May 1, 2011
Lesson: Philippians 2:1-11
Key Verse: Philippians 2:5
As a member of Christ’s Congregation we set our eyes upon Him and His Word. In other words we are of one mind. We may have various differences, but we set our minds and hearts upon our Savior and His Written Word. Thus we judge our behavior by His Word and not ours. We seek to worship Him according to His Word, and not our thoughts. In other words we belong to Christ alone. One with another we are to reveal the nature of our Lord as He is revealed in Holy Scriptures.
During that night in the upper room, where Jesus said, “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins,” He was speaking of our entrance into the Household of our Father in heaven, having paid the ransom price for our souls upon the Cross of Calvary. This redemptive work of the Cross is also seen in these words of our Savior, “In my Father’s house are many (dwelling places)… I go and prepare a place for you” (Matt. 26:28, John 14:2). Near the end of the evening, knowing that the hour had come for the Son to be glorified by the Father, and the Father by the Son, Jesus spoke to His Father saying, “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me” (John 17:22-23).
The glory (Doxa), of which Jesus refers to in John 17:22, is that of recognition, of being seen as the person you really are. Doxa, or glory, is the appearance or reputation of the person, his honor or importance, etc. When we are told that we have transgressed against God, coming short of His glory (Rom. 3:23), we see ourselves as not being what our Lord intended us to be. We then bear the name “Ichabod”-meaning without the glory of God, lacking His image and moral character. In Christ the glory of God is returned to us as His very own people. Thus Christ in us makes us perfect to bring us to completion in His image and glory.
Be Like-Minded 2:1-4
Though there were many good things to be said about the congregation at Philippi, there was an inner tension which would bring about disunion if not checked by the word of God. The undercurrent of bickering, disagreements, gossip, etc., can eventually bring about a split among the people of God. Sometimes the tensions of false beliefs, clashed personalities, etc. are hidden, hoping that they will go soon go away. However, a desire among the people of God to be obedient to the word of God should be a cleansing balm in their relationship with their Lord and one another. We need to be reminded by the faithful minister of the word that Christ alone is our glory, and in Him we will find the healing that is needed. It is in Christ that we are enabled to be humble in our relationship with one another, to repent and forgive with the desire to be reconciled in love and friendship.
Paul turns the eyes of the saints to Jesus. He gives them a fourfold incentive to be like-minded, one with another. If the following statements are true (which they are) then there is no reason that we cannot attain that unity which will reveal the glory of Christ in us. A. If there is any consolation in Christ, there is any encouragement, any strengthening of our faith that we belong to God our Father in Christ, and then we can be like-minded. B. If there is any comfort of unconditional love in Christ, and then we have a great incentive to love one another, to be like-minded. C. If there is any fellowship if the Spirit of God, there is great encouragement from God Himself that we be like-minded. D. If there is any strength of compassion from within, any spirit of tender mercies, then it is within the character of the Christian to be like-minded. Prove yourself that you belong to Christ by showing Christ-like love and unity among the brethren.
Therefore Paul charges the saints to fulfill his joy by being like-minded. This like-mindedness is to be shown by the saints in these three ways. 1. Having the same love which results in “being of one accord, of one mind.” Being of one accord signifies a community of love. It concerns the soul or life of the people of God. 2. Having a “lowliness of mind,” esteeming others better than themselves. “When grace changes the heart, submission out of love and true humility is born. By Paul this virtue is associated with those of tenderheartedness, kindness, forbearance, longsuffering, meekness” (Hendriksen). 3. Having a concern for the needs of others, the Christian looks “on the things of others.” In our covenant relationship with our Lord, who loves us, we are to love God and our neighbors as ourselves. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of God” (Gal. 6:10). If you have the heart of Christ, you will then have a heart for one another.
Discussion: What does it mean to be like-minded?
Be Like Christ 2:5-11
To love one another, to be of the same mind, is to have the mind of Christ. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” We look to Scriptures to see the mind of Christ. Matthew 11:29 reads, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly at heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Our Lord refreshes our souls with His presence as His longsuffering and tender mercies infuse our lives with healing and joyful ointments. Therefore, we are able to be like-minded with one another. For a Christian is this: “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt. 5:7).
The mind of Christ is revealed in His incarnation, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” The Messiah or Christ is God. It was not robbery to state this equality with God, for it is true that He is the second Person of the Godhead. “Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God,” testifies Peter by the authority of the Spirit of God. Christ is “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature; for by him were all things created” (Col. 1:15; John 1:1). Nor did His position as the Son of God in the Godhead hinder Him from taking upon Himself the flesh of His creation, mankind. He lowered Himself that He may save His people from their sins. As Christ took upon Himself the form of a servant, so we must take on that form as we become a blessing to one another, with that same love with which our Lord loved us.
Christ our Lord, “found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Christ’s death upon the cross was the ultimate demonstration of His obedience to His Father in heaven. He prayed, saying, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). Our love for one another, being of the same mind as Christ, reveals a measure of sacrifice. There are times when the burden of love taxes or tests our souls. However, may we, in the grace and strength of our Savior, pray, “Not my will but Thine be done” in that situation in which He has placed us. Think upon the cross of Christ as you seek the mind of Christ in the fellowship of believers.
Because of Christ’s obedience, the Father exalted Him. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things; under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” It is God the Father who exalted His Son. If there is any exaltation, any glory that is ours, it must come from our Father in heaven through Jesus Christ. The glory which is ours is Christ’s alone. There is no one who can claim a name above Christ’s. For, before the Person of Christ Jesus every knee shall bow. All things are under His feet. For He alone is the King of kings and Lord of lords. By the authority of Christ all things of heaven and hearth are subject to Him. It is Christ alone who should shine through our deeds of love and mercy. Our obedience to Christ as Lord must reveal His preeminence, His supremacy as the risen King! Therefore, every nation, every language should confess that Christ Jesus is Lord. “It is to the glory of God the Father to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord; for it is His will that all men should honor the Son, as they honor the Father, John 5:23. Whatever respect is paid to Christ overflows to the honor of the Father” (M. Henry).
