The curse brought on the human family through the disobedience of Adam (Gen. 3:14-19) will be wiped out completely. It was paid for at Calvary by Jesus Christ. (verse 3a)
• Night, thus, darkness, will be banished forever for the believer. It always flees in the presence of light (John 1:5). God and Christ are the eternal light of the world, so there will be no need for candles nor the sun. (Falwell)

In the Celestial City, evil, sorrow, suffering,sin, and selfishness will not exist. Death will never enter our minds. (Swindoll)

Are you feeling homesick yet? If we can smile there, I expect my face muscles to be sore for a while from smiling so much.

LET IT GO

Can I let go of the world and my worldly goods in order to live in Paradise?

Take others with me to Paradise, heaven.

Stay faithful to my Lord Jesus.

Light

704.  "Light"              March 4, 2013
Revelation 21-Part 27
And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.  Revelation 21:23  KJV

LET IT GLOW

Before we end this chapter, I wanted to touch on one more thing-light. Maybe I never noticed our key verse before, or perhaps it just never jumped out at me before now. At any rate, I am sad that there will be no more beautiful sunrises, sunsets, nor full moons shining around the new earth. Some of the sunsets that I have seen were gorgeous. And there was a full moon so close that I could have lassoed it if I had had a rope. Not long ago, there were planets visible close to the moon. Did you see them? I recall when a child, the early morning sun shining through my eastern bedroom window. What a good way to start a day. It brightens up my days during the long, dark winter.

I know, I won't be sad with the absence of the sun and moon. There will not be a need for them, according to verse 23. Why not? Because the glory of God and the Lamb will enlighten it. The night will be vanished. No more street lights, front porch lights, night lights. (No more electric company?)

It was on the fourth day that the Lord created the sun, moon, and stars to illumine the earth. They mark the passing of seasons, years, months, and days, thus, the passing of time. Since the new earth will not require these sources of light, there will be no seasons. (Does that means no white new fallen snow, no beautiful leaves, no sparkling green grass, nor a hot summer?)

The darkness will be done away with so sin, evil Satan, temptations will not be present. The Shekinah glory of God will illuminate the new heaven and earth. So the spiritual darkness will be removed. We were in darkness until we came to the light-Jesus Christ. Earlier in the gospel of John, he spoke about light. (John 1:1-5, 8:12, 12:35-36)

Jesus said in John 8:12, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.
1 Thessalonians 5:5 says, Ye are the children of light and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.

Am I allowing God's light to shine through me into a world of sin and darkness?

LET IT GROW

Verse 24 states, And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honor into it.

According to John, the truth that Christ lived, taught, and placed within believers is also the light in which He calls us to walk (1 John 1:5-7). When we walk in the light, we have fellowship with God and one another. But if we walk in darkness and say we have fellowship with God, we lie and do not the truth.

Am I walking in the light spiritually?
Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ. Philipians 1:27

Even the nations will walk in this light (verse 24). They will pass through open gates, entering the presence of God without hindrance or hesitation (verses 25-26).

Redeemed people from every nation and ethnic group will dwell in heaven's light. In the eternal city, there will be no more divisions, barriers, or exclusions because of race or politics. all kinds of peoples in eternity dissolve into the one people of God, and they will move freely in and about the city.  (MacArthur)

LET IT GO

Let Jesus shine through me.

Walk as Jesus walked.

Serve the Lord with gladness.

Open-House Tour

703.  "Open-House Tour" March 1, 2013
Revelation 21-Part 26
And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. Revelation 21:10 KJV

LET IT GLOW

Have you ever been on an open-house tour? I haven't, but would like to go on one. Either a house is empty and for sale, or the owners want to show off their decorating at Christmastime. Would you like to join me on an open-house tour of the Celestial City of Jerusalem? Let's step on the bus of faith and listen to John as the tour guide. It will be our ultimate, eternal residence, so I am getting excited to have a sneak preview.

The new Jerusalem already exists, since John saw it coming down out of heaven in verse 2. This is the city Abraham looked for, the city whose builder and maker is God (Heb. 11:10). This is the city that exists even now in heaven, for Paul calls it the Jerusalem that is above (Gal. 4:26). (MacArthur)

Charles R. Swindoll gives us a closer look in his book Swindoll's New Testament Insights on Revelation concerning the Celestial City:

