God is Eternal

 

God is Eternal

Genesis 21:33, And Abraham planted a grove in Beersheba, and called there on the name of the LORD, the everlasting God.

My intention is to simply explore Bible statements that aid our perception of God as eternal.

In Genesis 21:33, Abraham plants large evergreen trees (tamarisk trees symbols of longevity and life) in Beersheba and he engaged in public worship of Yahweh as El Olam (the Everlasting God) there among them.

A new name, ’el ‘olam, the everlasting God, characterized this worship. Thus did Abraham seek the Lord’s blessing on the new relationship with Abimelech (21:31–34).^[1]

Abraham was acknowledging God’s eternal nature, faithfulness, and enduring covenant. Abraham realized that God was providing comfort amid his wandering, transitory, and traveling lifestyle; a stability and sameness God alone could provide. This was also important because it marked a shift toward established, long-term worship of the Eternal God. 

In calling on the Lord, we must eye him as the everlasting God, the God of the world, so some. Though God had made himself known to Abraham as his God in particular, and in covenant with him, yet he forgets not to give glory to him as the Lord of all: The everlasting God, who was, before all worlds, and will be, when time and days shall be no more.^[2]

Then in Deuteronomy 33:27, God says: "The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms: and he shall thrust out the enemy from before thee; and shall say, Destroy them." 

Emphasizing how He is a secure refuge—dwelling place—who affords Israel everlasting and constant support, protection, and guarantees final victory over her enemies.

Because God is eternal and is a Refuge for His people, His everlasting arms, figuratively speaking, would protect Israel in times of calamity, and would destroy her enemy (v. 27). Having such a wonderful and powerful God the nation could be assured of conquering Canaan and then of living for a while in safety and prosperity (v. 28). ^[3]

Then our attentions are called to Psalm 102:11-12, which highlights the brevity of human life compared to God's eternal nature stating: "My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass. But thou, O Lord, shall endure for ever; and thy remembrance unto all generations".

Furthermore, in Psalm 90:2 we read: "Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever thou hadst formed the earth and the world, even from everlasting to everlasting, thou art God". Singling out God’s eternal nature and sovereignty as Creator. Clearly God’s everlasting and unchanging nature provides the foundation for His faithfulness. These verses indicate that God is outside the constraints of time, serving as the self-existent Creator (Exodus 3:14).

“God is above and beyond time. Again, God has no past, present, or future; He simply has an enduring eternal present.”—Norman L. Geisler

Dr. Geisler goes on to say,

“God not only created the ages, but He was also before the ages. To be before time and have made time is not to be in time. Therefore, the Bible teaches that it was not a creation in time, but a creation of time that God accomplished at the beginning. The Creator of time can be no more temporal than the Creator of the contingent can be contingent, or the Creator of the effect can be an effect himself.”—Norman L. Geisler

God’s eternality is everlasting, without beginning or end. While people experience time as a sequence of moments, God transcends these temporal limitations—He looks backward and forward infinitely and perceives past and future as present.

Once more 1 Timothy 1:17, declares, “Now unto the King eternal, immortal, invisible, the only wise God, be honour and glory for ever and ever. Amen.”

This profound, Spirit-led outburst of praise worships God as the eternal, invisible, and immortal “King eternal” or King of the ages. Because we have received grace despite being incredible ‘sinners,’ we must acknowledge God’s supreme, unparalleled nature, declaring Him the only God worthy of eternal honor and glory. 

So, then God is eternal; He exists outside the constraints of time, having no beginning and no end. As a self-existent, unchanging Being, God is not subject to the succession of moments, but experiences all of time—past, present, and future—simultaneously as an ‘everlasting present’. He is the creator and sustainer of all things. 

Rather than proving God’s existence, the Bible assumes it, beginning with “In the beginning God …” (Genesis 1:1). God’s self-disclosure to Moses as “I AM THAT I AM” shows His total being, self-existence, and eternality, embracing all time—past, present, and future. This name portrays God as not only what He is presently, but what He has always been and will always be.

