Untitled Sermon (127)

Eschatology Doctrine of End Times

I. The Final Generation ................................................................... 4

II. The Rapture Of The Church To Meet The Lord In The Air ...... 6

III. The Seven-Year Tribulation On Earth..................................... 11

IV. The Battle Of Armageddon ...................................................... 15

V. The Judgment Of Nations ......................................................... 17

VI. The Millennial Kingdom.......................................................... 18

VII. The Great White Throne Judgment ...................................... 19

VIII. Restoration Of The New Heaven And New Earth ............... 21

IX. Eternity .................................................................................... 22

Doctrinal Statement: Doctrinal Statement:

We believe in the imminent, bodily, pre-millenial return of Jesus Christ: that He will return prior to the seven year tribulation period to catch away His church, coming only in the air and He will come with His church at the close of the tribulation period to judge the living nations and to set up His kingdom on earth, a literal 1,000 year reign upon the throne of David in the city of Jerusalem.

I. The Final Generation

A. The Last Generation Prophesied

“There is a generation that curseth their father, and doth not bless their mother.

There is a generation that are pure in their own eyes, and yet is not washed from their filthiness. There is a generation, O how lofty are their eyes! and their eyelids are lifted up. There is a generation, whose teeth are as swords, and their jaw teeth as knives, to devour the poor from off the earth, and the needy from among men.” (Proverbs 30:11-14)

“Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh: So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors. Verily I say unto you, This generation shall not pass, till all these things be fulfilled. Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” (Matthew 24:32-35).

See also Mark 13:28-31; Luke 21:29-33.

B. The Last Generation Church Described

“And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God; I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spue thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked: I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear; and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see. As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent. Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me. To him that overcometh will I grant to sit with me in my throne, even as I also overcame, and am set down with my Father in his throne. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.” (Revelation 3:14-22).

C. The Last Generation Exposed

“This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, Traitors, heady, highminded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith... But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:1-8, 13).

Let us analyze these verses:

Verse 1 – “This know also that in the last days perilous times shall come.” Would you agree with me that these are perilous times? Wars, AIDS, drugs, violence, crime, suicide, terrorists, disasters; the list goes on.

Verse 2 –“For men shall be lovers of their own selves.”

Verse 2 –“For men shall be lovers of their own selves.” The god of self:

Verse 2 –“For men shall be lovers of their own selves.” me, myself and I.

This is also known as the religion of humanism. “Covetous.” “Covetous.”

Those who desperately try to keep up with the Joneses, loving the world and the things of this world.

“Boasters.” “Boasters.” Those “Boasters.” who can’t say enough about themselves.

“Proud.” “Proud.” People who take personal credit for what God enables them to do.

“Blasphemers.” “Blasphemers.” Have you heard the name of God or Jesus Christ used in vain lately?

Profanity is everywhere. Anything injurious to sacred things is blasphemy.

“Disobedient to parents.” “Disobedient to parents.”

Children in rebellion to their parents’ authority. “Unthankful.”

When “Unthankful.” was the last time you saw someone give thanks before a meal?

Have you ever said, “Lord, thank you for my country, my job, my health, my family, my life, my church...?”

“Unholy.” People who are sinful and practice unrighteousness.

Verse 3 – “Without natural affection.”

Verse 3 – “Without natural affection.”

Today we are more concerned about saving whales than we are about little babies.

The abortion statistics are staggering.

Some show more affection shown towards dogs and cats today than towards wives, husbands, children, neighbors, or friends.

“Truce breakers.” “Truce breakers.” Breaking promises.

Peace treaties have become an exercise in futility.

Until human nature changes, man’s heart will remain prejudiced and filled with hatred.

“False Accusers.” “False Accusers.”

Those who pin the blame on everybody else.

Have you noticed how much slander and lies are propagated in today’s society?

Notice how many people speak before investigating?

“Incontinent.” “Incontinent.”

This means a lack of self-restraint or chastity; seeking instant gratification for every lust of the flesh or eyes.

“Fierce.” “Fierce.” Violence in sports, movies, TV, between countries, factions, sects, etc.

“Despisers of those that are good.” Any president our country has doesn’t stand a chance against the vicious pens of those who hate capitalism.

Godly men and women are condemned today as evildoers living on the lunatic fringe.

Verse 4 – “Traitors.” Look at Verse 4 – “Traitors.” all the Socialists, Leftists, and Liberals already in our government, selling America out.

“Heady.” This “Heady.” means: to make a decision rashly; being headstrong.

“High minded.” Thinking of yourself to be better than you are.

“Lovers of pleasure more than lovers of God.” Sundays have of God.”

become a day of recreation, rather than a day of church attendance and service.

Verse 5 – “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof:

Verse 5 – “Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”

Do you know from such turn away.” of anyone who goes to church for an hour each week, then lives like the devil for the other 167 hours?

Many say they believe in God but deny that He has the power to change their lives.

Up to 80% of the ministers in pulpits today do not believe the miracles in the Bible are authentic.

Page 6 Verse 6 – “Silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts.”

You Verse 6 – “Silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts.”

see them on TV, billboards, movies, in music, magazines, etc. Senseless slaves to lust, incapable of controlling themselves or saving themselves for their husbands.

Thank God for those who are women enough to stay pure and virgin and keep themselves for marriage.

Verse 7 – “Ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.”

The truth.” monumental volumes of knowledge that have been accumulated have not helped man find God, nor the solutions to this earth’s problems. Yet we’re always learning more and more.

