076 - Revelation 21.1-8 e 22.7-21

REVELATION 21.1-8 to 22.7-21

INTRODUCTION

Daniel presents angels representing nations and opposing each other. Here in Revelation we see angels having water, fire, etc. under control.

The Creator allows so many contradictions and oppositions about Jesus and His Word in order to show everyone that no strength (whether physical, emotional or mental) it can destroy the kingdom of Jesus. It also shows that there is no possibility for anything to work unless it is strictly in accordance with Christ's will.

But after all, what is the purpose of the Revelation? It is certainly not to satisfy our curiosity about the future, but to reveal to everyone who is going through some kind of suffering that history is not out of control, but governed by the will of the Creator who wants to show, among other things, what is the world where He leaves everything in the hands of men so that they are free to do whatever they long for (in other words, a real hell).

However, the central message of the Revelation is that, no matter what human beings do or intend, the victory of Christ and His followers is certain. It is not in vain that John insists on emphasizing that Jesus is “the King of kings and Lord of lords” (Rev. 17:14; 19:16). He owns everything (Ps 24.1) and it was given to Him absolute control of everything (John 17.2; Eph 1.21-23), although this will only be seen after the last trumpet sounds (Rev 11.15).

Everything in the New Jerusalem is Christ:

 

•       The door (John 10.7);

•       The wall (Ps 46.1);

•       The foundation;

•       The adornment of the foundation (Rom 13.14; Col 3.14);

•       The street (John 14.6);

•       The buildings (1Cor 6.15);

•       The River of Life (John 7.37-39);

•       The Tree of Life (John 15.1).

 

We can draw a parallel between Genesis and Revelation:

 

GENESIS	APOCALYPSE
It starts with creation.	Ends with the new creation
Creation is crowned with the first Saturday	Closes with holy, full and perpetual rest for all (Heb 4.10.11).
The first Adam is created to be the head of fallen humanity	Ends with the second Adam as head of those who are born again
It begins with Eve, wife of the first Adam, the inciter of sin (1Tim 2.13,14) and, therefore, condemned and defiled.	Ends with the second Eva (the Lamb's Bride), exalted, holy and glorious
Human being is expelled from the garden and forbidden to have access to the tree of life	Human beings have full access to the River of Life and the True Vine without restrictions.
Earth is cursed	Earth is totally curse free
Ha-Satan is free to try and hurt	Ha-Satan is trapped in the lake of fire and sulfur forever
Here begins the crying, despair and death	No more death, weeping, clamor or pain

 

Differences between the first and the second paradise:

 

FIRST PARADISE	MILLENNIUM
Here you have paradise in a region of the earth	Here you have an entire city within paradise.
Only Adam and Eve enjoyed it	Millions and millions will have a share.
There was only one tree of life producing a kind of fruit	There will be a big Tree of life spread along the river of water of life, which produces twelve types of fruit throughout the year.
Ha-Satan can deceive those who believe.	Ha-Satan has no access

 

Many wonder if we will eat in heaven. Whereas our bodies will be Christ like (1Cor 15.48), we can certainly eat. Remember that Jesus ate (Lk 24.41-43; John 21.12-14), the angels ate with Abraham (Gen. 18: 6-8), the great meeting between Jesus and His people is described as the wedding supper of the Lamb (Rev 19.9) and Jesus said that He would taste the fruit of the vine again (Lk 22.15,16). However, this will not be a necessity.

In eternity, there is no need for a temple because there is no need for reconciliation. In the millennium, however, there will be a temple (only John didn’t see him - Rev 21.23).

It is opportune here to make it clear that, in the New Jerusalem after the millennium, nobody is about anyone else. There are no hierarchies, since the Eternal is everything in all (1Cor 15.28).

Regarding the New Jerusalem after the Last Judgment, we can say:

 

·       The fact that it is a city (Rev 21.2): it shows how to identify a people in harmony, stability and organic unity. There is mutual interest and companionship;

·       New heaven and new earth (Rev 21.1): a completely new source of life and foundation. Although Jesus is the essence of everything, His manifestation will be different;

·       The sea does not exist (Rev 21.1): there is no more condemnation, because there is no sin;

·       Holy City: (Rev 21.2) all are separated for the exclusive use of the Eternal;

·       Descends from the skies (Rev 21.2): it is a work done exclusively by the Creator;

·       Adorned as an adorned bride for her husband (Rev 21.2): the type of justice that is exercised in it is something that adorns those who submit to it. This gives the Church splendor, beauty, perfection, strength and greatness (Ezekiel 16.14):

o   Here is the tabernacle of the Creator with men, for He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and the same God will be with them, and He will be their God. (Rev 21.3): this shows the type of communion between the Creator and His people. It is not a matter of mere physical contact to carry out activities in exchange for blessings. Rather:

o   We can be the tabernacle of God with men, that is to say, we can and must be the place where Jesus meets whom He desires;

o   He promised to live with us (Matt 28.20; 1John 2.27), namely, to establish a relationship by loving us, comforting us, working His desire within us (Phil 2.12,13);

o   We can be His people (Ps 100.3), as long as we receive in us the image and likeness of the Creator that the human being lost when he sinned;

o   God himself can be with us, that is, who He really is, and not what we imagine or want Him to be. His presence is not meant to be symbolic, metaphorical or passive (just looking and doing nothing). He longs to teach us everything we need to know (Isaiah 48:17-19).

o   He can be our God, that is, our everything, exactly what our soul needs (Ps 37.4).

·       And God will wipe every tear from our eyes (Rev 21.4): the consolation will be perfect and complete, with the due clarification of everything;

·       and there will be no more death, nor weeping, nor outcry, nor pain (Rev 21.4): sin and its consequences have no more place and the body has no more perishable element. There will be no pain from illness or frustration. There will be no more condemnation from a curse to pressure conscience or pollute the soul;

·       because the first things are passed (Rev 21.4): all old works were destroyed by fire due to their imperfection. Even the knowledge of Christ that we have today will pass (1Cor 13.10);

·       Behold, I make all things new (Rev 21.5): its composition is completely new. Any help that is precious here will be unnecessary, because the handicaps here will disappear;

·       I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end (Rev 21.6): Jesus is the essence of everything in the city;

·       To whomever is thirsty, I will give it free of charge from the source of the water of life. (Rev 21.6): the provision of our needs is abundant, pure, perfect, eternal and free.

 

Differences between the New Jerusalem of Rev 21.9-Rev 22.6 and New Jerusalem of Rev 21.1-8 (the end of what used to be now):

 

Today's New Jerusalem (spiritually) and the Millennium (physically also - Rev 21.9-Rev 22.6)	New Jerusalem in Eternity (Rev 21.1-8)
There is an excellent security wall	No wall needed
There are doors for the entrance of the elected	Everyone has already entered. No door needed
There is no temple, for the Creator and the Lamb are the temple. In the millennium there will be a temple, but it will be outside the New Jerusalem.	New Jerusalem is the Creator's tabernacle with men
There are the people inside (the church), the Israelites around New Jerusalem and the nations.	There is only one people: the Creator's people.
There is sun and moon to illuminate the rest of the nations.	There's a new sky, no sun, moon or stars
There are leaves of the tree of life for healing the nations.	There is no more death, weeping, outcry, nor pain.
Adorned with gold, precious stones and pearls.	Adorned as a bride for her husband.
Immune against evil.	The evil is over.
The physical sea will be purified, making it possible to drink from its waters.	The sea that exists above the firmament will be extinguished

 

To summarize what now exists and will no longer exist in eternity:

 

•       Sea;

•       Death;

•       Ache;

•       Night;

•       Sin;

•       Curse.

 

There is a strong connection between chapters 20 and 21 of Revelation. After all, both mention:

 

•       "sky and earth" (Rev 20:11; 21: 1).

•       "sea" (Rev 20:13; 21: 1),

•       "book of the life" (Rev 20:12; 21:17);

•       God's "throne" (Rev 20:11; 21: 3);

•       "second death" (Rev 20:14; 21: 8);

•       "lake of fire" (Rev 20:15; 21: 8).

 

Chapters 21 and 22 of Revelation are the most important in the book. They show the Creator's eternal goal: that of personally dwelling with the humanity that He created (see Exo 19.6; Rev 21.3.4).

John's reason for citing the twelve tribes of Israel (Rev 21.12) and then the twelve apostles (Rev 21.14) confirms that the New Jerusalem is not something completely new, but a continuation of a tremendous plan that began in eternity (1Peter 1.20; Rev 13.8; 17.8), passed through Israel, the twelve apostles and will continue for eternity (confirming Rom 11.29).

The Creator and the Lamb are connected to the Church in seven ways:

 

·       The Church is the Bride of the Lamb (Rev 21.9);

·       On each foundation will be the name of an apostle of the Lamb (Rev 21.14);

·       The Creator and the Lamb are the Church's temple (Rev 21.22). To be more exact:

o   in the current dispensation, the Church is the temple of the Holy Spirit (1Cor 3.16; 6.19; 2Cor 6.16), but it also has the Creator as a temple, spiritually speaking;

o   in the millennium, the Creator and the Lamb are the temple of the Church physically;

o   in eternity, the Church is the temple of the Creator and the Lamb, but it also has the Creator as a temple, physically speaking;

·       The Creator and the Lamb are the light of the Church (Isaiah 60.19; Rev 21.23; 22.5);

·       Only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life enter the Church (Rev 21.27);

·       In the Church is the throne of the Creator and the Lamb (Rev 22.3);

·       From the throne in the Church flows the River of Life (Rev 22.1).

 

The presence of the Church as the temple of the Creator in this world had been prophesied (Isaiah 37.26,27). But, what does it mean (1Cor 3.16; 6.19; 2Cor 6.16)? It means that only in it is the presence of the Creator possible to be experienced (see Isaiah 45.14; 1Cor 14.25).

The focus of Christ's followers is not just heaven (where the fullness of the Creator's presence dwells), but also the heavenly city, which is not a collection of buildings with public services and empty houses, but the life of true worshipers.

In fact, it is now clear why true worshipers worship in spirit: because the worship of the true convert is not to exalt Jesus in front of people physically, but to be used by Jesus to build spiritual values ​​in each other's lives. Even the fact that we are dead to the world (Gal 6.14; Col 3.3) indicates that the goal is not to improve the world, but to encourage those who believe to leave it in order to have their interiors prepared for the coming of Christ. In other words, the objective is not only to make a difference before the eyes of the world, but to make people see the sky as a new and pleasant reality.

Compare New Jerusalem with Greater Babylon:

 

Great Babylon	New Jerusalem
It has written on her forehead "Babylon the Great, the mother of harlots and the abominations of the land".	It has written on the forehead the name of the Father and the Son (Rev 14.1)
She dominates over the kings of the earth. It is not the king who leads the people, but she who leads them (Rev. 17.18).	Descends from the sky (humbles himself in order to serve). However, it does this on the part of the Creator, that is, without ceasing to subject the earth (Gen. 1.28) to the Lord Jesus.
Drunk all the inhabitants of the land with the wine of the fury of her prostitution (Rev 18.3);	It serves as a refuge for the oppressed of the Creator's people (Isaiah 14.32).
Beast City (pack animal or horse)	Lamb City (Jesus is represented as a friendly animal).
Never have true peace (Isaiah 57.19-21; although many think so – 1Thess 5.3). Its end is eternal torment (Isaiah 66.24; Rev 14.10.11), which is symbolized by Sodom (Gen. 19.29) and Edom (Isaiah 34.9.10)	There is no more oppression, namely, death, weeping, clamor and pain (Rev 21.4).

 

All of this comes to teach us that there is no escape from worship: or we will be worshiping the Creator in spirit (John 4.23,24) in the New Jerusalem, or we will be praising man and his technology in the flesh, along with Great Babylon and Ha-Satan.

Think: it’s doable:

 

·       someone be more or less winner?

·       a woman to be more or less a virgin?

·       a note be more or less false?

 

Hence the message behind the seven letters: to urge members to decide whether they would be part of the worship of the Great Whore or the Bride of the Lamb.

Just like eight of the ten commandments are negative (you will not kill, you will not adulterate, etc.), to describe the New Jerusalem John uses seven “noes”:

 

(1) there will be no more sea (Rev 21: 1);

(2) there will be no more death, tears, mourn, cry or pain (Rev 21.4);

(3) there will be no more temple (Rev 21.22);

(4) there will be no more need for the sun or the moon (Rev. 21:23; 22: 5);

(5) there will be no night. The doors never will be closed (Rev. 21:25; 22: 5);

(6) there will be no more sin (Rev 21:27);

(7) there will be no more curse (Rev 22: 3).

 

If, on the one hand, the greatest human error was to want to have knowledge of good and evil (Gen. 2.17), now what they most want is that all evil be exterminated. In other words, what the human being without Christ most seeks today, is exactly what they once had: knowledge only of the good. Now they have to fight something that was not even supposed to exist.

Have you noticed that the excluded from the Bride (Rev 22.15) are they exactly those who have the characteristics or attributes of the Whore?

 

FEATURES	LAMB BRIDE	GREAT WHORE
Filth	Rev 21.27	Rev 18.2
Abomination	Rev 21.8.27	Rev 17.4.5
Fornication	Rev 21.8	Rev 17: 1, 2, 5, 15, 16; 18: 3
Witchcraft	Rev 21.8	Rev 18.23
Idolatry	Rev 21.8	Rev 19.20
Lie	Rev 21.8	Rev 19.20
Murder	Rev 21.8	Ap 17.6; 18.24

 

Why is Greater Babylon called a harlot? Because, when sinning, what she did was to seek the solution outside of the relationship with the Creator, in people who have nothing in Him (John 14.30; 1Cor 6.4).

Here it is clear that sin is grounded in lies (this includes lack of information - 2Cor 4.3.4) and it does not aim only at wrong attitudes, but to corrupt the type of relationship of human beings with each other and with the Creator, as well as making alliances without His consent (Isaiah 2.6; 30.1).

It is also worth noting that:

 

• Ap 22.15 mentions 6 classes of losers;
• Ap 2 and 3 mentions 7 classes of winners;
• Ap 21.8 mentions 8 classes of losers.

 

Peradventure is there not an association?

