Who Is God?

⁴ Well, we all know that an idol is not really a god and that there is only one God. ⁵ There may be so-called gods both in heaven and on earth, and some people actually worship many gods and many lords. ⁶ But we know that there is only one God, the Father, who created everything, and we live for Him. And there is only one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom God made everything and through whom we have been given life. 1 Corinthians 8:4-6 (NLT)

The God of the Holy Bible is the one and only true God of the universe (Deuteronomy 6:4-6; see also Deuteronomy 4:35, 39; Psalm 86:8-10; John 17:3; Acts 17:24-31; 1 Corinthians 8:4-6; Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Timothy 2:5). He is living and exists eternally as one God in three Persons, known as the Trinity or the Godhead – God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Scriptures reference the Trinity at various locations (see e.g., Genesis 1:1-3; 26-27; Matthew 28:19-20; John 14:16, 26; John 16:13-15; John 20:21-22; Romans 15:16, 30; 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Galatians 4:4-6; Ephesians 2:18; Ephesians 4:4-6; 2 Thessalonians 2:13-15; 1 Peter 1:1-2; 1 John 4:2, 13-14; Jude 20-21). The clearest image of the Trinity was revealed with Jesus’ baptism by John the Baptist where Jesus, God the Son, was anointed for His public ministry by God the Spirit, descending as a dove, with God the Father’s declaration from heaven, “This is My beloved Son, which whom I am well pleased” (see Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22). Jesus, also known as the Word of God and the Christ (Messiah), is the most definitive revelation of the Godhead because the fullness of God lived in Jesus (see e.g., John 1:1-5, 14; John 20:28, 31; Acts 2:36; 2 Corinthians 4:6; Colossians 1:15-20; Colossians 2:9; Hebrews 1:1-4). Moreover, the Apostle John and Apostle Paul have provided the church good teaching on the Trinity at John chapters 14 through 16 and Romans chapter 8.

God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit (also known as the Holy Ghost) are equal in nature but different in role, duties, and relationship. The Holy Spirit receives direction and instructions from both God the Father and God the Son and the Holy Spirit carries out the unified will of both the Father and the Son. The distinctive roles typically have God the Father willing, Jesus the Son completing, and the Holy Spirit applying the work of the Son (see e.g., Genesis 1:1-3, 9-10; Roman 8). Yet, there is a Oneness with Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit (see e.g., Deuteronomy 6:4; Nehemiah 9:6). Even more, God is a God of truth. In the Holy Scriptures, all three Persons of the Trinity are related to truth (see e.g., Exodus 34:6; Deuteronomy 32:4; John 1:14; John 14:6; John 15:26; John 16:13).

The Holy Spirit is a fully and completely divine Person who possesses all of the divine features and powers of God (see e.g., John 4:24; Romans 8:9; 1 Corinthians 12:4-6; Ephesians 4:4-6; 1 Peter 1:2; Revelation 1:4-5). Furthermore, the Holy Spirit is not a New Testament concept with His coming at Pentecost (see Acts 2). In the beginning of creation, the Spirit of God was “hovering over the face of the waters” (see Genesis 1:2) and the Holy Spirit runs throughout the entire Holy Scriptures (see e.g., 2 Samuel 23:2; Psalm 104:30; Job 33:4; Ezekiel 36:25-27; Acts 1:16). The Holy Spirit was God’s power in the Old Testament that empowered prophecy to proclaim God’s word and carried out God’s mighty deed (see e.g., Numbers 11:17; Judges 14:6-20; 1 Samuel 11:6; Ezekiel 2:2; Micah 3:8). The Holy Spirit is the living water, the breath, and Giver of new life (see e.g., Genesis 2:7; Psalm 51:11; Isaiah 63-10-11, 14; John 4:10-14; John 7:38-39; John 6:63; John 20:22; 2 Corinthians 3:6; Romans 8:2, 10). The Greek word pneuma and the Hebrew word ruah are similar for Holy Spirit, stemming from association with breath and wind (see Genesis 2:7; Ezekiel 1:4; John 3:8; Acts 2:1-2).

The personal and comforting nature of the Holy Spirit is evident in His title “Comforter,” “Advocate,” or “Helper” (see John 14:16, 26; John 15:26; John 16:7). The Holy Spirit is advises, teaches, encourages, convicts, comforts, strengthens, and intercedes for God’s faithful people (see John 14:16-17, 26; John 15:26; John 16:7-11; John 16:13-15). Before His sacrificial death on Calvary’s Cross, Jesus promised He would send the Holy Spirit to His disciples (John 14:15-18; John 16:7; see also Luke 24:49; John 20:22; Acts 1:4-5, 8) and Jesus’ promise was fulfilled at Pentecost with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit (see Acts 2).  

The Holy Spirit is clearly at work in key events throughout God’s redemptive history:

·         Creation (see Genesis 1:1-3)

·         Jesus’ miraculous birth (incarnation) (see Matthew 1:18; Luke 1:35)

·         Jesus’ baptism (see Matthew 3:16; Mark 1:10; Luke 3:21-22;

John 1:32-33)

·         Jesus’ public ministry of good (see Luke 4:14, 18-19; Acts 10:38)

·         Jesus’ resurrection (see Romans 8:11; 1 Peter 3:18)

·         Human regeneration (rebirth, salvation) (see John 3:5-8)

·         Teaches all truth (see John 14:17, 26; John 16:13)

·         Tells believers we are loved by God (see Romans 5:5)

·         Convicts of sin and righteousness (John 16:8)

·         Divine Author of the Holy Scriptures through inspiration and understanding (illumination) of (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21)

·         Believer’s sanctification (see Galatians 5:16-18; 22-23; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2)

·         Jesus’ empowerment against evil (see Matthew 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13)

·         Searches the deep things of God and knows God’s thoughts (see 1 Corinthians 2:10-16)

·         Distributes spiritual gifts for the churches’ good and encouragement (see 1 Corinthians 12:1-11)

·         Interprets and brings human prayer before the Throne of the Father (see Romans 8:26-27; Jude 20-21)

·         Assures believers of adoption into God’s family (see Romans 8:14-16)

·         Bears witness to and glorify Jesus (see John 15:26; John 16:14).

·         Seals and confirms believers’ salvation in Jesus (see 2 Corinthians 1:22; 2 Corinthians 5:5; Ephesians 1:13-14

·         Giver of life (see John 3:5-8, 16, 36; John 6:63; Romans 8:2, 10; 2 Corinthians 3:6; 2 Corinthians 5:7)

·         Eternal (see Psalm 90:2; Hebrews 9:14)

·         Omnipresent (see Psalm 139:7-10)

·         Omniscient – all knowing (see 1 Corinthians 2:10-11; 1 John 3:20)

·         Omnipotent – all powerful (see Luke 1:35-37)

·         Holy (see Romans 1:4)

The acts of the Holy Spirit through Jesus’ first apostles are the focal point of the New Testament Book of Acts. The Holy Spirit empowered and enabled the early apostles of Jesus to spread the Gospel message of repentance and the forgiveness of sins everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (see Luke 24:45-49; John 20:21-22; Acts 1:4-5, 8). Even today, the Holy Spirit works to advance the work God the Father and His Son Jesus and the Holy Spirit empowers and anoints God’s faithful people to continue the work of God the Father and His Son Jesus for God’s glory (see e.g., Luke 24:27, 44-48; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:29; 1 John 3:2). When the Holy Spirit works, God’s people can boldly proclaim the Gospel message and God’s Kingdom.

