The Eternal State
End Times • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
0 ratings
· 1 viewNotes
Transcript
Handout
Preparation for the Eternal State (Kingdom)
Preparation for the Eternal State (Kingdom)
There is not a lot of information given in God’s Word concerning the eternal kingdom. However, there is enough for us to know and have assurance that God has something incredible waiting for us eternally. As we move into this last phase of our study, we are going to consider a number of questions related to the prophecies surrounding the eternal state. Here is the first.
The Purging Required for the Eternal Kingdom
The Purging Required for the Eternal Kingdom
Scripture relates three events in which the universe is purged of all remnants from the curse of sin. In doing so, the eternal kingdom is realized and able to exist. The three events are the release of Satin and the satanically led revolt, the purging of the earth by fire, and the judgment upon sinners at the Great White Throne judgment. Let’s consider the first one.
Satan’s Release and Subsequent Revolt
Satan’s Release and Subsequent Revolt
The Holy Spirit reveals this event to us in Revelation 20:2-3
2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years,
3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
And then note verse 7-9.
7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
Looking back at verse 3, we note...
3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
Satan is bound and cast into the bottomless pit. He not release for at least 1000 years and then he is loosed for a “little season.” Taking a literal approach to Scripture, we accept that the fact that Satan is literally bound for 1000 years. Then, after the 1000 years is finished, Satan is released for a certain amount of time (which is not defined). This time occurs after the 1000 years and prior to God’s eternal kingdom.
Revelation 20:7 confirms this.
7 And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison,
The purpose of Satan’s release is easily discerned by his activity during this time.
8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.
Satan once again deceives the nations. He leads one final revolt against God. This final release of Satan is viewed as God’s final test that demonstrates man’s heart is truly depraved. This is not the only test from God. There have been several. In every instance, man had failed miserably. A good way to look it is through the many different dispensations God had given man a different test. He used goodness, government, law, grace, and now, the final one is God’s glory existing on earth for a full 1000 years. Yet, in every instance, man failed. Thus, the release of Satan demonstrated that even when tested under the reign of Christ Himself and the revelation of His holiness, man fails again.
Now, let’s be clear. The ones who enter the Millennial Kingdom are saved though not perfected. They did not receive resurrected, glorified bodies. Instead, they entered the Kingdom living as we do today, saved with a bright future of living eternally with God, yet having not recieved a glorified body as we will enjoy at that time. Consequently, their children, grand children, and great, grand children will be born with the same fallen sin nature with which their parents were born and consequently will need to accept Christ as their Lord, Savior, and King. The Millennial Kingdom, however, will be quite different in this regard. The whole world will have Christ as King who will rule with “rod of iron” and there will be outward conformity to His law. In addition, Satan is bound, there are no external sources of temptation, there is fullness of knowledge, and the bountiful provisions of the King. In such an environment, the hearts of many who have not been regenerated will outwardly conform to the law of the King. Thus, there must be a test to determine the true heart of these individuals.
God will do so by allowing a multitude of unregenerate people known as “Gog and Magog” to come up against the “camp of the saints” and the “beloved city”, the earthly Jerusalem. Now, please understand that the use of “Gog and Magog” is not the same as the “Gog and Magog” of Ezekiel 38 and 39. They bear the same name in that the purpose is the same. They both are satanically motivated. Ezekiel’s “Gog and Magog” take place during the Tribulation whereas this “Gog and Magog” takes place after the 1000 year reign of Christ.
Some might ask how that could people turn against Christ when He is the One sitting on the throne? It is a great question and does not come with an easy answer. Apart from the fact man is completely depraved, there is no understanding. The only explanation is that this last rebellion demonstrates once again that God is just when He judges sin. As we know, His judgment comes through physical death, the pouring out of fire on all who have rebelled under Satan’s leadership.
9 And they went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed the camp of the saints about, and the beloved city: and fire came down from God out of heaven, and devoured them.
This act of God purges all unbelief and unbelievers from the earthly Millennial Kingdom and sets the stage for God creating His eternal kingdom.