 

SIN	PROMISE TO THE WINNER OF THE CHURCH OF	REASON
Cowardice	Smyrna (Rev. 2.10)	Fear of suffering and death (hence Jesus saying: Fear not)
Abomination	Laodicea (Rev 3.19)	Has no zeal
Fornication	Ephesus (Rev 2.4)	Abandoned first love
Witchcraft	Thyatira (Rev 3.20)	If you say prophesy, teach and mislead
Idolatry (unholy alliance)	Pergamon (Rev 3.14)	Balaam Award
Lie	Sardis (Rev 3.1)	Has a name that lives, but is dead
Unbelief	Philadelphia (Rev 3.8)	You have little strength (Rom 14.1)

 

A parallel can be drawn between the description of New Jerusalem and the fall of Greater Babylon:

 

Great Babylon	New Jerusalem
Great Babylon fell (Rev 18.2)	New Jerusalem was placed on a high mountain (Rev 21.9) that will fill the whole earth (Dan 2.35).
It has become the home of demons, and the lair of every filthy and hateful spirit.(Rev 18.2)	It is the home of the Creator and the Lamb (Rev 22.1.3).
Hideout of every filthy and hateful bird (Rev 18.2)	Nothing filthy enters it (Rev 21.27).
All nations drank the wine of the wrath of their prostitution (Rev 18.3).	Drink from the pure River of the Water of Life (Rev 22.1).
The kings of the land prostituted themselves with it; and the merchants of the land were enriched by the abundance of their delights (Rev 18.3). Her husband is not even mentioned.	It serves only the King of kings. Nations bring its honor and wealth (Rev 21.24,26).
Get out of it, my people (Rev 18.4).	And the Spirit and the wife say, Come. And whoever hears, say: Come. And whoever is thirsty, come; and whoever wants, take the water of life for free.(Rev 22.17).
Don't be a partaker of her sins (Rev 18.4).	Blessed are those who are called to the wedding supper of the Lamb. (Rev 19.9).
Don't incur her plagues (Rev 18.4). Such will receive back, double(Rev 18.6) and in one day (Rev 18.8,10), all the harm that they did to others.	Because the first heaven and the first earth have passed (Rev 21.1). Behold, I make all things new.(Rev 21.5).
Because your sins have already accumulated up to heaven (Rev 18.5).	The new Jerusalem, which was descending from God from heaven, addressed as a wife adorned for her husband (Rev 21.2).
And the kings of the land, who prostituted themselves with her, and lived in delight, will weep and mourn over her. (Rev 18.9) together with the merchants of the land (Rev 18.11,15,18,19).	God will wipe every tear from your eyes; and there will be no more death, nor weeping, nor outcry, nor pain (Rev 21.4).
She was stripped of all ornament and preciousness (Rev 18: 12-14,16).	She was dressed in the righteous acts of the saints (Rev 19.7.8).
The voice of harpists and musicians and flutists and trumpeters will no longer be heard (Rev 21.22).	Those who came out victorious over the beast, and its image, and its sign, and the number of its name, which were by the sea of ​​glass, and had the harps of God. And they sang the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb (Rev 15.2,3).
Candlelight will no longer shine on you (Rev 21.23).	And the city does not need sun or moon, so that it may shine in her, because the glory of God has illuminated her, and the Lamb is her lamp. (Rev 21.23).
Voice of husband and wife will no longer be heard in her (Rev 21.23).	Let us rejoice and enjoy and give Him glory; because the Lamb's wedding is coming, and his wife has already got ready (Rev 19.7).
In it was found the blood of the prophets, and of the saints, and of all those who were killed on the earth (Rev 18.24).	Here is the tabernacle of God with men, for He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and the same God will be with them, and He will be their God. (Rev 21.3).
Corrupted the land with her prostitution (Rev 19.2).	And I saw thrones; and they sat on them, and they were given the power to judge; and I saw the souls of those who were beheaded by the testimony of Jesus, and by the word of God, and who did not worship the beast, nor its image, and did not receive the mark on their foreheads or in their hands; and lived, and reigned with Christ for a thousand years.(Rev 20.4).
What city is similar to this great city? (Rev. 18.18)	New Jerusalem measured twelve thousand stadiums, as if making Great Babylon look like a toy (Rev 21.16)
All the pilot, and all who sail in ships, and all the sailor, and all who negotiate at sea have set themselves afar (Rev 18.17).	And the nations will walk in its light; and the kings of the earth will bring her glory and honor to her. And to her they will bring the glory and honor of the nations.(Rev 21.24,26).
It will never be found (Rev 18.21).	He took me in spirit to a great and high mountain (Ezek 40.2), and showed me the great city, holy Jerusalem (Rev 21.10).

 

John uses the number twelve seven times in Rev 21 and once in Rev 22:

 

·       Twelve Doors (Rev 21.12);

·       Twelve pearls (Rev 21.21);

·       Twelve Angels (Rev 21.12);

·       Twelve tribes of Israel (Rev 21.12);

·       Twelve fundamentals (Rev 21.14);

·       Twelve Apostles of the Lamb (Rev 21.14);

·       Twelve thousand stadiums (Rev 21.16);

·       Twelve fruits that the tree of life produces (Rev 22.2)

 

The magnificence of the New Jerusalem shows that its glory will be greater than that of Eden. After all, the Creator's power is perfected in weakness (2Cor 12.9.10) and where sin abound the grace did much more abound (Rom 5.20).

The question comes: why such a big city since many are called and few are chosen (Matt 20.16; 22.14)? One reason is for nations to feel unworthy and miserable for taking what the world considered their wealth, glory and honor.(Isaiah 60.10.11; Rev 21.24.26).

Another is so that we can realize how mediocre our perception of greatness is. Due to the scarcity and limitations to which everyone is subjected, we are so resigned to the miseries of this world that such a big city seems unthinkable. Yet the Creator supplies our needs according to His riches (Phil 4.19), and not according to the smallness of our mind or the mediocrity of our heart.

In the present dispensation, the Holy Spirit dwells in everyone who believes in the midst of this world. In the millennium, those who believe will live in the Creator (Rev 21.22), what makes the New Jerusalem (Church) an immense temple. No matter where you go, to be within her and to be within the Creator Himself.

After the millennium the Creator will be in the Church, which will be all over the world (and not just in Jerusalem). This teaches us that heaven is not only our destiny, but, above all, our motivation to live. Notice how the knowledge of such a reality completely changed Abraham's way of life (Heb 11.10, 13-16).

Each part of the New Jerusalem implies a characteristic that every member of the Church must have:

 

·       The city (their constructions) of pure gold, similar to pure glass. (Rev 21.18) - Relationships must be built with individuals who fear the Word of the Creator and His love (Prov 2.3-5; 3.13-15; 23.23; Mal 3.2-3). No building life with bad and adulterous people (1Cor 3.12-15; see Matt 12.39; 16.4).

·       The city street of pure gold, like clear glass. (Rev 21.21) - Our life must make people's walk pure (Jo 13.14) and right (Prov 4.26,27; Heb 12.13).

·       In the middle of the square was the tree of life (Rev 22.2) - We must be the place where individuals can find rest (Isaiah 14.32), healing and spiritual food;

·       Wall was big and jasper (Rev 21.18)- symbolizes vigilance over the Creator's flock. Each member must ensure that everyone's eyes remain fixed on Jesus and the things above (Matt 24.42-45; Mark 13.33-37; Col 3.1.2; Heb 12.1.2).

·       Each door was a pearl (Rev 21.21) - each convert must be a call from Christ in the lives of others, so that love, care and zeal for Him leads others to enter the Kingdom of the Creator.

·       Foundations of the city wall were precious stones and were adorned with all the precious stone (Rev 21.19) - We must support each other's lives (Eph 4.2; Col 3.13) and dress one another up with the Creator's justice.

 

Features of New Jerusalem:

 

·       Heavenly: " And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife."(Rev 21.9);

·       Divine: “Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;” (Rev 21.11);

·       Safe: " And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:" (Rev 21.12);

·       Precise: " And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof" (Rev 21.15);

·       Symmetrical: “And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.” (Rev 21.16);

·       Wide: "... And he measured the city with his cane up to twelve thousand stadiums ..." (Rev 21.16);

·       Valuable: “And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass. And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones…” (Rev 21.18.19).

 

Features of the Revelation:

 

1)  Source of inspiration: Jesus (Rev 22.6);

2)  Goal: preparing His servants for the things that must happen soon (Rev 22.6);

3)  Central message of the book: Jesus (His glory, power, message, Bride, victory, wrath, worship);

4)  How the revelation was given: through an angel (Rev 22.6)

5)  To whom the revelation was given: John, a witness who experienced (saw and heard) all;

6)  Initial recipient: to the seven groups of Jesus followers in Asia (Rev 1.4).

Revelation is the book of Christ's victory. All the events described on the seals, trumpets, bowls, beast, false prophet, mark of the beast and Great Babylon represent Christ's punishment for a corrupt, selfish and false world.

To be more exact:

 

·       Beast of the sea, beast of the abyss, false prophet, mark of the beast and Great Babylon are the instrument of the Creator to fill the measure of the sins of the world (Gen. 15.16), so that they accumulate up to the heaven (1Thess 2.16) and, so, they can be ready to be condemned (2Thess 2.9-12);

·       Seals and vials are the judgment;

·       Trumpets are the warning to the Church to leave Great Babylon in order not to be an accomplice in her sins and not participate in her scourges (Rev 18.4).

 

As for the victory won by Jesus:

 

·       People will be judged by their works (Rom 2.6; Heb 10.30; Rev. 22.12); by the work of Christ the Church will be saved;

·       Through the blood of the Lamb the individual enters New Jerusalem through the doors (Rev 22.14);

·       Only those washed in the Lamb's blood beat Ha-Satan (Rev. 12.11), eat from the Tree of Life and enter the city through the door (Rev 22.14).

·       The Church takes with herself the works of Christ into the presence of Jesus; the wicked take their works into the Sheol (Rev 14.13);

 

Briefly, in relation to the New Jerusalem:

 

·       The city is the throne of the Creator (Rev 22.1.3);

·       The Eternal is the sanctuary of this city (Rev 21.22).

·       The Lamb will be the lamp of this city (Rev 22.5).

·       Its architect and founder is the Creator (Heb 11.10, 13-16).

 

When the Eternal brings fire down from heaven to consume His enemies (Rev 20.9), Ha-Satan will be cast into the lake of fire and sulfur (Rev 20.10) and the Great White Throne will be established. At this moment, earth and heavens will flee from the presence of the Eternal, so that everyone's judgment takes place in space (Rev 20.11).

That is, as it will happen at the coming of Christ (described in Isaiah 65.17; 66.22), will occur again at the Final Judgment. However, there are some differences:

 

IN THE MILLENNIUM	IN ETERNITY
the three heavens and the earth will be recreated (Isaiah 65.17; 66.22). There will continue to be three heavens: o   the Eternal and the angels dwell in the third heaven; o   demons are trapped in the second heaven during the millennium;	After the final judgment there will be only one heaven and one earth (Rev 21.1), since, now, the Eternal will be all in all dwelling with the angels in this completely transformed Earth (1Cor 15.28).
In the millennium the sea is not destroyed. It just has, for the most part, its characteristics changed (Ezek 47.8-10).	After the Final Judgment the sea above the firmament will no longer exist (Rev 21.1).
In the millennium there will be the temple of Ezekiel, which will be in Jerusalem (not in New Jerusalem, but in the city of Jerusalem that will remain in the territory destined for Israel). To be more exact: the Israelites will camp around the New Jerusalem which, as a whole, will be a sanctuary for the Eternal (Rev 21) (remembering what happened in the tabernacle when the tribe of Levi camped around. However, one of these cities in Israel will be Jerusalem, where the nations must go to at the feast of tabernacles (Zech 14: 14-21).	There will be no temple.
Israel's posterity (as well as their name) will be before the Eternal (Isaiah 66.22) and all flesh will celebrate the feast of the new moon and the Saturday (Isaiah 66.23).	After the final judgment there will be no more sacred rituals.

 

Understand: when Jesus comes and snatches the Church, the non-Israelites who convert will bring the foolish virgins (the Israelites who will be converted after the rapture) on their lap and dandle them on their knees (Isaiah 66.12). In Jerusalem they will be comforted (Isaiah 66.13).

Amid all the persecution promoted by the antichrist, Jesus will be indignant (Isaiah 66.14) and then he will come with fire to turn his anger into fury, and his rebuke into flames of fire (Isaiah 66.15). After all, with fire and with His sword, Jesus will go to judgment with all flesh (Isaiah 66.16). Hence Jesus used Ha-Satan, the beast and the false prophet to bring all nations and languages ​​together (Rev 16.13,14).

Non-Jews who convert (the sheep of Matt 25.34) will be sent to the most distant places on earth so that the earth may be filled with the glory of the Eternal (Habakkuk 2.14; Isaiah 11.9; Isaiah 66.19). Some, however, will be taken by priests and Levites (Isaiah 66.21) when they bring the Israelites home (Isaiah 66.20).

After the battle of Armageddon, birds will have enough of the meat of the anti-messiah army (Rev 19.17.18), Jesus will separate the goats from the sheep and send the goats straight to the lake of fire and sulfur (Matt 25.41,46). After that, the fire will burn the earth with the works that are in them. However, the bones of the anti-messiah army will not be destroyed. They will all be buried in the Gog’s Valley (also known as Valley of Hinon - Ezek 39.15), where an eternal fire will be burning these bones (Isaiah 66.24). Every time they leave Jerusalem, individuals will see this.

After the millennium, Satan will be released and will seduce everyone who was born in the millennium. Thousands will be seduced and burned by fire from heaven (Rev 20.9). After that, Ha-Satan will be cast into the lake of fire and sulfur (Rev 20.10). Then comes the Great White Throne, from whose presence heaven and earth flees, being impossible to find a place for them (Rev 20.11) (the impression is that everything in the sky is falling - Isaiah 34.4). Therefore, the Last Judgment will take place in space, since everyone was here on this earth when Ha-Satan’s rebellion occurred (Rev. 20: 7-9).

That is, they wander through space burning with that fire that came down from the sky (this fire grows little by little until it burns all the existing physical elements, both in heaven and on earth (repeating 2Peter 3.10-12). Ultimately, heaven and earth will, after all, be completely shaken (as promised in Haggai 2.6; Hebrew 12.26-28).

However, before everything is burnt, the sea gives the dead who are in it (with the destruction of the land, all the bones buried in it end up in the sea) (it is good to remember that the sea is a symbol of chaos in the creation of the world, as well as of the powers that oppose the Eternal - see Gen 1.2). The skies also merge into one.

After finishing the judgment of the Great White Throne (which takes place in space), a new heaven appears exactly in the place where Jesus and all His people are (by this time all the wicked have been cast into the lake of fire and sulfur), formed from the skies that once existed (note how heaven and earth will be changed like clothing - Psalms 102.25.26; Heb 1.12). The land, after being completely burned, is remade and then the New Jerusalem (the church) go down to earth. This is how heaven and earth will pass (Matt 24.35).

But, what is the idea that is conveyed by the word “heaven”?

 

·       If we are tired, the heaven symbolizes rest;

·       If we are sick, heaven symbolizes health;

·       If we are in sin, heaven symbolizes holiness;

·       If we are lonely, the heaven symbolizes communion.

 

The sky is seen by each one according to their needs.

 

• " And I saw a new heaven and a new earth. For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. And the sea no longer is." (Rev 21.1).

 

The world started with one paradise and will end in another more excellent.

After the final judgment, fire will destroy heaven and Earth that now exist (2Peter 3.10-12) and then there will be only one heaven (there are currently three - see 2Cor 12.2) and the Earth that now exists. It is not a new world built from nothing, but this world made new. It is not a new creation, but the redemption of creation (Rom. 8.19-22) and restoration of all things (Acts 3.21), as well as individuals will be renewed in the spirit of their understanding.