Discussion: What does it mean to be like Christ?
The Throne of Heaven
May 8, 2011
Lesson: Revelation 4:1-5
Key Verse: Revelation 4:2
Introduction
Our Lord gives His beloved Apostle, and us, a vantage point from which is seen the life and victory of God’s people, God’s great Congregation of which Christ is King and Head. The vantage point is the ‘throne of heaven’-what John learns is of divine revelation: “Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes” (Rev. 7:15-17). Though we look forward to the last day when all tears will be wiped away, we must also know that our Lord is continually dwelling with His people, wiping their tears, giving them victory in their faith from generation to generation.
This feeding of the sheep by the Good Shepherd is illustrated in John’s writing to the congregation of the Laodiceans: “These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God” (Rev. 3:14). The Christians of Laodicea are fence riders, wondering whether to move to the right or to the left, being neither hot nor cold. The Lord counsels them “to buy of me gold tried with fire, that thou mayest be rich.” Isaiah spoke of this grace: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” (Isa. 55:1). God’s grace is priceless: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (Rev. 3:19). Turn to the Lord and you will find forgiveness of your sins, and an eternal fellowship: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and him with me” (3:20). This is a picture of a Christian who, having been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, loves Him: “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23).
The Voice of the Throne –Revelation 4:1-5
After writing to the seven churches of Asia, John is drawn to an open “door in heaven.” He was given a view of God’s people as God sees them. The first voice John heard “was as it were a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter.” The congregations of Asia, and beyond, are to hear of those things which must be, by the Lord’s providential care. The voice of God is as a trumpet, claiming loudly and firmly what is of divine truth. In a sense John brings with him the people of God in that generation and every generation that all may see what God in Christ Jesus has in store for His people.
John records: “I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight unto an emerald.” By the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, John was brought before the heavenly throne. John’s sees the Glory of the Almighty Creator and Savior, which no physical eye can see, except as the Glory-Cloud of heaven. The people of God, as they traveled from Egypt saw their Deliverer: “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way” (Ex. 13:21). Jesus spoke of Himself as the Risen Deliverer who would be with them during the time of the Tribulation: “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matt. 24:30). This is the Risen Christ whom John witnesses, the rainbow representing the covenant promise given to Noah and witnessed by Ezekiel: “As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one hat spake” (Ez. 1:28). Thus, when the Spirit teaches us through His Word, so we are brought face to face with the glory of God in Christ Jesus; and so we worship and serve Him with much thanksgiving.
John records that he saw “round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.” These are those who represent the true and eternal Congregation of whom Christ is King and Head. They reign with Christ as true under-shepherds of Christ’s redeemed flock. The number twenty four teaches us that they not only represent the Body of Christ, the Church (Congregation: God’s called-out, gathered people), but that God’s people also reign with Christ. Which is attested to John’s seeing “out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.” These lightnings and voices which proceeded out of the throne, Matthew Henry wrote, “that is, the awful declarations that God makes to his church of his sovereign will and pleasure. Thus he gave forth the law on mount Sinai; and the gospel has not less glory and authority than the law, though it be of a more spiritual nature. He saw seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are explained to be the seven Spirits of God, the various gifts, graces and operations of the Spirit of God in the churches of Christ.”
Discussion: How is our faith made strong in John’s vision of the heavenly throne?
God’s Salvation
May 15, 2011
Lesson: Revelation 7:9–17
Key Verse: Revelation 7:10
Introduction
John’s vision on the Isle of Patmos revealed those who were slain for the Word of God, “and for the testimony which they held” (Rev. 6:9). These saints cried out with a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on earth” (6:19). However the seal had been opened and heaven’s promise was seen, “rest yet for a little season, unto their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled” (6:11).
The church was warned by their Lord that there would be persecution. Jesus said, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). However, we claim the victory with the apostle Paul, “Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor. 4:9). The Christian’s character is revealed in these words of our Lord, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10).
Those who have gone on before are wearing the white robes of the righteousness of Christ. They wait for others to come. They are being fed and comforted by their risen Lord. We too are fed by the good Shepherd. He is the Savior who leads us in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. He directs our paths through the valley of death. However, we come daily to the mount called Zion, to the city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to “an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect” (Heb. 12:22-23).
A Loud Voice –Revelation 7:9-10
John’s vision is greater than any other thought we may have of heaven. It is mixed with symbols and the reality of angels, and of the risen Lord Himself. His conversation with the Lord is real. The Lord reveals the mighty power of His Word, of His promises. We see that vision through the written Word, and by the teaching and leading of the Holy Spirit. Let us be the Church that remains anchored upon the Word, written and preserved for us through the ages. The author is God. He will interpret His Word, writing it clearly upon our hearts and lives
John looks and sees “a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.” The gates of hell will not stand before His Body, the Congregation on earth in every nation, and in every generation. We are not only great in number, but great in the strength of our Savior. This multitude stands before “the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palms in their hands.” They are pure in spirit, and have seen God! Christ placed His righteous robes upon the sinned scarred backs, and they were soothed with balm of Gilead. Taste, today, and see that the Lord is good. Earthly blessings come from the hands of a gracious God.
Their cry before the throne is one of worship and praise with much thanksgiving. With a loud voice they testify, “Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb” (see John 3:16). Have you read the Great Commission lately? It is our duty to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord. We are to be discipled by the Word of God; we are to disciple others, the Spirit teaching others by His Word. It is our joy to tell others that Christ Jesus is our Savior. It is our privilege to claim Christ as the King of kings, the one rules in our hearts, our homes, His church, and in this world.
Discussion: Do we know much about Christ and His Word that we can shout His praises with a loud voice?
The Throne –Revelation 7:11-12
The throne of God is central to John’s vision. All the angels stand around the throne, along with the elders and the four beasts. They all fall before “the throne on their faces, and worshiped God.” They worshiped God with these words, “Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen.” The angels are God’s messengers. The elders are His prophets. The four beasts have the honor to be the protector and proclaimer of God’s glory (Rev. 4:6-8; 5:8, 14; 15:7-8). They had the privilege to announce the coming of the King of kings upon His white horse (Rev. 6:1-2). And they are all in agreement “Amen” as to who should receive the worship, glory, and honor (see also Rev. 19:4-6).
