In Revelation 19-21, we get a glimpse into the author John's vision of the end times and final judgment of sin in this world. At times we may catch ourselves trying to avoid thinking or reading about what the end will look like, or for others, we do the opposite and look for signs and predictions that we may get closer to it.
Matthew 24:36 says, "However, no one knows the day or hour when these things will happen, not even the angels in heaven or the Son himself. Only the Father knows."
So rather than getting hung up on the when, let's look at the who, what, and why because those questions are more critical and questions to which we do have answers.
Let's start with the answer to "why?" because the answers to the other questions flow from that one.
Why? = God wants to restore a perfect relationship with us
To fully understand God's design for the end, the "final judgment," we have to start looking at the beginning.
Genesis 1:31 says, "Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good!"
In the beginning, God lived among us; he connected with Adam and Eve in a perfect relationship in the Garden of Eden. Still, through the decision of Adam and Eve to fall into Satan's temptation, sin stole that relationship, that perfection from God.
Sin destroyed what verse 31 says was "very good", and God wants to get back to that relationship, and he promises that he will.
Who? = God, Jesus, You, and all Humanity
The answer to the "Who?" is the same from the beginning to the end of this entire story. It's God wanting to be in a relationship with us, with you.
We believe that Jesus is the answer to our current present lives and future lives discussed in Revelation's final judgment.
If this is the first time hearing about God, we would love to provide you with some key and vital information to help you make that decision to trust Jesus in your life. On our website, you'll find easy, practical steps on how to start and commit your life to Jesus.
If you are newer to your relationship with Jesus and have questions, you're not alone. Check out Starting Point groups, where your opinions and beliefs are valued and where all questions are invited.
The "Who?" in this story is so important, and you do not want to miss out on the chance to live in this perfect relationship and new world with Jesus.
What? = The restoration of life and the world we live in
We started with the garden of Eden in Genesis, and we see God finish with a new city in Revelation 21:1-5.
John says, "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared… I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, "Look, God's home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever." And the one sitting on the throne said, "Look, I am making everything new!" And then he said to me, "Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true."
The book of Revelation is not a 'there and then' book; and It's a here and now book. It showcases that the End is just the Beginning. God is coming to restore his perfect relationship with us and this world we live in. It's up to us to determine how we live our lives and who and what we put our trust in to prepare for that moment.
God loves you and created you to be in a relationship with him, a perfect relationship with him, face to face. There will be a day when that hope will become a reality. Are you ready for it?
If you're interested in other articles about this series on Revelation, check out:
For more information on this topic and other sermons from this series, check out more from The End.