Verse 8 – “Resist the Verse 8 – “Resist the truth.” truth.”

Jesus claimed to be the truth (John 14:6).

God has said that His Word is the truth. When the true Word of God is preached today, there is a resistance to our yielding to that truth.

“Men of corrupt minds.” of corrupt minds.”

The imagination of men’s hearts is only evil continually.

Who would have ever thought the Constitution would be used to protect pornographers and throw the Bible out of the schools?

“Reprobate concerning the faith.”

A “Reprobate concerning the faith.” reprobate is a scoundrel.

Certainly religion has been rocked by scoundrels lately who appeared for awhile as Christian ministers.

Verse 13 – “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, Verse 13 – “But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived.”

deceiving and being deceived.”

This answers the question, “Do you ever think things will get any better?”

ever think things will get any better?”

The Bible clearly says No! Humanism says man will save himself.

God says man is in the process of destroying himself because of his sinful nature.

The signs of the times we’ve looked at here indicate that God is right.

These are the Last Days!

What should we do?

Get ready to meet the Lord! Jesus said, “And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh... Verily I say unto you, this generation shall not pass away, till all be fulfilled.” (Luke 21:28, 32).

II. The Rapture Of The Church To Meet The Lord In The Air Note:

The word “rapture” does not appear in the Bible. It is a word we have chosen to describe something Biblical. Other words like “Bible,” “Sovereign,” “Trinity,” or “Missionary” also do not appear, but nevertheless describe some truth. The word “rapture” is from a Latin word “rapio” which means “to snatch away.” A. Specifics Of The Rapture 1. Biblical Synonyms: 1. Biblical Synonyms: a. “Translated” “By faith Enoch was translated translated that translated he should not see death; and was not found, because God had translated translated him: translated for before his translation he had lation this testimony, that he pleased God.” (Hebrews 11:5) b. “Caught up” “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 caught up to caught up the third heaven... How that he was caught up caught up into caught up paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which Page 7 it is not lawful for a man to utter.” (2 Corinthians 12:2,4). c. “Resurrection” “For if we have been planted together in the likeness of his death, we shall be also in the likeness of his resurrection:” resurrection (Romans 6:5). Notice also the word “rise” in 1 Thessalonians 4:16. 2. Characteristics of the Rapture a. Christ Himself will come to the clouds to meet us “Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven.” (Acts 1:11). b. The Lord will shout “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). He will also probably say, “Come up hither” (come here). “After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, up hither, and up hither, I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.” (Revelation4:1). See also Revelation 11:12; 17:1-3; 21:9-10. c. The voice of the archangel will also be heard “For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel the voice of the archangel, and with the voice of the archangel the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:” (1 Thessalonians 4:16) d. The trumpet of God will sound “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the trumpet shall sound dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:52). See also 1 Thessalonians 4:16; Revelation4:1; Matthew 24:31; Revelation 1:10. e. The dead in Christ shall rise first “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:” (1 Thessalonians 4:16). f. Then those that are alive & remain shall be caught up “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.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). Also 1 Corinthians 15:52. g. The saved will meet the Lord in the clouds in the air “Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the clouds in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). h. In this moment we shall all be changed “Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall we shall all be changed, In a moment, in all be changed, In a moment the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. For this corruptible must put Page 8 on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.” (1 Corinthians 15:51-54). i. Our transformation will take place in the twinkling of an eye. i. Our transformation will take place in the twinkling of an eye. “In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, in the twinkling of an eye at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (1 Corinthians 15:52). General Electric says that the “twinkling of an eye” is 1/65th of a second. j. All the saved will be with the Lord forever from that point on “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 Lor ever be with the Lord.” (1 Thessalonians 4:17). 3. Examples of Raptures a. Enoch - Enoch - “And Enoch - Enoch walked with God: and he was not; for God took him.” (Genesis 5:24). Also read Hebrews 11:5. b. Elijah b. Elijah - “And b. Elijah it came to pass, as they still went on, and talked, that, behold, there appeared a chariot of fire, and horses of fire, and parted them both asunder; and Elijah went up by a whirlwind into heaven.” (2 Kings 2:11). c. Jesus Christ - c. Jesus Christ “And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight.” (Acts 1:9). d. Paul d. Paul - “I knew a man d. Paul 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... How that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.” (2 Corinthians 12:2,4). e. The Two Witnesses - “And I e. The Two Witnesses will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth... And they heard a great voice from heaven saying unto them, Come up hither. And they ascended up to heaven in a cloud; and their enemies beheld them. (Revelation 11:3,12). B. The Christian’s Judgment In Heaven (the “Judgment Seat of Christ”) “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” (Romans 14:10). “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Note: “Judgment Seat” is from the Greek word “BEMA” which means “a foot-breath, rostrum or tribunal.” It is sometimes a reference to the judgment box that a referee stood in high above the Greek Olympic stadiums (like a press box). There he would watch to see who won and who ran according to the rules. Those who won races climbed to the top of the steps in the stadium to have an olive-leaf crown placed on their heads (a Page 9 corruptible crown - 1 Corinthians 9:25). Let’s look at the facts of this day: 1. Every Single Christian Shall Stand Before the Judgment Seat of Christ “But why dost thou judge thy brother? or why dost thou set at nought thy brother? for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ.” (Romans 14:10). Also 1 Corinthians 3:13; 2 Corinthians 5:10. 