Revelation 21

In Today's Reading:

The new heaven and the new earth; the heavenly Jerusalem; Christ's coming

Two thousand years ago God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life (John 3:16). "To believe in Him" is much more than mentally believing the historical fact that Jesus died on the cross to save sinners. Jesus said: He that hath My Commandments, and keepeth them, he it is that loveth Me: and he that loveth Me shall be loved of My Father, and I will love him, and will manifest Myself to him (John 14:21). "To believe" means that I trust my eternal destiny to Him as Savior and Lord of my life.

There shall in no wise enter into it (the holy city, new Jerusalem) any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination (detestable sins), or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb's Book of Life (Revelation 21:27) will be there.

Now, here is the bright side of the story. God transferred your sins to Christ, and on the cross Jesus Christ died for you. The Lord hath laid on Him the iniquity of us all (Isaiah 53:6); but salvation must be appropriated by faith (Ephesians 2:8).

The Lord has given us hope about what lies beyond the grave. We look forward to the day when all true followers of Christ will dwell in a new heaven and a new earth. How wonderful it is to read: I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people (Revelation 21:1-3).

Oh! the joy that awaits us in its full realization. Praise the Lord! We soon will be welcomed home by our wonderful Lord! We close this glorious revelation of Jesus Christ, having completed the reading of the entire God-given Guide to Life: And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely (Revelation 22:17).

Cross References:

For Revelation 21:4: See Isaiah 25:8. Revelation 21:23: See Isaiah 29:33. Revelation 21:25: See Isaiah 60:11. Revelation 21:27: See Isaiah 52:1. Revelation 22:2: See Ezekiel 47:12; Genesis 2:9. Revelation 22:3: See Zechariah 14:11. Revelation 22:12: See Isaiah 40:10. Revelation 22:13: See Isaiah 44:6; 48:12. Revelation 22:16: See Isaiah 11:1. Revelation 22:18: See Deuteronomy 12:32.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for The Arabic International Shortwave Radio Broadcasts in memory of Paul & Gertrude Hartman • Staff: Ken Sharp • Government Officials: Rep. Jeff Flake (AZ), Rep. Harold Rogers (KY), and Rep. Heath Shuler (NC) • Country: Uruguay (3 million) on the southeastern coast of South America • Major language: Spanish • Religious freedom • 60% Roman Catholic; 2% Protestant; 2% Jewish; .7% Eastern Orthodox • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for understanding as you read the Word of God (Psalm 119:73).

Memory Verse for the Week: James 1:12