1. The origin-It is a new Jerusalem, a real place created by God as the dwelling of all the redeemed of all ages. It's the place Jesus had in mind when He went to prepare a place for us (John 14:2-3).
2. The appearance-John used two words to convey its stunning appearance: glory and brilliance, which mean the same thing: the brilliant glory of God, compared to a jasper, unblemished, perfectly clear diamond.
3. The exterior-a great high wall with 12 gates and 12 foundations; on the gates were the names of the 12 tribes of Israel and on the foundations were the 12 apostles' names, representing the Old and New Testament believers.
4. The dimensions-1,500 miles along each wall, as a cube. This massive city could never fit on the present earth, but will fit on the new earth.
5. The materials-The foundation is every  kind of jewel (19-20). The city itself is crystal clear and the massive wall surrounding it is transparent glass (21:11,18). The gate leading into the city will be created from one giant pearl (21:21).
6. The distinctive characteristic-No temple is in it, for the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple (21:22).There will be no need for a special building set aside for worship.
7. The brilliance-No seasons and no light source other than God will illumine heaven and earth with His own glory; no more night and darkness (22:3-5).
8. The blessing-access to the tree of life, planted in rows on either side of the river of life flowing from the throne of God and Christ (22:1-2); no more sin and curse will result in disharmony, disease, and death.

There are several views on our eternal home. The Bible describes it here for us. Men have used their imaginations persuading and deceiving people into believing in the reincarnation of other life forms (Buddhists, Hindus, New Agers), a state of nothingness (Taoists), a paradise of 70 virgins satisfying carnal pleasures of men (some Muslims and cults), becoming gods and goddesses of your own world and populating with your own spirit-babies (Mormons). (Swindoll)

Are you ready to go to the New City? The only way we can enter in is by believing in Jesus Christ as Savior and Messiah, and asking Him to forgive us of our sins.

LET IT GROW

Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb's book of life. NIV (verse 27)

ESL uses the words detestable or false; KJV uses defiled, abomination or lie; NLT  uses idolatry and dishonesty.

The gates to this new city will not be shut, but will be open continuously (verse 25). Since sin will not be present, there will be no need for protection at night, there will be no night. To me, that means there is no fear present, either. What will there be to fear? God is ever-present and in charge.
My mind wonders what we will be doing there. The Bible doesn't give details, however, we will be worshiping and praising God and Jesus.
Glory to His name!

LET IT GO

Watch my words and ways today.

Focus on that city.

Help others step on the bus of faith.

Shall and Will

702. "Shall and Will"      February 28, 2013
Revelation 21-Part 25
And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. Revelation 21:1 KJV


LET IT GLOW

Who doesn't like new things? New clothes are exciting to wear, but I don't particularly like to break in new shoes. Last year I painted the doors and door facings a bright pink, then bought hot pink curtains to match in our computer room/playroom. (Of course, the decor had to be pink, also.) So it is like having a new room.

John is seeing some new things in this chapter. He sees a new heaven, a new earth, and a new Jerusalem. He got a preview before anyone else. This present fallen universe will be done away with, replaced. Instead of living in a sin-twisted, broken down, and bruised world, we who know and love Jesus Christ will have a new place to live, forever. We read about this happening in 2 Peter 3, Psalm 102:25-26, Luke 21:33, Isaiah 65:17, 66:22. There will be no seas, which will make for a different climatic condition. Does it mean that there will be no rain, no snow, no storms, since the seas evaporate to form them?

New, kainos in Greek, means different from the usual, impressive, better than the old, superior in value or attraction, according to Theological Dictionary of the New Testament.

In 20:11, John watched as the earth and heaven fled away, along with the associated contaminations of sin. The new ones, created by a perfect God who does perfect work, these will be perfect places existing in a perfect environment. John described the new city in terms of a bride adorned for her husband.  Do you think it will be pure, radiant, lovely, elegant, and stunning?

Does the new Jerusalem already exist, since it will "come down out of heaven?" According to John 14:1-3, this is the city where the saints will live. All the saints (bride) will live with Christ (groom) in the Father's house, as was the tradition of the Jews.
I can't imagine how wonderful it will be.

What are some things that will be missing from the new heaven and new earth? There will be no more:

• sea (v.1)
• tears (v.4)
• death (v.4)
• mourning (v.4)
• crying (v.4)
• pain (v.4)
• thirst (v.6)
• wickedness (v.8,27)
• temple (v.22)
• night (v.23-25)
• closed gates (v.25)
• curse (22:3).

LET IT GROW

Shall means (first person) expressing the future: am or are going to or sure to; (second or third person ) must. Will means expressing the future: am, is, are, etc. about to, sure to, determined to, etc.; expressing desire, wish, want; is able to, can.

God tells us that He shall/will do these in verses 1-8:

• dwell with men
• be with his people
• be their God
• wipe away all tears from their eyes
• take away death, sorrow, crying, and pain
• make all things new
• give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost (NAS)
• give an inheritance of all things to the overcomer and be his God.

Is there anything more that we could want? Friend, will you be there with me to enjoy all of this? The only way is through faith in Jesus, confessing sins, and asking Him to be your Savior.

LET IT GO

Hold things loosely so I can let go of them when God requires them.