2. Every Tongue Shall Make Confession to God “For it is written, As I live, saith the Lord, every knee shall bow to me, and every tongue shall confess to God.” (Romans 14:11). 3. Every Knee Shall Bow to the Lord Jesus Christ The same is said of the unsaved – “That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth;” (Philippians 2:10). Read also Isaiah 45:24. 4. Every One Shall Give an Account of Himself to God “So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God.” (Romans 14:12) Read also 1 Corinthians 3:13-15. The word “account” comes from the Greek word “logos,” and literally means “a log, computation.” This accounting will not be of our sins (Romans 4:8), but of our works for God after salvation. “For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad.” (2 Corinthians 5:10). Good – as living sacrifices. Read Romans 12:1; Galatians 5:24-25. Bad– living for ourselves. Read Romans 8:13. 5. Everything We Have Done with Ourselves Since Salvation will be Tested by Fire “Every man’s work shall be made manifest: for the day shall declare it, because it shall be revealed by fire; and the fire shall try every man’s work of what sort it is.” (1 Corinthians 3:13). 6. Whatever was Done for God and with God’s Help will be Rewarded “If any man’s work abide which he hath built thereupon, he shall receive a reward.” (1 Corinthians 3:14). These rewards may be: a. Royal Rewards (Crowns) i. Crown of Life (for a life of self crucifixion) i. Crown of Life (for a life i. Crown of Life (for a life of self crucifixion) of self crucifixion) This could be physical martyrdom (Revelation2:10) or spiritual martyrdom (James 1:12). ii. Incorruptible Crown ii. Incorruptible Crown - A ii. Incorruptible Crown reward for running by the rules (1 Corinthians 9:24-27). iii. Crown of Righteousness iii. Crown of Righteousness - Those who live as though Christ could come at anytime (2 Timothy 4:8). iv. Crown of Glory- An Elder’s crown (1 Peter 5:4). iv. Crown of Glory v. Crown of Rejoicing v. Crown of Rejoicing - v. Crown of Rejoicing A crown just for soulwinners (1 Thes. 2:19). b. Named Rewards i. Prophets Reward i. Prophets Reward (Matthew 10:41) To those who receive and accept God’s man ii. Righteous Man’s Reward ii. Righteous Man’s Reward (Matthew 10:41) To those who receive and accept the righteous Page 10 iii. Disciples Reward iii. Disciples Reward (Matthew 10:42; Mark 9:41; Hebrews 6:10) To those who receive and accept any disciple c. Unnamed Rewards i. For faithfulness i. For faithfulness ( Matthew 25:21-23) ii. For positions ii. For positions (Colossians 3:18-24; 4:1) For being a good wife, husband, child, father, employee, or employer iii. For willingness iii. For willingness iii. For willingness(1 Corinthians 9:17) iv. For giving iv. For giving (Philippians 4:15-18; Romans 15:28; Matthew 6:19- 20) God is a meticulous record keeper v. For fellowship, fearing God & thinking upon God v. For fellowship, fearing God & v. For fellowship, fearing God & thinking upon God thinking upon God (Malachi 3:16-17) vi. For loving others vi. For loving vi. For loving others (Matthew 5:44-48) vii. For being persecuted vii. For being persecuted (Matthew 5:12; Luke 6:22-23) 7. Whatever Was Done for Self and in the Flesh Will be Burned Up and Lost Forever and Lost Forever (1 Corinthians 3:15; 2 John 1:8) 8. Every Christian Shall Receive Some Reward, Whether Great or Little (Revelation 22:12; 1 Corinthians 3:8; Ephesians 6:8) C. The Marriage Supper Of The Lamb This will take place in heaven, just prior to Jesus riding back to earth. Read the doctrinal passage in Revelation 19:1-8. It will probably happen towards the end of the 7-year tribulation on earth and probably after the Judgment Seat of Christ. It should be noted here that there are no physical marriages of husbands and wives in Heaven (see Luke 20:27-40). 1. God’s People are Referred to as His Spiritual Wife a. Israel a. Israel “For thy a. Israel Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.” (Isaiah 54:5) Also read Isaiah 62:5; Jeremiah 3:14; Hosea 2:19. b. The New Testament Church i. Christ portrayed as the Bridegroom “And Jesus said unto them, Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.” (Matthew 9:15). See also Matthew 25:1,6; John 3:29. ii. The church portrayed as His bride or wife “Wherefore, my brethren, ye also are become dead to the law by the body of Christ; that ye should be married to another, even to him who is raised from the dead, that we should bring forth fruit unto God.” (Romans 7:4). See also John 3:29; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:25-33. iii. The church today is espoused to Christ “For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 11:2) To “espouse” means “to marry, take up, or make one’s own; To bethroth.” Websters’s Unabridged Dictionary defines “espouse” this way: “to bestow in mar- Page 11 riage by contract, in writing, or by some pledge.” Unlike our society, marriage in Bible times had an espousal stage where a man and woman were bound together legally as husband and wife, but did not come together in sexual union. They were legally married, but physically separated (Matthew 1:18-25). Likewise, we are legally married to Christ though currently separated from Him physically. This is a time of proving by self-discipline and commitment. See 1 Corinthians 6:15; Ephesians 5:27. This physical separation was broken by an official ceremony and followed by a marriage supper. 