November 14, 2024

Eagle Eye Community

A PURE HEART – HOW CAN WE HAVE IT?

THE BOOK OF REVELATION: AN OVERVIEW

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The Book of Revelation, often feared and misunderstood by many nominal Christians, is meant to be a guide for the Church. It reveals the victory of the Lord Jesus Christ and the future that awaits His Bride. Sadly, many today neglect this powerful and essential book of the Scripture. Understanding the Book of Revelation is not just about decoding future events; it’s about recognizing the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ. To truly possess Christ and prepare for His return, we must embrace and study this book. The Church’s destiny, as seen in this book, is intertwined with Christ’s ultimate triumph and the establishment of His kingdom.


Understanding Revelation: Hidden in Plain Sight

The book of Revelation is like a treasure hidden in plain sight, much like how the Lord Jesus taught using parables. These parables revealed profound truths to those who sought understanding while remains hidden to those spiritually blind (Matthew 13:13-16). Revelation is similar. Its symbolic nature is designed to inspire deep study and reflection. For those who invest their time and efforts to study it, the book unfolds the mysteries of God’s plan, His victory, and the ultimate glory of the Church.

This book which is called “the revelation of Jesus Christ” (Rev. 1:1), is not just about future events but about possessing the Lord Himself (having His revelation) in the present. The Word, which is the revealed Christ, is what prepares the Bride for the rapture. To be a part of His Bride, to stand in readiness, we must understand the deep truths found in this powerful book. It’s through the revelation of the Lord Jesus that we will witness His physical appearing when He comes again.


The Victory of Jesus Christ

The central point of this book is, at the end, the Lord Jesus Christ will win. The end of these all is a sure victory for our Lord and His Kingdom. In a world where evil and corruption often seem to triumph, the promise that God will ultimately defeat Satan and sin brings hope and comfort. The book of Revelation shows us that God’s plan is not subject to the whims of the enemy but is a triumphant march toward a glorious future.


The Spiritual Beauty of the Bride

Another majestic picture this book is that we can read the beautiful picture of the Holy City, New Jerusalem—a metaphor for the Bride of Christ, the Church. This city, described with stunning beauty and majesty, reflects the spiritual beauty of the Church. Revelation 21 speaks of its radiance and perfection, highlighting that its true beauty is spiritual, not physical.

Too often, we are conditioned to seek beauty only in the physical realm. Relationships fail when based solely on outward appearance because the heart—the spiritual beauty—is neglected. The beauty that matters most to God is not what can be seen with the eyes but the inner beauty of holiness, purity, and devotion to Him. As believers, we should strive to cultivate this kind of beauty in our lives and relationships.


No More Temple – God and Christ Are One

In Revelation 21:22, John tells us that in the New Jerusalem, there is no temple. This may seem strange at first since temples were central to worship in both the Old and New Testaments. However, the absence of a temple in the New Jerusalem points to a profound truth: God and the Lord Jesus Christ are the temple. There is no need for a physical building because Christ is the living temple where God’s fullness dwells. This is the ultimate realization of God’s presence among His people, as God and man dwell together in perfect unity for eternity.


No Need for the Sun – God is the Light

In verse 23, John further explains that the city does not need the sun or moon because God’s glory illuminates it. God is light, and He dwells in unapproachable light (1 John 1:5, 1 Timothy 6:16). In the New Jerusalem, God’s radiant glory will provide all the light that is needed. This light, which represents God’s presence and truth, will not just shine around us but will radiate from within us. The bride, the Church, will reflect the glory of God because God will dwell within His people. We will no longer need to seek His presence from afar, for He will be with us always, tabernacled among us in perfect communion.


The Nations Shall Walk in the Light

Revelation 21:24 describes how the nations shall walk by the light of the New Jerusalem. The city is not exclusive but inclusive. All nations will be drawn to the light of God’s presence. This image reflects the fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham that through him, all nations of the earth would be blessed. In the eternal city, the nations will no longer need to travel great distances to find God because He will be with them, walking among His people in peace and righteousness.


The Eternal Open Gates

Verse 25 reveals that the gates of the New Jerusalem will never be shut. Unlike earthly cities that shut their gates for security and protection, there will be no need for such precautions in God’s eternal kingdom. There will be no night, no darkness, and no threats. God’s eternal light will shine continuously, and His people will live in perfect safety and peace. The open gates symbolize God’s perpetual invitation to those who are righteous, welcoming them into His eternal presence.


Bringing Glory and Honor to God

In verse 26, John speaks of how the glory and honor of the nations will be brought into the city. This represents the culmination of all human history where every nation, tribe, and tongue will bring their best—their glory and honor—to God. Every achievement, every work of righteousness, will be offered to the Lord as an act of worship. All glory will ultimately be given to Him who sits on the throne.


No More Defilement – Only Purity in the City

Finally, verse 27 reminds us that nothing unclean will ever enter the city. Only those who are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life will have access to the New Jerusalem. This speaks to the ultimate sanctification of God’s people. All sin, defilement, and corruption will be left outside, cast into the lake of fire. In the city, there will only be holiness, purity, and righteousness.


The Journey Towards the Beautiful City

The New Jerusalem, as described in Revelation, is a vision of the future, but it is also a call to action for the present. The beauty of the city reflects the spiritual beauty that God desires in His bride today. We are called to live lives of holiness, purity, and devotion to God, reflecting His light in a dark world. The open gates invite us now to enter into a deeper relationship with God, to prepare ourselves for the day when we will dwell with Him forever.

The Book of Revelation was written not to confuse but to encourage and inspire the Church. It is a roadmap to victory, showing us that no matter how dark the world becomes, Jesus will win. And as His Bride will share in that victory. Let us strive to be spiritually beautiful, to reflect the glory of God, and to live in anticipation of the day when we be one with the Beautiful City of God and dwell with Him for all eternity.

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