Discussion: What agreements with these words of praise do you express in the worship of God as a gathering of God’s people?
The Lamb –Revelation 7:14-17
One of the elders speaks to John, saying, “What are these which are arrayed in white robes? And whence came they?” The question directs John’s eyes to the multitude, saying, “Sir, thou knowest.” They answered, “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
Every child of God, and sheep of the Lamb slain, had only garments of filth, guilty sinners whose wages were eternal death. “It was like a garment with the leprosy in it. Some stained with blood, …some with adultery; some with disobedience to parents; with pride, falsehood, evil-speaking, all were stained. Everyone was convinced that he could not make himself clean. …Jesus was revealed to him, and His precious blood shed for sinners, even the chief, saying to the heavy-laden, Come to me. …All are washed in blood. It is their only way of standing. Have you been washed in blood? You will find not one in heaven who went there in any other way. You think to go to heaven by your own decency, innocency, attention to duties. Well, you be the only such one there: all are washed in blood. Come and let us reason together” (R. M. McCheyne).
The saving grace of God, through the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ, is what delivers the saints from tribulation. Therefore the saints that have gone on before stand before the throne of God, serving Him day and night in His presence. The tears have been wiped from their eyes, their lips are no longer dry, their stomachs no long growl, they no long depend upon the sun for light or heat. For the Lamb who is the Shepherd of Psalm 23 will feed them and “lead them unto living fountains of waters.”
Discussion: Have your filthy robes of unrighteousness been cleansed by the precious blood of Christ? (1 Peter 1:18-22)
All Things New
May 22, 2011
Lesson: Revelation 21:1–8
Key Verse: Revelation 21:5
Introduction
Paul is persuaded, and so are all of God’s children, “that neither death, nor life, no angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, …shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:39). However, there is a marked difference between the child of God and the children of darkness. “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Rom. 8:5-6).
When the time had come for our Savior to go to the cross of Calvary, He told His disciples about a very special gift. He said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s (household) are many (dwelling places) …I go and prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-2). He also promised that He would “come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (14:3). Here is the Good News! Christ Jesus shed His blood for the forgiveness of sins, in order that those for whom He died would have a place in the household of God. We who are His children, having put our faith in Christ as our Savior, have been received into the presence of God. It is also the great desire of the Son that we also may be where He is.
David understood the meaning of repentance and forgiveness. And he knew the promise of God that he would dwell in His presence because of this forgiveness. It is God who would purge away the sins of His people. Then comes the true joy of fellowship: “Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple” (Psa. 65:4).
A New City –Revelation 21:1-2
The risen Lord reveals to His beloved apostle, John, “a new heaven and a new earth.” The first heaven and earth are passed away. This new heaven and new earth are not ‘new’ in the sense of brand new, but in the sense of being resurrected: just as we will receive a new resurrected body whereby we will be recognized as Andrew or Marilyn or John or Lois, so the heaven and earth will be recognized, but without sin and the curse. It will be beautiful because God will have restored it to His good pleasure. There will be no sea. This is the sea from which evil ascends: “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy” (Rev. 13:1). The sea in John’s vision reveals the great divide between man and his Creator. No one can pass over this sea except those who have victory over the beast (15:1-3). This victory is found only in Christ. The new planet will have nothing in it that will separate us from our Father.
What happens next, after the establishment of the new heavens and earth? John saw “the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (21:2). The holy city or new Jerusalem is the redeemed people of God. Our Savior has achieved what He has promised. He had, by way of His shed blood, prepared a place in the presence of the Holy God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The children of the household of God, wearing the righteous robes of their Savior and King, will descend upon the new earth.
We have a glorious taste of this new resurrected life today. Our hope is in the reality of being part of the new Jerusalem. Martyn Lloyd Jones wrote of his assurance in Christ: “I am a part of him; I have died with him; I have risen with him. He is my life and I am in him. So, being in him, I am as secure as those who are with him in heaven, and it is because he has dealt with every barrier and hindrance and obstacle to our receiving this blessed life” (Saved in Eternity).
There are two characteristics of the holy city. One is that it comes down from God out of heaven. His people are with Him in His heavenly presence until the new earth is resurrected. Then they come, presumably with their new resurrected body to earth. Then there is the beautiful picture of the Body of Christ as His bride, whom He redeemed with His own precious blood. We rejoice with one who will be with us in that day: “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels” (Isa. 61:10).
Discussion: How does his hope of a new city help us in our daily walk with God?
Tabernacle of God –Revelation 21:3-4
These verses cover us with the comfort of the Holy Spirit; for He reveals to us that the warfare and discomforts of this life are little to bear to what is ahead. God Himself is with us, now and forever. As He shepherds us daily, He will, because He is our God, finally wipe away all our tears, eternally walk with us, for there will be no death (spiritual or physical), and no more pain, misery or weariness. These things belong to the former things of this world, not of the world to come. The emphasis of our eternal life is in Christ, and in the knowledge that God Himself is with us.
Discussion: In what ways has God in Christ Jesus given you so freely of His comfort?
Water of Life –Revelation 21:5-8
John now hears the words of the King of kings. The Lord tells us that it is He who makes all things new. There is only one who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Again (Rev. 1:2-3, 18-20) the risen Lord tells John to write, “for these words are true and faithful.” All that Christ has revealed to John will be done, for He is the “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.” Therefore, it is Christ alone who gives life, saying, “I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” Do you know the promise of Christ? “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).
The comparison between the righteous in Christ and the wicked is again revealed, in order, first, that we may know that it is with much grace and unmerited love that our Lord brings us into His kingdom. We have an inheritance established in heaven (Eph. 1:11-12). We have the promise of being called sons, children of God (1 John 3:1-2). The second death belongs only to the unrepentant transgressors of the moral law of God.
