Jesus is Coming!

Revelation closes human history as Genesis opened it - in paradise. But there is one distinct difference in Revelation - evil is gone forever. Genesis describes Adam and Eve walking and talking with God; Revelation describes people worshiping God face to face. Genesis describes a garden with an evil serpent; Revelation describes a perfect city with no evil. The Garden of Eden was destroyed by sin; but paradise is re-created in the new Jerusalem.

The book of Revelation ends with an urgent request: "Come, Lord Jesus." In a world of problems, persecution, evil, and immorality, Christ calls us to endure in our faith. Our efforts to better our world are important, but their results cannot compare with the transformation that Jesus will bring about when He returns. He alone controls human history, forgives sin, and will re-create the earth and bring lasting peace.

Revelation is, above all, a book of hope. It shows that no matter what happens on earth, God is in control. It promises that evil will not last forever. And it depicts the wonderful reward that is waiting for all those who believe in Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord.

There are many people in the world today who feel that God has given them special insight as to when the Second Coming of Jesus Christ will take place... down to the exact date. Even though the Holy Bible teaches that no one knows the exact date and time our Lord will return, these false prophets still continue to confuse the "world" and some "Christians" with their false prophecies. Let us study and meditate on God's Word to see what He tells us about the Second Coming.

“And behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city. But outside are dogs and sorcerers and sexually immoral and murderers and idolaters, and whoever loves and practices a lie. “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.” (Revelation 22:12-16)

Those who wash their robes are those who seek to purify themselves from a sinful way of life. They strive daily to remain faithful and ready for Christ's return. It is difficult to imagine how blood could make any cloth white, but the blood of Jesus Christ is the world's greatest purifier because it removes the stain of sin. White symbolizes sinless perfection or holiness, which can be given to people only by the death of the sinless Lamb of God on our behalf. This is a picture of how we are saved through faith (Isaiah 1:18; Romans 3:21-26).

The rewarding of each believer according to their works is taught in 2 Corinthians 5:10. Christ’s rewards are meant to provide a powerful incentive for an obedient life. Little wonder that the apostle Paul rigorously disciplined himself so that he would not be disqualified from the reward of reigning with Christ (1 Corinthians 9:24–27). The judgment seat of Christ can be a time of great regret, or it can be an occasion of supreme joy (2 Corinthians 5:9–11). After Christ comes again, He will give rewards to His own. This can be counted on because Christ is in control of all history and eternity.

In Eden, Adam and Eve were barred from any access to the tree of life because of their sin (Genesis 3:22-24). In the new earth, God's people will eat from the tree of life because their sins have been removed by Christ's death and resurrection. Those who eat the fruit of this tree will live forever. If Jesus has forgiven your sins, you will have the right to eat from this tree.

The tree of life is like the tree of life in the Garden of Eden (Genesis 2:9). After Adam and Eve sinned, they were forbidden to eat from the tree of life because they could not have eternal life as long as they were under sin's control. But because of the forgiveness of sin through the blood of Jesus, there will be no evil or sin in this city. We will be able to eat freely from the tree of life when sin's control over us is destroyed and our eternity with God is secure.

Blessed introduces the last of the seven beatitudes in Revelation (Revelation 22:7; 1:3; 14:13; 16:15; 19:9; 20:6). Since the tree of life is literal but is also viewed figuratively (Proverbs 3:18; 11:30; 13:12; 15:4), it suggests a quality of life involving an intimate fellowship with Jesus Christ based upon a persevering obedience. This may be a fulfillment of Christ’s provision of life, and more abundant life (John 10:10). Since no one can enter into the city unless their name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life (Revelation 21:27), this beatitude is speaking of those justified by faith who express that faith in obedience (Ephesians 2:8–10). The obedient overcomer is promised the reward of entering through the gates of the city, possibly a privilege reserved for those who share in the Lord’s victory procession.

Dogs was a common expression used by Jews to speak of Gentiles (Matthew 15:26); here, however, it more likely speaks of false teachers (Philippians 3:2). Loves and practices a lie indicates a life dominated by falsehood (Revelation 21:8). The exact location of these sinners is not known, nor is it relevant. They are outside. They were judged and condemned in Revelation 21:7, 8. The emphasis is that nothing evil and no sinner will be in God's presence to corrupt or harm any of the faithful.

Jesus is both David's "Root" and "Offspring." As the Creator of all, Jesus existed long before David. As a human, however, He was one of David's direct descendants (Isaiah 11:1-5; Matthew 1:1-17). As the Messiah, He is the "Bright Morning Star," the light of salvation to all. Jesus is both the Source and Son of David, echoing the wording of Isaiah 11:1, 10. Jesus is both greater than David and the rightful heir to the throne of David. Bright and Morning Star means that for the Christian, Jesus is the comforting light in a dark world until the dawn of His return (Revelation 2:28).

So my brothers and sisters in Christ - let us not worry about the time and date that our Lord will return! As a "Believer" in Jesus Christ you have nothing to worry about. This will be an exciting time for those who have accepted Jesus as their Savior and Lord. Only our Holy and Awesome God knows when the time and date will be to finalize His work and fulfill the prophecies of the book of Revelation.

In the mean time, let us all go about doing God's work for Him and enjoy all of the blessings that He has given to each and every one of us. For when that final day does come... let us all rejoice and praise the Lord. And all God's people said...Amen.

References: NKJV Holy Bible, Life Application Bible (NIV), the Nelson Study Bible.