Get ready for a new earth.

Prepare for a new heaven.

Tell others about Jesus and His ssalvation so they can be with me.

Is Your Name Written in the Book?

701.  "Is Your Name in the Book?"
Revelation 20-Part 24  Verses 11-15
And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.  Revelation 20:15

LET IT GLOW

Is your name written in the book?
I have a distant cousin, with whom I share the same great-grandfather, that has spent a lot of time researching and writing the history of our family. (His grandfather and mine were brothers.) He wrote the names of our ancestors, then brought the lines down to the names of our children and grandchildren. My name is written in that book. It is a big deal to me, seeing my name in a book listed along with the names of kings.

My name  is also written in another book, the book of life. Now that's the one that really counts, the most important book there is. It contains an eternal list of names. Believers in the Old Testament times were saved by grace, through faith, as they trusted in God's promises and honored the old covenant. Their names are written in it. When Jesus initiated the new covenant, He told His disciples, Rejoice that your names are recorded in heaven (Luke 10:20). So the New Testament believers' names are there.
We are justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law (Gal. 2:16). We will not be summoned to stand before the great white throne. Believers, whose names are written in the book of life, will never receive punishment based on their deeds.

Are you rejoicing with me that our names are written in the book of life? And that God chose us to be one of His children? His grace did it, in spite of us all being sinners. It was nothing that we did or could do to earn our salvation nor heaven. It is His gift. Have you accepted this gift?

If anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (verse 15).

What more can I say?

LET IT GROW

Great describes the most awesome assize ever held. White refers to the purity and holiness with which it will be conducted. Throne is mentioned nearly 50 times in Revelation. It indicates that majestic authority is involved.  This is the judgment throne, elevated, pure, and holy. God sits on it as judge, in the person of the Lord Jesus Christ.

Liberty Bible Commentary explains that there are seven judgments, 1 past, 1 present, and 5 in the future. They are the judgments of:

1. the Cross-man's sins at Calvary and Satan were judged there.
2. the sinning believer-if he doesn't judge himself.
3. the believers' works-takes place at the Rapture, at the judgment seat of Christ in heaven, where rewards or suffering loss occurs.
4. upon Israel-after the Tribulation Period, those who reject or receive their Messiah.
5. the nations-after the Tribulation Period, based upon acceptance or rejection of Christ, manifested in their treatment of the earthly brethren of our Lord.
6. the fallen angels and Satan- time and place is not specific for the angels, but the beast and false prophet will be judged before the reign of Christ and Satan after the 1000 years.
7. The Great White Throne Judgment-verses 11-15.

The sinner who rejected Christ will one day stand face-to-face before Him. The final doom of those whose name is not written in the Lamb's book of life will be cast into the lake of fire to exist there forever. So this is not ended on a downer, we believers in Christ will not appear before that judgment seat.

Am I sharing salvation with people so they don't have to appear before the Great White Throne of Judgment? (We don't know whose names are written in the Lamb's book of Life.)

LET IT GO

Be ready for judgment.

Rejoice that my name is in the Book of Life.

Share the gospel with other so they can go to heaven.

Lights

700.  "Lights"                 February 26, 2013
Revelation 20-Part 23
And he laid hold on the dragon that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. Revelation 20:2

LET IT GLOW

We have read of many future events that John saw take place. Christ defeats all His enemies at Armageddon; Satan and his minions are bound for a thousand years while Jesus reigns on the earth; Satan's attempt to attack Christ and regain the world one final time. Despite all of that, the lake of fire is the final destination of Satan, the Antichrist, and his false prophet. Then the last curtain opens on the final reckoning of fallen humanity before God and the great white throne judgment.

Oh my goodness, what a time it all will be. Thank you, dear friends, for sticking with me through it all. I know I haven't been alone through the thick and thin of it. Some of the reading has been fairly rocky and rough to travel on, but we kept going. Keep thinking about the best is yet to come.

I have two overhead light bulbs in the middle of my room where my desk and computer are. This morning, both had burned out making it rather dark. I brought in the room a second lamp, which only shed light on a small area. Another piano light, I call it, glows over the other computer I don't use. They weren't sufficient light, though. So I did my reading of commentaries on the sofa  in the other room.I am thankful that my husband replaced the light bulbs. I said all that to show how we can have a little or lot of light. Just as we can have a lamp to give light on a certain area, so can the scriptures. Quite often, the angels shed some light on specific details which the Lord wants us to know about after we got the overall picture.

Remember my saying that I am no expert  Revelation? I wanted to remind you now, after reading chapter 20. You can make up your own mind about how and when events will take place. I am going to give you three that are out there.