Discussion: What is it that God in Christ Jesus has so freely given to you?
The Tree of Life
May 29, 2011
Lesson: Revelation 22:1–9
Key Verse: Revelation 22:2
Introduction
Matthew Henry introduces this section of Revelation with these words: “The heavenly state which was before described as a city, and called the new Jerusalem, is here described as a paradise, alluding to the earthly paradise which was lost by the sin of the first Adam; here is another paradise restored by the second Adam. A paradise in a city, or a whole city in a paradise! In the first paradise there were only two persons to behold the beauty and taste the pleasures of it; but in this second paradise whole cities and nations shall find abundant delight and satisfaction.” Through the Redemptive sacrifice of Christ the divine nature of the “Garden of Eden” is again the place of God’s People; and within this garden is “the tree of life.” The Prophet Ezekiel was given the privilege of having a taste of the wonder and beauty of this eternal garden, the eternal abiding place of God and His people: “And (the Lord) said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river. Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come hither: for they shall be healed: and every thing shall live whither the river cometh” (Ez. 47:6-9). The eternal abode of God’s people is expressed in these words of our Savior to the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in Paradise!”
Water of Life –Revelation 22:1-4
John had been given the vision of the “holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband”—and he “heard a great voice,” saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with, and be their God” (Rev. 21:2-3). Within in this new Jerusalem would be a unique tabernacle: “for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it” (21:22).
John’s eyes are now drawn to this throne: “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” Before the fall of man God had placed Adam in a beautiful garden, which He had planted, “And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it parted and became into four heads” (Gen.2:8-10). This water was to nurture the earth, bringing life to every part of the land. However, Adam’s transgression would bring judgment upon the generations of man. Adam and Eve had eaten of the tree of good and evil, which teaches us the nature of sin. Before Adam had sinned he was being taught how to take care of the land and what was the nature of the animals, etc. He had received true knowledge from his Creator. Now, Scripture teaches us, that the Triune God said, “Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil” (3:22). In other words, man took upon himself to be as gods, as those who had the authority and means to define what is good or what is evil. They took the place of their Creator. Thus God took from the tree of life that they might once again look to their Creator as the only One who can give life.
Within the new Jerusalem the tree of life was returned: “In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielding her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Life was returned to man and his dwelling place because of the redemptive work of Christ the Son: “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope be in God” (1 Peter 1:18-21).
Christ confirms our hope and faith when He gave the beloved apostle this vision of eternal glory: “And there shall be no more curse; but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.” As servants whose lives are made new by the Word of God, we proclaim the Glory of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That which is our life in Christ today will be truly manifested in the new Jerusalem: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18). All those who are redeemed of the Lord Jesus bear the name of the Father upon their foreheads; “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).
Discussion: How does this vision of John give hope to the Christian in persecution?
The Faithful and True Word –Revelation 22:5-9
Within in this great city, the new Jerusalem, John records this vision: “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” There will be no longer any wondering or questions of what is right or wrong; the Lord will be what He always was, the true authority of what is good and evil. Our eyes will behold the Light which alone will teach us. And because of this the saints will reign with Him for ever and ever. We will surely understand that we serve only the King of kings and Lord of lords; there is no other teacher: “These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angels to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.”
We should remember that we are reading that Book which is called “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”—“which God unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John” (Rev. 1:1). Thus, when we note that John is moved by an “angel” he is confronted by Christ Jesus the risen Lord; as in the first verse of chapter 20: “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.” Only the Son of God has such a judgment upon the unrepentant sinner. Only the Son can give the saints, especially those who face tribulations, the hope of his imminent coming: “Behold, I come quickly; blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” The tribulation of A.D. 70 was below the sunrise and the saints needed this confirmation that Christ would be present with them as was prophesied. The eternal Temple is to be revealed in their generation by Jesus: “Behold, I come quickly; hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name” (Rev. 3:11-12).
The response of John to this revelation of Christ Jesus is this: “I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things.” Understanding that he represents Christ alone, the angel replies, “See thou do it not; for I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.” How easy it is to be subjective in our worship of God as He is revealed in Scriptures. We love to have our ears tickled by man, our hearts moved by our emotions, claiming that we have worshipped because we have truly felt good. Look to Christ alone in worship. Entertainment turns our eyes inward and we trip over our robes of self-righteousness. Look to Christ who alone is our salvation, His Word which alone is Truth, to our Father who first loved us and sent His Son to take our place upon the cross of Calvary, and to the Spirit who gives us that new birth that we may hear His teaching of that precious Word. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into his grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:1-2). Thus we worship God, not by feelings but by faith which honors God and His Word.
Discussion: Wherein lays our hope both in tribulations and peace?
During that night in the upper room, where Jesus said, “For this is my blood of the new testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins,” He was speaking of our entrance into the Household of our Father in heaven, having paid the ransom price for our souls upon the Cross of Calvary. This redemptive work of the Cross is also seen in these words of our Savior, “In my Father’s house are many (dwelling places)… I go and prepare a place for you” (Matt. 26:28, John 14:2). Near the end of the evening, knowing that the hour had come for the Son to be glorified by the Father, and the Father by the Son, Jesus spoke to His Father saying, “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one; I in them, and thou in me, that they may be made perfect in one; and that the world may know that thou hast sent me, and hast loved them, as thou hast loved me” (John 17:22-23).
The glory (Doxa), of which Jesus refers to in John 17:22, is that of recognition, of being seen as the person you really are. Doxa, or glory, is the appearance or reputation of the person, his honor or importance, etc. When we are told that we have transgressed against God, coming short of His glory (Rom. 3:23), we see ourselves as not being what our Lord intended us to be. We then bear the name “Ichabod”-meaning without the glory of God, lacking His image and moral character. In Christ the glory of God is returned to us as His very own people. Thus Christ in us makes us perfect to bring us to completion in His image and glory.
