WE SHALL BEHOLD HIM!

There is a danger in studying the book of Revelation where “we cannot see the forest for the trees.”  We can become bogged down in the fascinating details and lose sight of the central focus. The book ends much as it begins, when immediately we are confronted with Christ, “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave Him to show His servants—things which must shortly take place. And He sent and signified it by His angel to His servant John,” (Rev.‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬‬). It commences with Christ and concludes with Christ, “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus! The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” (Rev.‬ ‭22‬:‭20‬-‭21‬‬). 

John got a glimpse of the glorified Lord and never got over it. He shared that this is what every believer will fully experience, “Beloved, now we are children of God; and it has not yet been revealed what we shall be, but we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is.” (1 John‬ ‭3‬:‭2‬‬). We shall behold Him!

This is a call for ATTENTION, “ ‘Behold, I am coming quickly! Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book,’ ” (Rev.‬ ‭22‬:‭7‬‬).  “Behold!” Look! Pay attention! Christ is coming again, as He promised.  “I am coming.” There is the certainty of it. 

“I am coming quickly,” and that is the urgency of it. The word, “quickly,” is repeated three times in this final chapter. Yet, it has been around two thousand years since this promise was made. But, the calendar of an eternal God is not like that of mortal man. Peter alerted us, “But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” (2 Pet.‬ ‭3‬:‭8‬-‭9‬‬). So, it has only been a couple of days as the celestial calendar reckons it!

This is the doctrine of imminence. The Apostles expected Jesus to come back in their lifetime.  We hear this in Paul’s words, 

“But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that WE WHO ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then WE WHO ARE ALIVE AND REMAIN shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. Therefore comfort one another with these words.” (1Thess.‬ ‭4‬:‭13‬-‭18‬‬, emphasis added).

Every generation of believers has been called to look up for the Lord’s return. There are no prophetic events that must occur before the rapture of the church. It could be today! Does that get your attention! 

The certainty and urgency demands industry! We do not stand around star-gazing, but get busy soul-winning! Here is the promise, 

“ ‘Blessed is he who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.’ ”

Beyond a call to attention, this is a cry of ANTICIPATION, “ ‘And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work.’ ” (‭‭Rev. ‭22‬:‭12‬‬). For the sinner, this is an event of dread for it means retribution. But, for the saint, it is an event of delight for it means reward. 

The truth is that there will be degrees of reward based on our faithfulness and fruitfulness. Paul wrote of it in 1 Corinthians 3:10-15:

“According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.”

Yet, this call to attention and cry of anticipation, builds to the crescendo of ADORATION,  “He who testifies to these things says, ‘Surely I am coming quickly.’ Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”‭‭ (Rev.‬ ‭22‬:‭20‬‬). We end where we began—that ultimately, this reality of our Lord’s return is not about us, but about Him!  This is more than a glance, or a glimpse, but a gaze, and ends in glory—His glory!  Our attention is a call to work. Our anticipation is a call to watch. But, greatest of all, our adoration is a call to worship, and it will be the order of eternity—a ceaseless celebration of the infinite Being of God!  

The crowns we win will be cast at the feet of Christ who made it all possible. We read that, “the twenty-four elders [representing the redeemed] fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: ‘You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.’ ” (Rev. ‭4‬:‭10‬-‭11‬).

Years ago, I loved to listen to Sandi Patty sing, “We Shall Behold Him!”

The sky shall unfold
Preparing His entrance
The stars shall applaud Him
With thunders of praise

The sweet light in His eyes shall
Shall enhance those awaiting
And we shall behold Him
Then face to face

Oh, we shall behold Him
Yes, we shall behold Him
Face to face in all of His Glory

Oh, we shall behold Him
Yes, we shall behold Him
Face to face our Savior and Lord

And the angels shall sound
The shout of His coming
And the sleeping shall rise from
Their slumbering place

And those who remain shall
We shall be changed in a moment
And we shall behold Him
Then face to face

We shall behold Him
Oh yes, we shall behold Him
Face to face in all of His Glory

We shall behold Him
Oh yes, we shall behold Him
Face to face my Savior and Lord

And we shall behold Him
Our Savior and Lord!
Savior and Lord!!

