Today, we come to the final 3 chapters of the New Testament. In many ways this really is the climax to the entire Bible! These are some of my favorite chapters. I always enjoy reading them.
Chapter 20 describes the Millennial reign of Jesus Christ. What a glorious time that will be! This will be the only time in the history of the world where Satan will be bound and Christ will reign as the physical Sovereign of the world. Those of us who know Him as Savior will have the privilege of reigning under His ultimate rule. After this 1000-year reign, Satan will be released to lead one final rebellion against God, and this time his defeat will be full and final (vs9-10). After this comes what is really a chilling statement. All of the wicked dead will be raised and will face God as their ultimate Judge. He will judge them according to their works and will condemn them to eternal damnation in the lake of fire. The thing about this that is so ironic is that so many people today are trying to work their way to heaven, and it is those very works by which they will be condemned!
Chapter 21 gives us the description of the New Jerusalem, the heavenly city. This is where the redeemed will spend eternity engaged in the worship of God. It truly will be a glorious place. Gems and precious metals will abound. One interesting thing to note in this description is the absence of many things: sea (vs1) - this was a terrifying place for those in the first century, for many people lost their lives on the sea during sever storms; tears, death and pain (vs4) - certainly none of us will miss these; sinners (vs8); temple (vs22) - there is no need of this because God's presence will be manifest all around; sun and moon (vs23) - God is the light!; night (vs25) - how can there be darkness in the presence of God?!; uncleanness (vs26) - God is a God of purity!
Chapter 22 continues the description of the heavenly city by detailing the presence of the river of life and the tree of life. Then, the best part comes! Verse 4 contains the reason that heaven will be heaven. This is the reason that I long for heaven. All of the streets of gold and the gates of pearl and the foundations of precious stones will be wonderful, but they will all pale in comparison to the experience of seeing the face of God for the first time! This is why heaven is precious--we will see His face!
The book closes with a promise that Jesus is coming soon. Some might question whether that is true or not due the fact that it's been nearly 2,000 years since the writing of this book. It is times like this that we must remember that to God a day is as 1,000 years and 1,000 years is as a day (2Peter 3:8). So, in a sense, to God it hasn't even been two days since this has been written! This book also closes with an invitation to come. I add my invitation as well. Dear reader, if you have yet to turn from your sin and trust wholly in Jesus Christ and what He did for you on the cross of Calvary, then come today to Jesus Christ! In Him you will find the satisfaction that your soul desires. Come to Jesus Christ!
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