Moreover, the power of the Holy Spirit is the power of spiritual transformation at work, saving everyone who repents and believes in Jesus and His Gospel message (see Romans 1:16-17; 1 Corinthians 1:18; Titus 3:5). The Holy Spirit is the One who works within God’s faithful people to transform, sanctify, and give believers greater holiness and “good fruit” in life (see Galatians 5:22-23; 2 Thessalonians 2:13; 1 Peter 1:2). Through the Holy Spirit, God empowers our Bible reading and mediation, prayer life, church attendance, worship, witnessing, Christian fellowship, and moral living. The Holy Spirit guarantees believers that they have passed from death into eternal life as the Holy Spirit’s work transforms our whole life and seals the life and character of believers in a definitive way (see 2 Corinthians 1:21-22; Ephesians 1:13). In other words, the Holy Spirit enables and empowers God’s people to live like and imitate the true and living God as we faithfully obey God (see Exodus 34:6-7; Galatians 5:16-18, 22-23; Ephesians 5:1-2).

The true and living God is pleased when His people walk in the Holy Spirit and imitate His ways (see Exodus 34:5-7; Galatians 5:22-25). To walk and live according to the Holy Spirit is to live and imitate the true and living God (see Exodus 34:5-7; Galatians 5:22-25). In fact, a God honoring, unified Christian community is possible only when believers walk and follow the Holy Spirit (see e.g., Ephesians 4:1-3). The Holy Spirit glorifies God and His Son Jesus and transforms people into the likeness and image of Jesus for God’s glory (see John 16:13-14; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 3:8). 

The ultimate goal of all of life is to know and love God, make Him known, and thereby glorify Him (see e.g., Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Matthew 22:37 1 Corinthians 10:31). This goal is accomplished primarily through the work of the Holy

Spirit. Reading the Bible, going to church, Christian fellowship, spiritual disciplines, service, and worship are merely playing at religion if all of these activities are not empowered, guided, and filled by the Holy Spirit (see Zechariah 4:6). If the Holy Spirit is not present, even these good things are fleshly, empty, offensive, and unacceptable to God. A life pleasing to God involves daily dependence on the precious Holy Spirit. Jesus often drew on the same Holy Spirit during His public ministry that is also available to all believers (see e.g., Luke 4:18).

How can one receive the Holy Spirit? The Apostle Peter repeats to the listeners the same teaching of Jesus on how anyone can receive the Holy Spirit (see John 7:39). To receive the Holy Spirit, the Apostle Peter declared:

³⁸ “Each of you must repent of your sins, turn to God, and be baptized in the Name of Jesus Christ to show that you have received forgiveness for your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. ³⁹ This promise is to you, and to your children, and even to the Gentiles (non-Jews)—all who have been called by the Lord our God.” ⁴⁰ Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, “Save yourselves from this crooked generation!” Acts 2:38-40 (NLT)

None of these wonderful benefits of the Holy Spirit can come into a person’s life without true salvation. True salvation (rebirth) comes when we genuinely turn from our sins, believe in God’s Son (Jesus), and commit ourselves wholeheartedly to God by seeking, believing, and obeying God’s ways (see Mark 1:14-15; John 14:15; Acts 20:21). Once a person repents and believes in the Name of Jesus Christ, a believer becomes one with God and the Holy Spirit comes to live within that believer as God’s child (see John 1:12-13; John 17:21-23; Romans 8:14-16; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 1 Corinthians 6:17, 19; Galatians 3:26; Colossians 2:6). God the Father and His Son Jesus send the Holy Spirit to be with His faithful people and bring about a spiritual change in a believer’s heart (see Jeremiah 24:7; Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 14:16; John 16:7; 2 Corinthians 5:17).

This change, also known as sanctification, results in a transformed heart that leads to a transformed character that produces a transformed life. Jesus taught that regeneration (rebirth, revival, and restoration) is the work of Holy Spirit:

⁵ Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. ⁶ Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. ⁷ So do not be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ ⁸ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you cannot explain how people are born of the Spirit.” John 3:5-8 (NLT)

REPENT, BELIEVE, AND RECEIVE THE HOLY SPIRIT!

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Grudem, Wayne. Christian Beliefs: Twenty Basics Every Christian Should Know (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2005).

Jesus Is Coming Soon

¹ Then the angel showed me (John) a (pure) river with the water of life, clear (bright) as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. ² It flowed down the center (middle) of the main (great) street. On each side of the river grew a tree of life, bearing twelve crops (kinds, varieties) of fruit, with a fresh crop each month. The leaves were used for medicine to heal (restore) the nations. ³ No longer will there be a curse upon anything. For the throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and His servants will worship (honor, serve) Him. ⁴ And they (God’s servants) will see His face, and His Name will be written on their foreheads. ⁵ And there will be no night there—no need for lamps or sun—for the Lord God will shine on them. And they (God’s people) will reign forever and ever.

⁶ Then the angel (messenger) said to me (John), “Everything you have heard and seen is trustworthy and true. The Lord God, who inspires His prophets, has sent His angel to tell His servants what will happen soon.” ⁷ “Look, I (Jesus) am coming soon! Blessed are those who obey the words of prophecy written in this book.” ⁸ I, John, am the one who heard and saw (witnessed) all these things. And when I heard and saw them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who showed them to me. ⁹ But he (angel) said, “No, do not worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers the prophets, as well as all who obey what is written in this book. Worship only God!” ¹⁰ Then he (angel) instructed me (John), “Do not seal up the prophetic words in this book, for the time is near (soon). ¹¹ Let the one who is doing harm (wicked) continue to do harm; let the one who is vile (impure) continue to be vile; let the one who is righteous continue to live righteously; let the one who is holy continue to be holy.” ¹² “Look, I (Jesus) am coming soon, bringing My reward with Me to repay all people according to their deeds. ¹³ I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. ¹⁴ Blessed are those who wash their robes. They will be permitted to enter through the gates of the city and eat the fruit from the tree of life. ¹⁵ Outside the city are the dogs—the sorcerers (magic arts), the sexually immoral (adulterers, fornicators), the murderers, the idol worshipers, and all who love to live a lie (falsehood, deception, trickery). ¹⁶ “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this message for the churches. I am both the source of David and the Heir (Offspring) to his throne. I am the Bright Morning Star.” ¹⁷ The Spirit and the bride (church, the true believers) say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life. ¹⁸ And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues (affiliations, calamities) described in this book. ¹⁹ And if anyone removes (takes away) any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book. ²⁰ He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon!” Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! ²¹ May the grace (blessing, favor) of the Lord Jesus be with (all) God’s holy people (saints). Revelation 22:1-21 (NLT)

Revelation chapters 21 and 22 return God’s faithful people back to the Garden of Eden. Amazingly, the final chapters of Revelation reflect the subjects and themes of the first three chapters of Genesis (see Genesis 1-3). The wording of Revelation chapters 21 and 22 pictures the New Jerusalem as also the new and permanent Garden of Eden. Thus, the Garden of Eden found in Genesis and Revelation is the bookend of God’s story of redemption.