Several points should be noted of God's eternal nature:

• Transcending Time: God is not restricted or accustomed by time but rather exists outside of it.
• No Beginning or End: Scripture describes God as existing "from everlasting to everlasting," signifying He was not created.
• Self-Existence: God is the "I AM," existing independently of any cause or other being.
• Unchanging: God's eternal nature means He is not subject to growth or decline. He is already and always will be perfect.

These biblical references among many others, showcase God as the ultimate reality.

Finally, the Lord Jesus claimed this same eternality when He declared “Before Abraham was, I AM” (John 8:58). His Jewish audience understood this statement as a claim to deity worthy of death under their law. Clearly Christ shared this attribute of eternality with the Father.

“The implications are profound. God’s eternal nature provides assurance in His plan for human lives, since nothing surprises Him. Creation itself testifies to God’s eternal power and plan—the regularity of celestial bodies, seasons, and natural cycles all point to His timeless sovereignty. God will ultimately create a new heaven and earth that, like Him, will endure eternally, and believers will share in this eternal existence.”—Unknown

Beloved, the Bible explains that God is eternal, having no beginning and no end, existing from "everlasting to everlasting" inhabiting eternity. 

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^[1] James E. Smith, The Pentateuch, 2nd ed., Old Testament Survey Series (Joplin, MO: College Press Pub. Co., 1993), 159.

^[2] Matthew Henry, Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Whole Bible: Complete and Unabridged in One Volume (Peabody: Hendrickson, 1994), 52.

^[3] Jack S. Deere, “Deuteronomy,” in The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures, ed. J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck, vol. 1 (Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985), 322.

Hope Piercing the Darkness

1 Peter 1

Hope is a powerful thing to possess; perhaps one of the Christian’s greatest assets in a world still writhing from the impact of sin and painfully unfamiliar with the Lord. Its darkness…. The kind that accompany suffering, injustice, and feeling like you have been displaced in a hostile foreign country. While we know we have certain rights and desire the same privileges others enjoy, we are nevertheless denied them simply because of our faith in Jesus. Its darkness when right is viewed as wrong and wrong is portrayed as right.  Anyone else can express their opinions publicly and they will be celebrated for it, but as soon as a Christian takes their faith outside of the walls of their church, they are sharply rebuked for proselytizing in the public square. Beloved, this is evidence of darkness. In many places of the world the darkness is aggressively hostile and violent against followers of our Lord Jesus. There are governments and countries with intentional and concerted efforts to rid themselves of the people of God. Yes, this is heavy pitch black thick impenetrable darkness…and yet…we have real hope.

Peter tells these believers who are experiencing some measure of persecution that they have a living hope because of the resurrected Christ! He, as an apostle of our Lord, knew what it means to cower under pressure denying the Lord; he also fully understood the pain of standing boldly for Christ while facing hostile neighbors and countrymen. Peter grappled with positive changes to advance the gospel to gentile peoples braking with traditions that only served to hinder the expansion of Christ’s hope. As something of a gospel pioneer, Peter knew well the pain, loneliness, and what it means to be misunderstood by not only the lost but also the brethren. No doubt God used Peter’s struggles and sufferings to enable him to minister deeply to the hurting and to communicate a message of powerful hope. Hope so extraordinary that it can even pierce the darkness of this world.

These believers were “scattered” and referred to as “strangers” and maybe even disinherited. Perhaps they felt powerless…unable to leverage their rights…without any earthly authority to mention. Weak, unwanted, barely tolerated, and spurn like a plague or virus. Because of their faith in Jesus, the world system did not want them around. Wandering like pilgrims who seek another country whose builder and maker is the Lord God. Not only did Peter know they felt orphaned and rejected, but God knows they felt displaced as people who really did not belong here.  Struggling under bone-crushing trials because of their pure stand with Christ…what could one say to encourage them? Some of them lost their families, their inheritance, their livelihood, and even family members to death by persecution! What could Peter, the apostle, possibly say to them that would be worth their hearing it? Even though the hour is dark…they still have the light of hope in Jesus Christ!

