THE HOPE OF HEAVEN
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Revelation 20:11-15
Development
In this part of the book of Revelation, we see an event of great relevance, of great importance and that will define eternity for many. The scene appears after the thousand-year reign of the Lord Jesus the Son of God on earth is completed and after the devil is thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone.
The white throne of God, the earth and the current sky disappear.
Revelation 20:11 begins showing a great white throne of God Jehovah, as the Apostle John narrates, before his throne the earth and the sky disappear. We know from what has been revealed in other passages that the millennial reign of Jesus on earth fulfills the purpose and closes the cycle of Adamic humanity on earth, it even closes the cycle of the current creation, of the current earth and heaven, as I say of the current universe that shows signs of destruction and the traces of evil.
The current universe disappears as Jesus points out in Matthew 24:35, and as he says in 2 Peter 3:7
So this passage begins by showing that once the millennial reign of Jesus is completed, and the devil is cast into the lake of fire to serve his sentence, according to his previous judgment, it is God's turn to judge human beings.
What happens after the person physically dies?
We understand that when the human being dies, there are only two options, fall into the temporary prison of hell or go to heaven (known as the third heaven).
There is no other intermediate option, no waiting room for heaven, no regions outside of heaven, no purgatory, there are only 2 options, heaven or hell, that's all.
When we die in sin, without being atoned for by the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ, the person will have to receive the deserved punishment for breaking God's moral laws, and by dying physically, by suffering the first death that is only physical, falls into the temporary prison of hell which is a prison to await judgment before God. The people brought from this temporary prison are judged by their own acts, they are not judged by the acts of others Ezekiel 18:20.
Revelation 20:12 shows us the people, who are now presented before God, and before them the books that contain all their acts are opened, and they are judged by God, in this scene it is shown that at least 2 books are opened in front of each of them.
The first book is the one that contains his acts and the second is the book of life.
Each person is judged for the acts that they have carried out throughout their lives, which have been recorded in this book, without any omission, an important issue that cannot be ignored is that the person who is judged will be judged for all their acts.
This passage emphasizes two occasions, that each one is judged by his own works, which shows that the person will not be judged by the works of others as Ezekiel 18:20 says and that the person will be judged by his own transgressions of the moral law. of God, that is, for their own sins.
In no way will a person be judged for the sins that their parents have committed, for example, nor for the sins of Adam and Eve. (A lie from the Catholic Church).
Thanks to this verse we can know that God in his holiness and justice, holds each person responsible for their own sins, when God dictated the laws of the old covenant, he already emphasized that children would not suffer the punishment of physical death (the first death). for the sins of their fathers (Deuteronomy 24:16),
So that same justice is applied to the second death (eternal punishment) in which everyone is judged for their own sins,
Although it is true that during physical life the person can suffer as a consequence of the sins of their ancestors, and generational curses, as when in Deuteronomy 5 9 God speaks of visiting the wickedness of those who hate him until the fourth generation later.
What the passage of Revelation shows is a concept of divine justice, the Supreme justice of God, determines destiny and eternal sentence for the transgressions and sins of the person himself and his eternal destiny is not determined by the sins of their ancestors.
It is very true that every human being is born with a sinful nature inherited from Adam and Eve and their sins, but in no way does this mean that the sins of Adam and Eve are legally imputed to the person. This reveals the righteous character and perfect justice of God.
However, some theologians think that every person who is judged in the court of God, will be imputed and charged with the sins of Adam and Eve, but unfortunately they say this in their ignorance of God's character and his perfect justice. The temporary prison of hell, is the one that delivers the dead for this trial, Hell also called seol in the old testament, hades, or death.
During this trial, a second check is carried out, in addition to which the person is judged for all his acts, he is verified in a second book, the book of life to make a check, the person who is not listed in the book of life, he will suffer the second death, which is spiritual death.
