The End of the Bible and Time

http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=rev%2019-22&version=ESV

Revelation is the last book of the Bible and this blog post is the last in our one year session. Over the course of this year we have encountered poetry, prose, apocalyptic writings, letters, biographies, and various other genres. Regardless of the form, God has chosen these books as important and sufficient for us to come into His Presence. Jesus Christ was the Word revealed in the flesh and the Bible is God's written record to us.

We have seen all aspects of life as we have traversed the Scriptural landscape. Murder, adultery, lies, incest, lust, greed, dysfunctional families, and inter-generational consequences are clearly displayed to warn us away from the path of sin and destruction. God's compassion, creativity, and care also shine through the pages of the Bible and provide the path to true fulfillment and purpose. Only when God calls us and we, in response, run into the outstretched arms of Love can we find meaning for both the short term (transitory stay here on earth) and the long term (eternal rest residing with Christ as our King and Ruler).

Chapter 19 has some of the most profound praises in all of the Bible, but we see the limitations of human reasoning and understanding while here in the flesh; for even the Apostle John who had partaken of the bread and wine at the Last Supper fell prey to false worship when caught up in his earthly emotions. If such a great man who had witnessed countless miracles and was the beloved disciple could err in this way, how much more must we guard our hearts against idolatry and turning to man instead of the one true God?

Revelation 19:9-10
9 And the angel said to me, "Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb." And he said to me, "These are the true words of God." 10 Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, "You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God." For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

Revelation is a difficult book to read because of the many sections of poetry and description. We know that John was privileged to see glimpses of the future when God triumphs eternally and ends His forbearance of mankind's sin and evil. Chapters 19 and 20 show the importance of clinging to the Truth which is Jesus. He is the only Way, the only Truth, and the only Life. When we accept His call and repent, then He writes our names in His Book of Life. God keeps a record of all that we do and nothing that we do can ever grant us acceptance by the Father of Lights. It is only the Blood of Jesus that can usher us into God's eternal presence.

We don't hear it much anymore, but there is a Hell reserved for the devil and those fallen angels who turned their back on God. Mankind was not created for Hell but when Adam ate of the forbidden fruit it brought physical and spiritual death to all of man. Praise be to God, for He gave us His Son that we might be rescued from the second death and the lake of fire. If we listen to God's call, then He will bring us to Himself. If we do not listen but reject His call, then we make the choice to be thrown into that lake of fire and suffer the full consequences of the second death.

Chapter 21 and 22 deal with the new city of God and how He will dwell among us. We will no longer see through a glass darkly, but we will see Him as He is and His radiance will illuminate all aspects of our lives. There is a glorious day coming and Jesus does not want any of us to miss it.

Have you heard the Savior's voice? Have you listened to His call? Is your name written in the Lamb's Book of Life? He calls us even now to come to Him. For those who have not yet trusted in Christ, please do so. For those who have already trusted, evaluate your life and see if you are living according to Scripture. God's Word is Faithful and True, just as Jesus is Faithful and True.

May we all be able to say with our whole hearts, "Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"