However, since there will be no more evil imagination in the hearts (Gen. 8.21), there will no longer be a need for the sea above the firmament to flood the land with a deluge. Also, note that only on the second day (when this sea above the firmament was established) it is not reported that the Eternal saw that what He did was good (Gen. 1.6-8).

Understand: the sea is mentioned in several passages about the millennium (Psalms 72: 8; Isaiah 11: 9,11; Ezek 47: 10,15,17-18,20; Ezek 48:28; Zech 9:10; Zech 14: 8) and is often associated with the wicked (Isaiah 57.20; Ps 89.9).

The sea, having been an instrument of death (on the occasion of the flood), the most logical is that it no longer exists. In this way, we can learn that, since in the end everything that divides, separates or causes death will be annihilated, nothing wiser than to renounce these things from now.

And the vision was so real for John that he says “the sea no longer exists”, showing that he was living this reality.

The great gift is to know that there is a place for those who believe and desire the Creator's justice (Isaiah 54.13,14; 60.21; 2Peter 3.13). It would be of little use to have the sky if the human being were simply to pass through it. The good thing is to be part of the sky or, if you prefer, to have the sky present within you. Otherwise, the same thing that happened with Ha-Satan will happen: "... it has not established itself in the truth because there is no truth in it ..." (John 8.44).

The new heaven (namely, the one we are in) it will be new because, now, without illness, death and tiredness, there will be no more need to measure time (see Gen. 1.14). Hence, in eternity, there is no night (Rev 21.25), since the same God will be there.

When the Eternal finished the recreation of heaven and earth, He concluded that everything was “very good” (Gen. 1.31). However, in what man sinned, death entered the world and corrupted everything. Hence the land needs to be completely redone. However, it is good to note that in Genesis 1 the emphasis is on re-creating the world (Gen. 1.2-31). Here, the emphasis is on New Jerusalem, which is from above (Gal 4.26), being our hope (Heb 12.22) and real citizenship (Phil 3.20).

Detail: the division “heaven”, “land” and “sea” implies the entire land.

As for the expression “And I saw”, it is used to introduce a new view. It occurs in:

 

·       “And around the throne I saw twenty-four thrones. And on the thrones I saw twenty-four elders sitting, clothed in white clothing. And they had crowns of gold on their heads.” (Revelation 4.4).

·       "And I saw a book on the right of Him sitting on the throne, written inside and on the back, sealed with seven seals."(Revelation 5.1).

·       “And I saw a mighty angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book and to loosen its seals?” (Revelation 5.2)

·       “And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God. And he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,” (Revelation 7.2).

·       "And I saw the seven angels who stood before God, and seven trumpets were given to them." (Revelation 8.2).

·       “And the fifth angel sounded. And I saw a star fall from the heaven to the earth, and it was given the key of the abyss.” (Revelation 9.1).

·       “And I saw another mighty angel coming down out of the heaven, clothed with a cloud. And a rainbow was on his head, and his face was as the sun, and his feet like pillars of fire.” (Revelation 10.1)

·       "And I stood on the sand of the sea, and I saw a beast coming up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns. And on its horns were ten crowns, and on its heads was the name of blasphemy." (Revelation 13.1).

·       “And I saw one of its heads as having been slain to death, and its deadly wound was healed. And all the earth marveled after the beast.” (Revelation 13.3)

·       “And I saw another beast coming up out of the earth. And it had two horns like a lamb, and he spoke like a dragon.” (Revelation 13.11).

·       " And I saw another angel flying in mid-heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach to those dwelling on the earth, even to every nation and kindred and tongue and people," (Revelation 14.6).

·       “And I saw another sign in Heaven, great and marvelous: seven angels with the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.” (Revelation 15.1)

·       “And I saw as it were a sea of glass mingled with fire. And those who had gotten the victory over the beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God.” (Revelation 15.2).

·       "And he carried me away into a desert by the Spirit. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet-colored beast, filled with names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns." (Revelation 17.3).

·       “And I saw the woman drunk with the blood of the saints and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus. And when I saw her, I marveled with a great marveling.” (Revelation 17.6).

·       “And I saw Heaven opened. And behold, a white horse! And He sitting on him was called Faithful and True. And in righteousness He judges and makes war.” (Revelation 19.11).

·       “And I saw one angel standing in the sun. And he cried with a great voice, saying to all the birds that fly in mid-heaven, Come and gather together to the supper of the great God,” (Revelation 19:17).

·       "And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth and their armies, being gathered to make war against Him who sat on the horse, and against His army." (Revelation 19.19).

·       "And I saw an angel come down from Heaven, having the key of the abyss and a great chain in his hand." (Revelation 20.1).

·       “And I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for the witness of Jesus and for the Word of God, and who had not worshiped the beast nor his image, nor had received his mark on their foreheads, nor in their hands. And they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years.” (Revelation 20.4)

·       “And I saw a great white throne, and Him sitting on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away. And a place was not found for them.” (Revelation 20.11)

·       “And I saw the dead, the small and the great, stand before God. And books were opened, and another book was opened, which is the Book of Life. And the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” (Revelation 20.12).

·       “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth. For the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. And the sea no longer is.” (Revelation 21.1).

 

• "And I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down from God out of Heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her Husband." (Rev 21.2).

 

The expression “that comes down from heaven” is so striking that John quotes it three times (Rev 3.12; 21.2; 21.10). But what did John mean when he said that the New Jerusalem comes down from heaven (Rev 3.12)? Once the new heaven had already been created, New Jerusalem soon descended from this new heaven.

It is true that the New Jerusalem is from above (Gal 4.26) heavenly (Php 3.20; Heb 12.22), which is our true city (Heb 11.10; 12.22; 13.14), whose maker and builder is the Eternal (Heb 11.10,13,16). However, it must be made clear, first of all, that the New Jerusalem is not made up of buildings and constructions, but of individuals (Rev 21.9).

Individuals whose faith has been tested are each one precious stone (see 1Peter 1.6,7). After all, for the Eternal, it is no job to do material things. However, working His love in a sinful life requires patience and time (see Isaiah 43.23,24). It is something that He cannot achieve in a snap.

After the fire consumes the rebels and Ha-Satan is thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur, the 1st heaven and earth will flee.

Therefore, the Church (New Jerusalem) descending from heaven is symbolic, to show that the true Church does not spring from the earth by man's will or effort (John 1:12,13), but from the Creator, since every good gift and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights (James 1.16.17). It is not a religion, from which it is said: “Lo, here is Christ! Or, There!” (as Jesus said it would happen in our day - Matt 24.23), but something built by Jesus Himself (Matt 16.18).

Therefore, the work that the Creator requires of the Church is to believe in Jesus (John 6.28,29), to the point of standing firmly suffering the pains of Christ internally (Phil 1.29; Col 1.24) until He is begotten in the lives of the individuals He placed within the Church as virgins (Gal 4.19; 2Cor 11.2). However, notice how the Bride was dressed in white robes (Rev 19.8) and has no spot, no wrinkle, or anything similar (Eph. 5: 25-27). Not to mention that she is an adorned bride for her Groom.

Of course, there is a spiritual side to everything, but surely the Bride of Christ will not be a monster on the outside. There is no doubt that the Church is constituted by an inner beauty that is manifested externally. New Jerusalem is a holy city (Isaiah 52.1), because only the Creator will use it.

Detail: the term “holy city” was already applied to earthly Jerusalem:

 

·       Holy city - “Then the Devil took Him up into the holy city and set Him upon a pinnacle of the Temple,” (Matt 4.5).

·       "and coming out of the tomb after His resurrection they went into the holy city and appeared to many." (Matt 27.53).

 

Unlike Genesis 2 and 3, where what characterized paradise was the absence of sin and its consequences, in the New Jerusalem (Gal 4.26; Heb 12.22; Rev. 3.12) it is the people who will be the Creator's paradise to fill, not just a small garden, but the whole earth. In other words, Eden was a perfect little place for man; the New Jerusalem after the millennium is the perfect human being in every time and place, a transformer of realities (Isaiah 58.12).

While the garden of Eden was dressed by the Creator himself without any effort or pain in man (Gen 2.8), the New Jerusalem is built with the blood of the saints (Rev 7.14; 12.11; 20.4), amid labor pains (Rev 12.2), following the model of the cornerstone (1Peter 2.21-24). To be more precise, it is not an abstinence from sin, but a victory over sin (it is a Church that, although it started engulfed by sin, by the blood of Jesus managed to eliminate it from his soul). In other words, the New Jerusalem is stronger because, considering that after having contact with all the devices of Ha-Satan she preferred Jesus, then there is no more room to tempt her.

Note that the Creator dressed the New Jerusalem in beautiful garments (Isaiah 52.1), robes of salvation:

 

·       “I will rejoice greatly in the Lord, my soul will rejoice in my God; because he dressed me in clothes of salvation, he covered me with the robe of justice, like a bridegroom adorns himself with a priestly turban, and like a bride who adorns herself with her jewels.” (Isaiah 61.10).

 

Now, for someone to be saved it is because he was once lost. The Church is clothed with the righteous acts of the saints in response to what they see in it (Rev 19.7,8; 2Cor 9.12-14) and is covered with the robe of His justice. This reminds:

 

·       When a priest married. His priestly turban was an honor for the bride. In what Adam sinned, he stopped hearing the Creator's voice to hear the voice of a mere human being. Now, the priesthood was the way to hide his nakedness from love and wisdom;

·       When a bride got married. Her jewelry was a symbol of beauty. This is because, once Eva sinned, she lost all of her natural beauty and, now, she needed something so that no one would notice her nakedness of character.

 

In the New Jerusalem, however, its external beauty was a result of the beauty that the Creator worked within (Ezek 16.14), namely, to fact of being a holy city (Isaiah 52.1), that is, that who is used only by the Creator. The Creator's goal is to create a family (Mal 2.15), a people only His (Isaiah 7.14; Jer 11.4; 30.21.22; Ezek 36.28; Zechariah 8.8).

But, what is a family? A group of people who have everything in common (Acts 4.32), among other things, the same way of thinking and feeling (Acts 4.32; 1Cor 1.10; Phil 4.2).

Many think of New Jerusalem as the restored paradise of Eden. However, there is some difference.

In Eden, man was simply placed there without any effort or pain. Even the garden that he should keep and plow (Gen. 2.15), such work was carried out by the Eternal (Gen 2.9).

The man only needed to have a relationship with what the Eternal created and He would be in charge of expanding the garden insofar as new children would caoe into the world.

In New Jerusalem, it is no longer a garden, but a city. Built with much more valuable, magnificent and glorious materials. After all, while Eden was made of mere combined chemical elements, New Jerusalem is made of living stones that were laboriously worked on by the Eternal (Matt 16.18) depending on the cornerstone model. That is, one by one it was prepared through struggles and pains from the love of the Eternal acting in each heart to be able to fit perfectly in the eternal building destined to it (hence 1Peter 1.6,7).

Likewise, the Eternal today dresses His Church with His salvation and covers it with His justice.

That is, while in Eden man was created as pure as other things, the New Jerusalem is the result of a whole experience. It is not something that can be bought ready in a supermarket or that comes out of nowhere, but something that contains within itself a whole history of the work of the Eternal.

Unlike Genesis 2 and 3, where what characterized paradise was the absence of sin and its consequences, in the New Jerusalem (Gal 4.26; Heb 12.22; Rev. 3.12) the individuals that compose her will be the paradise of the Eternal to fill, not only a small garden, but the whole earth.

In fact, this is why those who came from the Great Tribulation are seen separate from the New Jerusalem: because they were not worked in the same way as the Church.

A difference to be made. In the millennium, Jerusalem will be the capital (see Isaiah 52.1; 54.5; Jer 31.33; Zechariah 8.8). The New Jerusalem is the tabernacle of the Eternal with the Israelites (Lev 26.11,12; Ezek 37,27), that is, the group of all who believed in Jesus before the rapture, each adorned with the salvation and justice of the Eternal. None of them have a temple to worship the Eternal, because they are in constant and direct communion with the Creator at all times, always getting more and more sacred (Rev 21.22). And this is what makes them a tabernacle for the rest of the world. Although Israel has a physical temple, it basically serves to offer sacrifices.

 

• “And I heard a great voice out of Heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.” (Rev 21.3).

 

"And God Himself will be with them". Who said that? A voice from the Creator's throne (unfortunately there are version that are not so specific. It says it came from heaven). In other words, it is a voice that could be fully trusted. Its basis was in the Creator's reign over everything and everyone, confirming that He is sovereign and that whoever believes will undoubtedly be with the Creator for all eternity.

In Revelation 11.19, 15.5 it was announced that the Ark of the Covenant (the Church, the tabernacle of witness) was in the heavenly temple. Here she is with all the men.

The true beauty of the Church is the result of the presence of the Creator dwelling among His people (Isaiah 60.1,2.19; 62.11) and answering your prayers (Isaiah 65.24). Hence the city receives a new name (Isaiah 62.2).

In other words, the Church is more than a mere gathering of believers; it is the Creator's full communion with the human being, so that this is His people and He can be their God.

The fact that the Church is compared to the tabernacle is because it recalls the time when the Creator performed many signs in the midst of the wild desert, in which Greater Babylon is (Rev. 17.3). This tabernacle in the desert points to what the Eternal will do in the millennium through His Church in relation to Israel.

Furthermore, this tabernacle was a model of what existed in heaven (Exodus 25.9; Heb 8.5). So much so that, four times in Revelation, there is said to be a tabernacle (or temple, depending on version) in the heaven (Rev 11.19; 13.6; 15.5; 21.3), as well as in Hebrews (Heb 9.23,24), where it is said that the model of heavenly things was "purified" with the blood of bulls and goats (Heb 9:23). The New Jerusalem (The church), on the other hand, has her conscience purified by the blood of Christ (Heb 9:14).

Throughout the Holy Scripture, it has always been apparent that Jerusalem and its temple (or tabernacle) were never the place of the Creator's dwelling (they were just a place of His visitation). So much that:

 

·       Jesus said that Jerusalem would be deserted (Matt 23.38);

·       Our homeland is heavenly (Gal 4.24-26; Php 3.20; Heb 11.8-10,13-16; 12.22.23);

·       We are the Creator's temple (1Cor 3.16; 6.19; 2Cor 6.16; Eph 2.19-21).

 

However, the tabernacle illustrates the Eternal's way of using the Church much better than the temple, since the tabernacle is moveable. The project of the Eternal, in the beginning, was not that everyone would come to Him in a certain place, but that His kingdom of priests (Exodus 19.6) move around the world (see Gen. 1.28) as it is with the Church (Matt 28.19; Mark 16.15).

Just think of the tabernacle being set up and taken down during the pilgrimage of the people of Israel through the desert (guided by the cloud and column of fire - Num 9.17-23), as well as Israel's camping around the tabernacle (Lev 2 and 3).