The people in this scene who are brought from the temporary prison of hell are judged for their sins, being found guilty of transgressing God's law, of sinning against the highest authority, they are found guilty, being found guilty, God as judge just should sentence them a punishment which is to be endlessly tortured and punished in the lake of fire and brimstone, this is easier to understand when seeing that they have sinned and transgressed not the temporal laws of mortal human beings, but that they have sinned and transgressed the law of God, of the One with whom every human being has the greatest and first responsibility to obey and abide by his law.
While the offense is against a greater authority, the greater the punishment, and the punishment to receive is an endless punishment. The passage also shows the illustration that hell, hades and all its contents are thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone.
As is already known, and I think Alfredo mentioned it at some point, hell and the lake of fire and brimstone are not the same, as I can conceptualize and understand it exists in another dimension, since it already exists, it has already been created (Matthew 25 :41) and does not disappear when the current universe, heaven and earth disappear.
The fact that hell, hades, is thrown with everything and its contents into the lake of fire and brimstone, implies that, for example, the demons that are in hell at that moment, will also be thrown into the lake of fire and brimstone, following the same destination. and punishment than Satan and his angels.
Those redeemed by the Lord Jesus are not in this previously illustrated judgment.
People who, upon reaching physical death, are justified by their faith in Jesus, and by their faith their sins have been atoned for by the blood of the Holy Lamb of God, Christ Jesus, and that, as the Lord Jesus pointed out, they have been born again and remain obedient to God, which, as Jesus clearly indicates, are requirements to enter heaven, John 3:5; Luke 7:21 when they die physically they do not go to hell but to heaven.
If we see other passages in which people are judged according to their works, to receive rewards or prizes and that some of them receive responsibilities and functions during the millennial reign of Jesus on the current earth, as texts such as 2 Corinthians 5 point out: 10; Revelation 22:12.
I reflect and respond
1. Imagine what the judgment day will be like. Who will be there?
2. How will each one feel?
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Revelation 21:1-8
Development
The new heaven and the new earth will not be separated from each other; the land of the saints, their glorified bodies, will be heavenly.
The old world, with all its troubles and tumults, will be gone. There will be no sea; this aptly represents freedom from conflicting passions, temptations, problems, changes and alarms; from everything that can divide or interrupt the communion of saints.
This new Jerusalem is the church of God in its new and perfect state, the triumphant church the bride of Jesus. Your blessing comes entirely from God and depends on him. God's presence with his people in heaven will not be interrupted as on earth, but will dwell with him continually.
All the effects of the previous problems will disappear. They have often wept because of sin, because of affliction, because of the calamities of the church; but there will be no traces or memories of the previous sorrows. Christ makes all things new.
If we are willing and want the kind Redeemer to make all things in the order of hearts and nature new, he will make all things new regarding our situation, until he makes us enjoy complete happiness.
Sensual and sinful pleasures are murky and poisoned waters; and the best earthly comforts are like the meager provisions in a cistern; when idolized, they become broken cisterns, and only produce vexations.
But the joys that Christ imparts are like waters that flow from a fountain, pure and refreshing waters, abundant and eternal. The sanctifying consolations of the Holy Spirit prepare for heavenly happiness;
They are streams that flow for us in the desert. The fearful did not dare to face the difficulties of religion, their servile fear came from their unbelief; but those who were so reckless that they dared not take up the cross of Christ, were nevertheless so desperate that they ran to abominable wickedness. The agonies and terrors of the first death will lead to the terrors and agonies far greater than eternal death.
I reflect and respond
1. Who is the bride of Christ?
2. Describe the sky.
3. Compare yourself to verse 8. Are there any of these sins in your life?
Read
Revelation 22:1-6
Development
In the Garden of Eden man became like God, knowing good and evil, but he was cut off from the tree of life. And he became his own God and his source of life was within him instead of from God, resulting in futility and emptiness.
As a result of this emptiness, people fill their lives with things, pleasures, and idols. In Revelation 22, we now find God and the Lamb, as the source of man's life. Man is no longer cut off from the life of God, as they have been since the transgression of Adam and Eve. Man could eat from the tree of life and live forever because God lives forever. (John 17:3). To know God is to know him intimately. Through prayer and supplication.