OUR ETERNAL HOME

Where is home?  Now, you may answer that by giving me an address where you live. In some cases, you might describe the place where you grew up. But, as a child of God, your real home is heaven—the New Jerusalem—our eternal home.  

Abraham got it, and so we read this:

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to the place which he would receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going. By faith he dwelt in the land of promise as in a foreign country, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise; for he waited for the city which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.”

“These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland. And truly if they had called to mind that country from which they had come out, they would have had opportunity to return. But now they desire a better, that is, a heavenly country. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” (Hebrews‬ ‭11‬:‭8-10, 13‬-‭16‬‬ NKJV).

John describes that heavenly city in Revelation 21.

It is a place of NO SIN. “Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away.” The old creation has been soiled by sin: heaven defiled by the devil and earth tainted by the transgression of man. Yet, God will dissolve the old creation and make a pure environment. Heaven is marked by holiness—as a virgin bride dressed in white—devoted fully to God. “Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” (Rev. 21:1a, 2).  Only the righteous will live there, while the wicked will have been excluded and forever are in the lake of fire, (v. 7-8). 

It is a place of NO SEPARATION. The Apostle notes, “there was no more sea,” (v. 1b).  Remember that John was exiled on the prison island of Patmos—surrounded by the storm-tossed seas.  Those waves continually reminded him of his separation from those he loved. Sin separates us from God and each other. But, in our eternal home, there will be no sin and therefore, no separation! “And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.’ “ (v. 3). 

It is a place of NO SORROW. “And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying,” (v. 4a). Death has come to the old creation as a consequence of sin. Our tears flow as we stand in a graveyard and say farewell to a loved one who has been snatched from us by the cruel hand of death. Yet, our hope is that one day the hand of God will reach over and wipe our tears away. Heaven will be a place of absolute happiness. What a day that will be!

It is a place of NO SUFFERING. “There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away,” (v. 4b). We must admit that in this world we can come to a place where we welcome death. Our sickness and suffering can be so intense, that as children of God, we may even pray for the Lord to take us home. No earthly doctor may have a cure, but the Great Physician will make us whole! We will get a new body that will not be subject to sickness!  

Here is the promise of God, “Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’ ” (v. 5). There is a zoning ordinance in the New Jerusalem. You cannot construct a doctor’s office. You cannot erect a hospital. You cannot build a funeral home. No graveyards will be permitted. No tombstones will be set on the green hills of glory!

John goes on to describe the New Jerusalem’s illumination, (v. 9-11). It will be alight with the glory of God. There is its invitation, (v. 12-13).  The gates are wide open for there is nothing to fear. We read of its foundation, (v. 14). Twelve pillars bearing the names of the twelve apostles—a faith they delivered to us that cannot be shaken. Further, we have its construction, (v. 15-21). The measurements presented are enormous and the materials provided are extravagant. John also writes of its consecration, (v. 22-27). God Almighty and the Lamb are perpetually worshipped.

I am longing for home!

THE FINAL JUDGMENT

Revelation 20 describes the final judgment. Only the wicked will be there. Only one verdict will be pronounced—guilty. Only one result will be declared—Hell. It does not matter if the sinner was rich or poor, all classes of every race of all time will be indicted. The Beast and False Prophet were cast into the lake of fire at Christ’s return. Now, after the Millennium and a final uprising, Satan is cast in to join them. Finally, all sinners are summoned to court and sentenced. 