In the new Garden of Eden, there will no longer be a curse and no evil (see Revelation 22:3). As previously revealed, Revelation describes God and His Son Jesus the Lamb’s final victory over evil – the unholy trinity (Satan the dragon, the beast (antichrist), and the false prophet), their wicked woman, and people who follow the ways of evil (see Revelation 17:15-18; Revelation 19:19-21; Revelation 20:7-10). The destruction of all sin and evil, including death, finally lead to the renewal of all – new heavens and a new earth (see Revelation 21:1, see also Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22; 2 Peter 3:10-13). Now, the true and living God comes and make His home with His faithful people (Revelation 21:3). God’s faithful people can see God face to face and experience eternal fellowship with Him (see Revelation 22:4).

Revelation 22 begins with a heavenly angel showing John, the human author of Revelation, the river of the water of life (Revelation 22:1). Similar to the Garden of Eden with one river (see Genesis 2:10), the holy city has only one river. It was the hope of the Old Testament prophets and writers that living water would flow from Jerusalem in the age to come (see Psalm 46:4; Ezekiel 47:1-12; Zechariah 14:8). This pure river was clear as crystal and flowed from the throne of God and the Lamb and streamed down the center of the holy Jerusalem’s great street (Revelation 22:1-2). Revelation 22 reveals God’s people living in the source of a life-giving stream that comes from the very presence of God and Jesus the Lamb. Interestingly, some biblical commentaries find in the imagery of the flowing water a reference to the Holy Spirit (Revelation 22:1, 17; see also John 4:10, 14; John 7:38-39; Revelation 21:6).

On each side of the pure river grew the tree of life, bearing twelve varieties of abundant fresh fruit each month (Revelation 22:2; see also Genesis 2:9). Importantly, the leaves of the tree of life are used for healing or restoring the nations (Revelation 22:2). The Old Testament book of Ezekiel also pictures healing water flowing from the temple to form a river along whose banks are trees that bring forth new fruit each month and whose leaves are for healing (see Ezekiel 47:12). In the Garden of Eden, God prohibited Adam and Eve from eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil and the tree of life (see Genesis 2:15-17; Genesis 3:22-24). In the New Jerusalem, God’s faithful people will have full access to the bountiful tree of life (see Revelation 22:1-2). Thus, the description of the New Jerusalem’s pure river and the tree of life combine elements taken from the Garden of Eden (Revelation 22:1-2; see also Genesis 2:9-10; Genesis 3:22).

Further, no longer will there be a curse upon anything (Revelation 22:3). Sadly, the earth was cursed with thorns and thistles because of Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God in the Garden of Eden (see Genesis 3:17-18; see also Romans 5:12, 17-19; Romans 8:19-21). Guilt, strife, struggle, sickness, sorrow, and death resulted (see Genesis 3:14-19). In the new heavens and the new earth, the New Jerusalem will have no more death or sorrow or crying or pain as all these former things are gone forever (Revelation 21:4; see also 1 Corinthians 15:26; Revelation 20:14). The throne of God and of the Lamb will be there, and His people will worship Him (Revelation 22:3; see also Zechariah 14:21; Revelation 21:3). God’s faithful and righteous people will see God face to face, and God will graciously write His name on their foreheads (Revelation 22:4; see also Psalm 17:15; 1 Corinthians 3:2). In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus declared that the pure in heart would see God (Matthew 5:8; see also Hebrews 12:14; 1 John 3:2). Revelation chapters 21 and 22 see Jesus’ promises fulfilled as God’s faithful people will eternally live in God and Jesus the Lamb’s presence. There will be no night in the holy city for the Lord God will be their light (Revelation 22:5; see also Isaiah 60:19-20; Zechariah 14:7; 1 Timothy 6:16; Revelation 21:23-25). God’s people will reign with God and Jesus the Lamb forever and ever (Revelation 22:5; see also Daniel 7:18, 27; Revelation 5:10; Revelation 20:6). Accordingly, there will be no curse and no darkness in the New Jerusalem, and worship, fellowship, and reigning will be the believers' privileges.

Then, the angel said to John, “These words are trustworthy and true. And the Lord, the God of the spirits of the prophets, has sent His angel to show His servants what must soon take place” (Revelation 22:6, ESV). All true prophecy originates with the true and living God and comes through people moved by the Holy Spirit (see 2 Timothy 3:16-17; 2 Peter 1:20-21). At that time, the glorified and resurrected Jesus declared to John, “And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book” (Revelation 22:7, ESV). This exchange echoes the beginning of Revelation announcing God’s sending His angel to His servant John and pronouncement of blessings on those who keeps the words of Revelation (see Revelation 1:1, 7). Even more, Jesus’ declaration recalls His earlier teaching during His public ministry on earth when He taught every generation to be on continual alert for His return because His return will come suddenly (Matthew 24:42-44; Matthew 25:1-13; see also 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4, 6).

When John saw and heard all these amazing things from the heavenly angel, he fell down to worship the angel (Revelation 22:8). Once again, the angel said to John, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers the prophets, and with those who keep the words of this book” (Revelation 22:9, ESV). The angel reminded John to worship God alone (Revelation 22:9; see also Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Revelation 19:10). Then the angel instructed John, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near. Let the evildoer still do evil, and the filthy still be filthy, and the righteous still do right, and the holy still be holy” (Revelation 22:10-11, ESV). In sharp contrast to the Old Testament prophet Daniel, who was told to seal up the record of his vision “until the time of the end” (Daniel 12:4, 9), John is commanded, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this book, for the time is near” (Revelation 22:10; see also Revelation 22:6-7, 12, 20). The book of Revelation is to be read aloud and proclaimed to the church (see Revelation 1:3).

Then the resurrected and glorified Jesus the Lamb declared to John once again,

¹² “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with Me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. ¹³ I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End. ¹⁴ “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. ¹⁵ Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood. ¹⁶ “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.” Revelation 22:12-16 (NIV2011)[1]

Jesus wanted everyone to know that He was coming soon (Revelation 22:12). Even more, Jesus declared that when He returns He will bring His reward will be with Him to give to every one according to his or her deeds and work (Revelation 22:12). Amazingly, during Jesus’ public ministry on earth, Jesus also declared He will return in His Father’s glory with His angels, and He will reward each person according to what they have done – their deeds (Matthew 16:27; Matthew 25:31-46; John 5:28-29; Revelation 20:12). Interestingly, the apostle Paul also reaffirmed Jesus’ teaching (see also e.g., Romans 2:6; Romans 14:10; 1 Corinthians 3:12-15; 2 Corinthians 5:10; Ephesians 6:8). The Holy Scriptures promises to reward everyone according to one’s earthly deeds (see e.g., Psalm 62:12; Proverbs 24:12; Isaiah 40:10; Isaiah 62:11; Jeremiah 17:10; 1 Peter 1:17). Indeed, God’s blessings and rewards come to those who obediently live a godly and righteous life (see also Matthew 5:3-12)! Then, Jesus declared a blessing to everyone who washes their robes as they will have the right to enter in through the gates of the city and to eat the fruit from the tree of life (Revelation 22:14; see also Revelation 7:14). Outside the holy city will be all those have disobeyed and strayed away from God’s faithful love as well as sorcerers, adulterers, fornicators, murderers, idol worshippers, and all liars and deceivers (Revelation 22:15; see also Romans 1:29-31; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10; Galatians 5:19-21; Philippians 3:2; Colossians 3:5-6; Revelation 21:8, 27). In Revelation, the unrepentant evildoers must now face the consequences of their sins! “The soul who sins shall die” (Ezekiel 18:20, ESV; see also Romans 6:23). However, the true and living God has given everyone an opportunity to receive salvation. If we repent and confess our sins to God, our gracious God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness (1 John 1:9). So, let everyone turn from sin and wickedness and sin no more (see John 5:14; John 8:11; 1 Corinthians 15:34).