Revelation 22:1 This verse reminds us of the river that watered the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:10). The figure comes from Ezekiel's vision (Ezekiel. 47:1). The river of the water of life symbolizes eternal life. The source of the water of life has already been mentioned in (Revelation 21:6). Now it has become a river and the free gift of the water of life appears again in Revelation 22:17. The emphasis is that eternal life is a free gift. The water of life flows from the throne of God and of the Lamb, who are the source of all life (John 5:26). In (Psalms 46:4) He says: The water of life is Christ himself. He is the fountain of water that produces eternal life (John 4:14).
Revelation 22:2 mentions the tree of life and its qualities and characteristics, as we also see in Revelation 21:21.
The prophet Isaiah also makes us a reference to that wonderful city Isaiah 35:8 "and it will be called the Way of Holiness; it will not pass unclean through it". Isaiah 35:10 "And the redeemed of the LORD shall return, and come to Zion with joy; and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; and they shall have joy and gladness, and sorrow and groaning shall flee."
The river of life, whose source is Christ, waters the tree of life and gives eternal life to everyone who eats its fruit. This if we analyze it goes back to the times of Genesis; giving the idea that just like the beginning is the end.
Following this idea, it could be said that we human beings would return to our state prior to the fall of Adam and Eve from Eden, regarding our relationship with God. Now if we can eat that fruit that was forbidden to us, because of sin and live forever because the fruit of the tree imparts eternal life.
It is also mentioned that the tree bears 12 different fruits, one according to the month, if we think about it a bit these can have three meanings, 1 could be representing the 12 tribes of Israel, 2 could be the representation of the 12 Apostles or 3 could simply be the constant supply.
One thing is certain, the 12 harvests indicate abundance, which is why I think I associate it more with abundance. How do you relate? Ezekiel 47:12
Revelation 2:7 God promises to feed all those who win from the tree of life, based on this it can be understood that the new Jerusalem is God's paradise. A new garden.
Revelation 22:14 Those who wash their garments also have the right to the tree of life and can pass through the city gates. Revelation 22:19 If any take away from the words of this book of prophecy, "God will take away his part from the book of life"
Let us remember that Revelation also mentions that the leaves are for the healing of the nations that are within the New Jerusalem. And if we go to Revelation 21:24 we can see that nations are mentioned.
Perhaps Juan had a poultice in mind. Again he is referring to Ezekiel. 47:12, "its fruit shall be for food, and its leaf for medicine."
Revelation 3It also tells us that there will be no more curse; and the throne of God and of the Lamb will be in it, and his servants will serve him - There will be no Adamic curse involving mankind in painful labor and death. He also barred humanity from the Garden of Eden and the tree of life that would allow them to live forever (Gen. 3:17-24). The curse is now revoked so that mankind could partake of the fruit of the book of life and live forever. The throne of God and of the Lamb is not in remote heaven but on earth, in the New Jerusalem. God's dwelling is with man. Heaven has moved to earth. Instead of painful labor His servants will serve Him as they also served Him on the previous earth (Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 7:15). Compare with (Revelation 5:13).
Revelation 4- Seeing the face of God was denied to Moses (Exodus 33:20). To see the face of God is to enjoy His favor (Job 33:26; Ps. 17:15; 67:1) and is a reward for the pure in heart (Matthew 5:8). To see the face of God is to be like Him. bb3b-136bad5cf58d_ (2 Corintios 3:18, 1 Juan. 3 :2). Their name on their foreheads is once again a reference to the seal and to the 144,000 who represent the redeemed (Revelation 3:12; 14:1). The seal indicates possession and privacy.
Revelation 5- A reiteration of Revelation 21:23-25. The continued presence of the Lord will be your light, so there will be no more night. The night is abolished because it is associated with evil. Light is associated with good. Jesus was betrayed at night. Night is when sin is committed (Romans 13:12, 1 Thessalonians 5:5-8). The saints are children of light (1 Thess. 5:5). God himself lives in the unreachable light
(1 Timothy. 1:16). Compare those who reign forever with the fate of those who follow the beast and are tormented day and night forever. Just as when the seventh trumpet sounded it was announced that Christ will reign forever (Revelation 11:15), the saints who serve Him will reign with Him forever.