To appear at that judgment is to have no hope. All that will be determined is the reading of all the crimes to determine the degree of punishment deserved.  Books will be opened that document every sin ever committed. Another Book—the Book of Life that contains all who have been born again and had their sins forgiven will be opened and those whose names are absent will be cast into the lake of fire. This is the “second death.” These are already dead in trespasses and sins, and now will die eternally—that is separated from God’s goodness and grace forever. They did not want Jesus and thus never have Him who is Eternal Life.

Think about the Judge on His seat. 

This speaks of HIS GLORY for it is “a GREAT white throne,” that He sits upon (emphasis added). God is great and there is none like Him. His greatness is incomparable and thus His glory is indescribable. It is the essence of all God is—the radiance of His Person. 

This also points to HIS PURITY as it is “a great WHITE throne,” where the Judge presides (emphasis added).  God is declared, “Holy, holy, holy,” an indication of His chief attribute. God is utterly pure and just. It is the expression of all God is—the righteousness of His Person.

Further, it conveys HIS SOVEREIGNTY for this is “a great white THRONE,” where He abides. He reigns over all—absolute Master of the Universe and every molecule it contains. Nothing happens but by His permission and all that occurs moves to what He has predetermined.  It is the end of all God does—the royalty of His Person.

Is your name in the Book of Life?  If it is, then Heaven will be your home. You have no fear of judgment, for Christ bore your judgment on the cross. All your sins have been blotted out by the blood. 

If your name is blotted out of the Book of Life, then Hell will be your home. You will face a fearful judgment, for you rejected the forgiveness Christ offered. All your sins will be declared and the justice of your sentence pronounced.  Call upon Jesus today—before it is too late!

KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS

When Christ came the first time, He would humbly ride on a donkey into Jerusalem where He would be crucified. When He comes the second time, He will gloriously ride on a horse into Jerusalem where He will be crowned. 

We read in Revelation 19:11-16 of CHRIST’S TITLES. He bears three titles that are revealed in Revelation 19:11-16. 

First, Christ is called, “Faithful and True,”  (v. 11). He is utterly faithful. He cannot be otherwise. His promises are all, “Yes, and in Him Amen,” (2 Cor. 1:20). He is absolutely true. He is the full expression of truth, for He is, “the Truth,” (John 14:6).  It has been 2000 years since the Lord promised He would return. Rest assured—He will keep His word.

Second, He is called, “The Word of God,” (v. 13).  It is a favored expression of the Apostle John, found in His Gospel, His first Epistle, and now, in Revelation. If you want to know what the Father is like, all you need do is look at the Son, for He is the communication of the invisible God in manifest form. Open the Bible and study Him, for Jesus is on every page, the Living Word in the written Word.

Third, Jesus is called, “KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS,” (v. 16).  This is His sovereignty—the undisputed, undefeated champion of all. The first time He came, He was rejected, but the second time He comes, He will reign. Paul put it:

“who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” (Philippians‬ ‭2‬:‭6‬-‭11‬‬).

Did you notice Paul mentioned that the Lord will bear a name, “which is above every name”? John wrote of a fourth title of the returning Lord, “He has a name written that no one knew except Himself,” (v. 12). While it is folly to try to speculate on when Christ will return, it is likewise impossible to know the name that is above all names. One thing we do know—that title will be infinitely and immeasurably glorious for it will be the supreme title that encompasses all titles!

Also, in Revelation 19, we read of CHRIST’S TRIUMPH. There are five descriptive terms that portray the victorious King at His second advent.

We read of His virtue. There is His, “righteousness,” (v. 11). All He is, says, and does and is fully manifest righteousness. 

We read of His verdict. Jesus, “judges,” (v. 11), and His verdict is final. He presides over the eternal Supreme Court.

We read of His vision. “His eyes were like a flame of fire,” (v. 12). You cannot hide from Him. You cannot fool Him. He sees all and through all.

We read of His voice. “Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations,” (v. 15). See the power of His Word. The One who spoke and the storm ceased will speak and the strife ends.

We read of His victory. Jesus, “makes war,” (v. 11) and “on His head were many crowns,” (v. 12). It is a war He cannot lose. The enemy is vanquished, “He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” (V. 14-16).