Throughout the Holy Scriptures both the Old Testament and the New Testament, the true and living God has repeatedly warned everyone to turn away from sin, wickedness, and rebellion, and to walk holy, humbly, and faithfully with Him as their God and obey His ways (see e.g., 1 Samuel 15:22-23; Psalm 51:16-17; Isaiah 1:11-15; Jeremiah 7:22; Micah 6:6-8; Mark 12:28-33). Then, finally God sent His only begotten Son Jesus the Lamb to instruct the people to turn to God and love God with all their hearts and to love one another (see e.g., Matthew 22:34-40; John 13:34-35; Romans 13:9-21).

Furthermore, Jesus declared His Name as the “Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last” (Revelation 22:12-13, NKJV). As God’s only begotten Son, Jesus is identified by the same title as His Father (Revelation 21:6; see also Revelation 1:8, 17; Revelation 2:8). As previously mentioned, God the Father and His Son Jesus the Lamb are One (see Deuteronomy 6:4; John 10:30; John 14:9; John 17:11, 22). Jesus is also Man. From a human standpoint, Jesus is the Root and the Offspring of King David, Israel’s most famous king (Revelation 22:16; see also e.g., Isaiah 11:1, 10; Matthew 1:1; Romans 1:3; 2 Timothy 2:8; Revelation 5:5). Even more, Jesus is the bright Morning Star predicted by the Old Testament (Revelation 22:16; see also Numbers 24:17).

Then, John concludes Revelation with an invitation. First, John records the Holy Spirit and the Bride of Christ proclaiming, “Come” (Revelation 22:17; see also Revelation 21:2, 9). John also declared, “And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life” (Revelation 22:17, NIV2011). As the human author of Revelation, John wants everyone to know that God offers EVERYONE the free gift of salvation and His eternal love (see also Isaiah 55:1; Revelation 21:6).

Even more, John solemnly warns everyone who reads the book of Revelation: “If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person’s share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book” (Revelation 22:18-19, NLT). Similarly, Moses of the Old Testament gave similar warnings against adding and subtracting from God’s Holy Word (see Deuteronomy 4:1-4; Deuteronomy 12:32). Everyone must handle God’s Holy Scriptures with care and great respect so that we do not distort God’s eternal message (see e.g., Isaiah 40:8; Matthew 24:35; Galatians 1:6-7; 1 Peter 1:24-25).  

Then, John ends the book of Revelation by announcing Jesus’ declaration: “Yes, I am coming soon!” (Revelation 22:20, NLT). John declared, Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Finally, John gives the benediction by declaring “May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people” (Revelation 22:21, NLT).  

The book of Revelation closes human history as Genesis began—in paradise! Revelation chapters 21 and 22 reveal God’s original plan of fellowship with His faithful people. In the new Garden of Even, sin and evil are gone forever. Thus, many biblical scholars agree that Revelation is, above all, a book of hope. The book of Revelation shows that no matter what happens on earth, God is fully in control. Revelation promises that evil will be defeated and an eternal blessing awaits everyone who walks faithfully with God.

Three times in Revelation’s closing chapter John wrote of Jesus’ soon return (see Revelation 22:7, 10, 12, 20). When will Jesus return? Many generations have asked that question about Jesus’ second coming. As Jesus returned to heaven in the glory cloud, two angels told Jesus’ disciples who was watching Jesus return to heaven that Jesus will return in the same way as they saw Him go into heaven (see Acts 1:10-11; see also Mark 13:26-27; Mark 14:62; Revelation 1:7).

However, NO ONE KNOWS when Jesus Christ will return (Acts 1:6-7; see also Mark 13:32-37; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). God sent Jesus at the right time for His first coming (Galatians 4:4), and GOD ALONE will decide Jesus’ second coming to earth (Matthew 24:36). In fact, Jesus warns against speculating and calculating His second coming because God the Father alone will determine His second coming (see e.g., Matthew 24:36; Mark 13:32-37; Acts 1:6-7; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-2). Even more, the Apostle Paul warned the church not to become careless and lazy just because we believe Jesus is coming soon (see 2 Thessalonians 3). God the Father has delayed Jesus return for nearly 2,000 years and the Apostle Peter tells us why: God wants to give this sinful world opportunity to repent and be saved (see 2 Peter 3:9). REPENT AND BE SAVED! The true and living God does not want anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance (see John 3:16-17; Luke 15; 2 Peter 3:9).

Amen! Come, Lord Jesus! Revelation 22:20 (NLT)

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Dr. Loyd Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary –New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

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[1] Revelation 22:12-16 consists of statements that some Bible translations assigned to John, the human author of Revelation, or the angel while some translations assign verses 12 through 16 to Jesus.  

Bride of Christ

¹ Then I (John) saw a new heaven (sky) and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. ² And I saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. ³ I heard a loud (mighty) shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home (tabernacle, dwelling, or abode) is now among His people! He will live (tabernacle) with them, and they will be His people. God Himself (personally) will be with them. ⁴ He (God) will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these (former) things are gone forever.” ⁵ And the One sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then He said to me (John), “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy (faithful) and true (genuine).” ⁶ And He also said, “It is finished! I am the Alpha and the Omega—the Beginning and the End. To all who are thirsty I will give freely from the springs of the water of life. ⁷ All who are victorious (overcome, conquer) will inherit all these blessings, and I will be their God, and they will be My children. ⁸ But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt (vile), murderers, the immoral (adulterous, fornicators), those who practice witchcraft (magic arts, sorcerers), idol worshipers (idolaters), and all liars (false ones)—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

⁹ Then one of the seven angels who held the seven bowls containing the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come with me! I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” ¹⁰ So he (angel) took me in the Spirit to a great, high mountain, and he showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God. ¹¹ It shone (clothed) with the glory of God and sparkled (radiance) like a precious stone—like jasper as clear as crystal. ¹² The city wall was broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels. And the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates. ¹³ There were three gates on each side—east, north, south, and west. ¹⁴ The wall of the city had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. ¹⁵ The angel who talked to me held in his hand a gold measuring stick (rod) to measure the city, its gates, and its wall. ¹⁶ When he measured it, he found it was a square (foursquare), as wide as it was long. In fact, its length and width and height were each 1,400 miles. ¹⁷ Then he (angel) measured the walls and found them to be 216 feet thick (according to the human standard used by the angel). ¹⁸ The wall was made of jasper, and the city was pure gold, as clear as glass. ¹⁹ The wall of the city was built on foundation stones inlaid (adorned) with twelve precious stones: the first was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, ²⁰ the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, the twelfth amethyst. ²¹ The twelve gates were made of pearls—each gate from a single pearl! And the main street was pure gold, as clear as glass. ²² I saw no temple in the city, for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. ²³ And the city has no need of sun or moon, for the glory of God illuminates the city, and the Lamb is its light. ²⁴ The nations will walk in its light, and the kings of the world will enter the city in all their glory. ²⁵ Its gates will never be closed at the end of day because there is no night there. ²⁶ And all the nations will bring their glory and honor into the city. ²⁷ Nothing evil will be allowed to enter, nor anyone who practices shameful idolatry and dishonesty (falsehood)—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Revelation 21:1-27 (NLT)

Revelation 21 begins the final section of the book and returns God’s faithful people back to Eden! Chapters 21 and 22 provide a magnificent climax of Revelation. In Revelation chapters 21 and 22, John gives details on the promise God had long before given the Old Testament prophet Isaiah that He would “create new heavens and a new earth” (see Isaiah 65:17), which would endure forever (see Isaiah 66:22). Even more, chapters 21 and 22 describes the New Jerusalem also described in the Old Testament by the prophet Ezekiel in Ezekiel chapters 40 through 48. In these final chapters, the true and living God makes all things new, and He comes to make His home with His faithful people (church) (Revelation 21:3, 5; see also Matthew 19:28-29; Romans 8:19-25)!