2. At the Rapture, the Church is Taken to the Marriage Supper of the Lamb As portrayed in the parable of the 10 virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) and the parable of the marriage of the king’s son (Matthew 22:1-14). 3. The Lord Himself will Serve the Dinner After the Wedding “Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them.” (Luke 12:37). III. The Seven-Year Tribulation On Earth While Christians are in Heaven being judged and experiencing the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, those left on earth will be experiencing tribulation such as the world has never seen (See Matthew 24:21.) A. The Tribulation Defined 1. A Time of Jacob’s (Israel’s) Trouble “Alas! for that day is great, so that none is like it: it is even the time of Jacob’s trouble; but he shall be saved out of it.” (Jeremiah 30:7). 2. The Great Tribulation “And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.” (Revelation 7:14). See also Deuteronomy 4:30-31. 3. Daniel’s’ 70th week “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined. And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspread- Page 12 ing of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.” (Daniel 9:24- 27). A week is 7 years (See Genesis 29:27). B. The Events Of The Tribulation (In Probable Order) 1. Immediate War A war will break out between various Eastern Bloc and Middle East countries against Israel. Read Ezekiel 38 and 39. God delivers Israel miraculously. 2. The Anti-Christ’s Rise The Anti-Christ will sign a 7-year covenant of peace with Israel (Daniel 8:25; 1 Thessalonians 5:3). He will break that covenant in the midst of “the week” (after 3½ years) and shall sit in the temple, controlling the world and declaring that he is God. This event is called the “abomination of desolation” in Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14. The Anti-Christ is described in further detail in 2 Thessalonians 2:3-10; Daniel 8:23-25. 3. Temple in Jerusalem Rebuilt This is told in Ezekiel 40-48. Note the existence of the temple at the midway point of the tribulation in 2 Thessalonians 2:4. 4. God’s Two Witnesses Begin to Preach “And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.” (Revelation11:3). 5. Book With Seven Seals is Opened Each seal reveals something that will happen on earth. This is told in Revelation5. a. First seal a. First seal “And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.” (Revelation 6:2). The anti-Christ begins to rule. b. Second seal . Second seal “And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.” (Revelation 6:3,4). Peace is taken from the earth and replaced by a great sword (possibly a reference to the previously mentioned war in Ezekiel 38-39). c. Third seal . Third seal “And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil Page 13 and the wine.” (Revelation 6:5-6). A world-wide famine. d. Fourth seal . Fourth seal “And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.” (Revelation 6:7,8). One-quarter of those living on earth are killed. e. Fifth seal . Fifth seal “And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth? And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.” (Revelation 6:9-11). The martyrdom of believers on earth. f. Sixth seal . Sixth seal “And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains; And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” (Revelation 6:12-17). A great earthquake. g. God’s mark and seal on His own “And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps: And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Page 14 Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God.” (Revelation14:1-5). Following the opening of the Sixth seal, God marks his children on their foreheads and seals 144,000 who will be witnesses for Him. These 144,000 are Jews. h. Seventh seal . Seventh seal This part of the sealed book reveals seven angels, sounding seven trumpets of Judgment. This is all told in Revelation 8:1 - 11:19. i. First trumpet i. First trumpet (Revelation 8:7) one-third of trees and grass are burnt up. ii. Second trumpet ii. Second trumpet (Revelation 8:8-9) one-third of the sea becomes blood, one-third of all water life dies, one-third of all ships destroyed. iii. Third trumpet . Third trumpet (Revelation 8:10-11) one-third of the earth’s water becomes bitter. iv. Fourth trumpet iv. Fourth trumpet (Revelation 8:12) one-third part of daylight removed. v. Fifth trumpet . Fifth trumpet (Revelation 9:1-12) hideous satanic demons torment unbelievers on earth for 5 months. vi. Sixth trumpet vi. Sixth trumpet (Revelation 9:13) one-third of all men killed in war. vii. Two witnesses are slain vii. Two witnesses are slain (Revelation11:7-12) the witnesses from God, who tormented unbelievers with their preaching, are slain and left dead in the streets for 3½ days. They resurrect and ascend into Heaven. viii. The seventh trumpet sounds viii. The seventh trumpet viii. The seventh trumpet sounds (Revelation 11:15) lightnings, voices, thunder, earthquake and great hail. 6. The Beast and False Prophet Rise The Beast is the one-world political leader. The False Prophet is the one-world religious leader. These will rise to full prominence and control the entire world. Read Revelation 13. 7. The Gospel is Preached to All the World “And I saw another angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people,” (Revelation 14:6). Read also Matthew 24:14. 