The Coming Kingdom
Notes
Transcript
v.15
Although we have yet to see the details of this third woe, victory is already proclaimed.
“The kingdoms of this world have become the kingdoms of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign forever and ever!”
Throughout history, man has attempted to bring the world under the banner of a single government.
The earliest recorded attempt was at Babel, but ultimately, God divided them.
The Egyptians, Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Germans have all attempted this, yet none have succeeded.
If such a success were ever allowed, the prideful attitude of those at Babel would certainly be the unholy result.
Though the antichrist will come close, not even he will be able to bring all nations under his control.
It seems clear in Scripture, that God will never allow a one world government, except for the one that is ruled by Him.
Such a world will be manifest during the millennial reign of Christ.
Spiritually speaking, the world today does have a single ruler. . . Satan.
Spiritually speaking, the world today does have a single ruler. . . Satan.
John 12:31
John 12:31
Now is the judgment of this world; now the ruler of this world will be cast out.
John 14:30
John 14:30
I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has nothing in Me.
It should come as no surprise that this world's earthly leaders are typically contrary to Christ.
It should come as no surprise that this world's earthly leaders are typically contrary to Christ.
Psalm 2:2-3
Psalm 2:2-3
The kings of the earth set themselves,
And the rulers take counsel together,
Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying,
“Let us break Their bonds in pieces
And cast away Their cords from us.”
Acts 4:26
Acts 4:26
The kings of the earth took their stand,
And the rulers were gathered together
Against the Lord and against His Christ.’
In fact, I've not seen an earthly kingdom in my lifetime, whose leaders have been truly committed to Christ.
However, this rebellious world will eventually come to an end, with the victorious return of Jesus Christ.
It is the kingdom of Christ to which believers truly belong.
It is the kingdom of Christ to which believers truly belong.
Philippians 3:20-21
Philippians 3:20-21
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it may be conformed to His glorious body, according to the working by which He is able even to subdue all things to Himself.
Hebrews 11:13
Hebrews 11:13
These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.
1 Peter 2:11
1 Peter 2:11
Beloved, I beg you as sojourners and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts which war against the soul,
We are pilgrims, strangers on this earth, Therefore we are to abstain from earthly ways, the lust of the flesh.
We are citizens of heaven, God's kingdom, and our king will reign forever.
These things we have to look forward to - an incorruptible body and an incorruptible king - these are a cause of great hope and praise for all believers.
This present world is not as good as it gets.
This is not our best life, nor our final destination.
This is only a temporary stop, and the best is yet to come.
v.16:
The song of praise sung by these elders is a testament to the Glory of Christ, and His victory that we have to look forward to.
v.17:
While Satan may have some temporary control, the Lord will cast Satan into the pits of hell, and redeem this world.
He will not tolerate any unrighteousness!
He is the Almighty God
He is the Eternal God
He is the all powerful God
He is the God who reigns!
And if you are a believer, He is YOUR Lord!
v.18:
He is the God of holy wrath.
He is the righteous Judge.
He is the Rewarder of the faith of those who fear Him.
He destroys the destructive.
And if you are a believer, He is YOUR Lord.
v.19:
This is the true temple, where God dwells in all His glory.
This is the true ark, which symbolized God's presence, atonement and covenant with His people.
The earthly temple and earthly ark were only copies of the incorruptible, heavenly originals.
The earthly temple and earthly ark were only copies of the incorruptible, heavenly originals.
Hebrews 9:23
Hebrews 9:23
Therefore it was necessary that the copies of the things in the heavens should be purified with these, but the heavenly things themselves with better sacrifices than these.
The voice of God thunders and quakes, and this vision is a preview of the seventh bowl judgment.
The voice of God thunders and quakes, and this vision is a preview of the seventh bowl judgment.
Revelation 16:17-21
Revelation 16:17-21
Then the seventh angel poured out his bowl into the air, and a loud voice came out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, “It is done!” And there were noises and thunderings and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such a mighty and great earthquake as had not occurred since men were on the earth. Now the great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. And great Babylon was remembered before God, to give her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of His wrath. Then every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. And great hail from heaven fell upon men, each hailstone about the weight of a talent. Men blasphemed God because of the plague of the hail, since that plague was exceedingly great.
It is after the seventh bowl judgment that Christ will return to establish His kingdom.
If you are a believer, you have every reason to praise and worship your Lord, Jesus Christ.
He is the almighty
He is all knowing
He is all powerful
He is ever present
He is the eternal King of Kings and Lord of Lords!
He has the power of creation and the power to breath life.
He has defeated death
He is able to judge
He is able to bless
He is able to punish and reward.
How will He receive you, as a sinner or as His redeemed Child?