In fact, this was already an illustration of what will happen in the millennium, when all the tribes of Israel will be around New Jerusalem.

Furthermore, the tabernacle of the Testament of the Law was a figure of the incarnation of Christ (He “tabernacled” between us) and what will happen in the millennium, when Jesus will permanently go to “tabernacle” among His people (see Ezek 43.7; Rev. 7.15) and no longer in the weakness of the flesh, but in the fullness of His divinity (see Rev 22.4), such as His name (Emmanuel) prophesies (Matt 1.23).

The word will “inhabit” remembers:

 

1.  The Creator promising to dwell in the midst of Israel when they made Him a sanctuary (Exodus 25.8; 29.46) and He promised to live amid them in the millennium (Zech 2.10.11; Zech 8.3);

2.  The Word becoming flesh to “tabernacle” among us (John 1.14).

 

While, in the Testament of the Law, the glory of the Eternal was eventually manifested in the Most Holy, it is to remain in the life of the one who believes in Jesus (see 1John 2.27; Phil 2:14,15) and, after the millennium, it will be seen by all through the Church that will occupy the whole earth, (filling it with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord - Isaiah 9.11; Habakkuk 2.1).

Several times the Creator said that He would dwell among His people and be their God, as well as they would be His people (for example, Lev 26.11,12; Jer 24.7; 32.37,38; Ezek 11.20; 37.26-28; Zech 8.8). Even though the place where Jerusalem is will become the place of the New Jerusalem, this does not mean that it is man-made constructions (houses and temple) or that the people born there by the flesh will be the real Jerusalem. So much so that Paul says that the Jew is the one who is in the heart (Rom 2.29).

Who will compose the New Jerusalem are all the elect in Christ Jesus. The fact that the New Jerusalem descends from heaven means that it is not something built or designed by human will, ability or intelligence (John 1:12,13), let alone is something of this world (Heb 7.25-28; 8.1,2; 10.19-22; 12.22,23).

To be more exact:

 

·       New Jerusalem is our homeland (Phil 3.20);

·       Our civil record is the inscription in the Lamb's book of life (Phil 4.3; Rev 21.27);

 

Our dwelling place is in the hideout of the Most High (Ps 91.1; Phil 1.3; 2.6). Here we are pilgrims and outsiders (1Peter 2.11).

Whereas the Apocalypse is a revelation about Daniel's 70th week, which is related to the people of Israel (Dan 9.24), hence the use of the name New Jerusalem, as well as the term tabernacle which, for the Jews, was connected with the presence of the Creator in their midst (Lev 26.11,12; Ezek 37.27). After all, it was there that they saw the Creator manifest His Glory and speak (see Exodus 25.22). So much so that Hezekiah thought that the Creator dwelt among the cherubim (Isaiah 37.16).

When Jesus was here, He was the tabernacle allowing the Eternal to communicate with His people (John 1.14; 2.21). However, unlike the tabernacle that was semi-fixed (and the temple which was fixed), Jesus was the living tabernacle, which go toward the one to whom the Father wished to speak.

Of course, the tabernacle, in the Old Testament, was a way for the Creator to show the people how limited His contact with the people is when they are bound by a human construction. How could nobody dwell in the tabernacle (except the high priest - Lev 21.12), then the person, to have distant contact with the Creator (since only priests could enter the Holy Place), had to go there (and that sadness to think that there are people who still like this). It is also useless to carry out any religious ritual, even when it is Jesus himself who is presiding over (indeed,, this is why the millennium will be instituted).

On the other hand, when our heart is the place where we can meet with the Eternal and have a relationship with Him (2Cor 6.16), in addition to the fact that there is no more restriction of time and space, there is a transformation of heart that enables true worship of the Eternal.

 

• “And God will wipe away all tears from their eyes. And there will be no more death, nor mourning, nor crying out, nor will there be any more pain; for the first things passed away.” (Rev 21.4).

 

 

There will be no more pain or need. At the moment, the need is that leads man to search for new resources and pain strikes all the faculties of the soul rigorously. However, in eternity, pain is not necessary to:

 

·       stimulate the search for truth and knowledge;

·       test the reality of the principles of Holy Scripture;

·       promote character development;

·       help us to appreciate the sufferings of Christ;

·       make us see the gravity of sin.

 

The promise "He will wipe every tear from your eyes" had already been prophesied in relation to Israel in the millennium (Isaiah 25.8; 35.10; 51.11; 65.19). Here is how this will be accomplished in this period:

 

·       those of Israel who will believe in Jesus before the millennium will be free of all suffering once and for all, as their bodies will be transformed (1Cor 15.52).

·       physical Israel, being on the holy mount on which the New Jerusalem is installed, will enjoy all the benefits of divine comfort. Thus, even though they are in the flesh and subject to sadness, they will count on the Creator's blessing to have their suffering minimized.

 

However, the maximum fulfillment of this promise is after the millennium. Instead of “every tear”, the most correct term is “each tear”, that is, the Creator will not wipe “every tear”, as if by magic, but “each tear”, that is, the Creator will show us the purpose of each situation we face while in this world. That is, it will remain only the result of what the Creator did in the hearts.

Here we can see the true purpose of the Church: to allow the Holy Spirit to operate by bringing comfort to individuals, not because of financial losses, but by separation (death) brought about by sin, leaving each one isolated in their selfishness.

After the millennium, everything that today is meant by relationships between individuals will completely change its meaning (first things are passed). Since now, we need to completely change our motivations when it comes to moving towards individuals. Instead of thinking about sucking on the qualities, we cannot forget that the Son of Man came to serve (Matt 20.28), that is, to work on the defects, leading individuals to have good eyes (Matt 6.22.23; Lk 11.33-36), that is, to see things the right way. In doing this, we will be wiping away every tear, because, with the correct view:

 

·       instead of individuals mourning, wailing for all the pain that has befallen them, they, like the apostles, will see this as a privilege, an opportunity to glorify the Creator (Acts 5.40.41; 1Thess 5.16-18; see 1Peter 4.12-14).

·       No one will suffer for the consequences of the evil he has committed.

 

Then, the question of wiping tears from the eyes, in the millennium, is much more profound. Notice the link between victory over death and wiping away tears (Isaiah 25.8; Rev 7.17), which happens in Rev 20.14.

In addition to Jesus showing us the reason behind all the suffering, He will also show the reason why many of those that the Eternal has given us will not go to heaven.

Not to mention that Jesus himself will be our comfort. Just by looking at Him, we will see how perfect and irreplaceable His judgment is and, although very painful, it is inevitable. Only then death will be completely overcome (1Cor 15.25,26,54,55) and any doubt that can separate the Eternal from His people, as well as separate from each other, will end, fulfilling the promise to end all crying, mourning, pain (Isaiah 35.10; 61.3; 65.19 - in particular for Israel, immediate target of the fulfillment of these prophecies).

As for the fact that in the millennium there is no memory of past things (Isaiah 65.17), this does not mean everyone will have amnesia. In addition to the consolation shown above, there is the fact that our relationships will take on a new dimension.

Our biggest problem is getting stuck in the past. We cannot continue basing our relationships on memories of the past (either good or bad) because, in addition to fueling hatred for those who have done us harm, we will malignly help those who help us (Prov 12.10), in addition to discriminating many by the preconceptions that we have established through past experiences. We must walk in newness of life (Rom 7.6; 2Cor 5.17).

 

·       “And He sitting on the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And He said to me, Write, for these words are true and faithful.” (Rev 21.5).

 

Just as the Creator gives to the animals their livelihood, He wants to do the same to us (Matt 6.33).

 

·        "What gives animals their livelihood, and the children of crows, when they cry out." (Ps 147.9).

·        “Who prepares crows for their food when their young are screaming at God and wandering about because they have nothing to eat? (Job 28.41).

 

At first, nobody was supposed to have to get food on its merits. Just as we received provision when we came to this world without having to pay for it, it was so that everything would continue to be this way: we give ourselves to Christ and He uses individuals to give us what we need to fulfill His mission (what we need, not what we want to satisfy our greed and ambition).

The fact that John heard the Creator's voice again saying "these words are faithful and true" (Rev 21.5) it is confirming, not only the reality of what has been said, but of the necessary requirement for everything to be fulfilled, namely, fidelity and truth.

And all this is so serious that the Eternal commanded John to write everything so that these faithful and true words would continue to instruct until Christ returns.

Not to mention the Eternal's emphasis on saying that He makes all things new (new creation - Isaiah 65.17-19; 2Cor 5.17).

Similarities between Natural Creation and Spiritual Reform:

 

·       Production of a new order of things;

·       Production of everything new according to the Creator's plan;

·       Production of something new according to the divine method;

·       Production of everything new for His glory;

·       Production of everything new gradually.

 

Differences:

 

Natural Creation	Spiritual Reform
Created out of nothing	Produced from an existing being
Made without force obstruction	Made under the opposition of Ha-Satan
Produced by mere decree	It demanded that the Creator become flesh
Put the man in a material and insecure position	Put the man in a spiritual and safe position
The Creator is only spirit	The Creator is a Divine Man

 

From Revelation 21.5 to 21.8 it is Jesus who speaks. Faithful refers to the immutability of promises; true refers to the fulfillment of these promises.

With the exception of the seven letters (in which John is ordered to write in each one), this is the fifth time that John is ordered to write (the others are Rev 1.11.19 - Jesus; Rev 14.13 - a voice from heaven; Rev 19.9 - an angel).

John was certainly so amazed by the revelation that he probably forgot to write at this point. This is one of the reasons for Jesus to say: "these words are faithful and true". This also serves to show more assuredly that the entire Revelation is of great importance and needs to be permanently recorded in order to continue to instruct individuals until Christ returns. The fact that Jesus is saying this again is a confirmation of the importance and truthfulness of everything.

But after all, wasn't everything else in Revelation faithful and true? Yes, of course. However, to emphasize this when saying “behold, I make all things new” implies that this statement was not just a picayune thing, but a phrase that should be analyzed with double care.

Notice the emphasis that the Eternal gives when He says: “behold, I make all things new”. He tells John to "write" these words. Now, why is this, since John was supposed to write the entire Revelation? It is because such words, as fantastic as they were, needed ratification. Hence also to say: these words are faithful (meaning they will not fail) and true (they were not distortions of the truth, but the pure truth - Rev 21.5). This is the second time that we see in Revelation a similar emphasis (Rev 19.9).

Jesus speaks until Revelation 4.1. From then on, He is revealed in His glory, majesty and will. But now He speaks again. After the seven epistles, this is the first time that the winner has been promised something.

But, what does it mean to say that the Eternal makes all things new? Think: when Ha-Satan transformed the earth that the Eternal created into empty chaos, the Eternal did not destroy everything and built it again. Instead, He remade the earth by rearranging the elements that were once created and adding some details that did not previously exist, such as sun, moon, stars, animals, plants and the human being.

Likewise, when the Eternal destroyed the earth through the flood, He did not do something entirely new. Except for the rain and the rainbow, everything else that exists here (with regard to nature) already existed in the past. It has only been renewed, in order to remove from the face of the earth any memory of the sins previously committed.

The only thing that was discovered was archaeological finds to serve as speculation. However, after the millennium, even this will not remain. All the elements will burn away (2Peter 3.10-12).

Similarly, when Holy Scripture says that those who believe in Jesus are made a new creature (2Cor 5.17), by no means is saying that your body, soul and spirit will be completely different. People continue to remember their past, looking the same from the outside. Only, now, his way of seeing and understanding the world has been changed.

That is, since, when the Creator created this world, everything was very good (Gen. 1.31), there is no reason for the Creator to create everything differently. With the exception of the sea above the firmament (Rev 21.1), everything else will continue to exist (including plants and animals, since they expect the children of God to manifest themselves - see Romans 8.19-22). After the fire (2Pet 3.10-12) burn everything, there will be no sign of the bad works that were done here.

Therefore, at no time does it mean that the Eternal will do everything completely differently. Although there is a renewal of physical elements through fire (2Peter 3.10-12), in general this world will continue with the same characteristics, except that there will be no more sea above the firmament, nor will the sin with its consequences. What will happen is a change in the way of understanding and seeing things. Specially because, if there were none of this, any other change that occurred would be meaningless.

When sins and their consequences cease to exist, everything takes on new meaning in our lives.

Also notice and Scripture's emphasis on mentioning the Eternal sitting on the throne (Rev 4.2,9; 5.1; 20.11). In the case here, this mention implies that the Eternal was not making the slightest effort to make this true, since He is already sure that everything will happen and there is no failure (Job 42.2).

Considering the greatness of the Roman empire, it seemed impossible that a change was ever possible. However, the certainty that things would change can be seen in the following verse:

 

• “And He said to me, It is done. I am the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and the End. To him who thirsts I will give of the fountain of the Water of Life freely.” (Rev 21.6).

 

Everything is accomplished, that is, everything is determined and will be accomplished in due time. Only the Creator can pronounce words that consolidate something (see Ecc 3.14; Habakkuk 3.6). See the places where this expression appears:

 

·       When Jesus was on the cross He said "it is finished" (John 19.30). This consolidated the remission of the human race to all who believe in Jesus and in all that He has done for us;

·       At the end of the seventh cup, the Creator said “it’s done” (Rev 16.17), this confirmed the definitive ruin of Great Babylon;

·       After the millennium, when the Creator lives, not only in spirit, but also physically with the human being, He says “it’s done” (Rev 21.6), once and for all establishing the Church on earth.

 

From then on, the Creator's wish expressed in Jesus' prayer is fulfilled: "Your kingdom come; your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matt. 6:10).

And since Jesus is the beginning and the end, there is no way to be surprised, since there is nothing else that limits something in our life. There is no knowledge outside Him (Col 2.3 - hence He is the alpha and omega, because there is nothing and no one who limits knowledge) that can change the course of things in this world or thwart the counsel in His Word.

Considering the greatness of the Roman empire, it seemed that there would never be a change in the history of mankind. See the greatness of all this promise.

However, in order for us to enjoy all this, we must understand that people have the right to drink the Water of Life free of charge. Never the Water of Life should be a reward in people's lives, much less a means of gaining resources to manipulate people.

To those who are thirsty, the Creator brings individuals so that, on their behalf, the thirsty person can experience the Water of Life moving from within them and satisfying them and those close to him (note how it is given to the thirsty to drink from the Fountain, and not just the Water - see Isaiah 12.3; 55.1; John 4.10,13,14; 7.37-39; Rev 22.17).

The metaphor "to be thirsty" was used a lot in the Old Testament by those who were going through difficult times and had in the Creator the only source of solution to their problems. Here are some examples:

 

·       “Ho, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat. Yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” (Isaiah 55.1);

·       “As the hart pants after the water brooks, so my soul pants after You, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God; when shall I come and appear before God?” (Ps 42.1.2);

·       “O God, You are my God; I will seek You earnestly; my soul thirsts for You; my flesh longs for You, as in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is; so I have seen You in the holy place, seeing Your power and Your glory. Because Your loving-kindness is better than life, my lips shall praise You.” (Ps 63.1.3);

·       “I am weary from my crying; my throat is dried; my eyes fail while I wait for my God.” (Ps 69.3).