8. The Seven Vial Judgments On the Earth “And I heard a great voice out of the temple saying to the seven angels, Go your ways, and pour out the vials of the wrath of God upon the earth.” (Revelation 16:1). a. First vial . First vial - “And . First vial the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.” (Revelation 16:2). b. Second vial - b. Second vial - “And the second angel poured out his vial upon the sea; and it became as the blood of a dead man: and every living soul died in the sea.” (Revelation 16:3). c. Third vial . Third vial - “And . Third vial the third angel poured out his vial upon the rivers and fountains of waters; and they became blood.” (Revelation 16:4). Page 15 d. Fourth vial . Fourth vial - . Fourth vial “And the fourth angel poured out his vial upon the sun; and power was given unto him to scorch men with fire. And men were scorched with great heat, and blasphemed the name of God, which hath power over these plagues: and they repented not to give him glory.” (Revelation 16:8-9). e. Fifth vial . Fifth vial - “And the fifth angel . Fifth vial poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain, And blasphemed the God of heaven because of their pains and their sores, and repented not of their deeds.” (Revelation 16:10-11). f. Sixth vial . Sixth vial - . Sixth vial “And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.” (Revelation 16:12). See also verse 13-16. This is the preparation for the Battle of Armageddon. g. Seventh vial . Seventh vial - “And . Seventh vial the seventh angel poured out his vial into the air; and there came a great voice out of the temple of heaven, from the throne, saying, It is done. And there were voices, and thunders, and lightnings; and there was a great earthquake, such as was not since men were upon the earth, so mighty an earthquake, and so great.” (Revelation 16:17-18). Also read verses 19-21. This will be the greatest earthquake ever, bringing about the destruction of the one-world religious system (Revelation 17) and the one-world political and commercial systems (Revelation 18). IV. The Battle Of Armageddon A. The Preparation For The Battle (The Sixth Vial) 1. The River Euphrates is Dried Up “And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.” (Revelation 16:12). The Euphrates river is called “the great river.” It starts in Armenia (Turkey) and runs through Iraq, Babylon and into the Persian Gulf. It is one of the great rivers of the world. 2. The Way is Prepared for the Kings of the East “And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.” (Revelation 16:12). These “kings of the east” are probably the Russian States, Iran, Turkey, Iraq, Red China, etc. They will be prepared for conventional warfare. 3. Unclean Spirits (Devils) Come from the World’s Leaders “And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.” (Revelation 16:13). The devils come out of the mouth of the Dragon (the Devil - Revelation 20:2), the Beast (the world’s political ruler), and the False Prophet (the one-world religious leader). This may mean that the demons inhabit the words and instruction that this unholy trinity gives. Page 16 4. These Devils Gather an Army “For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” (Revelation 16:14). Using man’s gullibility, the devils do miracles, go into every nation of the world and begin gathering the largest army in history – from every nation in the whole world. 5. God’s Mercy is Still Extended “Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” (Revelation 16:15). Despite God’s wrath being poured out on the world, His mercy is still extended, and the saved on earth are encouraged to watch and be ready. See Matthew 25:13 and 1 Thessalonians 5:5-10. 6. The Nations are Gathered Together into a Place Called Armageddon “And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” (Revelation 16:16). Armageddon means “the mountain of Megiddo.” Megiddo means “the place of troops.” This is a historical battlefield: a. Sisera - . Sisera - The . Sisera - captain of the host of Canaan was defeated by Barak and Deborah by the Waters of Megiddo (Judges 5:19-20). b. Ahaziah - . Ahaziah - The king . Ahaziah - of Judah died at Megiddo after being pursued by the zealous Jehu (2 Kings 9:27). c. Josiah - c. Josiah - The c. Josiah - righteous king of Judah was killed while fighting against the army of Pharoah-necho (2 Kings 23:29). Note: Between the preparation for the Battle of Armageddon and the battle itself is the destruction of the Great Whore (ecumenical religion) in Revelation 17, and the destruction of Babylon (the world’s material system) in Revelation 18. B. The Battle Itself B. The Battle Itself 1. The Participants a. The Lord Jesus Christ - a. The Lord Jesus Christ a. The Lord Jesus Christ - With all of His glorious names, Jesus Christ rides on a white horse in power and splendor (Rev. 19:11-13,16,19). b. The armies of heaven - . The armies of heaven - These follow Jesus on white horses and in fine, white linen (Revelation 19:14,19) c. The lost nations and armies of this world This includes the Beast, the kings of the earth, and all their armies. (Revelation 19:15,18-19) 2. The Battle a. The enemies of the Lord are smitten by the power of His Word Revelation 19:15 (compare with Hebrews 4:12). Notice the reference to the wine press in Revelation 14:19-20. Sixteen hundred furlongs equals about 200 miles. b. The Beast is . The Beast is captured captured (Revelation 19:20) c. The false prophet is captured . The false prophet . The false prophet is captured is captured (Revelation 19:20) d. They are cast into a Lake of Fire . They are cast into a . They are cast into a Lake of Fire Lake of Fire (Revelation 19:20) Page 17 e. All the rest of the armies . All the rest of the armies are slain are slain (Revelation 19:21) These are slain by the power of the Lord’s Sword, which is His Word. f. The flesh of all these armies is devoured by vultures . The flesh of all these . The flesh of all these armies is devoured by vultures armies is devoured by vultures (Revelation 19:17-18,21) V. The Judgment Of Nations A. The Judgment Of The Nations Before The Millennium It is Prophesied that ... 1. Christ will Rule the Nations of the World Someday “For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.” (Isaiah 9:6-7). Read also Psalms 2; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 12:5; Revelation 19:5-6; Revelation 19:15. 