Peter reminds them that though they are rejected by the world, they are “elect” and chosen by God! Though they are viewed as tainted, diluted, and offensive, Peter reminds them they have been set apart unto God for His purposes through the “sanctification of the Spirit”! Though the world discards them viewing them as worthless, God willingly spent the precious “blood of Jesus Christ” to have them as His own covenant people! In addition, God is not merely interested in blessing them, but He desires to multiply grace and peace in their experiences. Furthermore, they also have the assurance of salvation and preservation by God! Peter encourages them by telling them their heavenly inheritance is guaranteed. They may have lost it all down here to cruel family members, but the Father promises their eternal inheritance will not be taken away. Such an inheritance will never ever fade, decay, or be stolen; it is yours always by your heavenly Father’s design. Such hope affords joy even during the hard challenges and weighty trials of faith we must make.  Such hope moves us to “bless… the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ!” This potent hope is just as alive as our Savior the Lord Jesus is; as such it continually ministers grace and peace to the people of God as we take it seriously. Beloved such hope deliberately pierces the darkest times. Oh, may it prevail in each of our hearts today. The anticipation that Jesus could come and receive us unto Himself at any moment delivering us into our eternal inheritance is a tremendous source of hope for the suffering child of God.  It is by faith we realize the immediate benefit of this hope. Beloved, you must trust in this God-provided hope.

The believer can not only know hope in the dark hours of pain, but we can also know “joy unspeakable and full of glory.” You see, God can not only establish our faith, but also purge it through the tests of life. This realization gives meaning and affords blessing to each of us during difficult times. God’s purpose in pain is to purge our faith of impurities, lies, and misconceptions about Him and ourselves. God desires a clear view of reality as He knows it and not according to our often limited and skewed perspectives. Beloved, a tried faith is “much more precious than gold.” Our faith becomes more valuable as it is put to the test and demonstrates its imperishable nature. We must not allow ourselves to resent the tests God permits us to face…. In addition, our progress through problems will bring “praise honor and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ.”  This is the perspective of faith even though we have never physically met our Savior. The fact that we are saved is reason to rejoice; our purified faith will bring God glory and result in our good! You see, even in suffering there is this hope that pierces the darkness.

As believers, we have the completed Word of God and therefore, a fuller understanding of our great salvation.  The prophets of old wrote about it, but did not understand it entirely.  Even though they gave great expositions of the suffering and glory of Christ, they still did not grasp all the details and intricacies of this present age.  They wrote for our benefit today.  Clearly, God wants us to understand and appreciate the wonderful work of salvation He has wrought for us.  This knowledge will sustain the hope and joy in the heart of the faithful saint enduring unfavorable circumstances. In fact, God even uses Christians today as an object lesson for teaching angels about His unmerited favor towards sinful fallen mankind. 

Peter also challenges the believer to live in holiness.  During unfair and hard trials, our behavior can become less then Christian.  Unfortunately, some may even justify their poor and wrong attitudes in the light of their afflictions. They may feel justified for their anger, resentment, and desires for revenge.  However, Peter reminds the child of God that holiness is not a matter of convenience, or circumstances, but one of commitment and character.  Recognizing that the Father is holy and judges righteously prompts us believers to show forth this same characteristic in daily life.  Realizing our responsibility in the light of the precious blood of Jesus Christ shed at Calvary for our redemption, stirs us to abandon cheap, corrupt, vain, and traditional lifestyles.  A life of hope and holiness is the only thing befitting a believer bought with such an awesome price and destined for such astounding glory!