Be Like-Minded 2:1-4
Though there were many good things to be said about the congregation at Philippi, there was an inner tension which would bring about disunion if not checked by the word of God. The undercurrent of bickering, disagreements, gossip, etc., can eventually bring about a split among the people of God. Sometimes the tensions of false beliefs, clashed personalities, etc. are hidden, hoping that they will go soon go away. However, a desire among the people of God to be obedient to the word of God should be a cleansing balm in their relationship with their Lord and one another. We need to be reminded by the faithful minister of the word that Christ alone is our glory, and in Him we will find the healing that is needed. It is in Christ that we are enabled to be humble in our relationship with one another, to repent and forgive with the desire to be reconciled in love and friendship.
Paul turns the eyes of the saints to Jesus. He gives them a fourfold incentive to be like-minded, one with another. If the following statements are true (which they are) then there is no reason that we cannot attain that unity which will reveal the glory of Christ in us. A. If there is any consolation in Christ, there is any encouragement, any strengthening of our faith that we belong to God our Father in Christ, and then we can be like-minded. B. If there is any comfort of unconditional love in Christ, and then we have a great incentive to love one another, to be like-minded. C. If there is any fellowship if the Spirit of God, there is great encouragement from God Himself that we be like-minded. D. If there is any strength of compassion from within, any spirit of tender mercies, then it is within the character of the Christian to be like-minded. Prove yourself that you belong to Christ by showing Christ-like love and unity among the brethren.
Therefore Paul charges the saints to fulfill his joy by being like-minded. This like-mindedness is to be shown by the saints in these three ways. 1. Having the same love which results in “being of one accord, of one mind.” Being of one accord signifies a community of love. It concerns the soul or life of the people of God. 2. Having a “lowliness of mind,” esteeming others better than themselves. “When grace changes the heart, submission out of love and true humility is born. By Paul this virtue is associated with those of tenderheartedness, kindness, forbearance, longsuffering, meekness” (Hendriksen). 3. Having a concern for the needs of others, the Christian looks “on the things of others.” In our covenant relationship with our Lord, who loves us, we are to love God and our neighbors as ourselves. “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of God” (Gal. 6:10). If you have the heart of Christ, you will then have a heart for one another.
Discussion: What does it mean to be like-minded?
Be Like Christ 2:5-11
To love one another, to be of the same mind, is to have the mind of Christ. “Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus.” We look to Scriptures to see the mind of Christ. Matthew 11:29 reads, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly at heart; and ye shall find rest unto your souls.” Our Lord refreshes our souls with His presence as His longsuffering and tender mercies infuse our lives with healing and joyful ointments. Therefore, we are able to be like-minded with one another. For a Christian is this: “Blessed are the merciful for they shall obtain mercy” (Matt. 5:7).
The mind of Christ is revealed in His incarnation, “Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God; but made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men.” The Messiah or Christ is God. It was not robbery to state this equality with God, for it is true that He is the second Person of the Godhead. “Thou art the Christ the Son of the living God,” testifies Peter by the authority of the Spirit of God. Christ is “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of every creature; for by him were all things created” (Col. 1:15; John 1:1). Nor did His position as the Son of God in the Godhead hinder Him from taking upon Himself the flesh of His creation, mankind. He lowered Himself that He may save His people from their sins. As Christ took upon Himself the form of a servant, so we must take on that form as we become a blessing to one another, with that same love with which our Lord loved us.
Christ our Lord, “found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” Christ’s death upon the cross was the ultimate demonstration of His obedience to His Father in heaven. He prayed, saying, “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me; nevertheless, not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42). Our love for one another, being of the same mind as Christ, reveals a measure of sacrifice. There are times when the burden of love taxes or tests our souls. However, may we, in the grace and strength of our Savior, pray, “Not my will but Thine be done” in that situation in which He has placed us. Think upon the cross of Christ as you seek the mind of Christ in the fellowship of believers.
Because of Christ’s obedience, the Father exalted Him. “Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things; under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” It is God the Father who exalted His Son. If there is any exaltation, any glory that is ours, it must come from our Father in heaven through Jesus Christ. The glory which is ours is Christ’s alone. There is no one who can claim a name above Christ’s. For, before the Person of Christ Jesus every knee shall bow. All things are under His feet. For He alone is the King of kings and Lord of lords. By the authority of Christ all things of heaven and hearth are subject to Him. It is Christ alone who should shine through our deeds of love and mercy. Our obedience to Christ as Lord must reveal His preeminence, His supremacy as the risen King! Therefore, every nation, every language should confess that Christ Jesus is Lord. “It is to the glory of God the Father to confess that Jesus Christ is Lord; for it is His will that all men should honor the Son, as they honor the Father, John 5:23. Whatever respect is paid to Christ overflows to the honor of the Father” (M. Henry).
Discussion: What does it mean to be like Christ?
The Throne of Heaven
May 8, 2011
Lesson: Revelation 4:1-5
Key Verse: Revelation 4:2
Introduction
Our Lord gives His beloved Apostle, and us, a vantage point from which is seen the life and victory of God’s people, God’s great Congregation of which Christ is King and Head. The vantage point is the ‘throne of heaven’-what John learns is of divine revelation: “Therefore are they before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple: and he that sitteth on the throne shall dwell among them. They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; neither shall the sun light on them, nor any heat. For the Lamb which is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes” (Rev. 7:15-17). Though we look forward to the last day when all tears will be wiped away, we must also know that our Lord is continually dwelling with His people, wiping their tears, giving them victory in their faith from generation to generation.
This feeding of the sheep by the Good Shepherd is illustrated in John’s writing to the congregation of the Laodiceans: “These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God” (Rev. 3:14). The Christians of Laodicea are fence riders, wondering whether to move to the right or to the left, being neither hot nor cold. The Lord counsels them “to buy of me gold tried with fire, that thou mayest be rich.” Isaiah spoke of this grace: “Ho, every one that thirsteth, come ye to the waters, and he that hath no money; come ye, buy, and eat; yea, come, buy wine and milk without money and without price” (Isa. 55:1). God’s grace is priceless: “As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent” (Rev. 3:19). Turn to the Lord and you will find forgiveness of your sins, and an eternal fellowship: “Behold, I stand at the door and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and him with me” (3:20). This is a picture of a Christian who, having been redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, loves Him: “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23).
