REVELATION

HEAVEN IS A WONDERFUL PLACE
REVELATION 21:1-3

Introduction:

There is an old Negro spiritual called “Everybody talkin’ ‘bout heav’n not goin’ there.” I hope that is not your case. Heaven is going to be more wonderful than we can imagine. What do the Scriptures say about the subject?

I. HEAVEN IS A PLACE OF UNDENIABLE REALITY

A. We do not know anything about heaven, Isaiah 64:4, “For since the beginning of the world men have not heard, nor perceived by the ear, neither hath the eye seen, O God, beside thee, what he hath prepared for him that waiteth for him.”

1. Paul says we can’t even imagine what God has for us, 1 Corinthians 2:9, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

2. God has blessed us with all spiritual blessings, Ephesians 1:3, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ::

B. Three heavens are mentioned in the Bible:

1. The Firmament, or heavens, Acts 1:11, “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.”

2. The Celestial heaven, Psalms 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”

3. The Third Heaven, 2 Corinthians 12:2, “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 to the third heaven.”

a. Where the Father is, Psalm 102:19, “For he hath looked down from the height of his sanctuary; from heaven did the LORD behold the earth;”

b. Where the Son returned to, Mark 16:19, “So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.”

II. HEAVEN IS A PLACE OF UNSPEAKABLE BEAUTY

A. The Walls, Revelation 21:18, “And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.”

B. The Foundation of the walls, Revelation 21:19-20, “And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.”

C. The gates and streets of the city, Revelation 21:21, “And the twelve gates were twelve pearls; every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.”

D. The River of Life flows from God’s throne, Revelation 22:1, “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

III. HEAVEN IS A PLACE OF UNENDING JOY.

A. The things that will not be in heaven:

1. No tears, Revelation 21:4, “And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.”

2. No death, 21:4

3. No sorrow, 21:4

4. No crying, 21:4

5. No pain, 21:4

6. No sin, nor unbeliever and no evil forces, Revelation 21:27, And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.”

7. No sickness, Revelation 22:2, “In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.”

8. No curse, Revelation 22:3, “And there shall be no more curse: but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him:”

B. Heaven will be A HAPPY PLACE because of who will be there:

1. Our Savior, Jesus Christ, Revelation 22:4, “And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.”

2. Our Advocate, the propitiation for our sins, 1 John 3:1-2, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2 And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

3. All of those believers who have gone on before us will be there, Revelation 22:14, “Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.”

CONCLUSION:

Because Jesus died for me, I will be there. Will you be there? The heavenly city of God is open to all who will receive Jesus Christ as their Savior.

HEAVEN

REVELATION 21:1-3

Introduction:

There is an old Negro spiritual called “Everybody talkin’ ‘bout heav’n not goin’ there.” I hope that is not your case. Heaven is going to be more wonderful than we can imagine. What do the Scriptures say about the subject?

I. HEAVEN IS A PLACE OF UNDENIABLE REALITY.

A. We do not know anything about heaven, 1 Corinthians 2:9, “But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

B. Three heavens are mentioned in the Bible:

1. The Firmament, or heavens, Acts 1:11, “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.”

2. The Celestial heaven, Psalms 19:1, “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.”

3. The Third Heaven, 2 Corinthians 12:2, “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 to the third heaven.”

II. HEAVEN IS A PLACE OF UNSPEAKABLE BEAUTY.

A. The Foundation, Revelation 21:19-20, “And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony; the fourth, an emerald; 20The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.”

B. The Walls, Revelation 21:18, “And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.”

C. The streets, Revelations 21:18, 21.

D. The gates, Revelation 21:21.

E. The River of Life, Revelation 22:1, “And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

III. HEAVEN IS A PLACE OF UNENDING JOY.

A. The things that will not be in heaven:

1. No tears, Revelation 21:4.

2. No death, ” 21:4

3. No sorrow, “ 21:4

4. No crying, 21:4

5. No pain, 21:4

6. No sin, nor unbeliever and no evil forces, 21:27.

7. No sickness, 22:2.

8. No curse, 22:3

B. Heaven will be a happy place because of who will be there, Revelation 22:4; 1 John 3:1-2, “My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: 2And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.”

1. Jesus will be there,

2. All of those believers who have gone on before us will be there to greet us at our arrival.

CONCLUSION

Do you know the chorus,….

Heaven is a wonderful place,

Filled with glory and grace,

I’m going to see my Savior’s face,

Heaven is a wonderful place.

ARE YOU GOING?

HE LIVES “UNTO THE AGES OF THE AGES”

REVELATION 1:9-10, 18

Psalms 18:46, “The LORD liveth; and blessed be my rock; and let the God of my salvation be exalted.”