Revelation 21 begins with John, the human author of Revelation, seeing a new earth (with no oceans or seas) and a new heaven or sky, for the present earth and heaven had disappeared or dissolved (Revelation 21:1, see also Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22; 2 Peter 3:10-13). Interestingly, John tells us that there are no more seas or oceans (Revelation 21:1). For the Jewish people, the seas or oceans symbolized separation, chaos, restlessness, evil, and storms (see e.g., Job 38:8-11; Psalm 89:9; Isaiah 57:20). Moreover, Revelation 13 reveals the sea bringing forth the beast that embodies enmity and opposition against God and His holy people (see Revelation 13:1, 6-7).

At that point, John saw the holy city, the New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven (Revelation 21:2, 10). The New Jerusalem was a glorious sight, beautiful as a bride at her wedding (Revelation 21:2; see also Revelation 19:7). Truly, this city is beautiful beyond all comparison, and Revelation 21:11-21 gives in detail the city’s beautification. Revelation 19:7 presents God’s faithful people as a bride (church). In the New Testament, it is “the Jerusalem that is above” (Galatians 4:26), whose “architect and builder is God (Hebrews 11:10, 13-16; see also Hebrews 12:22; Hebrews 13:14; Philippians 3:20). Scholars differ as to whether this “new earth” is entirely new (newly created) or is the old earth transformed in a new way analogous to the transformation of believers’ resurrection bodies (see 1 Corinthians 15:35-49; Philippians 3:21).

Then, John heard a mighty and loud shout from the throne saying: “Look! Look! God has moved into the neighborhood, making His home with men and women! They are His people, He is their God.” (Revelation 21:3, MSG; see also Leviticus 26:11-12; Jeremiah 31:33; Ezekiel 37:27; Zechariah 8:8). John describes the true and living God personally living (tabernacle) among His people like the Garden of Eden before Adam and Eve’s disobedience (Revelation 21:3; see also Genesis 3:8-10). Now, God’s holy people will see the true and living God’s face, and His name will be written on their foreheads (Revelation 22:4; see also Matthew 5:18; Hebrews 12:14). Even more, John describes the benefits that come to God’s people when He takes up His eternal dwelling in their midst (Revelation 21:4). God will wipe away ALL tears from His people’s eyes, and there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying, nor pain (Revelation 21:4; see also Genesis 3:17-19; Isaiah 65:17-19). Abolished forever are the debilitating effects of sin. Sadly, death and suffering entered the world as a consequence of Adam and Eve’s disobedience to God (see Genesis 3; Romans 5:12). Revelation chapters 21 and 22 reveal God’s reversal of the original curse from the Great Fall of Genesis 3. Amazingly, during Jesus’ public ministry on earth, Jesus gave ALL WHO BELIEVED a taste of heaven (see e.g., Matthew 8:13, 16-17; Matthew 9:35; Mark 1:32-34; Luke 4:42-44; Luke 5:20; John 4:49-50). Matthew’s Gospel said,

The news about Jesus spread all over Syria, and people brought all the sick to Him. They were suffering from different kinds of diseases. Some were in great pain, some had demons, some were epileptics, and some were paralyzed. Jesus healed all of them. Matthew 4:24 (NCV)

Then for only the second time in Revelation, the true and living God breaks His silence (see also Revelation 1:8). The One sitting on the throne declared, “See, I am making all things new!” (Revelation 21:5, TLB; see also 2 Corinthians 5:17). Then, Almighty God declared to John:

“It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty, I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers (overcomes) will have this heritage, and I will be His God and he will be My son (daughter). But as for the cowardly, the faithless, the detestable (corrupt), as for murderers, the sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars, their portion will be in the lake that burns with fire and sulfur, which is the second death.” Revelation 21:6-8 (ESV)

Very appropriately, God’s divine name is mentioned to underscore the completion of everything that God began: “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 21:6). In Revelation chapter 22, John once again reveals God the Father and Jesus the Lamb’s unity and oneness by declaring that Jesus is also “the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End” (Revelation 22:13, NIV; see also Deuteronomy 6:4; John 10:30; John 14:9; John 17:11, 22). As the Beginning and the End, the true and living God promised to give to the thirsty the springs of the Water of Life—as a free gift (Revelation 21:6, see also Isaiah 55:1). Here, John describes God’s beautiful salvation by the symbolism of a spring and river (see also Revelation 22:1; see also John 4:10, 14; John 7:38-39). God loves the world (see John 3:16), and He offers everyone salvation and eternal life through faith and obedience to Him and His Son, Jesus the Lamb (see John 3:17, 36; John 14:1-7).

Interestingly, the citizens of the new heavens and new earth are overcoming people as God’s sons and daughters (Revelation 21:7-8; see also John 1:12-13; Romans 8:14-17; Galatians 3:26). “To him who overcomes” is a key phrase in Revelation (see e.g., Revelation 2:7, 11, 17, 26; Revelation 3:5, 12, 21; Revelation 11:7; Revelation 12:11; Revelation 15:2; Revelation 21:7). As John pointed out in his first epistle, all true believers are overcomers (see 1 John 5:4-5). These faithful overcomers will inherit God’s eternal blessings (see also Matthew 5:1-12). In contrast to the overcomers, God reaffirms that no “cowardly, the faithless, the polluted, as for murderers, fornicators, sorcerers, idolaters, and all liars” will be present in the New Jerusalem (Revelation 21:8, RSV). These evil and faithless offenders will go into the lake of eternal fire, which is the second and final death (Revelation 21:6-8; see also; Romans 1:29-32; Revelation 20:11-15). God’s redeemed people do not participate in the second death awaiting those who renounced their faith in God because of their cowardice and compromise with idolatry, sexual immorality, and sorcery.

Thus in the new heaven and earth, sin, suffering, and death are forever banished. The true and living God will reverse the curse that entered the world through Adam and Eve’s sin in the Garden of Eden (see Genesis 3). The old heaven and earth are in “bondage to decay” (Romans 8:21), “groaning . . . in pains of childbirth until now” (Romans 8:22). All of creation is waiting the day when God will set “the heavens on fire and the elements will melt away in the flames. . . . Looking forward to the new heavens and new earth He has promised, a world filled with God’s righteousness (2 Peter 3:12-13, NLT). The new heaven and earth represent the specific fulfillment of the prophecy given to Isaiah (see Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22).

Then, one of the seven angels who had emptied the bowls containing the seven last destructive plagues in Revelation 16 came and said to John, “Come with me and I will show you the bride, the Lamb’s wife” (Revelation 21:9, TLB). In a vision, the angel took John to a towering mountain peak, and from the mountain John watched that wondrous city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of the skies from God (Revelation 21:10, see also Ezekiel 40:2). God’s beloved is both the bride of Christ (Revelation 21:9) and the magnificent city (Revelation 21:10-14). The holy city is not only the home of the bride; it is the bride of Christ! Also, John draws attention to the contrast between the wicked woman (also called Babylon) and the bride of Christ (also called New Jerusalem). The wicked woman is of the earth, symbolizing evil, and the bride of Christ descends from heaven, the epitome of all that is holy and beautiful.