(1 Thessalonians 4:17). Those who remain faithful will reign with Him (2 Timothy. 2:12). Compare the reward of those who conquered in The Odyssey: they will sit with Jesus on His throne (Revelation 3:21). Because He reigns forever, so will the saints. See (John 14:19), "because I live, ye shall live also." See also (Daniel 7:18)
Revelation 6- The angel highlights the fact that these amazing words are faithful and true, as God did in Revelation 21:5.Revelation 1:1 where God has sent his angel to show his servants "the things that must soon take place" . This is again one of the keys of Revelation. "Soon" means the Biblical sense of "I am coming soon." A true prophet prophesies according to the Holy Spirit but not with his own spirit, he learns to hear what the spirit speaks to him (2 Peter 1:21). This picture of heaven is true, it is trustworthy, it is worth dying for. This is the picture of heaven, "things that eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered the heart of man, are what God has prepared for those who love him" (1 Corinthians. 2:9). It is the place prepared for us by Jesus-
Apocalypse 7- The reader is encouraged to keep in his heart what is written in The Book of Life, which is basically pastoral, to encourage the church through its hard experience. Therefore, it is a practical rather than a theoretical work about the future. Those who keep the words of prophecy in this book will inherit what has just been described. Compare with the blessings of the Beatitudes.
Revelation 8- John, once again, emphasizes the fact that he heard and saw these things; he did not invent them. The first time John falls at the foot of the angel to worship him was after the scene of the great crowd singing Hallelujah to God and blessing the guests at the marriage supper of the Lamb, and the angel's confirmation that these were true words. of God (Revelation 19:1-10). Again John sees shocking visions of heaven, and again the angel confirms that these words are faithful and true. Jesus announces that He is coming soon and John is so overwhelmed by these visions that he tries to worship the angel who brought these visions to him.
Revelation 9- This is the second time that John worships the angel. The first time was when the angel confirmed that these were the true words of God (Revelation 19:9). Both times he is rebuked because the angel is his fellow servant and John is told to worship God. The angel's command to John, as it has been to mankind (Revelation 14:7), is to worship God. This is a book theme. Most of humanity prefers to worship the beast, and in doing so they choose the lake of fire. Here we have seen that John is regarded as a prophet by the angel. The prophets take precedence over the apostles in this book, perhaps because the book is a prophecy (Revelation 1:3; 22:7; 10; 18-19). God's servants are those who keep the words of this book and inherit its blessings.
Revelation 10– Compare the following verses with the book of Daniel (Revelation 1:1; 22:6). Who is told to seal the words of the scroll because the time is far away (Daniel. 12:4). The intention is that we know and understand the message of Revelation, even when there are parts that are obscure.
Revelation 11- The time for repentance has passed. Mankind has made a choice on earth, whether for good or ill, and it is set in stone for eternity. (Dan. 12:10;
Ezequiel. 3:27)
Revelation 12- Once again Jesus himself emphasizes his Second Coming, bringing rewards with Him (Isaiah.40:10; 62:11-12). The rewards are for those who won the letters to the seven churches. (Matt. 5:12) which deals with rewards for those who are persecuted (Matt. 16:27) where each person is rewarded according to what they have done. This again emphasizes personal responsibility. (Ps. 62:11; Proverbs 19:17; Proverbs 24:12, Romans. 2:6, Rev. 20:13) The book is not just a prophecy; it is a card that emphasizes godly living, fidelity, and patience, along with the rewards for those who live this way. Its reward has just been described, in the previous sections.
Revelation 13- "The beginning and the end" (Rev. 1:8; 21:6) is used of Jesus Christ in (Rev. 1:17; 2:8) and of God in (Isa. 44:6; 48:12). "The first and the last" is used of God in (Revelation 21:6) Only in this verse is it emphasized three times. In earlier versions it is emphasized once and twice, respectively. Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet, signifying the beginning and end of history (and everything in between).