The Purging of Creation
The Purging of Creation
We are all familiar with the curse placed on the earth due to Adam’s sin in the Garden of Eden.
17 And unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life;
18 Thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field;
We also know, from Scripture, that God will purge this curse from the earth before establishing His eternal kingdom.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,
12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
There are other passages which support this present earth being dissolved in anticipation of God creating a new earth.
35 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
10 And, Thou, Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands:
11 They shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment;
12 And as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail.
11 And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them.
I believe these Scriptures are enough support in determining that God will with one act purge creation of its curse. It will come at the end of the Millennial Kingdom after the final revolt against His authority.
The Judgment on Sinners
The Judgment on Sinners
Note Revelation 20:12
12 And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.
We must, at the moment, make a distinction. Note Revelation 20:3-6
3 And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season.
4 And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.
5 But the rest of the dead lived not again until the thousand years were finished. This is the first resurrection.
6 Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years.
There are two resurrections that take place. If you recall, we studied this some time back. The first resurrection, as mentioned in verse 5, is also known as the resurrection unto life.
29 And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation.
The first resurrection is essentially the entire program of resurrection of those who are raised to eternal life. There are several components of this program. However, the second resurrection is also known as the resurrection to damnation, as noted in John 5:29 as well. It is this resurrection that we are seeing described in Revelation 20:5. Thus, these who are resurrected in this second resurrection will face God’s judgment and will be appointed unto the “second death” of Revelation 20:14
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
This second death is eternal separation from the God’s kingdom. An act that demonstrates the words of 1 Corinthians 15:28
28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.
Again, we need not go into a lengthy discussion here since we covered this territory already. However, it is suffice to say that God’s purpose in the judgment prior to the Millennial Kingdom was...
41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity;
42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
God’s judgment at the end of the Millennial Kingdom is to remove from the eternal kingdom “all thing that offend, and them which do iniquity.” In this last judgment known as the Great White Throne Judgment, God’s absolute sovereignty is completely manifested.
The Destiny of the Lost
The Destiny of the Lost
The ultimate eternal place of existence for the lost is a place in the lake of fire.
20 And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.
10 And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
15 And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
In the Gospel of Matthew, there are two references that describe the fire of the lake as everlasting fire.
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
8 Wherefore if thy hand or thy foot offend thee, cut them off, and cast them from thee: it is better for thee to enter into life halt or maimed, rather than having two hands or two feet to be cast into everlasting fire.
In the Gospel of Mark, this lake of fire is described as unquenchable fire.
43 And if thy hand offend thee, cut it off: it is better for thee to enter into life maimed, than having two hands to go into hell, into the fire that never shall be quenched:
44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
46 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
49 For every one shall be salted with fire, and every sacrifice shall be salted with salt.
It is also important to note that this lake of fire is a place and not just a state of mind. Such truth is contained in the words “hades” (Matt 11:23; 16:18; Luke 10:15; 16:23; Rev 1:18; 20:13-14) and “gehenna” (Matt 5:22, 29-30; 10:28; James 3:6). Luke 16:29 notes that it is a PLACE of “torment.” Thus, it is a place of unspeakable misery. Scripture uses the following descriptions of this place.
Matthew 25:41 (KJV 1900)
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
44 Where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched.
Revelation 21:8 (KJV 1900)
8 But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.
Revelation 9:2 (KJV 1900)
2 And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.
Matthew 8:12 (KJV 1900)
12 But the children of the kingdom shall be cast out into outer darkness: there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
Luke 3:17 (KJV 1900)
17 Whose fan is in his hand, and he will throughly purge his floor, and will gather the wheat into his garner; but the chaff he will burn with fire unquenchable.
Matthew 13:42 (KJV 1900)
42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
Jude 13 (KJV 1900)
13 raging waves of the sea, foaming out their own shame; wandering stars, to whom is reserved the blackness of darkness for ever.
Revelation 14:11 (KJV 1900)
11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
Here is an interesting observation! Almost everyone of these descriptions came directly from the mouth of Christ. He alone disclosed and revealed what we could not know about such an awful place of retribution.