The Voice of the Throne –Revelation 4:1-5
After writing to the seven churches of Asia, John is drawn to an open “door in heaven.” He was given a view of God’s people as God sees them. The first voice John heard “was as it were a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will show thee things which must be hereafter.” The congregations of Asia, and beyond, are to hear of those things which must be, by the Lord’s providential care. The voice of God is as a trumpet, claiming loudly and firmly what is of divine truth. In a sense John brings with him the people of God in that generation and every generation that all may see what God in Christ Jesus has in store for His people.
John records: “I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne. And he that sat was to look upon like a jasper and sardine stone: and there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight unto an emerald.” By the Spirit, the Holy Spirit, John was brought before the heavenly throne. John’s sees the Glory of the Almighty Creator and Savior, which no physical eye can see, except as the Glory-Cloud of heaven. The people of God, as they traveled from Egypt saw their Deliverer: “And the Lord went before them by day in a pillar of a cloud, to lead them the way” (Ex. 13:21). Jesus spoke of Himself as the Risen Deliverer who would be with them during the time of the Tribulation: “And then shall appear the sign of the Son of man in heaven: and then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and great glory” (Matt. 24:30). This is the Risen Christ whom John witnesses, the rainbow representing the covenant promise given to Noah and witnessed by Ezekiel: “As the appearance of the bow that is in the cloud in the day of rain, so was the appearance of the likeness of the glory of the Lord. And when I saw it, I fell upon my face, and I heard a voice of one hat spake” (Ez. 1:28). Thus, when the Spirit teaches us through His Word, so we are brought face to face with the glory of God in Christ Jesus; and so we worship and serve Him with much thanksgiving.
John records that he saw “round about the throne were four and twenty seats: and upon the seats: and upon the seats I saw four and twenty elders sitting clothed in white raiment; and they had on their heads crowns of gold.” These are those who represent the true and eternal Congregation of whom Christ is King and Head. They reign with Christ as true under-shepherds of Christ’s redeemed flock. The number twenty four teaches us that they not only represent the Body of Christ, the Church (Congregation: God’s called-out, gathered people), but that God’s people also reign with Christ. Which is attested to John’s seeing “out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God.” These lightnings and voices which proceeded out of the throne, Matthew Henry wrote, “that is, the awful declarations that God makes to his church of his sovereign will and pleasure. Thus he gave forth the law on mount Sinai; and the gospel has not less glory and authority than the law, though it be of a more spiritual nature. He saw seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are explained to be the seven Spirits of God, the various gifts, graces and operations of the Spirit of God in the churches of Christ.”
Discussion: How is our faith made strong in John’s vision of the heavenly throne?
God’s Salvation
May 15, 2011
Lesson: Revelation 7:9–17
Key Verse: Revelation 7:10
Introduction
John’s vision on the Isle of Patmos revealed those who were slain for the Word of God, “and for the testimony which they held” (Rev. 6:9). These saints cried out with a loud voice, “How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on earth” (6:19). However the seal had been opened and heaven’s promise was seen, “rest yet for a little season, unto their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled” (6:11).
The church was warned by their Lord that there would be persecution. Jesus said, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). However, we claim the victory with the apostle Paul, “Persecuted, but not forsaken; cast down, but not destroyed” (2 Cor. 4:9). The Christian’s character is revealed in these words of our Lord, “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10).
Those who have gone on before are wearing the white robes of the righteousness of Christ. They wait for others to come. They are being fed and comforted by their risen Lord. We too are fed by the good Shepherd. He is the Savior who leads us in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake. He directs our paths through the valley of death. However, we come daily to the mount called Zion, to the city of the Living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to “an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn, which are written in heaven, and to God the Judge of all, and to the spirits of just men made perfect” (Heb. 12:22-23).
A Loud Voice –Revelation 7:9-10
John’s vision is greater than any other thought we may have of heaven. It is mixed with symbols and the reality of angels, and of the risen Lord Himself. His conversation with the Lord is real. The Lord reveals the mighty power of His Word, of His promises. We see that vision through the written Word, and by the teaching and leading of the Holy Spirit. Let us be the Church that remains anchored upon the Word, written and preserved for us through the ages. The author is God. He will interpret His Word, writing it clearly upon our hearts and lives
John looks and sees “a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues.” The gates of hell will not stand before His Body, the Congregation on earth in every nation, and in every generation. We are not only great in number, but great in the strength of our Savior. This multitude stands before “the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, and palms in their hands.” They are pure in spirit, and have seen God! Christ placed His righteous robes upon the sinned scarred backs, and they were soothed with balm of Gilead. Taste, today, and see that the Lord is good. Earthly blessings come from the hands of a gracious God.
Their cry before the throne is one of worship and praise with much thanksgiving. With a loud voice they testify, “Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb” (see John 3:16). Have you read the Great Commission lately? It is our duty to proclaim the Gospel of our Lord. We are to be discipled by the Word of God; we are to disciple others, the Spirit teaching others by His Word. It is our joy to tell others that Christ Jesus is our Savior. It is our privilege to claim Christ as the King of kings, the one rules in our hearts, our homes, His church, and in this world.
Discussion: Do we know much about Christ and His Word that we can shout His praises with a loud voice?
The Throne –Revelation 7:11-12
The throne of God is central to John’s vision. All the angels stand around the throne, along with the elders and the four beasts. They all fall before “the throne on their faces, and worshiped God.” They worshiped God with these words, “Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God forever and ever. Amen.” The angels are God’s messengers. The elders are His prophets. The four beasts have the honor to be the protector and proclaimer of God’s glory (Rev. 4:6-8; 5:8, 14; 15:7-8). They had the privilege to announce the coming of the King of kings upon His white horse (Rev. 6:1-2). And they are all in agreement “Amen” as to who should receive the worship, glory, and honor (see also Rev. 19:4-6).
Discussion: What agreements with these words of praise do you express in the worship of God as a gathering of God’s people?