The holy city was clothed with God’s glory and glowed like a precious gem, crystal clear like jasper (Revelation 21:11; see also Isaiah 60:1-2, 19). The holy Jerusalem’s walls were broad and high, with twelve gates guarded by twelve angels (Revelation 21:12). Moreover, the names of the twelve tribes of Israel were written on the gates (Revelation 21:12, see also Exodus 28:21; Ezekiel 48:30-35). There were three gates on each side—north, south, east, and west (Revelation 21:13). Furthermore, the holy Jerusalem’s walls had twelve foundation stones, and on them were written the names of the twelve apostles of Jesus the Lamb (Revelation 21:14). In the holy Jerusalem, united will be the saints of the Old Covenant (twelve tribes of Israel) and the New Covenant (twelve apostles of Jesus) indicating a continuity of God’s faithful people – the New Testament church and the Old Testament people of God (see also Ephesians 2:19-22).

Then, the angel held in his hand a golden measuring rod to measure the city and its gates and walls (Revelation 21:15). When the angel measured the city and its gates and walls, the angel found it was a square as wide as it was long. In fact, the holy city was in the form of a cube (foursquare), for its height was exactly the same as its other dimensions—1,500 miles each way (Revelation 21:16). Amazingly, the city’s equality on all sides indicates the perfection of God’s eternal city–nothing is out of order or balance. Moreover, the holy city with the dimensions of a perfect cube is like the Holy of Holies in the Old Testament Mosaic tabernacle (see Exodus 26:33-34) and the Most Holy Place of the Temple (see 1 Kings 6:16-22). At that moment, the angel measured the thickness of the walls and found them to be 216 feet across (Revelation 21:17).

The holy Jerusalem itself was pure, transparent gold like glass and its wall was made of jasper (Revelation 21:18)! Even more, the holy Jerusalem was built on twelve layers of foundation stones adorned with every kind of jewel (gems) (Revelation 21:19). The first layer with jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, the fifth onyx, the sixth carnelian, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth chrysoprase, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst (Revelation 21:19-20). The twelve stones generally correspond to the twelve gems set into the breastplate of the high priest which suggests that the privileges reserved for the high priest alone under the Old Covenant are now freely given to all God’s faithful people (see Exodus 19:5-6; Exodus 28:17-20; 1 Peter 2:5, 9-10). The city’s twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single huge pearl, and the main street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass (Revelation 21:21). The pure beauty of the bride of Christ (holy city) puts to shame the prostitute’s tawdry and cheap ornaments (see Revelation 17:4; Revelation 18:16).

Most importantly, the holy Jerusalem had no temple or sanctuary because its temple is the Lord God Almighty and Jesus the Lamb (Revelation 21:22; see also John 4:21-24). Unlike the Old Testament book of Ezekiel who spends four chapters in a detailed description of the new temple, John says, “I saw no temple in the city” (Revelation 21:22; see also Ezekiel chapters 40 through 43). In the New Testament, the apostle Paul declared that God’s faithful people were in fact the temple of the living God (see 1 Corinthians 3:16-17; 1 Corinthians 6:18-20; 2 Corinthians 6:16; Ephesians 2:21-22; 1 Peter 2:5). The immediate presence of God is no longer in a reserved place, entered only by the high priest once a year because now God is available to ALL saints for continual fellowship in the holy city. In the holy city, there is no separation or barriers between God and His faithful people. God the Father and the Jesus the Lamb are always present with their people.

Finally, the holy city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for God’s glory gives it light, and its lamp is Jesus the Lamb (Revelation 21:23; see also Isaiah 60:19-20; Matthew 4:16; John 1:9; John 8:12). By its light, the people of the world will walk, and the kings (rulers) of the earth will bring their glory into it (Revelation 21:24). The holy city’s gates never close as they stay open all day long—and there is no night (Revelation 21:25)! There will be no wickedness or night to assist hostile invaders. The glory and honor of all the nations are brought into the city (Revelation 21:26). Once again, John reaffirms that nothing evil will be permitted into the holy city—no sin, wickedness, or dishonesty—but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27; see also 2 Peter 3:13; Revelation 22:14-15). In the holy city, God welcomes all faithful people and nations as there is no separation of people.

God’s ultimate purpose in redemptive history has been to create a people to have a close fellowship with Him, glorifying, and enjoying Him forever. Amazingly, the Holy Scriptures reveal God has repeatedly sought a close and obedient relationship with humanity – first with Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, then the ancient Israelites at Mount Sinai and the Promised Land, and by sending His only begotten Son, Jesus. The Holy Scriptures begin with God’s fellowship with Adam and Eve (see Genesis chapters 1 through 3) and ends with God’s faithful believers in eternal fellowship with Him (see Revelation chapters 21 and 22).

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

Dr. Loyd Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary –New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Final Judgment

¹ Then I (John) saw an angel coming down from heaven with the key to the bottomless pit (Abyss) and a heavy chain in his hand. ² He seized the dragon—that old serpent, who is the devil, Satan—and bound him in chains for a thousand years. ³ The angel threw him into the bottomless pit (Abyss), which he then shut and locked so Satan could not deceive the nations anymore until the thousand years were finished. Afterward he must be released for a little while.

⁴ Then I saw thrones, and the people sitting on them had been given the authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded (martyred or killed) for their testimony about Jesus and for proclaiming the Word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his statue, nor accepted his mark on their forehead or their hands. They all came to life again, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years. ⁵ This is the first resurrection. (The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years had ended.) ⁶ Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. For them the second death holds no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ (Messiah) and will reign with Him a thousand years.

⁷ When the thousand years come to an end, Satan will be let out of his prison (confinement). ⁸ He will go out to deceive (seduce, lead astray) the nations—called Gog and Magog—in every corner of the earth (four corners of the earth). He will gather them together for battle (war)—a mighty army, as numberless as sand along the seashore. ⁹ And I saw them as they went up on the broad plain of the earth and surrounded God’s people (saints) and the beloved city. But fire from heaven came down on the attacking armies and consumed them. ¹⁰ Then the devil, who had deceived (seduce, lead astray) them, was thrown into the fiery lake of burning sulfur (brimstone), joining the beast and the false prophet. There they will be tormented day and night forever and ever.

¹¹ And I saw a great white throne and the One sitting on it. The earth and sky fled from His presence, but they found no place to hide. ¹² I saw the dead, both great and small, standing before God’s throne. And the books were opened, including the Book of Life. And the dead were judged (sentenced) according to what they had done, as recorded in the books. ¹³ The sea gave up its dead, and death and the grave (Hades) gave up their dead. And all were judged (cases tried and determined) according to their deeds (motives and works). ¹⁴ Then death and the grave (Hades) were thrown into the lake of fire. This lake of fire is the second death. ¹⁵ And anyone whose name was not found recorded in the Book of Life was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:1-15 (NLT)

Revelation 20 reveals God’s final destruction of Satan and God’s final judgment of humanity. As mentioned previously beginning at Revelation 17:1 and ending with Revelation 20:15, John describes God and His Son Jesus the Lamb’s final victory over evil – the unholy trinity (Satan the dragon, the beast (antichrist), and the false prophet), their wicked woman, and people who follow the ways of evil (see Revelation 17:15-18; Revelation 19:19-21; Revelation 20:7-10). Having defeated the wicked woman in chapter 17 and the beast (antichrist) and the false prophet in chapter 19, John now turns to the ultimate enemy who has deceived the nations – the dragon. The Holy Scriptures identify our ultimate enemy by four sinister names: the dragon, the ancient serpent, the devil, or Satan (Revelation 20:2; see also Genesis 3:1; Job 1:7; Revelation 12:9).