2. Christ will Share His Reign “Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods.” (Matthew 24:46-48). See also Matthew 25:14-23 and 2 Timothy 2:12. We must be found faithful, wise, and suffering for His sake. See 2 Timothy 3:12. Christ will be the Head, but we will share this reign: a. We shall reign over the nations with a. We shall reign over the nations with a rod of iron a rod of iron (Revelation 2:26-27) b. We shall reign b. We shall reign on the earth the earth (Revelation 5:9-10) the earth c. We may be placed in authority over cities or perhaps a nation (Luke 19:11-19) d. We shall reign for 1000 d. We shall reign for 1000 years (Revelation 20:4-6) B. The Judgment Of The Nations After The Millennium 1. The Nations Shall be Judged “When the Son of man shall come in his glory, and all the holy angels with him, then shall he sit upon the throne of his glory: And before him shall be gathered all nations: and he shall separate them one from another, as a shepherd divideth his sheep from the goats:” (Matthew 25:31-32). See also Psalms 9:17 and Romans 11:26. 2. Individual Cities Shall be Judged “And into whatsoever city or town ye shall enter, enquire who in it is worthy; and there abide till ye go thence... And whosoever shall not receive you, nor hear your words, when ye depart out of that house or city, shake off the dust of your feet. Verily I say unto you, It shall be more tolerable for the land of Sodom and Gomorrha in the day of judgment, than for that city.” (Matthew 10:11, 14-15). Read also Matthew 11:21-24. This judgment of cities could take place during the tribulation period. Christians should strive to be the salt of the earth where they live. Page 18 VI. The Millennial Kingdom The Kingdom of Christ on earth. Read Revelation 2 and Isaiah 9:6-7. “Millennium” means “one thousand years.” It is mentioned six times in the first seven verses of Revelation 20. Let us study the details of these thousand years: A. Satan Will Be Bound “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, 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.” (Revelation 20:1-3). The tempter of the saved and unsaved, the accuser of the brethren, will be bound 1000 years in a bottomless pit. He will not be able to deceive the nations (people) during this time. B. Christians Will Rule And Reign “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.” (Revelation 20:4). God’s promise to let believers rule and reign with Christ will come to pass. C. Believers Will Be Resurrected “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.” (Revelation 20:6). Those who died in Christ during the tribulation are resurrected to be with and reign with Him. D. Christians Will Also Be Priests “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.” (Revelation 20:6). We will not only rule and reign, but we will also be priests of God and Christ. See also Revelation 1:6, 5:10. A priest is one who makes intercession, a go-between, one who prays for another. Why will we need to be priests during Christ’s Kingdom? Because ... E. Lost People Will Still Be Living On Earth “And when the thousand years are expired, Satan shall be loosed out of his prison, 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 as the sand of the sea.” (Revelation 20:7-8). Remember, about half of the world’s population survives the tribulation and makes it into the millennium. By today’s account that would be over 3 billion. F. Man Will Procreate During the Millennium “There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that Page 19 hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.” (Isaiah 65:20). What could the world’s population explode to in 1,000 years if death were very limited? G. There Will Be Death “There shall be no more thence an infant of days, nor an old man that hath not filled his days: for the child shall die an hundred years old; but the sinner being an hundred years old shall be accursed.” (Isaiah 65:20). Because there will still be sin and sinners, there will still be death. See Romans 6:23a. H. Life Will Go On “And they shall build houses, and inhabit them; and they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit of them.” (Isaiah 65:21). I. We Will Not Lose What We Worked For “They shall not build, and another inhabit; they shall not plant, and another eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of my people, and mine elect shall long enjoy the work of their hands. They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for they are the seed of the blessed of the LORD, and their offspring with them.” (Isaiah 65:22-23). Neither the government nor anyone else will take what we have worked for, for God is a giver, not a taker. J. We Will Receive An Answer Before We Pray “And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.” (Isaiah 65:24). K. The Nature Of Animals Shall Change “The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.” (Isaiah 65:25). See also Isaiah 11:6-8. L. There Will Only Be Peace “For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: ...” (Isaiah 66:12a). See also Isaiah 11:9. M. The Whole Earth Shall Be Full Of The Knowledge Of The Lord “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.” (Isaiah 11:9). N. God’s People Will Have Rest “And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.” (Isaiah 11:10). VII. The Great White Throne Judgment A. Resurrection Of The Wicked Dead Let us look at the facts of this resurrection and judgment: 1. This will Take Place Right after: 1. This will Take Place Right after: a. The Millennium Reign of Christ on earth a. The Millennium Reign of a. The Millennium Reign of Christ on earth Christ on earth (Revelation 20:1-6) Page 20 b. The final overthrow of Satan . The final overthrow . The final overthrow of Satan of Satan (Revelation 20:7-10) c. The final war . The final . The final war (Revelation 20:8-9) 2. There will be a Great White Throne “And I saw a great white throne, ...” (Revelation 20:11a). The word “great” is a very general word (Greek – “megas”) which, appropriately in this text, means large. 3. God Himself Sits upon this Throne “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. 