Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more. And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adored for her husband. Revelation 21:1-2 ESV
While much of Revelation can be confusing, the ending of the book leaves no uncertainty: God will triumph, sin and Satan will be defeated, and there will be a new heaven and a new earth. After all the struggles and tribulations described in the book, John receives the complete and final end of the story, where everything is finally set right and the effects of sin are no longer felt.
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 the murderers, 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.” Revelation 21:6-8 ESV
Once again, God clearly promises that if sinners turn from their sin to Jesus, he will save them and welcome them into his family. Those who follow Jesus lay claim to this heritage and Jesus’ righteousness covers them and washes away all their sins. This is a truth that I need to dwell on. It is too easy to just brush off Jesus’ sacrifice as just another part of His story without fully grasping the weight of it and how He saved me from an eternity of permanent torment. While I am a sinner, through Christ I can conquer and claim my heritage, despite deserving an eternity forever separated from God.
“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay everyone for what he has done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and that they may enter the city by the gates. Revelation 22:12-14 ESV
Dear God, Thank You for sending Jesus so that I can spend eternity with You. Please help me tell others the Good News so that they may be with You for eternity too. Thank You for Your promises. I will faithful wait for Your return. In Your Holy Name, Amen.
Nathanael (nborger2017)
Sixty-six books in a year 