Revelation 1:18, “I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

Introduction:

For hundreds of years Satan has tried to destroy the preaching of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. He knows that it is the KEY to the Gospel’s power of over of sin. Death is the one enemy that man fears more than any other thing.

Jesus Christ is “LIVING” today and because He is “living” the believer will live “unto the Ages of the Ages” in God’s presence. Satan, who hates Jesus and the truth, is CONSTANTLY on the ATTACK to destroy this great doctrine of the Word of God. HOWEVER, JESUS LIVES…

I. HE LIVES BY THE PLAN OF GOD

A. God’s plan is to save man by Jesus Christ, the Son of the living God, Matthew 16:16, “And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

1. God is not the God of the dead, Matthew 22:32, “I am the God of Abraham, and the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob? God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.”

2. Death has no dominion over the Son of God, Romans 6:9, “Knowing that Christ being raised from the dead dieth no more; death hath no more dominion over him.”

B. God’s Son has the VICTORY OVER death and the grave, 1 Corinthians 15:54-55,57, “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. 55 O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? 57 But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

1. Jesus has DELIVERED US from the POWER of death, Hebrews 2:14-15, “Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil; 15 And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.”

2. There is NO CONDEMNATION to those who are in Christ Jesus, Romans 8:1, “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”

3. He RESCUES our BODIES from the grave, and FASHIONS them LIKE unto HIS glorious body, Philippians 3:21, “Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.”

II. HE LIVES BY THE PURPOSE OF GOD

A. God’s purpose GUIDED HIS PLAN for the redemption of man, Ephesians 1:11, “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:”

B. God’s purpose is NOT temporary, Ephesians 3:11, “According to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord:”

C. God’s purpose is to DESTROY the works of the devil, 1 John 3:8, “He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.”

III. HE LIVES BY THE POWER OF GOD

A. Even though Jesus was crucified YET HE LIVES, 2 Corinthians 13:4, “For though he was crucified through weakness, yet he liveth by the power of God. For we also are weak in him, but we shall live with him by the power of God toward you.”

1. He lives by the POWER of God, John 10:18, “No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.”

2. We shall live WITH HIM by the same power, Romans 6:4, “Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.”

B. CHOSEN WITNESSES of His Resurrection are ABUNDANT, Acts 10:39-41, “And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: 40 Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly 41 NOT TO ALL the people, BUT unto witnesses CHOSEN BEFORE OF GOD, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead.”

1. The Lord was seen by Peter and then by all twelve of the Apostles, 1 Corinthians 15:3-8, “For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; 4 And that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: 5 And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve:”

2. The Lord was seen by more than 500 brethren, 1 Corinthians 15:6, “After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.”

3. The Lord was seen by James, 1 Corinthians 15:7, “After that, he was seen of James; then of all the apostles. 8 And last of all he was seen of me also, as of one born out of due time.”

CONCLUSION:

Because He lives, we shall also live, John 14:19, “Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.”

HALLELUJAH AND AMEN
REVELATION 19:1, 3-4, 6

Introduction:

The word “Hallelujah” or “Alleluia” as it is written in the New Testament, is a transliteration of the Hebrew word meaning “Praise ye Yahweh” (Jehovah). It occurs 24 times in the Psalms. It is a call to worship and praise the Lord.

The word “Amen” is a Hebrew word meaning “surely” from a root meaning “to be firm, steady, trustworthy, faithfulness and truth.” The Old Testament meaning varies some, but in the New Testament it is used to close prayers, and is a natural response to be expected in public worship. Paul used this idea in 1 Corinthians 14:16, “Else when thou shalt bless with the spirit, how shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest?” He is talking about those who would speak in an unknown tongue that would leave the brethren without ability to respond to what was said.

“Amen” is also used as a title of the Lord Jesus Christ in Revelation 3:14, “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;” Note the confirmation of its meaning “the faithful and true witness.”

I. HALLELUJAH, PRAISE THE LORD

A. For the Birth of Our Saviour, Luke 2:11, “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

1. God had prophesied His birth 700 year earlier, Isaiah 7:14, “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.”

a. He was like no other for He was born of a virgin, Luke 1:34-35, “Then said Mary unto the angel, How shall this be, seeing I know not a man? 35And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God.”

b. He is the Son of God, John 1:33-34, “And I knew him not: but he that sent me to baptize with water, the same said unto me, Upon whom thou shalt see the Spirit descending, and remaining on him, the same is he which baptizeth with the Holy Ghost. 34And I saw, and bare record that this is the Son of God.”

c. He is the Prince of Peace, Isaiah 9:6, “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.”

2. He was prophesied to be the Saviour, Luke 2:8-11, “And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 10And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 11For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.”

