Revelation 20:11-21:8
AIM: God's promise of eternal hell or heaven is trustworthy and true
A) God judges all the dead not written in the book of life according to what they had done
AIM: God's promise of eternal hell or heaven is trustworthy and true
A) God judges all the dead not written in the book of life according to what they had done
(Rev 20:11) Great white throne of God (earth and heavens fled from his presence - no place for them to hide)
(12) Dead, standing before throne, books opened, another book - book of life (Christianity is the alternative lifestyle)
- Judged according to deeds done as recorded (think plot line, "I created you for these good works, you instead did these")
- (13) the sea, death and Hades gave up their dead, each person judged according to what they had done
- (14) death and Hades thrown into the lake of fire - second death (1 Corinthians 15:26,55;2 Timothy 1:10; Isaiah 25:8)
- (Rev 20:15) anyone not found written in the book of life - thrown into lake of fire (Bible has lots to say about Hell) Jude 1:7; Matthew 13:42; Matthew 25:41 - it was made for Satan and his angels, but used for the people who refuse to repent to our loving God.
Application: The good news is that salvation is offered to all who believe in Jesus Christ life, death and resurrection. As a non-Christian repent, confess and believe in Jesus Christ for your salvation (Gospel message). As a Christian do what Jesus commanded. Do I know that my name is in the book of life? How am I anticipating the good works he has prepared for me?
B) God creates a new heaven and earth without sin for his Children
(Rev 21:1) Then "a new heaven and new earth" (Isaiah 65:17), first had passed away - no longer any sea
(2) Holy City, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband
(3) Loud voice from throne, "Look!
- God's dwelling place is now among the people, (Hebrews 8:2,5;9:1-2,8,11;Revelation 15:5)
- he will dwell with them, be their God Ezekiel 34:24-31;37:15-28; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Jeremiah 24:7; 31:31-35; 32:38-40;Hebrews 8:10; (search)
- (4) He will wipe away every tear, no more death (Isaiah 25:8), mourning, crying, pain, old order passed away (Genesis 3)
- (5) "I am making everything new!- write this down, word are trustworthy and true" (2 Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 6:15; 5:6 - we are a new creation in Christ, the only thing that matters, faith expressing itself in love)
- (6) It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, Beginning and End - To thirsty I give water without cost - water of life
- (7) To victorious inherit all this, I will be their God and they will be my children (adoption) Ephesians 1:5; Matthew 18:5; Galatians 4:5-7; John 1:12; Romans 8:14-19; 1 John 3:2
- (8) cowardly, unbelieving, vile, murderers, sexually immoral, who practice magic arts, idolaters, all liars are consigned to fiery lake of burning sulfur/fire - the second death
Application: How am I showing others that I'm God's child and Jesus' brother? How am I providing a warning to others about the reality of eternity in the lake of fire?
Helpful Verses
New Creation
"The saints were never quiet about proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ with their lips. They were always telling others about Jesus. We have a duty as baptized Christians, who have been given such a wonderful gift, to tell others so they too may taste and see the goodness of the Lord." - Evangelization vs Proselytizing