The Lamb –Revelation 7:14-17
One of the elders speaks to John, saying, “What are these which are arrayed in white robes? And whence came they?” The question directs John’s eyes to the multitude, saying, “Sir, thou knowest.” They answered, “These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
Every child of God, and sheep of the Lamb slain, had only garments of filth, guilty sinners whose wages were eternal death. “It was like a garment with the leprosy in it. Some stained with blood, …some with adultery; some with disobedience to parents; with pride, falsehood, evil-speaking, all were stained. Everyone was convinced that he could not make himself clean. …Jesus was revealed to him, and His precious blood shed for sinners, even the chief, saying to the heavy-laden, Come to me. …All are washed in blood. It is their only way of standing. Have you been washed in blood? You will find not one in heaven who went there in any other way. You think to go to heaven by your own decency, innocency, attention to duties. Well, you be the only such one there: all are washed in blood. Come and let us reason together” (R. M. McCheyne).
The saving grace of God, through the sacrifice and resurrection of Christ, is what delivers the saints from tribulation. Therefore the saints that have gone on before stand before the throne of God, serving Him day and night in His presence. The tears have been wiped from their eyes, their lips are no longer dry, their stomachs no long growl, they no long depend upon the sun for light or heat. For the Lamb who is the Shepherd of Psalm 23 will feed them and “lead them unto living fountains of waters.”
Discussion: Have your filthy robes of unrighteousness been cleansed by the precious blood of Christ? (1 Peter 1:18-22)
All Things New
May 22, 2011
Lesson: Revelation 21:1–8
Key Verse: Revelation 21:5
Introduction
Paul is persuaded, and so are all of God’s children, “that neither death, nor life, no angels nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, …shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom. 8:39). However, there is a marked difference between the child of God and the children of darkness. “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For to be carnally minded is death; but to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Rom. 8:5-6).
When the time had come for our Savior to go to the cross of Calvary, He told His disciples about a very special gift. He said, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s (household) are many (dwelling places) …I go and prepare a place for you” (John 14:1-2). He also promised that He would “come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also” (14:3). Here is the Good News! Christ Jesus shed His blood for the forgiveness of sins, in order that those for whom He died would have a place in the household of God. We who are His children, having put our faith in Christ as our Savior, have been received into the presence of God. It is also the great desire of the Son that we also may be where He is.
David understood the meaning of repentance and forgiveness. And he knew the promise of God that he would dwell in His presence because of this forgiveness. It is God who would purge away the sins of His people. Then comes the true joy of fellowship: “Blessed is the man whom thou choosest, and causest to approach unto thee, that he may dwell in thy courts: we shall be satisfied with the goodness of thy house, even of thy holy temple” (Psa. 65:4).
A New City –Revelation 21:1-2
The risen Lord reveals to His beloved apostle, John, “a new heaven and a new earth.” The first heaven and earth are passed away. This new heaven and new earth are not ‘new’ in the sense of brand new, but in the sense of being resurrected: just as we will receive a new resurrected body whereby we will be recognized as Andrew or Marilyn or John or Lois, so the heaven and earth will be recognized, but without sin and the curse. It will be beautiful because God will have restored it to His good pleasure. There will be no sea. This is the sea from which evil ascends: “And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy” (Rev. 13:1). The sea in John’s vision reveals the great divide between man and his Creator. No one can pass over this sea except those who have victory over the beast (15:1-3). This victory is found only in Christ. The new planet will have nothing in it that will separate us from our Father.
What happens next, after the establishment of the new heavens and earth? John saw “the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband” (21:2). The holy city or new Jerusalem is the redeemed people of God. Our Savior has achieved what He has promised. He had, by way of His shed blood, prepared a place in the presence of the Holy God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. The children of the household of God, wearing the righteous robes of their Savior and King, will descend upon the new earth.
We have a glorious taste of this new resurrected life today. Our hope is in the reality of being part of the new Jerusalem. Martyn Lloyd Jones wrote of his assurance in Christ: “I am a part of him; I have died with him; I have risen with him. He is my life and I am in him. So, being in him, I am as secure as those who are with him in heaven, and it is because he has dealt with every barrier and hindrance and obstacle to our receiving this blessed life” (Saved in Eternity).
There are two characteristics of the holy city. One is that it comes down from God out of heaven. His people are with Him in His heavenly presence until the new earth is resurrected. Then they come, presumably with their new resurrected body to earth. Then there is the beautiful picture of the Body of Christ as His bride, whom He redeemed with His own precious blood. We rejoice with one who will be with us in that day: “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels” (Isa. 61:10).
Discussion: How does his hope of a new city help us in our daily walk with God?
Tabernacle of God –Revelation 21:3-4
These verses cover us with the comfort of the Holy Spirit; for He reveals to us that the warfare and discomforts of this life are little to bear to what is ahead. God Himself is with us, now and forever. As He shepherds us daily, He will, because He is our God, finally wipe away all our tears, eternally walk with us, for there will be no death (spiritual or physical), and no more pain, misery or weariness. These things belong to the former things of this world, not of the world to come. The emphasis of our eternal life is in Christ, and in the knowledge that God Himself is with us.
Discussion: In what ways has God in Christ Jesus given you so freely of His comfort?
Water of Life –Revelation 21:5-8
John now hears the words of the King of kings. The Lord tells us that it is He who makes all things new. There is only one who is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Again (Rev. 1:2-3, 18-20) the risen Lord tells John to write, “for these words are true and faithful.” All that Christ has revealed to John will be done, for He is the “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.” Therefore, it is Christ alone who gives life, saying, “I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” Do you know the promise of Christ? “But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:14).
The comparison between the righteous in Christ and the wicked is again revealed, in order, first, that we may know that it is with much grace and unmerited love that our Lord brings us into His kingdom. We have an inheritance established in heaven (Eph. 1:11-12). We have the promise of being called sons, children of God (1 John 3:1-2). The second death belongs only to the unrepentant transgressors of the moral law of God.
Discussion: What is it that God in Christ Jesus has so freely given to you?