The first time, He would be crowned with thorns in agony, but the second time, Christ will be crowned with triumph in glory. What a day that will be, and for the church, we will ride with Him—in “the armies of heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean…on white horses,” (v. 14)!

THE FALL OF BABYLON

Revelation 18 proclaims God’s judgment on Babylon. As I study this, I have two basic questions. What is the identification of this political power and what is the implication of this prophetic passage?

First, let us deal with THE IDENTIFICATION OF THE POLITICAL POWER. 

This could be a literal city of Babylon that is rebuilt in the Middle East—in what is present day Iraq. That would be a strategic place as we consider the struggle for economic supremacy that involves oil and its prominence in the world’s economy. Likewise, such a city would be a buffer between the hostility between Arabs and Jews that threatens to ignite world war.

More likely, it is a symbolic reference to the city of Rome. John had experienced Rome’s hate in his exile on Patmos. The church was undergoing the kind of persecution by the pagan Roman Empire that is portrayed here. When the Apostle penned these words, Rome dominated the world politically and economically. Thus, many Bible scholars have identified Babylon as Rome. In this scenario, the Antichrist will establish his reign from Rome as the seat of his power. 

Second, we focus on THE IMPLICATION OF THE PROPHETIC PASSAGE.

While there may be some debate about the identification of Babylon, the implication of this text should be clear. Babylon symbolizes the center of a global ecclesiastical system, (see chapter 17) and a global economic system, as described in chapter 18.  I like how Chuck Swindoll interpreted this:

When this passage speaks of the fall of Babylon, it has in mind the system of thinking that will be embodied in the Antichrist’s regime. 

We have similar figures of speech today that refer to places we connect with a system of thinking. We speak of Wall Street, Hollywood, Madison Avenue, and Vegas. You can actually go to these places, but usually their names are used to represent something other than only locations.  They represent lifestyles or systems of thinking.

For those familiar with Israel’s history and the Old Testament, any mention of Babylon evokes the idolatrous and immoral apostasy of God’s people as well as God’s judgment on human conceit, expressed here in the future of this empire.” (The Swindoll Study Bible, p. 1663).

What is certain is that an ecclesiastical and economic system that seeks to unite the world as a substitute for and in opposition to Christ will be suddenly and permanently destroyed by Christ.  Heaven will rejoice!  

As we see events of our day moving toward such a globalist agenda, we must wonder how close we are to the climax of human history and the coming again of the Lord Jesus.  I set no dates. Jesus said none of us know the day or hour. But, He also told us, “Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near,” (Luke‬ ‭21‬:‭28‬‬).

THOSE WHO OVERCOME

Identifying Christ and His people as those who “overcome,” is a dominant theme in the book of Revelation. It is the Greek word, “nikao,” and is used seventeen times, variously translated in English as “overcome,” “conquer,” “prevail,” etc. though it is the same word in the original. The seven churches in chapters two and three are each given a specific promise related to those who “overcome.” 

For this study, we will identify the characteristics of those who overcome as presented in Revelation 17:14 that reads, “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of Lords and King of kings; and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful.” In this chapter, the fiendish foes who will rise to oppose Christ are the scarlet woman and the scarlet beast—whom I identify as the False Prophet of a one-world religion and the Antichrist and his global governance. These oppose Christ, the Lamb of God, with the climax of their hate being the battle of Armageddon at Christ’s return, (Rev. 19:11-21). “These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of Lords and King of kings,” (Rev. 17:14a). We will be in that victorious vanguard, “and those who are with Him are called, chosen, and faithful,” (v. 14‬‬b). 

These are THE CALLED, “those who are with [Christ] are called.” They have heard the call of the Gospel. The Holy Spirit has summoned these to follow Christ. It is a work of grace that bids the spiritually dead to rise as Lazarus was called by Christ to come out of the grave.  Those who overcome have heard Christ’s call.