Revelation 20 consists of three parts. The first verses of Revelation 20 describe the millennium (see Revelation 20:1-6). The second part of Revelation 20 reveals the dragon and his armies final battle against God’s people and God’s utter defeat and judgment of dragon’s and his evil alliance (see Revelation 20:7-10). The third part of Revelation 20 reveals the final judgment of humanity (see Revelation 20:11-15).

Revelation 20 begins with John, the human author of Revelation, seeing an angel coming down from heaven with a heavy chain in his hand and the key to the bottomless pit also called the “Abyss” (Revelation 20:1). The “bottomless pit” is not the same as hell, also called the “lake of fire” (see also Revelation 9:1-2, 11; Revelation 11:7; Revelation 17:8). The lake of fire is the final “prison” for Satan the dragon, the beast (antichrist), the false prophet), and everyone who follow the ways of evil (see Revelation 19:19-21; Revelation 20:10, 15). Rather, the Abyss is part of that hidden underworld under God’s authority for the confinement of evil spirits awaiting the final judgment (Revelation 9:1; see also Luke 8:31; Jude 6).

This heavenly angel seized the dragon—that old serpent who is the devil, Satan—and bound the dragon for a thousand years (Revelation 20:2). Then, the angel threw the dragon into the bottomless pit, which he then shut and locked so that the dragon could not deceive the nations any more until the thousand years were finished (Revelation 20:3). After the thousand years, the dragon will be released again from the bottomless pit for a little while or short time (Revelation 20:3). First, the dragon was cast out of heaven (see Revelation 12:9), and now he is cast out of earth for a thousand years!

During this thousand-year period, John saw thrones in heaven and sitting on these thrones were those who were given the right to judge (Revelation 20:4; see also Matthew 19:28; 1 Corinthians 6:2-3). Also, John saw the souls of those who had been martyred or killed for their faithful testimony about God’s Son Jesus and for proclaiming the Word of God (Revelation 20:4; see also Revelation 6:9-11). These faithful believers had not worshiped the beast (the antichrist) or his statue and neither did these faithful believers accept the beast’s mark on their foreheads or their hands (Revelation 20:4; see also Revelation 13:16-18). John saw these faithful believers coming back to life again and reigning with Jesus in this millennial blessedness (a thousand years) (Revelation 20:4). This is the first resurrection (Revelation 20:5). The rest of the dead did not come back to life until the thousand years had ended (Revelation 20:5). John proclaimed, “Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection! Over such the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ, and they will reign with Him for a thousand years” (Revelation 20:6, ESV).

Interestingly, John identifies these faithful believers as “priests of God and of Christ” (Revelation 20:6; see also Revelation 1:6; 1 Peter 2:5). At Mount Sinai, God promised the Israelites that if they would obey His voice and keep His commandments, they would be to Him a kingdom of priests and a holy nation (Exodus 19:5-6; see also 1 Peter 2:5, 9-12). These faithful believers, by remaining true and obedient to Jesus in the final trial with the beast (antichrist), are thus priests of God and Jesus (see also Revelation 1:6; Revelation 5:10).

When the thousand-year imprisonment end, the dragon is released from his prison and permitted to lead one last revolt with his evil army (Revelation 20:7-9). The when who, and why the dragon is released from his prison is an undisclosed mystery of Revelation. The dragon will resume his evil ways of deception and dishonesty and go out to deceive the nations of the world just like the false prophet (Revelation 20:8; see also Matthew 7:15-20; Revelation 12:9; Revelation 13:14; Revelation 19:20). Even more, the dragon will gather his evil alliance from the four corners of the world—Gog and Magog—for battle with his propaganda (Revelation 20:8).

The two mysterious figures “Gog and Magog” are obedient tools of the dragon participating in the final battle with the dragon (Revelation 20:8). The Old Testament prophet Ezekiel refers to “Gog, of the land of Magog, the chief prince of the Meshech and Tubal,” who will come from the north against God’s people living peacefully in the land (see Ezekiel 38:2). Whereas in the Old Testament book of Ezekiel Magog is the territory of which Gog is the ruler. In the book of Revelation, Gog and Magog are parallel names, used together of the world powers or nations opposed to the true and living God and His faithful people.

Many scholars have tried to identify the Gog and Magog. However, Bible interpreters disagree on Gog and Magog’s identity. More than ordinary enemies, Gog and Magog are a personification of evil – evil that has fought God’s people from the very beginning. Interestingly, Ezekiel chapters 38 and 39 reveal God also delivering His people by destroying Gog with fire from heaven (see Ezekiel 38:21-22; Ezekiel 39:6).

The dragon’s evil army will be as numberless as sand along the shore (Revelation 20:8). The dragon and his evil army will go up across the broad plain of the earth and surround God’s faithful people, the city He loves (Revelation 20:9; see also Revelation 21:2). The camp of God’s people is also His beloved city. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. Interestingly, John does not describe the actual battle. Fire from God in heaven will flash down on the dragon and his attacking armies and completely consume them (Revelation 20:9). The Lord God Almighty defeated all the evil forces (Revelation 20:9-10; see also Deuteronomy 28:7; Romans 8:31; Hebrews 13:5-6). If you faithfully follow and obey God, you will experience victory!

Following the dragon’s defeat, the dragon who had deceived the nations will once again be captured and thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where his evil cohorts the beast and the false prophet were (Revelation 20:10; see also Revelation 19:20). The unholy trinity (Satan the dragon, the beast (antichrist), and the false prophet) will be tormented day and night forever and ever (Revelation 20:10). God has defeated utterly evil!

The phrase “thousand years” occurs six times in Revelation 20:1-7. This period in history is known as “the millennium.” The account of the thousand-year period in chapter 20 is the only place in the Holy Scriptures that mentions the millennium, and these verses are among the most controversial in Revelation. Over centuries, biblical scholars have interpreted the thousand-year reign in a variety of ways. Postmillennialism believes that the church itself will bring about a time of peace and prosperity in preparation for the return of Jesus Christ through its expanding influence. This view was far more popular in the 19^th century when people were optimistic about progress and the future. Premillennialism believes that Jesus Christ will return to earth and reign here in person, ushering in a period of great peace. During this period, Satan the dragon will be bound up, but he will lead a final revolt at the end of the thousand years. Amillennialism interprets the thousand-year passage much less literally. Some amillennialism holds that the millennium has already been going on, but the reign of Jesus Christ is taking place in heaven, not on earth. Others believe the church is establishing the kingdom of Christ, now, between Jesus’s first and second coming. Because the Holy Scriptures provides so little information on the millennium, no one can be completely sure the meaning of the “thousand years.” The “thousand years” period itself may be symbolic, standing for a very long period of time. These holding each view read John’s millennial vision in terms of their understanding of other biblical texts and their approach to prophetic literature as a whole. Regardless, all positions agree that ultimately this world will end. Each of these interpretations affirms the central truth: Jesus will return as promised (see John 14:3), and will destroy the forces of evil and establish God’s eternal kingdom.   