He is the Beginning because there is no beginning before Him, since He exists for eternity. He applies this to himself; it is a divine attribute. This verse is one of the strongest proofs for the deity of Christ in the Bible. It is significant that this appears only 9 verses before the end of the Bible. Compare Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:1) God who is "without father, without mother, without genealogy; having no beginning of days, nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest forever" (Hebrews 7:3).
Revelation 14- This is the last of the seven blessings in the book and it reminds us (Revelation 7:14) where they wash their clothes in the blood of the Lamb, that is, they receive forgiveness for their sins through the sacrifice of Christ on the cross. To have the right to the tree of life is to have eternal life. They can only enter the city through the gate to receive the tree of life. The door is Jesus (John 10:7-11) who is the pearl of great price (Matthew 13:45).
The city is the New Jerusalem, in heaven. The only answer to man's sin is to find forgiveness through the blood which is through the sacrificial death of Christ on the cross. Each person who wants to enter the city must do so through the gate (Jesus) and to have eternal life they must first wash their clothes in the blood of the Lamb (Revelation 7:14).
Revelation 15- But the dogs will be outside, and sorcerers, fornicators, murderers, idolaters, and everyone who loves and lies - Nothing unclean is allowed to enter the city (1 Corinthians 6:9-10;
Galatians. 5:19-21; Colossians 3:5-6; Isaiah 35:8; 52:1), because it is a holy city, the city of God, but only those that are written in the Lamb's book of life (see Revelation 20:15; 21:8; 27). The phrase "who loves and lies" typifies the mark of the beast, that is, on the forehead (he loves a lie) and on the hand (he lies). The table below compares the different lists in Revelation.
Revelation 16- I Jesus have sent my angel to testify to you about these things in the churches - This testimony came from Jesus through his angel and is for the churches, that is, the churches of Jesus Christ, the community of saints (Revelation 1:1 10:1). (Isaiah 11:1) “Root and lineage of Davis” (2 Peter 1:19)
The morning star is mentioned.
Revelation 17- The Church speaks and the Spirit makes it effective. Two witnesses are required to ensure the truth of this book, the Spirit and the wife. This is the final offer of salvation. God's salvation is the free gift of God (Romans 5:15-17; 6:23) and is offered to those who thirst (Isaiah 55:1;
John 7:37-38). This is a welcome reminder of the gospel in a book full of judgment. It is also suitable to finish the last book of the Bible. Make it clear that God is not against people gaining eternal life (1 Timothy 2:1-6; John 3:16). Jesus says that no one who comes to Him will be cast out (John 6:37).
Revelation 22:18I testify to everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this book: If anyone adds to these things, God will bring upon him the plagues that are written in this book. And if anyone takes away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God will take away his part from the book of life, and from the holy city, and from the things that are written in this book.
Revelation 18; 19- Here we have a solemn warning against altering the words of this prophecy. This book is the Word of God and must not be altered. In 1:1 we see that the author is God. This is a reminder of (Deuteronomy 4:2) where Moses, while giving the law to the Israelites, commands them not to add to or subtract from the commandments (Deuteronomy 12:32; 29:20; Proverbs 30:6, Jeremiah 26:2)
Revelation 20- Again, yes, Jesus is coming soon. "Amen, Come, Lord Jesus" John repeats. It is equivalent to the Aramaic maranatha (Our Lord Come) (1 Corinthians 16:22). The Second Coming of Jesus has been one of the great themes of this book and appears in the first chapter (Revelation 1:7) as in the last. This is a reminder that the time is near and that we must be prepared. See the blessing of the one who keeps the words of this prophecy in (Revelation 22:7)
Revelation 21- The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen - This is the final blessing for God's people. It complements the greeting of (Revelation 1:4) where grace and peace come from the Lord and the Spirit to the seven churches. Once again, a reminder that salvation is by grace and grace alone. Amen.
Revelation 22- (Rev. 22:20) He who testifies to these things says: Surely I am coming shortly. Amen; yes, come, Lord Jesus. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.
I reflect and respond
1. What other eternal joys will be in heaven?
2. Why does God let us know that these words are faithful and true?
3. Are any of these sins in your life?
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