·       “I stretch forth my hands to You; my soul thirsts after You like a thirsty land. Selah.” (Selah.)" (Ps 143.6).

 

Whereas Jesus will rejoice in the fruit of His soul's work (Isaiah 53.11), as in the creation (Gen. 1.31) (hence to say that He rested (Gen. 2-1-3), rejoice), so why do we insist on seeking different sources of joy and rejoicing? It is much better to enter into the Creator's enjoyment (Matt 25.21.23), in His rest (Heb 4.9-11), instead of trying to invent other forms of rest.

We currently drink from the source of the Water of Life through the Holy Spirit operating in us (Eph 3.20, 21; Col 1.29). After the millennium, we will drink directly from the Fountain, because it will be pouring out of each member that makes up the Bride.

The human being always seeks a reason to love or hate. However, as far as Jesus is concerned, the human being hated Him without cause (Ps 69.4; John 15.25), just as Jesus loved human beings without a cause.

Therefore, when it is said that you will give by Gracer of the Water of Life, it means that those who do not seek a reason to love will receive it, but only because they consider each opportunity to love a privilege. (this is the result of the indwelling of God in their lives - 1 John 4.8; 5.1). And in the Kingdom of the Creator there is only promise for those who achieve such a victory in their life (Rev 2.7,11,17,29; 3.6,13,22).

And this full communion with the Holy Spirit begins now (John 4.13,14; 7.37-39; Eph 3.19) and it's free. But, what did John mean by “free” (also used in Rom 3.24)? Free means abundantly, since something is only considered free when it is available to everyone, that is, it exists on a large scale, being something common. Trade, for example, is committed to maintaining total control over what is rare.

Paradise is nothing more than the Creator's abundant presence, offered to all winners when they are willing to be taken in by His favor. This reasoning is complemented in the following verse, by saying that the winner will inherit all things (Rev 21.7).

Inheritance is not earned, bought or conquered. It can only be received by the testator's will. It is true that, in the world, people try to win over a rich man to inherit something. However, in the face of an incorruptible God, inheritance is given by His will according to His predetermined purpose.

Take for example the Holy Spirit, the true heritage of the faithful:

 

·       "And if we are children, then we are heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; ... He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?” (Rom. 8:17, 32).

Only an heir is a son. Only those who are registered in the Lamb's book of life" (Rev 21:27) will be part of the New Jerusalem and will receive everything abundantly. Therefore, this book acts as a record of the heirs.

Why did Jesus say it was all done now? But wasn't everything fulfilled in Rev 16.17? In fact, when Jesus expired on the cross, it was not finished (John 19.30)? The expression: “everything is accomplished” (or similar, depending on the version), implies, in fact, completed work and, therefore, something impossible to be changed.

In other words, the fact that Jesus says this here implies that there is no possibility of all that was seen to be reversed. Nothing can prevent a word written in the Revelation from being fulfilled. The prophecy is so certain that it is considered an accomplished fact, something that He has already done and cannot be changed (just like you can't cry over spilled milk).

And the fact that everything is finished frees the human being from having to be indignant with injustice and sin. After all, in the end, everything will end well. Our wrath will not produce the justice of the Eternal (James 1.20). When we rest and hope in Jesus (Ps 37.7; John 6.28-30) we are doing the true work that gives glory to the Eternal (our trust on His wisdom, perfection and sovereignty).

Furthermore, consider that Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega (there is no knowledge outside Him - Col 2.3), the First and the Last (He is with everyone, from the first to the last - Isaiah 41.4), the Beginning and the End (every work was designed by Him and, in the end, will be for His glory - Rev 1.8; 22.13). Everything starts in Him, walks in Him and ends in Him, regardless of what we find or do.

In other words, there is no high wisdom, no powerful person, no magnificent work that can change the course of history or even our life. So much so that the Eternal does not even have to work to get up from the throne to ensure that nothing will change His plans.

Therefore, what will make difference is the way we face what the Eternal designed for us: whether we accept or rebel against it.

However, all of this will only be possible if everyone has the right to drink for free (freely, in the KJV version) of the Water of Life (Isaiah 12.3; 55.1; John 4.10.14; 7.37).

To be more precise: since Jesus does not give the Holy Spirit by measure (John 3.34), then those who are His must always be ready to offer the Living Water to everyone who wish, and this liberally, without any retention.

 

• “He who overcomes will inherit all things, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.  But the fearful, and the unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, will have their part in the Lake burning with fire and brimstone, which is the second death.” (Rev 21.7-8).

 

Whoever shares Christ's victory will be heir (Mark 10.17; Rom 8.17; Gal 4.7; 1Peter 1.4). The winner will always be thirsty for Christ and never thirsty for the things of the world (John 4.14).

I will be your God (first promised to Abraham - Gen. 17.7).

He will be my son. This was prophesied about Jesus (in 2Sam 7.14; Ps 89.26; Heb 1.5) and now fulfilled also in those who belong to Jesus.

I will be Your God and He will be my son (see Lev 26.12; Jer 24.7; Heb 2.13; Isaiah 9.6).

All the sins listed are forms of idolatry.

Notice how the promise in Rev 21.7 closely resembles the one that was given to David regarding His descendant, namely, Jesus (2 Sam 7.14). The difference is the use of the word Father instead of God.

In the Kingdom of the Creator there is only promise for the winner (Rev 2.7,11,17,26; 3.5,12,21). Whoever wins inherits all the things mentioned in verses 1 to 6, that is, the deep intimacy with the Creator (incidentally, this has always been the Creator's desire - see Deut 14.1; 2Sam 7.14; Ps 89.26,27; Zech 8.8; Heb 8.10).

Victory is so essential that, unlike physical victories, the victory that conquers the world has a name: faith (1John 5.4). And there is no faith without hearing the voice of the Eternal (Rom 10.17) and without overcoming the world. That is, without hearing the voice of the Eternal and winning the world it is impossible to please Him (Heb 11.6).

That is why cowards will not enter New Jerusalem. By not daring to believe in the midst of oppositions, they will never be able to overcome it. If we think about a competition, it is the famous “W.O.” that happens when someone is missing from the competition.

The main thing to be overcome is the lie. Many people consider it insignificant. However:

 

a)  Ha-Satan is not the father of murder, theft, etc., but of lies (John 8.44). This is because all sin is based on lies. For example: whoever kills does this because they do not see the value that is in a human being. The only thing valuable in his eyes is the mediocrity that was taken from him by the thief that he just killed;

b)  It is only able to follow the Lamb wherever He goes the one in whose mouth there is no mistake (Rev 14.5).

 

The proof of this is that the success of the antichrist is linked to the lie, as well as the enormous pleasure that people have in it (2Thess 2.9-12) because their works are wicked (John 3.19-21). Finally, the genuine follower of the Lamb is the one who testifies of the Truth, follows the Truth and confesses His lordship.

However, here the promise made in the Old Testament gains an additional emphasis: the Creator promises to be the God of those who believe, that is, the source of all blessing, regardless of the circumstance, so that there is no need to seek a solution in man and obviously, in the sin that contaminates everyone who has contact with him.

The issue between father and son resembles a company. The difference is that, in this, the identity is around the production of a good or service, whereas, in the Kingdom of the Creator, the identity is in terms of character (Word of God + vision), with a view to showing the glory of the Creator in the most diverse situations of everyday life.

But, after all, why this emphasis on the winner? For being the life of those who believe characterized by victory. Just as an athlete's recognition is characterized by victories (1Cor 9.24-27), people's faith in someone's character increases the more situations he overcomes without renouncing the character of Christ in him, as well as His word and power (see 1Cor 2.4,5; 4.19,20).

Only those who are involved in dangerous situations have a thirst for salvation, since there is no point in talking about salvation without any threat in sight.

This is why fearful people will experience the second death (see Matt 10.28; 25.41; Rev 2.11; 20.14). After all, whoever wants to hide behind a shy soul, without bothering to know the truth in depth, ends up serving as discord between people (Prov 6.19; James 4.2.3).

Understand: fearful, unbelievers, abominable, murderers, fornicators, idolaters, liars and sorcerers, only relate to someone for financial interest or pleasure (even knowing that it is something dead, that nothing good works in anyone's life; rather, it is a lie). Obviously, everyone who doesn't suit them will be excluded from the list of friends. As a consequence, whether directly or indirectly (for his way of thinking and feeling things), they will end up inducing the people with whom they get into touch to separate from the people who fit the profile they deleted.

In one way or another, they will end up looking for ways to compel people close to them to think and act the way they think is right.

On the other hand, if they exposed their lives so that their convictions in Christ could be confirmed before all eyes (including their eyes) instead of being persuaded by their selfishness, they would be touched by the love and truth of Jesus, which would set them free.

The question comes: why are only eight categories highlighted here in Rev 21.8? Because these are the sins related to the Antichrist and his Babylonian System.

Anyway, understanding that the order is to present oneself as an approved worker (2Tim 2.15), then we have to go towards the evidence (see Ps 139.23,24) instead of running away from them (which reminds David going towards the Philistine - 1 Sam. 17.40). Instead of trying to change people's minds based on what you believe, let what you believe change you and then influence not only the mind, but the conduct of everyone you have contact with.

One thing to highlight in the victory of the follower of Christ is the boldness in believing, even when lying spirits and doctrines of demons (witchcraft) have (1Tim 4.1.2), as magicians do, closed people's focus of vision.

Enough of wanting to attract people's attention to us. Much less let us fix our attention on someone, hoping that he will take away from us the problem that the Creator gave us precisely so that He could glorify Himself in us.

Whoever is still in the position of a slave is always fearing some misfortune in this world. Every fear of someone is always linked to the flesh, to the possibility of being deprived of any benefit in this world. Whoever is overcome with such fear is never interested in the good fight (2Tim 4.7), but only in taking refuge in their selfishness, in a position where the possibility of being touched by the evil that torments and controls all people without Jesus is practically nil (Hosea 7.4-6; Habakkuk 2.9; Micah 2.1).

As a consequence, they end up drinking like the golden cup of the mother of the abominations of the land and, obviously, becoming abominable (Rev 17.4-6). In this cup were all the innumerable methods for pitting people against each other and, thus, making possible political agreements with a view to shedding the blood of the just.

Unfortunately, most of those who claim to be followers of Jesus are drinking from the glass of this great harlot who only makes unions thinking of separating others in order to be satisfied and to promote themselves in the hearts of people.

It is a system so vivid and intense that it acquired its own personality in the earthly Jerusalem that should have belonged to the Creator. (as well as the mundane). Anyone who accepts this system within themselves is seen by everyone as abhorrent (starting with the Creator Himself). The ultimate destiny of such people is to be forever separated from any possibility of being good (their worm never dies, their fire never goes out – 2Thess 1.9; Mk 9.44,46,48; Rev 20.14). How sad it is to be forever before the Lord (2Thess 1.9; Rev 14.10.11), but unable to live with all this good within themselves, seeing all this goodness happening in each other's lives, but not getting a place for it inside you.

But after all, who are the sinners mentioned above?

 

·       Fearful: those who, for fear of losing popularity (see John 12.42), end up consenting to those who practice sin (Rom 1.31), instead of seeking only the glory of the Eternal (John 5.44; Gal 1.10; 1Thess 2.4). Such ones portray themselves under persecution or in the face of problems Matt 8.26; Mark 4.40). They yield to the pressure of anti-messiah;

·       Unbelievers: those whose desires are so strong that they prefer to believe in the strength of desires and in the powers of the world than in Holy Scripture. They yield to the seduction of anti-messiah. They resist even in the face of total evidence;

·       Abominable: those who drank from the cup of the Great Babylon (see Rev 17.5) and stimulate fight against each other;

·       Homicides: those who kill the followers of Christ, either physically or with heresies (Rev 14.4; 17.1,2), as well as killing the body, soul or reputation of individuals;

·       Fornicators: those who made an alliance with the world and His Babylonian System to strengthen themselves;

·       Idolaters: those who worship the creature instead of the Creator (Romans 1.25 - in particular, they worship the image of the beast);

·       Liars (see Acts 5.1-3; Rom 1.31): very emphasized in Holy Scripture (Rev 2.2; 3.9; 14.5; 21.8,27; 22.15). Notice how lying is associated with listening to deceptive spirits and the doctrine of demons (1Tim 4.1.2). That is, they are those who like to teach or listen to the lie (2Thess 2.7-12; 2Tim 4.3,4);

·       Sorcerers: summoners of evil entities to see their desires satisfied (Rev 9.21; 16.13; 18.23).

 

• “Behold, I come quickly. Blessed is he who keeps the Words of the prophecy of this Book.” (Rev 22.7).

 

Four times Jesus says He will come without delay, three in this chapter (Rev 3.11; Rev 22.7,12,20). Elsewhere, Jesus mentions His quickness in judging (Rev 2.5,16; 3.11; 16.15). That is, he is saying that when He comes, He will fulfill His Word by abbreviating it (Rom 9.28). And this is so that no one will come to follow Christ in an self-interested way. Hence be happy the one who hears and keeps the words of the prophecy in this book (Rev 1.3).

Notice how the book of Revelation begins and ends with this bliss. This should serve as a stimulus to believers not to neglect to read this book as the wicked do. Jesus also mentions the importance of hearing and keeping His Word (John 14:15,21,23).

The five advents of Christ:

 

·       His incarnation;

·       His manifestation in individuals throughout human history;

·       When He calls the individual through death;

·       When He comes to snatch the Church;

·       When He comes to institute the millennium.

 

The great invitation is: “Blessed is he who adores the Creator:

 

·       Meditating in this book (do not seal the words in this book);

·       Believing in His truth;

·       Proclaiming His gospel whether it is pleasant or unpleasant to the carnal mind (Rev 22.11).

 

• “And I, John, saw and heard these things. And when I heard and saw, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel showing me these things.  Then he said to me, Behold! See, do not do it! For I am your fellow-servant, and of your brothers the prophets, and of those who keep the Words of this Book. Do worship to God.” (Rev 22.8,9).

 

Four times John says the expression “I, John” (Rev 1.4,9; 21.12; 22.8). What he is reinforcing is that he didn’t get it all out of his head; let alone be carried away by the utopias of dreamers who only want to attract the disciples after them. He heard and saw (first heard and then saw) direct from Him who is Lord over the spirits of the prophets (Rev 22.6).

For the second time, John falls at the angel's feet and, motivated by the same thing, namely, the promise of blessing to the Church and the confirmation that the Revelation is faithful and true, being blessed who hears and keeps it. Although it was wrong for him to prostrate himself before the angel to worship, John was moved by emotion and gratitude to the Eternal for such a great promise.