The Tree of Life
May 29, 2011
Lesson: Revelation 22:1–9
Key Verse: Revelation 22:2
Introduction
Matthew Henry introduces this section of Revelation with these words: “The heavenly state which was before described as a city, and called the new Jerusalem, is here described as a paradise, alluding to the earthly paradise which was lost by the sin of the first Adam; here is another paradise restored by the second Adam. A paradise in a city, or a whole city in a paradise! In the first paradise there were only two persons to behold the beauty and taste the pleasures of it; but in this second paradise whole cities and nations shall find abundant delight and satisfaction.” Through the Redemptive sacrifice of Christ the divine nature of the “Garden of Eden” is again the place of God’s People; and within this garden is “the tree of life.” The Prophet Ezekiel was given the privilege of having a taste of the wonder and beauty of this eternal garden, the eternal abiding place of God and His people: “And (the Lord) said unto me, Son of man, hast thou seen this? Then he brought me, and caused me to return to the brink of the river. Now when I had returned, behold, at the bank of the river were very many trees on the one side and on the other. Then said he unto me, These waters issue out toward the east country, and go down into the desert, and go into the sea: which being brought forth into the sea, the waters shall be healed. And it shall come to pass, that every thing that liveth, which moveth, whithersoever the rivers shall come, shall live: and there shall be a very great multitude of fish, because these waters shall come hither: for they shall be healed: and every thing shall live whither the river cometh” (Ez. 47:6-9). The eternal abode of God’s people is expressed in these words of our Savior to the thief on the cross, “Today you will be with me in Paradise!”
Water of Life –Revelation 22:1-4
John had been given the vision of the “holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband”—and he “heard a great voice,” saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself will be with, and be their God” (Rev. 21:2-3). Within in this new Jerusalem would be a unique tabernacle: “for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it” (21:22).
John’s eyes are now drawn to this throne: “And he showed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” Before the fall of man God had placed Adam in a beautiful garden, which He had planted, “And out of the ground made the Lord God to grow every tree that is pleasant to the sight, and good for food; the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of life also in the midst of the garden, and the tree of knowledge of good and evil. And a river went out of Eden to water the garden; and from thence it parted and became into four heads” (Gen.2:8-10). This water was to nurture the earth, bringing life to every part of the land. However, Adam’s transgression would bring judgment upon the generations of man. Adam and Eve had eaten of the tree of good and evil, which teaches us the nature of sin. Before Adam had sinned he was being taught how to take care of the land and what was the nature of the animals, etc. He had received true knowledge from his Creator. Now, Scripture teaches us, that the Triune God said, “Behold, the man is become as one of us, to know good and evil” (3:22). In other words, man took upon himself to be as gods, as those who had the authority and means to define what is good or what is evil. They took the place of their Creator. Thus God took from the tree of life that they might once again look to their Creator as the only One who can give life.
Within the new Jerusalem the tree of life was returned: “In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielding her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” Life was returned to man and his dwelling place because of the redemptive work of Christ the Son: “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot: who verily was foreordained before the foundation of the world, but was manifest in these last times for you, who by him do believe in God, that raised him up from the dead, and gave him glory; that your faith and hope be in God” (1 Peter 1:18-21).
Christ confirms our hope and faith when He gave the beloved apostle this vision of eternal glory: “And there shall be no more curse; but the throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him: and they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.” As servants whose lives are made new by the Word of God, we proclaim the Glory of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. That which is our life in Christ today will be truly manifested in the new Jerusalem: “But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image from glory to glory, even as by the Spirit of the Lord” (2 Cor. 3:18). All those who are redeemed of the Lord Jesus bear the name of the Father upon their foreheads; “Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2).
Discussion: How does this vision of John give hope to the Christian in persecution?
The Faithful and True Word –Revelation 22:5-9
Within in this great city, the new Jerusalem, John records this vision: “And there shall be no night there; and they need no candle, neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and they shall reign for ever and ever.” There will be no longer any wondering or questions of what is right or wrong; the Lord will be what He always was, the true authority of what is good and evil. Our eyes will behold the Light which alone will teach us. And because of this the saints will reign with Him for ever and ever. We will surely understand that we serve only the King of kings and Lord of lords; there is no other teacher: “These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angels to show unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.”
We should remember that we are reading that Book which is called “The Revelation of Jesus Christ”—“which God unto him, to show unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John” (Rev. 1:1). Thus, when we note that John is moved by an “angel” he is confronted by Christ Jesus the risen Lord; as in the first verse of chapter 20: “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand.” Only the Son of God has such a judgment upon the unrepentant sinner. Only the Son can give the saints, especially those who face tribulations, the hope of his imminent coming: “Behold, I come quickly; blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.” The tribulation of A.D. 70 was below the sunrise and the saints needed this confirmation that Christ would be present with them as was prophesied. The eternal Temple is to be revealed in their generation by Jesus: “Behold, I come quickly; hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. Him that overcometh will I make a pillar in the temple of my God, and he shall go no more out: and I will write upon him the name of my God, and the city of my God, which is new Jerusalem, which cometh down out of heaven from my God: and I will write upon him my new name” (Rev. 3:11-12).
The response of John to this revelation of Christ Jesus is this: “I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which showed me these things.” Understanding that he represents Christ alone, the angel replies, “See thou do it not; for I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.” How easy it is to be subjective in our worship of God as He is revealed in Scriptures. We love to have our ears tickled by man, our hearts moved by our emotions, claiming that we have worshipped because we have truly felt good. Look to Christ alone in worship. Entertainment turns our eyes inward and we trip over our robes of self-righteousness. Look to Christ who alone is our salvation, His Word which alone is Truth, to our Father who first loved us and sent His Son to take our place upon the cross of Calvary, and to the Spirit who gives us that new birth that we may hear His teaching of that precious Word. “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: by whom also we have access by faith into his grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God” (Rom. 5:1-2). Thus we worship God, not by feelings but by faith which honors God and His Word.
Discussion: Wherein lays our hope both in tribulations and peace?