Sheol
Sheol
This is one of four different words used in Scripture describing the place of the dead. The word “sheol” is used 65 times in the Old Testament and is translated “hell” 31 times. Here are two examples.
Deuteronomy 32:22 (KJV 1900)
22 For a fire is kindled in mine anger, And shall burn unto the lowest hell [sheol], And shall consume the earth with her increase, And set on fire the foundations of the mountains.
Psalm 9:17 (KJV 1900)
17 The wicked shall be turned into hell [sheol], And all the nations that forget God.
Another 31 times, “sheol” is translated as “grave.” Again, here are two examples.
1 Samuel 2:6 (KJV 1900)
6 The Lord killeth, and maketh alive: He bringeth down to the grave [sheol], and bringeth up.
Job 7:9 (KJV 1900)
9 As the cloud is consumed and vanisheth away: So he that goeth down to the grave [sheol] shall come up no more.
There are also 3 verses in which the word “sheol” is translated as “pit.”
Numbers 16:30 (KJV 1900)
30 But if the Lord make a new thing, and the earth open her mouth, and swallow them up, with all that appertain unto them, and they go down quick into the pit [sheol]; then ye shall understand that these men have provoked the Lord.
Numbers 16:33 (KJV 1900)
33 They, and all that appertained to them, went down alive into the pit [sheol], and the earth closed upon them: and they perished from among the congregation.
Job 17:16 (KJV 1900)
16 They shall go down to the bars of the pit [sheol], When our rest together is in the dust.
This Old Testament word was the word used for the abode of the dead. As presented, it depicts not just a state of existence, but also as a place of conscious existence. We see this in Saul’s experience with the witch of Endor.
11 Then said the woman, Whom shall I bring up unto thee? And he said, Bring me up Samuel.
12 And when the woman saw Samuel, she cried with a loud voice: and the woman spake to Saul, saying, Why hast thou deceived me? for thou art Saul.
13 And the king said unto her, Be not afraid: for what sawest thou? And the woman said unto Saul, I saw gods ascending out of the earth.
14 And he said unto her, What form is he of? And she said, An old man cometh up; and he is covered with a mantle. And Saul perceived that it was Samuel, and he stooped with his face to the ground, and bowed himself.
15 And Samuel said to Saul, Why hast thou disquieted me, to bring me up? And Saul answered, I am sore distressed; for the Philistines make war against me, and God is departed from me, and answereth me no more, neither by prophets, nor by dreams: therefore I have called thee, that thou mayest make known unto me what I shall do.
It is also depicted as a place over which God is sovereign.
22 For a fire is kindled in mine anger, And shall burn unto the lowest hell, And shall consume the earth with her increase, And set on fire the foundations of the mountains.
It is also regarded as temporary and was a place from which the righteous anticipated their resurrection.
9 Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: My flesh also shall rest in hope.
10 For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; Neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
11 Thou wilt shew me the path of life: In thy presence is fulness of joy; At thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Now, just so everyone clearly understands. The word “sheol” is primarily a reference to the grave and the best, most common rendering of the term. As for the term “hell,” we must not forget that “sheol” denotes the present state of the dead. Thus, for those who are dead in their unrighteousness, their present state of death is hell. However, the righteous saints of the Old Testament also died and went to their graves aka “sheol.” I find that there is no controversy in noting “sheol” as the grave of the dead and for the unrighteous, in their present state, are in hell.
Hades
Hades
The second word to describe the place of the dead is the word “hades.” This is a New Testament word. It is the Greek equivalent of the Hebrew word “sheol.” In the New Testament, every instance of the word “hades” is translated into the English as “hell” but for one instance where the word “grave” is used.
55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?
Generally speaking, this word depicts the unsaved dead who are currently in misery as they await their resurrection before the Great White Throne Judgment.
C.I.Scofield promoted a teaching that is often held by many today. He distinguished between the abode of departed saved individuals before and after Christ’s resurrection. He taught the following:
Hades before Christ’s Ascension
Hades before Christ’s Ascension
Using Luke 16 as a basis for his understanding, “Hades” was formerly in two divisions - the abode of the saved and the unsaved respectively. The abode of the saved was “paradise” or “Abraham’s bosom.” Christ used both of these terms on different occasions.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise.