However, there is a difference here: in Rev 19.9.10 John prostrates himself to worship the angel. However, here, John prostrates himself to worship the Eternal, only at the feet of the angel. Yet the angel did not allow it, because it would allow room for other angels (including Ha-Satan and his) think that he was receiving worship (something that the angel of the desert, Ha-Satan), on the other hand, demanded of Jesus in exchange for giving Him all the kingdoms of the world (Matt 4.9). Here we can see the importance of rejecting flattery (Prov 26.28; 28.23; 29.5).

Also, based on this, we can see that even someone who receives supernatural visions and revelations is subject to doctrinal and practical errors. We can also see that the fact that Jesus accepted the worship of angels (Heb 1.6) and men (Matt 8.2; 14.33; John 9.38) confirms that He is God.

Notice how the angel is horrified by the simple hypothesis of seeming that he was being worshiped (in Rev 19.10 he says “look” and here “sees”), which confirms that we must refrain even from the appearance of evil (1Thess 5.22). Just as in the Testament of the Law when those who took the vow of Nazirite could not even drink grape juice or even eat them (Num 6.3,4).

The prostrate of John, the first time, shows how easily a human being prostrates himself in front of someone when they look superior and bear the solution. And the worst is that, although many claim to be followers of Jesus, they will compose Great Babylon and will gladly receive the mark of the beast (Rev 17.18).

May we learn from the angel's humility when presenting ourselves as a servant together with those who belong to Jesus and insist on keeping the words of the book of Revelation. Indeed, see how, who belongs to Jesus, is identified by the pleasure of meditating in the Revelation. After all, the angel is the fellow-servant of those who keep the words of this book. By the way, it is good to clarify that fellow-servant isn’t servant of servants (or, if you prefer, a servant who serves servants), but one who serves together with the servants.

That is, angels serve the Eternal together with those who keep His Word, with those who are His messengers (prophets) and so they are at His service. Realize also that the prophets are called our brothers, that is, this shows, in fact, the true vocation of the Church: communicating His Word to those who believe.

 

• " And he said to me, Do not seal the Words of the prophecy of this Book; for the time is at hand. " (Rev 22.10).

 

When Jesus says that the time is near or that He comes quickly, He is saying that when He has to come, He will come suddenly, when all the evil seems to be working out. So, we should always watch and pray (Matt 25.6,13,19; Mark 13.32-37; Rev 1.3).

While the Eternal orders Daniel to seal his book because its fulfillment is far away (Dan 8.26; 12.4,9) (and in Isaiah the Eternal commanded to seal the law among His disciples - Isaiah 8.16), here John is commanded not to seal the prophecy because the time was near.

From here we can learn that when the Eternal seals something, it is because it has no importance for the moment and, thus, it is not for us to waste time thinking about it (which confirms the idea that we have to redeem time - Eph 5.16,17; Col 4.5).

The Testament of the Eternal's Favor is the time of the end, when all prophecies will be fulfilled. And the brevity of its fulfillment should impress the Church, whose tendency is often to be attached to the world. But how can we expect Jesus to come quickly if He has not yet come?

In fact, when He said He was coming soon, it does not mean that He was on the verge of coming, but that when He is coming, all this will happen within a period of seven years. However, continuous vigilance is needed (Matt 24.45; 25.6,13.19; Mark 13.32-37) so that none of us will be caught by the antics of the anti-messiah that have been done repetitively over the years, since John prophesied.

In other words, the important thing is not the final candidate for the roles played in the Revelation, but the warning message that has been in effect since 90 A.D.

Furthermore, the idea is that we realize that, if on the one hand there is a time for the final fulfillment of the prophecy, on the other hand it is being partially fulfilled at all times. In other words, we cannot ignore the central message of Revelation and try to guess who is the beast, the false prophet, etc.

 

• “He acting unjustly, let him still act unjustly. And the filthy, let him be filthy still. And the righteous, let him be righteous still. And the holy, let him be holy still.” (Rev 22.11).

 

Sow an act and reap habit; sow habit and reap character; sow character and reap destiny.

Here we can see that, what was hidden will be revealed (Lk 12.2). Those attitudes that the individual did in darkness, as well as hidden thoughts and feelings, will now be evident to everyone, since no one will be able to hide what is anymore. When Jesus is coming, things will happen so fast that no one will have time to change their state.

Furthermore, the fact that Ha-Satan's lie is so impregnated in the minds of individuals (which are not in the book of life) for so long, it makes it no longer possible to be removed from consciousness. Only the truth has the power to free (John 8.32), but as the truth will be very distorted, it will be impossible for someone who loves "his truth" to renounce this which is pleasing to him to accept the pure truth of Christ (John 3: 19-21).

It is also possible to see that the punishment of sin is more sin and the reward of holiness and more sanctification. Whoever started sinning here will continue to sin for eternity.

If death purified the individual, it would not be our enemy (1Cor 15.26). We will take advantage while we are in a world of regeneration to seek the change of our character. Since our bodies change here, our character can and should change for the better. To neglect this implies consolidating our bad character. The earth is the exact stage for regenerating the corrupted soul. In a world without problems it is more difficult.

Since the end of all things is near, instead of being indignant at the wrongdoers (either by wanting to prevent at all costs that they give themselves to their evils or by waiting for them to convert and be more sanctified and justified), we must worry about getting ready (see Rev 19.8) so that when Jesus comes, we are ready (2Cor 5.2,3; 1John 2.28). Even more considering that the simple fact that the wicked are in injustice and in all manner of filth, is already a terrible punishment. Do you want anything worse than being captive to something that only destroys all that is good?

This world cannot be fixed. Everything that concerns the beast and its legion must be fulfilled. It is not the role of the Church to seek a way to prevent this, but rather to announce the good news to all who wish to receive it, in order to be free from this cruel destiny to which everyone is condemned.

It is true that some will be tested, purified and made white. However, it is not our role to try to convince anyone (John 16.8) to change. Rather, it is giving those who are already tired of this world, the life they see living and who they are, the certainty that there is a completely new life available to them (Rom 7.6; 2Cor 5.17).

It is important to be clear that the solution to our torment is not in the supply of our desires, but in being free from them. After all, they are the ones who lead us to fight and argue with others (James 4.1). We should not be filling ourselves with desires, trusting the world and our own abilities to supply them. Instead, we should only be filled with what is possible to be achieved without depending on the world, namely, the virtues of the heaven (Col 3.1.2). Whoever has no mercy will not be able to understand this (Isaiah 26.9,10; Dan 12.10; see Ezek 3.27; 2Tim 3.13), since the aim of such is always to receive good things from others instead of being willing to do something good for them.

We have to give others only what is good because:

 

·       This is what we, vessels of honor, were made for. (see James 3.10-12);

·       Even if the other person is going to act badly, he is only fulfilling his mission. And if the Eternal allowed him to come to us, it is because he needs something to complete his mission as a vessel of wrath (Rom 9.22,23), which is in our power.

·       For the wickedness of the wicked to be evident to all, he must receive good. In this case, he cannot blame anyone when everything goes wrong in his life. Rather, he will have to recognize that, even though he has been blessed several times by the Eternal, he still preferred evil.

 

Another thing to consider is that, after the rapture, there will be no more evangelization. Whoever will convert in the Great Tribulation will do so based on what they heard before Jesus came.

 

• “And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to each according as his work is.” (Rev 22.12).

 

As the Eternal comes quickly to punish sinners (James 4.11.12) and reward the righteous (Jer 17.10; Matt 16.27), there is no reason to want to judge someone else's servant (Rom 14.4,10). Jesus comes to save His Church and He will do each according to the works of each (Isaiah 40.10; 62.11; Rom 2.6; 14.12; Rev 20.12).

We must say "no" to:

 

·       Indifference: “Behold”, that is, “contemplate!”, “Pay attention!”;

·       Procrastination: “Behold, I come in a hurry”. Now is the time of salvation (2Cor 6.2);

·       Privileges: "To give to each according ...". Privileges often cause us to be relaxed when it comes to growing in character and communion with Christ. Not to mention that the Creator is no respecter of people (Deut 10.17).

·       Abuse of the doctrine of faith: each is judged according to the truth, and not according to what they believe to be true.

·       Trust on the past: although each one will be judged according to his works, only those who endure to the end will be saved (Matt 24.13; Ezek 3.17-20; 33.7-9).

 

The law of retribution:

 

•    It's ready: “I come without delay”. Just as, with Cain, sin lay at his door (Gen 4.7), today Jesus is at the door slamming (Rev 3.20). There is no time to lose;

•    It's personal: each one will be given according to their works;

•    It is immutable: the one who created the law, the one who kept it and the one who watches over it is the One who is the same yesterday, today and always.

 

My reward is with me (also seen in Isa 40:10; Isa 62:11) confirms that Jesus is God through these two verses. The reward is given promptly.

The Eternal gives each one according to their works (Job 34.11; Rom 2.6; Matt 16.27). He will make each one find what they sought out, which is confirmed by the set of all their works (see James 2.20; Titus 3.8). Note that the Eternal copes with "each one" and not with a group of individuals at the same time.

Finally, our reward is with Jesus, not with human beings.

 

• "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the Ending, the First and the Last." (Rev 22.13).

 

Jesus is Alpha and Omega:

 

·       The beginning and the end of all creation;

·       The beginning and the end (goal) of the eternal covenant, as well as the end of the Old Covenant and the beginning of the New Covenant (Rom 10.4);

·       The beginning and the end of the process that leads to salvation;

·       The beginning and the end of everything that fuels our trust in Him and His Word;

·       The beginning and the end of every opportunity that works in us His love;

·       The beginning and the end of our projects;

·       The beginning and the end of our preaching and teaching.

 

To further strengthen prophecy, Jesus avouch that it is:

 

Ø  Alpha and Omega -> essence of all knowledge. All science begins and ends in Him (Col 2.3);

Ø  First and Last -> The main and the most despicable of all. That is, only He is something (Exodus 3.14). And He is acting on everyone (see Ephesus 4.6).

Ø  Beginning and End -> Every event begins in Him and ends in Him. That is, we are not victims of Ha-Satan and his minions.

 

Therefore, we should not fear events, nor the apparent power that the men of this world seem to have. Although the members of the global elite seem to dictate the destiny of humanity, something will only be realized in this world if it is established by the Eternal (Isaiah 44.6).

 

·       “Certainly low class men are vanity, and high order men are lies; weighed on scales, together they are lighter than vanity.” (Ps 62.9).

 

Anyway, there is no one big or small enough to be able to accomplish something that the Eternal has not pre-ordered.

 

• "Blessed are they who do His commandments, that their authority will be over the Tree of Life, and they may enter in by the gates into the city." (Rev 22.14).

 

Christ's first beatitude in the Sermon on the Mount was “Blessed are the poor in spirit” (Mt 5.3) the latter is “blessed are those who wash their clothes”.

Think: what is the deepest desire of man? Money? Fame? Pleasure? Comfort and easy life? Cheers? Long life? Nothing like that: entering the holy city through the doors with thanksgiving and praise (Ps 100.4). Nothing like perfect peace of heart above all disturbances, being free to fulfill the whole purpose of the law, instead of being cursed for not fulfilling all its precepts (or merely superficial compliance).

What does this blessing consist of (aimed at non-Israelis during the millennium)?

 

•       Have the right to the Tree of Life;

•       Being able to feed on the fruits of this tree, which supplies all needs;

•       Being able to be healed by the leaves of the Tree of Life;

•       To be able to enter the city through the doors.

 

But for this the individual needs to be washed. And what is to be washed? Our robes of justice.

Who should be washed? The followers of Christ. Note that it says “wash” (present), that is, they are always washing their robes of justice. They don't wash their clothes just once in their lives.

And in order to be entitled to the Tree of Life, they must have their robes of justice washed. After all, our justice is filthy (Isaiah 64.6). With this kind of justice, feeding on the Tree of Life only implies more strength and opportunity to sin.

Thus, it is important to see the Tree of Life from three perspectives in relation to its presence:

 

·       In the garden of innocence - man could eat freely (Gen. 2.16);

·       In the garden of guilt - access was cut off (Gen. 3.24);

·       In the city of the redeemed - whoever has their robes of justice washed can go to it.

 

Our right to the Tree of Life and the holy city is:

 

1 - by promise:

 

·       "And this is the promise that He has promised us: everlasting life." (1John 2.25);

·       "For all the promises of God in Him are yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God by us." (2Cor 1.20);

 

2 - by inheritance:

 

·       “But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become the children of God, to those who believe on His name,” (John 1.12).

·       "And if we are children, then we are heirs; heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ; so that if we suffer with Him, we may also be glorified together. " (Rom 8.17).

 

3 - by suitability:

·       “giving thanks to the Father, who has made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light.” (Col 1.12).

 

See the difference between:

 

LOST PARADISE	PARADISE REGANHO
It was a garden	It will be a city
There was no contradiction of wishes and conflict of interest. Therefore, there was no need for discipline.	Here discipline and obedience were exercised and tested by the most diverse circumstances.
Here we have the Creator as the God of nature and providence.	Here the Creator is the God of Compassion, Revelation and Grace.
Here the access was direct and without bond.	Here one has to go through the narrow door and the narrow path and be a member of the body of Christ

 

Access to the Tree of Life is a right, not a reward. The difference is that a reward is something that is acquired through retribution for the efforts made (here it doesn't matter who the individual is or what he is going to do with the prize); right is the result of having the necessary attributes to be part of an organization or body (here it doesn't matter what the individual does. Unless they become a threat to the body, they will not be cut off by their mistakes, but treated). That is, washing the garments of justice does not imply a mere change in attitudes, but a change of condition: from isolated, to being a member of the body of Christ.

In the Kingdom of Heaven, promotion is not an acquired reward, but a recognition of the real vocation. Just as someone, as he grows up, wears shoes of larger numbers until he reaches his final size, insofar as the individual matures, they are promoted to other functions until they reach the ministry for which Jesus assigned them (Acts 13: 2, 3).

But after all, which one is correct: blessed are "those who wash their garments" or "who obey the commandments"?

Eating from the tree of life is said to first enter the city through the doors. Thus, the order is: first, the right is received; second, you enter the city; third, you eat from the Tree of Life. That is, only enter the city if you have the right to eat from the tree of life (and if you wish. There is no place for the curious - Rev 22.17).

Simple obedience to the commandments does not guarantee access to the Tree of Life, since those who simply obey are useless servants (Lk 17.9,10).

Understand: true obedience has the following characteristics:

 

·       Must be sincere, flowing from a renewed heart, free from bad conscience (Heb 10.22), who loves the Creator (1John 5.3);

·       This obedience proceeds from faith, without which it is impossible to please the Creator (Heb 11.6);

·       Impartial and unstinting;

·       Usual, constant and persevering.

 

Without all of this, obedience is mere hypocrisy.

Therefore, the question is not simply to obey the commandments, but to wash the clothes. Adam was not ousted from Eden because of disobedience itself, but for hiding from the Creator and, mainly, for not pine for washing his clothes.