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.” (Revelation 20:11-12). The earth and the heaven fled away from the presence of the great God. See Daniel 2:35; Isaiah 34:5; 2 Peter 3:10-12; Revelation 6:14. We will study these under Point IX. 4. This is a Judgment of the “Dead” 4. This is a Judgme 4. This is a Judgment of the “Dead” nt of the “Dead” (Revelation 20:12) This refers to those that are dead in their trespasses and sins, not the saved. See Ephesians 2:1-2; Romans 5:12; 6:23. 5. Both Small and Great Shall be There a. Small (Greek - “mikros”) Meaning small in size or dignity. Sometimes translated “little” in the English (for example: Matthew 10:42 and Matthew 18:14 - references to children). b. Great (Greek - “megas”) This is the same word as used in point 2 above, describing the White Throne. Great in dignity or stature (sometimes referring to adults). 6. They Will Stand Before God Himself 6. They Will Stand Before 6. They Will Stand Before God Himself God Himself (Revelation 20:12) 7. The Books Will Be Opened 7. The Books Will 7. The Books Will Be Opened Be Opened (Revelation 20:12) The Bible is the “books” mentioned here (See Daniel 7:10; John 12:48). The word “Bible” means “library.” It contains 66 books. God is going to judge man by the Bible. Man is responsible to know God’s Word and is accountable for what it says. Having rejected the finished work of Christ, the dead will be judged according to their works. No man’s works are good enough to save his own soul. Read Isaiah 64:6; Ephesians 2:8-9; Titus 3:5. 8. Another Book Is Opened – the Book of Life 8. Another Book Is Opened – 8. Another Book Is Opened – the Book of Life the Book of Life (Revelation 20:12) a. Those written in the Book are God’s people See Daniel 12:1 and Luke 10:20. It is the present condition of the saved to have their names in the Book of Life. Also see Philippians 4:3; Hebrew 12:23. b. Those in the Book have a passport to the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:27) Having one’s name written in the Lamb’s Book of Life is a passport to enter the New Jerusalem, God’s Holy City. c. To be written in the Book of Life, one must be saved Page 21 Compare Revelation3:5 with 1 John 5:4-5. Those who are saved have had their sins cleansed in the Blood of Jesus Christ (Revelation 1:5) and the Lord does not impute sin to their account (Romans 4:7,8). d. Sinners will be blotted out of the Book of Life Exodus 32:33 tells us that initially the name of every human being is in the Book of Life. But any person who has one sin imputed to them will be blotted out of this Book. e. Those blotted out of the Book of Life are the devil’s people (Revelation13:8; 17:8) 9. The Resurrection of the Dead “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.” (Revelation 20:13). a. The sea gave up the dead. a. The sea gave up the a. The sea gave up the dead. This is a reference to the resurrection of the body. b. Death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them. . Death and hell delivered up the . Death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them. dead which were in them. This is a reference to the resurrection of the soul. “Death and Hell” are inseparable for the unsaved. See Psalms 55:15; Proverbs 5:5; Revelation6:8; and Revelation 20:14. These are delivered up to the Great White Throne judgment. B. The Second Death 1. Death and Hell are Cast into the Lake of Fire. 1. Death and Hell are Cast into the 1. Death and Hell are Cast into the Lake of Fire. Lake of Fire. “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” (Revelation 20:14) a. Death. a. Death. 1 Corint a. Death. hians 15:26 tells us that death is the last enemy that shall be destroyed. b. Hell. b. Hell. Hell has b. Hell. been the “holding center” for the lost, before they are cast into the Lake of Fire. c. This process is called “the second death.” c. This process is called “the second c. This process is called “the second death.” death.” “And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death.” (Revelation 20:14) i. The first death is physical i. The first death is physical ii. The second is eternal punishment . The second is eternal . The second is eternal punishment punishment (See Revelation 2:11; 20:6; 21:8; Jude 1:12) 2. All Unbelievers are Cast into the Lake of Fire. 2. All Unbelievers are Cast into the 2. All Unbelievers are Cast into the Lake of Fire. Lake of Fire. “And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” (Revelation 20:15) VIII. Restoration Of The New Heaven And New Earth A. New Heaven 1. Prophesied 1. Prophesied (Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22; Matthew 5:18; Matthew 24:35; Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33; Hebrews 12:25-29) 2. Fulfilled 2. Fulfilled (2 2. Fulfilled Peter 3:10,13; Revelation 21:1) 3. Destruction of Present Heavens a. Dissolved with fire a. Dissolved with a. Dissolved with fire (Isaiah 34:4; 2 Peter 3:12) b. Rolled back like a scroll b. Rolled back like a b. Rolled back like a scroll (Isaiah 34:4; Revelation 6:14) 4. Creation of New Heaven 4. Creation of New Heaven (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22) a direct creative act of God B. New Earth 1. Prophesied 1. Prophesied (Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22; Matthew 5:18; Matthew 24:35; Page 22 Mark 13:31; Luke 21:33; Hebrews 12:25-29; Revelation 21:5) 2. Fulfilled 2. Fulfilled (2 2. Fulfilled Peter 3:7-14; Revelation 21:1) 3. Destruction of present earth a. Destroyed by fire a. Destroyed by fire (2 Peter 3:7) a. Destroyed by fire b. Destroyed by fervent heat b. Destroyed by fervent b. Destroyed by fervent heat (2 Peter 3:10,12) 4. Creation of New Earth 4. Creation of New Earth (Isaiah 65:17; 66:22) a direct creative act of God IX. Eternity We have seen the eternity of the dead (those lost in sins) described under Point VIII of this study (The Great White Throne Judgment). This section refers to the eternity that will be enjoyed by the saved. It can best be described by the word “new.” A. The New Heaven A. The New Heaven “And I saw a A. The New Heaven new heaven and a new earth: for the new heaven first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” (Revelation 21:1). 