These are also THE CHOSEN, “those who are with [Christ] are…chosen.”  The Gospel call is to extend to all sinners, but is effectual only to those chosen—those who attest to that in their responding by faith to Christ. Our Lord taught, “For many are called, but few are chosen,” (Matt. 22:14). I think of the rich young ruler that our Lord called to follow Him, who sadly walked away. Those who overcome have been chosen and have heeded Christ’s call.

These are furthermore, THE COMMITTED, “those who are with [Christ] are…faithful.”  If you take the word faithful and turn it around it would define this attribute as those full of faith. These have not merely made a profession of faith, but are in possession of faith. The verbal commitment to Christ in their confession is validated by the visual commitment to Christ in their conduct. Judas Iscariot once identified himself as a disciple, but in the end proved his profession to be false.  He was overcome by the world, the flesh, and the devil rather than overcoming these as a true believer will. This is the perseverance of the saints. Those who overcome have been called, chosen, and are committed.

BE PREPARED!

When I was a young lad, I was part of the Boy Scouts. The motto was, “Be prepared!”  Concerning the second coming of Christ and the consummation of the age, that is to be the believer’s spiritual state also.  Our Lord declared, “ ‘Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.’ ” (Revelation‬ ‭16‬:‭15‬‬).

Prophecy is not given to us just for information—though God desires that we know the truth. Nor is it written to only bring inspiration—though it certainly should cause that. Most importantly, it is for preparation—that we would be ready for the Lord’s return—living in such a way to please Him.  There are three dimensions of being prepared that we see in this verse.

We are to be ALERT, “ ‘Behold, I am coming as a thief.’ “ Throughout my adult life, I have had a practical routine.  Before I leave the house, I lock the doors; before I go to sleep, I check to see that they are locked. Now, I have taken it a step further. There is an alarm that will be set and cameras installed to give warning should a thief break in.  I know that a thief will not send out a notice telling me that he is coming on a certain date and time. His arrival will be unexpected. So, will the return of the Lord Jesus. That call to be on the alert has been given and repeated for 2000 years, day after day. While unbelievers scoff, the child of the God knows today could be the day and stays on the alert!

Our attitude is to be ANTICIPATING, “ “Blessed is he who watches,’ “. Jesus declares a special blessing on those who are living with expectancy. We love Jesus and long to see His face. Think of a loved one who has gone on a trip. There is sorrow in not seeing them. But, as the day approaches for their beloved to return, there is an intensifying of that desire. When that day comes, there is a joyful embrace—overflowing emotion and great satisfaction. How does it make you feel that Christ could come back today?  Preacher, as you prepare to speak to your congregation, how does it affect you to know this could be your final sermon before we are all called to be with Jesus? 

That leads to a final point. We are to be ADORNED. The blessing is also for the one who, “ ‘keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.’ ” Paul wrote this:

“According to the grace of God which was given to me, as a wise master builder I have laid the foundation, and another builds on it. But let each one take heed how he builds on it. For no other foundation can anyone lay than that which is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on this foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw, each one’s work will become clear; for the Day will declare it, because it will be revealed by fire; and the fire will test each one’s work, of what sort it is. If anyone’s work which he has built on it endures, he will receive a reward. If anyone’s work is burned, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire.” (1 Cor.‬ ‭3‬:‭10‬-‭15‬‬). 

It is a picture of someone awakened in the middle of the night by a fire consuming the house. They jump out of bed in their underwear or nightgown and flee the flames. There is no time to dress. If they are naked, they save their skin, but nothing else of value. We do not minimize being saved—even if there lingers the smell of smoke on us. Some will get to heaven—just in and nothing more. You might think now, “That is enough!”  But, when you stand naked before the Lord, you will think differently. While you will not be cast into eternal flame, your works will be burned up. It will be a lifetime of missed opportunities and wasted years.

Be prepared!