Happy are those who wash their spiritual garments in the blood of Jesus (Rev. 7.14; 1John 1.7), namely, that wash their justice accepting that Christ lives in them. That is, keeping the commandments (cited in the KJV and ACF version) it is not a blind and dead obedience, but the result of listening to Jesus' voice and following what He is saying to us so that He has the opportunity to do for us and through us what He desires.

This ends the salvation for our works once and for all, since the merit is not in what we do, but in what Jesus did for us (or, if you prefer, who does it through us). Jesus showed the true spirit capable of fulfilling the law, the only lifestyle that manages to satisfy all the justice of the Eternal and, in this way, they can:

 

·       Have access to the tree of life (see Gen 2.9; Rev 2.7), that is, to be graced by the peace, happiness and love of Jesus through all the relationships in Christ that nourish and heal the soul;

·       Can enter the city through the doors (see Rev 21.27), that is, being able to be part of the Bride of Christ when they go to her. They do not see the Bride as a mere religious organization. Rather, they accept Christ to commit to His Bride through them.

Therefore, we have to find a place in the lives of those who belong to the Eternal or, to be more exact, in the life of the Eternal within the reality experienced by those who are part of the Bride of the Lamb.

 

Obs.: in New Jerusalem the unity will be true and past experiences will be understood.

 

• “But outside are the dogs, and the sorcerers, and the fornicators, and the murderers, and the idolaters, and everyone who loves and makes a lie.” (Rev 21.15).

 

The fact that these people stay outside the door, points to the fact that the wicked will contemplate the eternal paradise (Rev 14.10,11).

First question: what is common in all these types mentioned? Together they reflect everything the Antichrist is and does:

 

·       Shy -> They talk about the world (1John 2.4,5), seeking to fill worldlings with desires and fear of losing the object of satisfaction of this desires. Hence he is the son of perdition (2Thess 2.3).

·       Unbelievers -> for those who manage to reach the truth, the antichrist seeks to lead them to seek the Eternal based on the things of this world, leaving them all miserable (1Cor 15.19).

·       Abominable -> the antichrist is master of intrigue (Dan 8.23), someone who will pit individuals against each other (Rev 6.4).

·       Fornicators -> just think that the antichrist is seen carrying on his back the mother of harlots and the abominations of the land (Rev 17.5).

·       Dogs -> the antichrist is the dog of the dogs, that is, the one who does not accept to be dominated by any man or god, but who magnifies himself over everything and everyone (Dan 11.37.38; 2Thess 2.4).

·       Sorcerers -> He practices signs and wonders of lying (2Thess 2.7-12) in partnership with the false prophet (Rev 13.12-14; 16.13,14) and Great Babylon (Rev 18.23).

·       Homicides -> the antichrist will cause many to be beheaded for the love of Jesus (Rev 20.4).

·       Idolaters -> the antichrist orders the construction of an image of himself capable of killing all those who do not worship that image (Rev 13.14,15).

·       Everyone who loves and practices lying -> He will do great signs and wonders capable of deceiving even the elect (Matt 24.24), being called a man of iniquity. Antichrist seeks to keep the truth hidden (Matt 7.14.15) uttering very arrogant things of vanity, enticing with the concupiscence of the flesh and lusts those who were turning away from those who walk in error (2Peter 2.18).

 

But after all, who are these who have been spurned? Analyze and you will see that, in each case, the individual wants to keep everything and everyone under control:

 

·       Shy-> They are afraid to know the truth because of the difficulty of living it. Whereas fear is the opposite of love (1John 3.18), therefore, these individuals only want to live for themselves (see Prov 18.1). They don't want anything to get in the way of their desires.

·       Unbelievers-> These are not afraid of the truth. They even know it, but they love their bad works more (John 3.19-21). Thus, they prefer to fight against the truth because it is not convenient (add John 3.1-3 with Matt 12.24; John 12.42,43), since they do not want to renounce their supposed domain. That is, they want to manipulate the truth to their advantage in order to control others.

·       Abominable -> Those who like to sow strife between brothers (Prov 6.19), promote divisions (Rom 16.17,18; 1Tim 6.3-5) in order to make it easier to dominate over them (Acts 20.30; Gal 4.17);

·       Dogs (Phil 3.2)-> a combination of the three items above. They have three basic characteristics:

Ø  The dog is the only animal that, from the same litter, generates children of different parents. That is, the identity of the puppy's father is in doubt. That is, such individuals value many of the rituals and the religious institution to which they belong, without any concern for what Jesus really wants. This reminds the seven women of Isaiah 4.1 who want to use the name of Jesus in order not to be ashamed, but want to live on their own truth and justice. That is, such individuals even want the name of Jesus, but do not want Him around, unless they need Him to do something. Exact portrait of the Laodicean brothers who think they had everything but leave Jesus out (Rev 3.16,20). They act like unbelievers.

Ø  They are pastors who understand nothing. They like sleep, they can't get enough. Each turns to his own path, to his greed (Ps 22.16; Isaiah 56.10.11; Phil 3.2). They were the ones who crucified Jesus:

v “For dogs surrounded me; the gathering of evildoers surrounded me, my hands and feet pierced. I could count all my bones; they see and contemplate me. They divide my garments among themselves, and cast lots on my clothing. But you, O LORD, do not be far from me. My strength, hurry to help me. Deliver my soul from the sword, and my favorite from the strength of the dog.” (Ps 22.16-20).

They are the abominable Nicolaitans (Rev 2.6.15) who want, like goats, to go before the flock (Jer 50.8), arousing jealousy in the congregation (see 1Cor 1.11-13; 3.4-6) and job disputes. Remember that EVERYTHING that is high among men is an abomination before the Eternal (Luke 16.15). If ruling over others was a good thing, Jesus, the true and only leader, would not have come to serve (Matt 20.28; John 13.14). If someone had the ability to rule perfectly, the Eternal would not feel betrayed when the people of Israel longed for electing a king for themselves (1Sam 8.19.20) and also the angels would not say that only Jesus is the only one worthy of receiving authority, power and strength (Rev. 7.12).

Ø  They return to their own vomiting (Prov 26.11; 2Peter 2.21,22), that is, they build up again what they dropped (Gal 2.17). Such are afraid to delve into the truth (see Luke 8.13), because they do not want to be removed from what gives them pleasure. Do not crave for loving and be loved, do not yearn for growing, but just have pleasure.

Ø  Practice sodomy (Deut 23:18; Mark 7:27). They want sexual pleasure, but they don't want children, nor commitment to their sexual partner. Spiritually, they want to use the Church for self-satisfaction and promotion.

That is, dogs are the arrogant who want to have dominion over everyone without any commitment to the truth in themselves, much less in the lives of others (see 2Peter 2: 14-19; Jude 16-19). This is the essence of the antichrist.

·       Sorcerers-> Those who desire the gifts of the Eternal to dominate things, situations and individuals. Whenever we want to force others to subject us, regardless of the method used, we are being sorcerers. The right thing is to use our gifts to share with those in need (Eph. 4.28). This resembles the brothers of Thyatira.

Among these are also those who deceive individuals in the arts and religion in order to commercialize the faith of individuals (signs and wonders of lying - Matt 24.24);

·       Fornicators-> Those who like to dominate through the force of sex. Their pleasure is in seeing others excited by their outward appearance. They want individuals to be attached to themselves to suck as much as they can.

·       Homicides -> Those who kill the faith of others, either by teaching lies, giving bad testimony, etc. Such people want to dominate by radically eliminating all who oppose them.

·       Idolaters -> Those who make use of dead idols (Ps 115.4-8; 135.15-18) in order to put the creature to serve them in place of the Creator (Rom 1.23.25), subtly seeking to control those who like to be controlled by their passions, who bow to hollow fads and vanities and go after fools who hide behind glamorous titles and all the pomp that wealth gives them.

To be more precise: religious leaders, in such cases, make use of what they can control, trying to convince that only they have such capacity in order to convince others to be under their control. Hence the existence of courses in theology: to make it difficult for someone from people to reach the top and free themselves from their slavery. This reminds us of the Pergamo’s brothers.

·       Everyone who loves and practices lying -> Since the truth sets you free (John 8.32), they hide it in order to remain in control (just like Ha-Satan does - 2Cor 4.3,4). The lie is the most prominent of all these sins, appearing three times in Rev 21 and 22 (Rev 21.8,27; Rev 22.15). After all, sin only arises, first of all, because the individuals accepts to deceive themselves (or, if you prefer, remain in error). From then on, all your actions are towards confirming this lie (see Ps 42.7).

But, what is a lie? It is all that is not true. Whereas Jesus is the truth (John 14.6), therefore any statement, however correct and precise it may be, leads to death if it is separated from Christ (see Matt 12.30).

Note that these individuals not only tell the lie, but practice it, that is, make it their life, their livelihood, their source of wealth and pleasure. Their lives are a lie, for it does not reflect what they are, but what others want them to be. Such ones loved what they became before the world, completely ignoring who they are and what the Eternal created them for.

 

Ultimately, these are those who, first of all, use faith to maintain their control over others.

 

• “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify these things to you over the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the bright and Morning Star." (Rev 22.16).

 

Revelation 22:16-21 - The last six verses of this chapter give us: an invitation, a warning, an aspiration and a final blessing.

Revelation is the book that best reveals the glory of Christ's kingdom, adorns Him with several titles and shows how loved and adored He is. The book of Revelation is not to be known only to a religious elite, but to all who believe.

That Jesus is the son of David, this can be seen in various places in Holy Scripture (Matt 1.1,20; Mark 12.35; Lk 20.41). The genealogy shows this (Matt 1.1-25; Lk 3.23-38). And even the enemies' inability to refute this corroborates this idea (Matt 9.27; 12.23; 15.22; 20.30,31; 21.9,15; Mark 10.47.48; Mark 12.35; Lk 18.38.39).

Without Christ:

 

•    there is no manna from heaven (John 6.51);

•    there is no water flowing from the rock (1Cor 10.4);

•    there is no refuge from the storm and rain (Isaiah 4.6);

•    there is no cure for the sick (James 5.14.15);

•    there is no life from the dead (John 11.25; 14.6);

•    there is no justice to dress and enlight this world (Matt 5.14-16);

 

Our garments are washed by the Word of Jesus as we live (blood) His will.

In various places in the Revelation Jesus makes a point of saying that He is (Rev 1.11,17; 2.23; 21.6; 22.9,13), confirming that this whole book, in fact, is Jesus making Himself known to His sons (Rev 1.1). And to show the authority that He has in heaven, He makes it clear to be the owner of all angels.

Jesus is the root (Isaiah 4.2; Jer 23.5; Zech 3.9; 6.12) and David's generation insofar as He is the root that originated David's trunk (which is now fallen) and, at the same time, the branch that springs from this trunk and produces a totally spiritual generation:

 

• "In that day I will raise up David's fallen tabernacle again, and repair its breaches, and I will raise up its ruins again, and build it as in the days of old;" (Amos 9.11).

 

This fact proves the divinity and humanity of Christ. After all, how could Jesus be the root of David if He was not God (Isaiah 11.1,10; Rev 5.5)? How could He be David's generation if He wasn't a man (see Matt 22.42-45; Psalms 110.1; Rom 1.4; 2Tim 2.8).

The fact of Jesus being David's root and generation also means that Jesus is the origin and heir of the promises made to Israel.

Being the Eternal who gave birth to David (and not he who made himself), so he had nothing to be proud of, to the point of determining who is heir and who is not. In other words, it was not David who chose the children he wanted to have, much less who would be his heir, but the Eternal, when he decided to build a house for Him (2Sam 7.12-16; 1King 8.17.18). After all, it is not those born of the flesh who are children, but those who are born of the word committed by the Eternal (Rom 9.8). That is, they were born because the Eternal called the parents to unity and ordered them to conceive (see John 1:12,13).

Fortunately, because, through faith in Jesus, we inherited the mercies that the Eternal One pour down on David.

Someone may ask, "but why David, and not another?". The Eternal chooses who He desires.

It was to David that the Eternal promised to build a house, and this to nullify the temple that he tried to build for Him (2Sam 7.1,2). In other words, Jesus, not only is the One who chooses His own people, but also the One who determines the real direction that things will take. Being the root and generation of the one who tried to strengthen the religious system of the time, therefore, this one has no value. Otherwise, the Eternal would not build David's house (2Sam 7.11).

So that there is no doubt: while Solomon, son of David, was building a house for the Eternal, He was already building His true house, namely, the body of Christ. With this, all Jewish religion was overthrown, giving total space to non-Israelites.

In other words, Jesus was encouraging non-Israelites with the promise that they would be accepted, regardless of whether they belonged to Israel. In a broader sense, Jesus is saying that we do not depend on any man-controlled system to be saved. What Jesus truly did through Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, David, etc., is not about what they did for the Eternal, but about what the Eternal did through their lives (see 2Sam 12.7,8; Zech 6.12).

As for Jesus declaring Himself to be the bright morning star (as prophesied in Num 24.17) due to the fact that this title was once referred to the leader of Babylon and Ha-Satan who was behind him (Isaiah 14.12). In other words, the Eternal was finally ending all fear that His faithful might have, either from the powerful men of this world, or from the power of Ha-Satan and his angels.

But why Morning Star?

 

v “The night is high, and the day is coming. Let us therefore leave the works of darkness and put on the weapons of light.” (Rom. 13.12).

 

1 - The morning star that is the first star to appear in the sky, announcing the arrival of the night. However, the morning star is also the last to disappear from the sky, announcing the arrival of the day.

Jesus is the One who came in the fullness of time (Gal 4.4) when the world was all in darkness (Isaiah 9.1.2; Matt 4.15.16), announcing the arrival of the kingdom of the Eternal. To those who were in darkness, namely, to non-Jews (Eph. 2:13, 17), this meant light (the beginning of the day); on the other hand, to those who were (at least theoretically) in the light, the coming of Jesus signified the beginning of darkness (night) (see John 9.39).

When Jesus comes to snatch the Church, this will be the announcement that the millennium is at hand, namely, the beginning of the “seventh day”, when Israel will be the center of the world. For non-Israelites, this indicates that their time for being used by the Creator in the Church is over (night’s start) (Rev. 2.28 - although this is a sign for the Israelites). However, for the Israelites, this is the beginning of the sabbatical (the millennium).

However, Morning Star is a more appropriate title to indicate the beginning and end of time for non-Israelites (Eze 30.3; Luke 21.24).

It is interesting to note that, in Revelation, Christ is called the Morning Star (Rev. 2.28), but in the gospels He is the Sun of Justice, though in (Num 24.17) Jesus is identified with a star.

Spiritually, this points to how Jesus acts on each member of the Church until they reach the maturity to have Jesus as the sun (2Peter 1.19; Rev 21.23). So much so that Jesus promised to give Himself to those who won (Rev 2.27,28).

With the dawn star shining in their hearts (2Peter 1.19), they have no reason to limit themselves to what others want to inform or give them. They no longer hang on the alleged goodness of men. The light of Holy Scripture frees us even from religious leaders (John 8.32), whose intent is to move away from the Eternal to be zealous for them (Acts 20.30; Gal 4.17; Eph 4.11-14).