Then, John saw a great white throne and One sitting on His great white throne (Revelation 20:11). From One’s presence, earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for the earth and sky (Revelation 20:11). Also, John saw all the dead, great and small, standing before God’s throne and the books were opened, including the book of life (Revelation 20:12). THIS IS THE FINAL JUDGMENT AND EVERYONE WILL BE PRESENT!

There is some question about the identity of the One sitting upon throne (Revelation 20:11). The New Testament generally teaches that judgment has been committed to God’s Son, Jesus Christ (see e.g., Matthew 25:31-33; John 5:22; Acts 10:42; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 2 Timothy 4:1). Yet Revelation 20:11 present God the Father as the judge. Elsewhere in Revelation the One seated upon the throne is God the Father (see e.g., Revelation 4:2, 9; Revelation 5:1, 7, 13; Revelation 6:16; Revelation 7:10, 15; Revelation 19:4; Revelation 21:5). The ease with which the New Testament speaks both about the judgment seat of Jesus Christ (see 2 Corinthians 5:10) and the judgment seat of God (Romans 14:10) implies unity of God the Father and His Son, Jesus (see e.g., Revelation 11:15). In his Gospel, John records that statement of Jesus, “I and the Father are One” (John 10:30; see also Deuteronomy 6:4; John 14:9; John 17:11, 22). Jesus is God (see e.g., John 1:1-5, 14; John 14:9; 2 Corinthians 4:4; Philippians 2:6)

In John’s vision, God judged all the dead small and great according to the things written in the books, each according to the deeds he or she had done while living (Revelation 20:12; see also Daniel 7:9-10; Romans 2:6-11; 2 Corinthians 5:10). The seas also gave up the bodies buried in them as well as the earth and the underworld gave up the dead in them (Revelation 20:13). Everyone was judged according to his or her deeds (Revelation 20:13). John makes clear that the One sitting on the throne will judge everyone “according to what they had done” (Revelation 20:13). The opening of the books suggests that our earthly lives are important and meaningful, and are taken into account at the end. Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14). Death and Hades are personified as the last great evil enemies of humanity (see also 1 Corinthians 15:26). Death entered the world as a consequence of Adam and Eve’s sin and disobedience in the Garden of Eden (also known as the “Great Fall”) (Genesis 3; see also Romans 5:12). As result of Adam and Eve’s sin, all humanity not only become subject death (see Hebrews 9:27) but also enslaved by the fear of death (see Hebrews 2:15). This is the second death—the lake of fire (Revelation 20:14). If anyone’s name was not found recorded in God’s book of life, that person was thrown into the lake of eternal fire (Revelation 20:15; see also Matthew 25:41). The final judgment clears the scene for the establishment of the new heaven and the new earth, from which sin and death are banished forevermore (Revelation 21:1-5; see also Isaiah 65:17; Isaiah 66:22; 2 Peter 3:10-13). The true and living God will judge and condemn evildoers for their evil and wicked deeds, and they will be cast eternally into the lake of fire.

That books will be consulted in the final judgment is an idea found in many ancient traditions – Biblical and nonbiblical. Besides nonbiblical sources, the conception of a heavenly register is mentioned in various parts of the Old Testament (see e.g., Exodus 32:32-33; Psalm 69:28; Daniel 7:10; Malachi 3:16). Divine judgment that takes account of works is spoken of also in Psalm 62:12; Jeremiah 17:10; Romans 2:6; and 1 Peter 1:17. The issue is not salvation by works and deeds, but our good works and deeds are overwhelming evidence of a person’s genuine relationship with God (Ephesians 2:10). In addition to the record of people’s earthly deeds, there is another book to be opened called the “book of life.” John mentions the book of life five times throughout Revelation (see Revelation 3:5; Revelation 13:8; Revelation 17:8; Revelation 20:12, 15; Revelation 21:27). The Holy Scriptures also speak of the “book of life” containing the names of God's faithful people at Luke 10:20 and Philippians 4:3 (see also e.g., Isaiah 4:3; Daniel 12:1; Hebrews 12:23). The relationship between the record of people’s deeds and the book of life is not clear. In any case, judgment proceeds on the evidence supplied by both the record of deeds and the book of life.

Moreover, many people reject the biblical doctrine of hell or the eternal fire as being “unchristian.” However, Jesus clearly taught of hell’s reality during His public ministry on earth (see e.g., Matthew 18:8; Matthew 23:15, 33; Matthew 25:46; Mark 9:46). However, the true and living God has given everyone an opportunity to avoid the eternal lake of fire by sending His one and only begotten Son to save us from our sins (see e.g., Matthew 1:21; Luke 2:10-11; John 3:16-18; Acts 4:12; Acts 13:28). Everyone who faithfully BELIEVES AND OBEYS Jesus as God’s Son will be saved from the lake of fire and adopted into God’s family (see e.g., John 1:12-13; Luke 19:10; John 3:16-17; John 12:44-50; Galatians 3:26). Thus, the true and living God who is merciful and kind has graciously given everyone an opportunity to avoid and escape the eternal lake of fire by ACCEPTING, BELIEVING, AND OBEYING His Son, Jesus and REPENTING (TURNING) from their sins and wickedness. Jesus Christ is the only way of salvation (see e.g., John 5:24; John 14:9; Acts 4:12). The true and living God takes no pleasure in the death of people (see e.g., Ezekiel 33:11; 1 Timothy 2:3-4). Therefore, let everyone turn from wickedness and evil and wholeheartedly turn to God with love and obedience to God and His ways so you can live (see e.g., Deuteronomy 10:12-13; Ezekiel 33:11-20; Micah 6:6-8; Matthew 3:2, 8; Matthew 4:17). For the wages of sin is death, but God gives the free gift of eternal life through His Son, Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23; see also e.g., Proverbs 10:16; Ezekiel 18:4). The true and living God will judge everyone according to his or her ways and deeds (see e.g., Ezekiel 18:30-32; Romans 2:6-10). If anyone turns from his or her sins and turn to God and His Son Jesus, God is gracious to forgive them of their sins. While good deeds will not save us, our salvation must lead to righteous actions (Ephesians 2:10; James 2:14-17; see also Ezekiel 18:5-9, 30-32). Our wholehearted love for God and genuine love for others (good and kind deeds) attest to our genuine trust in Jesus (see Matthew 22:34-40; see also e.g., Exodus 20:3–17; John 13:34-35; John 14:15; Romans 13:8-14). The soul who continually sins and fails to repent and turn from wickedness shall die (Ezekiel 18:20-22). However, when anyone turns away from evil and does what is just and right, he shall save his life (see e.g., Isaiah 55:7; Ezekiel 18:27-28, 30-32).

THEREFORE, LET EVERYONE REPENT! Turn away from evil, wickedness, and disobedience and get a new heart and a new spirit by faithfully, wholeheartedly, and genuinely turning to God and obeying His ways (Ezekiel 18:30-31; see also Isaiah 1:16-20). Repent and live (Matthew 3:2; Matthew 4:17; see also Ezekiel 18:32)!

References

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Dr. Loyd Melton, Ph.D., Senior Professor of New Testament (Due West, SC: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2016).

Metzger, Bruce. Breaking the Code: Understanding the Book of Revelation (Nashville, TN: Abingdon Press, 1993).

Mounce, Robert H. The Book of Revelation (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1998).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary –New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).