Thus, the saved were with Abraham, were conscious, and were “comforted” according to Luke 16:25. As for the believing malefactor, Christ promised that he would be with Christ in “paradise.”
As for the unsaved, they were separated from the saved by a “great gulf fixed.”
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
The rich man, representing the unsaved, was now in “Hades.” It must noted that he also was alive, conscious, had full use of this faculties and memory, and was in torment.
Hades after Christ’s Ascension
Hades after Christ’s Ascension
Scofield taught that since Christ’s Ascension there has been no change to the place or condition of the unsaved dead. It is at the Great White Throne Judgment that “Hades” will give them up, they will be judged, and pass into the lake of fire.
13 And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works.
14 And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.
However, for the saved, a change took place. He noted Paul’s experience in 2 Corinthians 12:1-4
1 It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord.
2 I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;) such an one caught up to the third heaven.
3 And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell: God knoweth;)
4 How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Using this passage, Scofield taught that Paradise is now in the immediate presence of God. Scofield point to Ephesians 4:8-10 as the time when the change occurred.
8 Wherefore he saith, When he ascended up on high, he led captivity captive, and gave gifts unto men.
9 (Now that he ascended, what is it but that he also descended first into the lower parts of the earth?
10 He that descended is the same also that ascended up far above all heavens, that he might fill all things.)
According to Scofield, Christ “ascended up on high” leading the multitudes of saved who were captive. However, before doing so, He had previously “descended first into the lower parts of the earth” which is the paradise division of Hades. Now, during this church age, the saved who die are “absent from the body” and “at home with the Lord.” At the same time, the unsaved dead are in Hades while the saved dead are “at home with the Lord” while both await their respective resurrections.
I see no reason to disagree with Scofield’s conclusions and find it to be a very sound interpretation of Scripture in keeping with the full context of Scripture.
Tartaros
Tartaros
A third word used in the New Testament to describe the abode of the dead is “Tartaros.” It is used only one time and can be found in 2 Peter 2:4
4 For if God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
It would seem for the context that “Tartaros” is not “Sheol” or “Hades” where all men go in death. It would also seem that it is not where the wicked will be consumed or destroyed for there is another word that give us that description as we will see in a moment. This word is used only in this verse. As noted, the context concerns “angels that sinned.” As such, this word references the judgment of these wicked angels and seems to specify their eternal abode. Over than that, we do not have much more to go on.
Gehenna
Gehenna
This is the fourth and final word used for the dead. It is used 12 times in the New Testament alone. Here are couple of examples.
22 But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire.
6 And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
It seems that this word is a geographical term with a view of the unsaved’s final state. The word itself references the “valley of Hinnon” in the Old Testament. A careful study of this valley reveals several important points. The valley of Hinnon was the seat of some extremely idolatrous worship to the false god, Molech. Followers of Molech sacrificed their own children by setting them on fire while still alive.
3 Moreover he burnt incense in the valley of the son of Hinnom, and burnt his children in the fire, after the abominations of the heathen whom the Lord had cast out before the children of Israel.
Such practices abhorred King Josiah and he declared the entire valley as defiled.
10 And he defiled Topheth, which is in the valley of the children of Hinnom, that no man might make his son or his daughter to pass through the fire to Molech.
Consequently, this valley was associated with God’s judgment in prophecy and specifically in Jeremiah 7:32
32 Therefore, behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that it shall no more be called Tophet, nor the valley of the son of Hinnom, but the valley of slaughter: for they shall bury in Tophet, till there be no place.
One last tidbit of this valley which is pertinent is that the valley of Hinnon was Jerusalem’s dump. Everyone brought their refuse here and left it. As such, fires were continual as the sun beat down on the refuse causing it to combust. Thus the name Hinnon became synonymous with extreme defilement.
From this, we know then that name Gehenna, the Greek rendition of “valley of Hinnon.” would carry the connotation of retribution in a lake of fire as the ultimate destiny of the wicked.