B. For His Death on the Cross of Calvary, 1 Corinthians 1:18, “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.”

C. For Eternal Life, John 3:36, “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him.”

II. PRAISE THE AMEN

A. For His Untold Blessing, Proverbs 10:6a, “Blessings are upon the head of the just:”

B. For a Clear Conscience before Him.

1. Paul had a “good conscience” before the Lord, Acts 23:1, “And Paul, earnestly beholding the council, said, Men and brethren, I have lived in all good conscience before God until this day.” 2 Timothy 1:3, “I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day;”

2. Christ has purged our conscience to serve God, Hebrews 9:14, “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

C. For His Undying Love, John 15:9, “As the Father hath loved me, so have I loved you: continue ye in my love.”

III. YOU CAN SAY “AMEN” IF YOU KNOW THE LORD

A. For the Knowledge of the Truth in Jesus, John 8:32, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.”

B. For the Privilege to Worship Him in Spirit and Truth, John 4:24, “God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth.”

C. For the Promise of His Second Coming, John 14:1-3, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

1. For a place prepared for us, Hebrews 11:16, “But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God: for he hath prepared for them a city.

2. For a blessed future, Hebrews 9:28, “So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”

CONCLUSION:

Can you say Hallelujah and Amen? If you know Jesus Christ as Saviour you can say it with all confidence. The Great Amen is coming soon and his faithful people will be ready to receive Him.

GRACE AND PEACE

REVELATION 1:4-6

Introduction:

John is writing, but the revelation is from God and Christ through an angel.

It is the ROMAN PROVINCE of ASIA which included the western part of Phrygia. (This is not what we call Asia today). There were churches also at Troas (Acts 20:5) and at Colosse and Hierapolis (Colossians 1:1; 2:1; 4:13) and possibly at Magnesia and Tralles. But these seven were the BEST POINTS OF COMMUNICATION WITH SEVEN DISTRICTS and, besides, SEVEN is a favorite number of COMPLETION (like the full week) in the book, (1:4, 12, 16, “John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; 12 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 16 And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp twoedged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength.” 4:5; 5:1, 6; 8:2; 10:3; 11:13; 12:3; 13:1; 14:6). —Robertson’s Word Pictures.

I. GRACE AND PEACE

A. Grace, God’s REDEMPTIVE work in man, v. 4;

1. God’s UNCONDITIONAL LOVE, Romans 5:8, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

2. God’s UNMERITED FAVOR, Psalms 30:5, “For his anger endureth but a moment; in his favour is life: weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning.”

B. Peace, the result of God’s saving grace, v. 4;

1. An eternal peace, John 14:27, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.”

2. A peace beyond understanding, Philippians 4:7, “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

II. “FROM HIM,” that is, FROM CHRIST

A. From him…v. 4.

1. Which IS, Exodus 3:14, “And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM: and he said, Thus shalt thou say unto the children of Israel, I AM hath sent me unto you.”

2. And which WAS, John 1:1, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”

3. And which IS TO COME, v. 8, “I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.”

B. From Jesus Christ, v. 5.

1. The FAITHFUL WITNESS, John 18:37, “Pilate therefore said unto him, Art thou a king then? Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Every one that is of the truth heareth my voice.”

a. A faithful witness WILL NOT LIE, Proverbs 14:5, “A faithful witness will not lie: but a false witness will utter lies.”

b. God gave His Word, Titus 1:2, “In hope of eternal life, which God, that cannot lie, promised before the world began;”

2. The FIRST BEGOTTEN of the dead, Colossians 1:18, “And he is the head of the body, the church: who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead; that in all things he might have the preeminence.”

a. Peter and the Apostles were witnesses of Christ’s resurrection, 1 Corinthians 15:5-6, “And that he was seen of Cephas, then of the twelve: 6 After that, he was seen of above five hundred brethren at once; of whom the greater part remain unto this present, but some are fallen asleep.”

b. Paul testified before King Aggripa of the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Acts 26:23, “That Christ should suffer, and that he should be the first that should rise from the dead, and should shew light unto the people, and to the Gentiles.”

3. The PRINCE (GR. = THE RULER) of the kings of the earth, v. 5; Revelation 17:14, “These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.”

4. Unto him that loved us, v.5; 1 John 3:1, “Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not.”

a. Who gave us power to become the sons of God, John 1:12, “But as many as received him, to them gave he power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on his name:”

b. Who had made us more than conquerors, Romans 8:37, “Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

1) Who has given us victory over death and hell, 1 Corinthians 15:57, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

c. He will present us faultless before the Father with exceeding joy, Jude 1:24, “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy,”

CONCLUSION