1. Amillennialism-the figurative view, teaches that the real thousand-year kingdom ruled by Christ is not literal. They view verse 4 as the spiritual resurrection of believers when they are saved, then the church history period is symbolizing the 1,000 year reign. A means  no and millennialism means thousand years.
2. Premillennialism-the literal view, strongly argues for a literal kingdom. I suggests that Christ will return prior to a literal thousand-year reign. In Matthew 19:28-30 and Acts 1;6-8, it is referred to, as well as Old Testament minor prophecies. Pre means before.
3. Post millennialism refers to the thousand-year period as only symbolic of a golden age of righteousness and spiritual prosperity.It will be ushered in by the spread of the gospel during the present church age and brought to completion when Christ returns. He will reign in the hearts of believers in the church instead of literally on earth. Post means after.

There you have the three views, friends. Personally, I lean to the premillennialism view, since the minor prophets foretold of Christ's reign. We could always be a let it-let it happen as God has planned.
[Resources: Swindoll's New Testament Insights on Revelation, The MacArthur Bible Commentary]

Is my light shining for Jesus? Is His light in my life?

LET IT GROW

In verse 2, Satan is put into the abyss, shut in and sealed it over. He cannot deceive the nations for the 1,000 years. He'll be released for a short time, then finally cast into the lake of fire for ever and ever.(That's what I call good news.)
Remember those who had been martyred for their testimony of Jesus and the Word of God? They will resurrect and reign as priests for that millinnium. The rest of the dead won't be resurrected until it is over (verse 5). Satan and his followers will be released from his prison and deceive the nations, war against the saints, and lose. All those evil ones, Satan, Antichrist, False Prophet will be tormented forever.

So be aware that Satan is currently allowed to have his way in the world culture, society, politics, economics, and religion (1 John 5:19). Jesus is not yet exercising direct authority over the earth. (Heb. 2:8, 10:12-13) The unrighteous people are in the majority and in authority. (Swindoll)
These are only for a short time and then the reign and judgment of Christ. The choice is ours. On which side will we be?

LET IT GO

Let it light of Jesus shine in my life.

Turn from the world to Jesus.

Share His love.

Praise ye the Lord!

699.  "Praise ye the Lord!"
February 25, 2013
Revelation 19-Part 22


LET IT GLOW

Everyone join me in singing:
Hallelu, hallelu,hallellu, hallelujah!
Praise ye the Lord!

Growing up in Sunday School, we often sang that chorus.
In heaven, there will be a whole lot of singin' goin' on. That 's because of the joyful hearts.

The transliteration of alleluia (Praise the Lord!), a Hebrew word, appears four times in the New Testament; all in this chapter-verses 1,3,4,6. However, it does occur frequently in the Old Testament Psalms.
John MacArthur gives us five reasons for their praise:

1. God's deliverance of His people from their enemies. (verse 1)
2. God's meting out of justice. (verse 2)
3. God's permanent crushing of man's rebellion. (verse 3)
4. God's sovereignty. (verse 6)
5. God's communion with His people. (verse 7)

Sounds like some good reasons to me. Enemies are gone, justice is served, no more rebellion, god controls all, and we are with Him in heaven. What better is there?

The three attributes of God are mentioned in verse 1: Salvation, glory, and honor.
Each of these three great attributes of God should awaken its own response in the heart of man, and these responses taken together constitute real praise. The salvation of God should awaken the gratitude of man. The glory of God should awaken the reverence of man. The power of God is always exercised in the love of God, and should, therefore, awaken the trust of man. Gratitude, reverence, trust-these are the constituent elements of real praise. (W. Barclay)

How often do I show my gratitude, reverence, and trust to God?

O sing unto the LORD a new song; for He hath done marvellous things: His right hand, and His holy arm hath gotten Him the victory. The LORD hath made known His salvation: His righteousness hath He openly shewed in the sight of the heathen. Make a joyful noise unto the LORD, all the earth: make a loud noise, and rejoice, and sing praise. Ps. 98:1, 2, 4 KJV


LET IT GROW

There are several descriptions for Jesus/God as His servants, those that fear Him, both small and great offer Him praise:

• God that sits on the throne,
• Amen,
• True and Righteous aer His judgments,
• Lord God Omnipotent reigneth (All Powerful),
• Faithful,
• True,
• The Word of God,
• King of kings,
• Lord of lords,
• The Great God.

He deserves our praise, too!

I can't end this chapter without sharing that the beast/Antichrist, along with his false prophet and worshipers will be cast into the Lake of Fire. Restitution is coming, so read on into chapter 20 for the next post.

Who reigns upon the throne of my heart?
How often do I praise my Savior?
Where do I praise Him, only in church?
Do others hear me praising the Lord with song and words?

LET IT GO

Praise ye the Lord, hallelujah!!!

Thank Him for salvation.

Reverence Him in all His glory.

Trust His powerful hands.

Sing His praises all day long with a joyful heart.