41 Then shall he say also unto them on the left hand, Depart from me, ye cursed, into everlasting fire, prepared for the devil and his angels:
Now, in this verse, there is something we must not miss. The word “prepared” literally means “having been prepared.” With that in mind, it would suggest that a lake of fire was already in existence even as Christ spoke the word and was awaiting its occupants. As to where this lake of fire exists there are many opinions. The most popular opinion is that it exists in the middle of the earth alluding to the points we already made concerning “sheol” and “hades.”
However, there is another possibility. We must remember that majority of people born since the time of Adam until the end of the Millennial Kingdom overwhelmingly rejects God’s offers of everlasting life. We are talking billions and billions of people. Where would a lake of fire exist that would hold that many people? The center of the earth is a possibility, but when you consider the number of unsaved it seems unlikely. Where then? Here is one possible solution - white dwarf stars. There are number reasons why these might be considered. First, we know the eternal abode for the unsaved is described as a “lake of fire” depicting liquid form of fire which is eternal. White dwarf stars should be roughly 5,000 or more times as big as they actually are. They are incredibly hot. Our sun, which is our nearest star, is estimated to be 25 million to 30 million degrees Fahrenheit at its center. Without getting to bogged down in the science, white dwarfs are much hotter. The pressure in white dwarf is so great that the gases become compressed to the consistency of liquid although they may still respond to the characteristics of a gas. Also, for a white dwarf to cool off and gradually become darker , it would have to expand to normal proportions. In other words, it would have to expand to 5,000 times its present size. However, such expansion would cause enormous additional heat which, in turn, would keep the star compressed. The point is that these stars, as far as astronomers and physicists know, can never cool off. In other words, a white dwarf star can never burn out. What do we know about the lake of fire? It is an eternal fire which cannot burn out. It is lake depicting a liquid consistency. It cannot be quenched. Such a strange phenomenon already exists in a dwarf star. Is it possible that the lake of fire has been prepared and is now ready? I will let you be the judge.
The Creation of the New Heaven and New Earth
The Creation of the New Heaven and New Earth
17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: And the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.
22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, Shall remain before me, saith the Lord, So shall your seed and your name remain.
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
1 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.
These passages definitely state that God will call into being a new heaven and a new earth. Just as God created the existing heavens and earth, so God will do again and usher in a new eternal theocratic kingdom.
This next section of our study will consider what Scripture teaches us about this new heaven and new earth.
As we already have explored and considered, all the covenants God made with Israel guaranteed them the land, national existence, a kingdom, a King, and spiritual blessings for all eternity. Thus, for that to happen, there must an eternal earth for these blessing to be fulfilled. God will transition Israel from the old earth into the new earth as fulfillment of His promise. It will then be a truly eternal kingdom.
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
The creation of the new heaven and the new earth is God’s final act as we anticipate God’s eternal kingdom. At that time, God will have a kingdom “wherein dwelleth righteousness” as noted in 2 Peter 3:13
13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.
Something that I would like to point about us is this. Our eternal destiny is not necessarily related to a PLACE, as much as it is related to a PERSON. Yes, the place often looms in importance when we read passages such as John 14:3
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
However, even in that verse, there is a sense of the Person rather than the Place. The place Christ is preparing is a place where we can be with Him. Consequently, it is more about the Person, Jesus Christ, than the place is preparing. Other passages give us the same indication.
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
Each of those passages emphasize our expectation to see Christ rather than the place to which we are taken. We must not forget this.
Now, let’s take a step back from our study and see it from a fresh perspective. Revelation 21:3
3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.
In this verse, where is the Lord Jesus Christ dwelling? He is dwelling with me on the new earth in the eternal kingdom. Correct? We just read Scripture that emphasized our being with Christ over a place. If then Christ is dwelling on the new earth in the eternal kingdom, would not that mean we would be dwelling with Him on that same new earth in that same eternal kingdom? I contend, from my study of Scripture, that we will live in the new heavenly city, New Jerusalem, which will be on earth and is especially prepared for His saints. In fact, such a view solidifies then Christ’s prayer in John 17:24
24 Father, I will that they also, whom thou hast given me, be with me where I am; that they may behold my glory, which thou hast given me: for thou lovedst me before the foundation of the world.