1. A Place the Lord is Preparing for Us Now 1. A Place the Lord is 1. A Place the Lord is Preparing for Us Now Preparing for Us Now (John 14:2b) 2. A Place of Treasure Laid Up for Us 2. A Place of Treasure Laid 2. A Place of Treasure Laid Up for Us Up for Us (Matthew 6:20) 3. A Place where the Names of the Saved are Written 3. A Place where the Names of 3. A Place where the Names of the Saved are Written the Saved are Written (Luke 10:20) 4. A Place of Many Mansions 4. A Place of Many Mansions (John 14:2) 4. A Place of Many Mansions 5. A Place where the Glory of God and Jesus can be Seen 5. A Place where the Glory of God 5. A Place where the Glory of God and Jesus can be Seen and Jesus can be Seen (Acts 7:55-56) 6. A Place where All the Redeemed Live in the Presence of God and Christ (Revelation 7:9) this Christ will include people from all nations, kindreds, people and tongues B. The New Earth “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the and a new earth first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.” (Revelation 21:1) 1. No More Sea 1. No More 1. No More Sea (Revelation 21:1) 2. The Place where the New Jerusalem will be Transplanted 2. The Place where the New 2. The Place where the New Jerusalem will be Transplanted Jerusalem will be Transplanted (Revelation 21:1) 3. A Place where God Himself Will be with Us 3. A Place where God Himself 3. A Place where God Himself Will be with Us Will be with Us (Revelation 21:3) 4. A Place of No Tears, Death, Sorrow, Crying or Pain 4. A Place of No Tears, Death, 4. A Place of No Tears, Death, Sorrow, Crying or Pain Sorrow, Crying or Pain (Revelation 21:4) 5. A Place that will Continue to have Nations and Kings 5. A Place that will Continue 5. A Place that will Continue to have Nations and Kings to have Nations and Kings (Revelation 21:24-26; 22:2) Christians who have earned the right to do so will continue to reign forever (Revelation 2:26; 22:5). C. The New Jerusalem C. The New Jerusalem - C. The New Jerusalem “For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come.” (Hebrews 13:14) Read also Hebrews 10:9-10; 15-16. 1. Names a. New Jerusalem a. New Jerusalem (Revelation 3:12; 21:2) b. The Holy City The Holy City (Revelation 21:2) c. The Holy Jerusalem c. The Holy Jerusalem (Revelation 21:10) Note: the present Jerusalem has become very unholy (Revelation 11:8) d. The Tabernacle of God d. The Tabernacle of d. The Tabernacle of God (Revelation 21:3) 2. Location 2. Location (Revelation 21:1-2) It will be transplanted from heaven where it is being built (John 14:2b) to the New Earth (Revelation 21:9-10). It is compared to twice as a bride prepared for her husband. Everything is perfect. 3. Description 3. Description (All 3. Description told in Revelation 21) Page 23 a. Lighting a. Lighting (Revelation 21:11,23-24; 22:5) The brilliancy of God’s Being lights it. b. An outer wall b. An outer wall (Revelation 21:12-13) This wall goes around the city, on the outside. i. It is four-sided i. It is i. It is four-sided four-sided (Revelation 21:13) ii. There are three gates on each side ii. There are three gates on e ii. There are three gates on each side ach side (Revelation 21:13) Each gate has a name of one of the tribes of Israel on it. Angels are stationed at the gates at all times. iii. It is approximately 216 feet high iii. It is approximately 216 feet iii. It is approximately 216 feet high (Revelation 21:17) A man’s cubit is about 18” iv. It is made of jasper iv. It is made iv. It is made of jasper of jasper (Revelation 21:18) c. The City Wall c. The City Wall - The city is encompassed by a wall inside the outer c. The City Wall wall. The dimensions of that wall are much greater than those of the outer wall. i. It’s height, length, and width are equal i. It’s height, length, and width i. It’s height, length, and width are equal are equal (Revelation 21:16) They are 12,000 furlongs. A furlong is approximately 1/8 mile. Thus, the dimensions are foursquare: 1500 miles wide, 1500 miles long, 1500 miles high. ii. It has 12 foundations ii. It has 12 ii. It has 12 foundations foundations (Revelation 21:14) Each one has the name of one of the Apostles of Christ on it. (Do not confuse this with the outer wall!) iii. Each foundation is made of a different type of stone iii. Each foundation is made of iii. Each foundation is made of a different type of stone a different type of stone (Revelation 21:19-21) d. Inside the City d. Inside the City - d. Inside the City Described in Revelation 21:18-27. What is there? i. Pure gold and streets of gold i. Pure gold and streets i. Pure gold and streets of gold of gold (Revelation 21:18,21) ii. The Lord ii. The Lord (Revelation 21:22) iii. Pure river of water of life iii. Pure river of water iii. Pure river of water of life of life (Revelation 21: 22:1) iv. The tree of life iv. The tree of life (Revelation 2:7 and 22:2,14) v. Many mansions v. Many mansions (John 14:1) v. Many mansions vi. The saved vi. The saved vi. The saved (Revelation 21:24 and 22:3-4) Note: A comparison of Revelation 22:14 and 22:19 seems to indicate that not every Christian is going to have total access to the Holy City. Only those that have earned it in this life. Let us strive to keep His works until the end – not for salvation, but for reward’s sake. (See Revelation 2:26) D. New Everything D. New Everything - “And D. New Everything he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. ...” (Revelation 21:5a) Compare Isaiah 65:17. E. New Name - E. New Name - “Even unto them will I give in mine house and within my E. New Name - walls a place and a name better than of sons and of daughters: I will give them an everlasting name, that shall not be cut off.” (Isaiah 56:5). See also Isaiah 62:2; Revelation 2:17; 3:12. In the Bible, whenever God gave a new name to something or somebody, it was an accurate description of that thing or person. What may God name you? F. New Song - F. New Song - “And they sung a new song....” (Revelation 5:9a). Also F. New Song - Revelation 14:3. “And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be..” Revelation 22:12