And Jesus as the root and generation of David, although more related to the Israelites (Rev 5.5), also has to do with the non-Israelites since it indicates that the generation of David are not those of the flesh, but those of faith (Gal 3.9).

Note, however, that throughout the period of darkness for Israel, at no time does Jesus abandon them. Rather, when the night begins, He appears, keeps it all night and stays until the night is completely over.

Detail: although the whole Revelation demonstrates the favor of Eternal for Israel, this revelation is entrusted to the Church (Rev. 1.11; 22.16).

 

• “And the Spirit and the bride say, Come! And let the one hearing say, Come! And let the one who is thirsty come. And he willing, let him take of the Water of Life freely.” (Rev 22.17).

 

The spirit and the wife: they are both talking in unison, spiritual and physical, respectively. The wife is making the invitation after responding to Christ's call. The Wife's voice is an echo of the Husband's voice. The question comes: is the wife inviting people to come to Christ or is she crying out to Christ to come quickly?

Consider the second part that talks about who should answer the call:

 

   I.   Whoever is thirsty for Jesus, but has not yet realized this;

  II.   To everyone else in the world who really wants what is good.

 

The invitation to come to Christ is presented:

 

•   by the Holy Spirit;

•   by the Bride;

•   by those who hear.

 

This invitation is addressed to:

 

•   Thirsty;

•   Desirous.

 

Therefore, the most logical thing is that the Holy Spirit, acting within the Bride, leads her to cry out: "come". Then, all who hear and answer the call also call “come”.

The question arises: "come" for what purpose?

Whoever answers the call comes to sate their soul with the true Water of Life and thus obtain forgiveness of sins (Acts 10.43), purity (John 15.2; 1Cor 6.11) peace (John 14.27).

No one has to wait for a call from a member of the religious elite to come to Christ. The call has already been made and there is an internal call (the one who is thirsty).

And how does the Church invite? She invites everyone to be saved as she joyfully lives the principles of Sacred Scripture, always seeking to love the neighbor as Jesus loved us (John 3.34,35).

The invitation to the Water of Life is not "going", but "coming". That is, it is not to send individuals to go to Jesus, but to come to us to meet Jesus. In other words, it is, above all, to seek to have fellowship with those who belong to Jesus (1 John 1.3).

Think: the Bride is inviting people to come "where?" Whereas she is in the New Jerusalem (or, to be more exact, she is the New Jerusalem), she was inviting everyone to come to Jesus who is inside her (just like Paul suggests we do in 2Cor 3: 1-3). When Jesus said to preach the gospel (Mark 16.15), was just telling us to bring this individual into our hearts and fix them there. His word on the table of this individual's heart.

Jesus having said twice that He would come soon (Rev 22.7,12), this should serve as a stimulus for the Bride, moved by the Holy Spirit, to cry out to Jesus for His coming.

And not only this: cry out also for others to come to Jesus. After all, understanding that the fullness of the encounter with Jesus will take place when the Bride is complete, then nothing more indicated than being committed so that everyone can hear the call of the Eternal through her.

And the message of the gospel preached by the Church must move with such intensity in the life of the listener that it produces the same effect as it did for the Samaritan woman (John 4.28-30) or with the apostles (Matt 9.9; Mk 1.16-20). It's good to remember that she dropped rope and bucket (what she had been doing for years) to call the Samaritans to hear Jesus. That is, when the Church is faithfully fulfilling its role, the one who hears is also blown away from the desire that Jesus will come as He promised.

To understand this, imagine a tribe crossing an immense desert and, suddenly, someone finds water. He exclaims: come. The first that arrive at the place have a blast, so that they yearn for seeing the others' thirst quenched. This leads them to claim also "come". This recalls the fact that fluid deprivation is felt throughout the body. Each atom comes together to cry out, although the expression of thirst is concentrated in the dry mouth and dry, warm lips.

I wish the Church were able to awaken this thirst in the hearts of the listeners. In fact, I wish the Church was behaving like a “passionate” bride, interested only in being closer and closer to the Bridegroom. The Church currently has Living Water, but it does not have the Bridegroom.

It is not in vain that the term used for the compromise between a girl and a boy is “engage”, which means “busy, committed, engaged in a mission.

And it is the Bride's role to awaken everyone who hears such a delight in the company of Jesus (Ps 37.4) that make them thirsty (hence we are salt of the earth - Matt 5.13; Col 4.5). Like Andrew and Philip, as soon as they heard the call of Jesus (comes), went out to call Peter (John 1.40.41) and Nathanael (John 1.45), respectively, everyone who hears must have this appreciation that others hear. The message must be so revealing that the listener must not be able to keep this secret to themselves, as the mundane do when they make a great discovery, in order to obtain the greatest possible profit. However, if the listener does not see that the real reward is Jesus and His gospel, then the message is not clear.

Detail: the term Bride is used here (instead of wife) because marriage only takes place when all who will believe have approached Jesus. Hence the calling is of the Holy Spirit and the Bride: after all, they yearn for full communion with each other.

Let's look at the four types of people that exist (Rev 22.17):

 

a)  The Spirit and the bride say: come -> One who is intimately connected with Jesus. This one invites all come to them to be filled with the Holy Spirit (River of Life);

b)  Who hears, say: Come -> He who hears the voice of the Spirit of the Eternal through the Church must experience the joy of salvation within themselves to the point that, not only do they desire a change of life and a deeper communion with Jesus, but feel the need to invite, as many as they can, to quench their inner thirst in the Holy Spirit.

c)  Who is athirst, come -> Who hasn't heard the call of the Holy Spirit (Rev 2.7,11,17,29; 3.6,13,22), but is thirsty to experience a new life, is invited to come and drink the Water of Life. But how is it possible for someone to believe without having heard (Rom 10.14)? His thirst aroused in Jesus the desire to draw Him with human strings, with bonds of love (Hosea 11.4).

d)  and whoever wants, receive the Water of Life for free. ” (Rev 22.17) -> How is it that someone who has not heard the voice of the Holy Spirit and even not is thirsty for a new life (Matt 11.28.29), can wish to receive the Water of Life? Unfortunately, many are not feeling thirsty because they are not responding to the love that the Eternal One is giving them. They are stifling love with the riches, delights, cares and other ambitions of life (Mk 4.19; Lk 8.14);

Fortunately, Jesus was found from those who did not seek Him, revealed Himself to those who did not ask for Him (Isaiah 65.1).

 

Realize two important things:

 

·       just by hearing the Creator's voice, a radical change already happens in the listener's life (John 5.24.25 - letter “b”);

·       reaching the Holy Spirit is not as difficult as it seems. Just receive (John 1.12).

 

But, what Water of Life was this? The same that leaves the throne of the Creator and the Lamb (Rev 22.1), namely, from the inside of those who believe (Is 55.1; Jo 4.14; 7.37-39). In Eden man was forbidden to have access to the Tree of Life. Now, however, there are one Tree of life which stretch along the River of Live in its two brinks. And the invitation is made precisely to the thirsty. And who can deny this?

Regarding this water:

 

•    Who is invited? The water of life is offered to those who are very thirsty and long for having this thirst appeased in the right way. This is the only qualification for procuring the water of life;

•    What are the qualifications to obtain it? There is none, because it is by grace and liberally;

•    What should be the motivation? Does not matter. Just feel the need and want.

 

Someone can say:

 

        I.     "I don't understand all Christian doctrine and theology" - come anyway. After all, He is not saying: “come and understand”;

       II.     “I can't regret it the way I should. My heart is hard and I cannot cleanse my sins or mourn them as I should ”- come anyway and, if you really want to, Jesus will give you the ability to repent (2iTm 2.25,26);

     III.     "I don't know if I can live the Christian life correctly" - come anyway and Jesus will enable you to live His Word (Rom. 7.13-8.4);

       IV.     "I don't know if I'm worthy of the Christian life" - come anyway, because nobody is worthy (Rom 3.9-18,23).

 

It's really simple: do you want to Jesus and His salvation? So come. If you want to be saved from your sins and have a new heart to follow Jesus faithfully, come and He will give you the strength, empowerment and the desire for it (Phil 2.12,13). Whoever heard the voice of Jesus, is thirsty for Him and wants to be satisfied, come to Jesus and His Bride (and not just Jesus). And of course, the fact that someone has a desire for divine and spiritual things, is because this one was worked in by the Creator, because no man has such a desire for themselves (Phil 2.13; Jer 30.21).

So, no matter the individual's past, whether they are old or young, rich or poor, sick or healthy, free or slave, educated or ignorant, well or poorly dressed, in short, how dignified or unworthy the individual seems to be, the invitation is open to everyone.

The fact of drinking the Water of Life for free is very significant, since in all pagan religions, the individual has to take something to satisfy the gods. This also occurred in the time of Moses when the people wanted to make intimacy with the Creator into a religion (Exodus 23.15; 34.20; Deut 16.16).

The problem is that most individuals do not even want to receive the Eternal, or what He has for them. They are not humble enough to receive:

 

·       for being stuck in legality (Rev 2.4 - Ephesus);

·       for fear of suffering and death (Rev. 2.10; Heb 2.15 - Smyrna);

·       for idolizing the world (Rev. 2.14 - Pergamum) and those in it (see Isaiah 7.11-13; 2King 16.7 Rom 1.23-25);

·       for being prostituted physically and with other gods (Rev 2.20 - Thyatira);

·       for being unaware of everything the Eternal creates in their lives and stuck to their own justice (Rev 3.1 - Sardis);

·       for being weak and unable to keep what the Eternal gave or did for them (Rev 3.8,11 - Philadelphia);

·       because they think they don't need anything (Rev 3.16 - Laodicea).

 

• “For I testify together to everyone who hears the Words of the prophecy of this Book: If anyone adds to these things, God will add on him the plagues that have been written in this Book. And if anyone takes away from the Words of the Book of this prophecy, God will take away his part out of the Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which have been written in this Book.” (Rev 22.18,19).

 

Moses had also given such a warning regarding the laws of the Eternal given to Israel through him (Deuteronomy 4.2; 12.32).

This book begins with bliss for those who value this book (Rev 1.3). Now, almost closing the book, it ends with a curse against anyone who adds or removes anything from this book (this includes those who ignore it). Sacred Scripture has to be read as it is, without removing, adding or modifying (Prov 30.6; 1Cor 2.13) anything, but reading exactly as it is written. And Paul exhorts everyone to remain in sound doctrine (2Tim 1.13; 2Tim 2.16-18).

And the existence of promises in this book implies that this book is possible to be understood. Otherwise, because the Creator would impose such a terrible punishment on anyone who adds or subtracts something from this book, especially considering that it is full of figures of speech, symbolism, etc.?

Here are the punishments:

 

·       The Eternal will add on him the plagues that have been written in this Book. Based on this, we can see that the seals, trumpets, bowls, beast, false prophet, mark of the beast, Great Babylon, etc., although there is a literal fulfillment for all this, it will also happen individually in the lives of many who ignore this book. We can also realize that the beast and its curses will only take place because the religious system will add things that are not in Holy Scripture (2Thess 2.7-12);

·       The Eternal will take away his part out of the Book of Life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which have been written in this Book. Such an individual will no longer bear fruit (John 15: 1-3), nor can it serve as a refuge for anyone (Isaiah 14.32) let alone shining true wisdom (the city is made of gold that symbolizes the truth, wisdom and love of the Eternal - Prov 2.3-5; 3.13-15). They will be useless again (Rom. 3.11).

Watch out for those who are being punished, namely, religious leaders, since they are the ones who make such changes. See mainly the last item. These are those who were already part of the Tree of Life and the Holy City, but who were excluded for misusing the revelations of the Eternal entrusted to them (see 1Peter 4.10,11). They were excluded from the Book of Life (Exodus 32.33; Ps 69.28; Rev 3.5; 13.8).

Notice how, in Eden, the problem started when Eve did not keep the entire word of the Eternal (Gen. 3-1-3). This ensued their exclusion from the tree of life and the garden (Gen. 3.22-24).

 

• “He who testifies these things says, Yes, I am coming quickly, Amen. Yes, come, Lord Jesus.” (Rev 22.20).

 

This promise is stated in this chapter three times (Rev 22.7; 22.12; 22.20). It serves to reveal our spiritual condition:

 

1)  If we are bored by having to work, our cry (“Lord Jesus comes”) it will be selfish, without spiritual shine;

2)  If we are yielding to unbelief, we will not think of claiming this;

3)  If we are neglecting our spiritual obligations, we will not wish to cry out for this, for we fear judgment;

4)  If we are allowing ourselves to be crushed by the worldly spirit, we will cry out against this, as we will want more time to enjoy sin (John 3.19-21);

 

However, since all creation groans, waiting for the Creator's children to be revealed, it is a shame that the Church does not yearn for this more vehemently (Rom. 8.19-22).

There are six types of people as to how to deal with the book of Revelation:

 

1)  Some are as indifferent as those who lived at the time of the flood;

2)  Others scoff, as did the infidels of Peter's day (2Pet 3.3.4);

3)  Others are too lazy to read the book because they find it too difficult to understand;

4)  Others study to be able to debate with others or attract disciples to themselves. That is why many speculations are made;

5)  Many are afraid to read it;

6)  Some, like John, read it with a good mind.

 

Christ testifies (Rev 1.2). But there is a synchrony of thought between Christ and John (Jesus says “I certainly come quickly” and John says “come, Lord Jesus”), which shows the synchrony that must be in the thoughts of Jesus and ours. Indeed, the book of Songs ends with the beloved crying out to her beloved: “come quickly, my beloved” (Song 8.14): exactly what the Church must say to Jesus.

As for the amen, this word seems unimportant. However, it is good to remember that Jesus declares Himself to be “the amen” (Rev 3.14; see 2Cor 1.20). And in this case here, Jesus is saying amen, as if signing His most important message: the brevity of His coming.

And the coming of Christ is not anything. So much so that Paul exalts those who love the coming of Jesus (2Tim 4.8) and yearns for it (1Cor 16.22). Unfortunately, almost all of those who claim to be followers of Jesus are no longer concerned with Christ's return, but only with defending their own interests.

 

• "The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of you. Amen." (Rev 22.21).

 

In certain versions it is written: “The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.". This seems more consistent. Certainly John was tremendously influenced by the Pauline epistles. Hence he finished the Revelation in a manner similar to Paul's way of finishing his epistles (Rom 16.20,24; 1Cor 16.24; 2Cor 13.13; Gal 6.18; Eph 6.24; Phil 4.23; Col 4.18; 1Thess 5.28; 2Thess 3.18; Philemon 25).

It is worth mentioning that the last prophecy of the Testament of the Law ends with a curse related to the law (Mal 4.6). The last prophecy of the Testament of the Eternal's Favor ends with a blessing linked to the Lord Jesus.

 

 

 

Who is the angel? Remove the angel or oholyao lamp?