The eternal glory of Christ will be fully manifested in the eternal kingdom, in His eternal rule, and is natural that we should be there to behold His glory forever.
The Heavenly City Jerusalem
The Heavenly City Jerusalem
We now turn our attention to one of the most debated subject among dispensational premillennialists such as myself which is the entire passage of Revelation 21:9 to Revelation 22:7. Some argue that this passage is descriptive of the eternal state. Yet, others argue that it is descriptive of the Millennial Kingdom. Some argue that the Heavenly City is simply a reference to Christ’s relationship to New Testament saints throughout the Age of Grace, our current dispensation. However, some take a more literal interpretation that the Heavenly City is indeed a real city. Here is the question we must answer?
Where Does Revelation 21:9 to 22:7 FIT into the Prophetic Future?
Where Does Revelation 21:9 to 22:7 FIT into the Prophetic Future?
I am not going to spend a lot of time going through the argument that this passage describes the millennium or the argument that it describes the eternal state. If you believe those arguments and accept them, that is awesome and God bless you.
However, I am going to expound on why I think this passage is describing the eternal habitation of the resurrected saints during the Millennium and beyond. I have already stated and given Scripture that the Heavenly City is the place Christ is currently preparing for resurrected saints and will be our future home. However, let’s wade into it once again. First up is this.
The Heavenly City is a Literal City
The Heavenly City is a Literal City
There is whole host of evidence to back this claim from Scripture in both Revelation 21, 22, and Hebrews 12. Here is a summary.
9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.
In Eastern cultures, especially ancient cultures such as the Old and New Testament times, whenever a king entered his capitol for the first time to reign, he was treated as if he were marrying the kingdom. Much of the pageantry and rituals surrounding a king’s ascension to power evoked the ideas of him intimately and permanently uniting with the kingdom. In much the same way, we see Revelation 21:9 as Christ’s ascension to power over the eternal kingdom. He is united as a bridegroom seeing his bride for the first time.
22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.
No other Jerusalem can claim that the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb were the temple of that city. Yet, this Heavenly City, New Jerusalem, literally has no temple for God and Christ are its temple.
Revelation 22:12-21 gives us the literal composition of the gates, walls, and foundations. There is no other explanation than it is a literal city made of literal gems and precious stone. Additionally, the Holy Spirit gives us literal dimensions of the city. I appreciate Scott Malta for sharing with me his research on this. I have included some of his material in our notes. As you can see from his research this literal city is massive.
Go over Scotty’s findings and his illustrations
Play the video about light shining through the gems which are the foundational walls.
Second, let’s consider...
The Inhabitants of The City
The Inhabitants of The City
First of all, we immediately know that the New Jerusalem is the “eternal dwelling place” or habitation of God (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit). Second, it is the dwelling place of the Lamb’s bride. The bride being none other than the resurrected saints of the Local Church age.
22 But ye are come unto mount Sion, and unto the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels,
23 To the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect,
12 Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the name of the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name.
It is the same place the Lord had in mind when He promised...
2 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.
Having the very names of the 12 apostles inscribed upon the 12 layered foundation of the city serves as further proof that we will be there.
14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
It would seem that Old Testament saints will also be part of the this great city.
10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
Galatians 4 states that all the Jews in bondage longed for an earthly Jerusalem, there is held out through the promise a greater city or dwelling place in the words.
26 But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all.
Many believe the phrase “to the spirits of just men made perfect” in Hebrews 12:23 alludes to the Old Testament saints. Consequently, it is safe to say that Old Testament saints will join us in the New Jerusalem. Furthermore, the names of twelve tribes of Israel are inscribed upon the gates of the city.
In summary, the inhabitants of this great city will include God Himself, the saints of the Age of Grace (Local Church), the redeemed of Israel, and the unfallen angels. However, the city was built specifically for Christ’s bride so that she might dwell there.
Here is another consideration.
Means of Entrance into the City
Means of Entrance into the City
This is pretty much understood when you consider the fact that this city was built for the bride of Christ. Additionally, it makes much more sense when we know Christ is currently preparing this city for us. After we are raptured and face the Bema judgment, our marriage to the Lamb will be consummated. Thus, the rapture and resurrection make it entrance possible. Redeemed Israel can only enter as “friends to the bridegroom” by resurrection. Since the resurrection of redeemed Israel takes place at the Second Coming, the saved of Israel could not enter the city until after the rapture and resurrection of the church age saints and their own resurrection. The living Israel and Gentile saints who make it through the tribulation do no enter this city, but they will enjoy the Millennial Reign of Christ. The saved Old Testament saints, who were looking for this city with foundations, enter by resurrection. Therefore, the only way to enter the city is via resurrection. This city is the abode of all resurrected saints who enter at the time of their resurrection.
The Relation of The City to the Millennial
The Relation of The City to the Millennial
Again, I want to clarify something. When we, as believers of this current age (Age of Grace aka the Local Church Age), are joined in marriage with the Bridegroom, Jesus Christ, and are installed in the place He has prepared for us, we will never be moved out of it again. We will enter our eternal state at the Rapture. Then, when the Lord returns with His bride to reign, the Heavenly City, our dwelling place, is not left unoccupied for a thousand years. Instead, the place of occupancy, the Heavenly City, is transferred from heaven to a position over the earth. Remember that John sees the “great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of Heaven from God.” It remains in the air to cast its light which is the shining of the Son ton the earth so that “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 honour unto it.” (Rev 21:24) At Christ’s Second Coming, the time of the descent of the city into the air over earth, we will be joined by the Old Testament saints, who are resurrected and allowed residence within the city.
Here is something that must also be understood. Even though the earth is not in its eternal state during the Millennial Kingdom era, and though it is necessary for Christ, the King, to rule the earth with an iron rod, and though there will be a rebellion against His authority, yet, as far as we are concerned, we will be in our eternal state, enjoying eternal fellowship, and the fruits of our salvation. We will reign with the Lord from the Heavenly City.
For those who might object that resurrected Israel has no part with us and are destined to be only on the earth and not have such an intimate relationship with us and Christ, there are several observations.
The first resurrection will include not only those in Christ, but “those that are Christ’s.”
16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
23 But every man in his own order: Christ the firstfruits; afterward they that are Christ’s at his coming.
The destiny of the saved patriarchs and the “just men made perfect” (Heb 12:23) is said to be the New Jerusalem, which can only be entered by resurrection.
Old Testament saints are not to be subjected to the discipline of the King.
Old Testament saints are to reign in the Millennial Kingdom even as the church age saints and they may reign from the heavenly city, inasmuch as it is seen to be in relation to the earth and in sphere of the earth, even thought not on the earth. There would be no restriction on them to keep them from coming and going at will.
It can be concluded that during the Millennial Kingdom the Heavenly City will be brought into a relation to the earth, although not settled on the earth. The resurrected saints of all ages in that city will be in their eternal state and possessed of their eternal blessings, even though such is not true of things down on the earth itself.
The Relation of The City to Eternity
The Relation of The City to Eternity
There will be no change whatsoever when the Son surrenders the Kingdom to His Father and eternity begins. There is no change to the city itself or the status of its occupants. However, the locale of the city will be changed, but the inhabitants will undergo no change whatsoever. The city may be removed during the purgation of the earth.
10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.
It will then return and take up its abode on the new earth.
2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.
Let me repeat that there will be no change within it whatsoever.
Life in The Eternal City
Life in The Eternal City
A Life of Fellowship with Him
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.
4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.
A Life of Rest
13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.
A Life of Continuing Knowledge
12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.
A Life of Holiness
27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
A Life of Joy
4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
A Life of Service
3 And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:
A Life of Abundance
6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.
A Life of Glory
17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.
A Life of Worship
1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:
9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;
10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.
11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,
12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
As we conclude this study, let’s remember this. Our focus throughout the eternal state will not be our position or glory, but with God Himself.
2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.
5 And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood,
6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.
13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.
12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.