The Bible gives clear counsel on living as set apart people unto God’s pleasure, purpose, and plans.  In fact, through belief of “the truth” believers are purified enabling them to practice “unfeigned love” towards the brethren.  In addition, believers were “born again” by the incorruptible seed of the Word for living a non-corrupted life.  This eternal Word affords eternal life and an eternal perspective that result in eternal glory for the child of God.  Since our hope in this life is glory despite the pain, then holiness throughout this life is a natural response to such hope.

Indeed, the salvation of God gives us plenty reason to anticipate a better day.  For the time being the pain is real, the frustrations are real, and the disappointments are real.  But, the hope we have in Christ by the grace of the Father is equally just as real.  The sufferings we currently know will become the glory we now anticipate.  No matter how dark, bleak, unpromising, and foreboding the present hour may be, the future is getting brighter all the time.  We must not lose sight of this hope. Salvation through Christ the living Savior means hope, faith, and joy every day and glory for all eternity! Beloved, such prevailing hope still pierces the darkness. 

Heaven on My Mind

John 3:16; 14:1-6

The security of our salvation and the hope of heaven are the Lord’s encouragements to help us through the many challenges we face. These truths possess great power to encourage us believers even when facing death.

                                                                       

Today I hope to encourage you to look to God and His Word daily to find the encouragements you need. Every child of God ought to know this to inform our anticipations of Heaven. In addition, spiritual and emotional strength is gained to continue under the stresses and strains we all must face. By looking forward to the joys of Heaven, God ministers grace deep within.

The Lord Jesus gave Himself to encouraging the heavy and discouraged heart as He does in John 14.  His exact words are “Let not your heart be troubled." Note that even the best of God's people may be at times in a discouraged and distrustful mood. But, Jesus takes delight in comforting his saints and lightening the burden of a heavy heart.  This is the same Jesus who also said, “Come unto me, ... and I will give you rest.” (Matt. 11:28).  Clearly comfort and encouragement awaits us in Jesus Christ, the great Comforter.

I also think it is worth mentioning that Jesus did not use idle words to encourage with, but solid biblical promises to stimulate our faith. “Believe in God, believe also in me.” (Jn. 14:1) is His apt counsel. Yes, faith is required. Jesus invites us to have confidence in Him. There must be faith in God, who has provided an eternal home for his children in Heaven. Beloved, there is great comfort in the thought of the Fatherhood of God and our heavenly mansions awaiting us.

There must be faith in Christ, who, as the Mediator, will realize what the Father has promised. The belief that brings comfort to us is not merely accepting theological truths, but actual trust in a Person— Christ Himself who is distinguished by love, faithfulness, and power.  Thus we can trust Him because we KNOW that He loves us, certainly He is always faithful, and He has the power and ability to address any challenge we face.

 

Throughout the New Testament we have numerous references to our heavenly home and to eternal life.  Even so, a significant number of Christians struggle and are discouraged about their spiritual state and about their future. They question whether they are truly saved. They wonder if they will go to Heaven when they die.  Or they simply lost sight of the blessed realities of eternity because they are bombarded with the painful realities of today.  Often we miss the awe of the sweet by and by because we are so focused on the nasty now and now. So, let’s take a minute to consider four encouraging realities about our eternal heavenly home.

   1.  Heaven is a Place Prepared for Believers.

Jesus wanted His disciples to be assured that they would have a heavenly home. He comforted them by saying this in John 14:1-6. Jesus' words show that the way to eternal life, though unseen, is secure -- as secure as your trust in Jesus. He has already prepared the way to eternal life. The only issue that may still be unsettled is your willingness to believe.

            A.  Jesus Is Preparing Places in Heaven for Us.

There are few verses in Scripture that describe eternal life, but these few verses are rich with promises. Here Jesus says, "I go and prepare a place for you," and "I will come again, and receive you unto myself." We can look forward to eternal life because Jesus has promised it to all who believe in him. Although the details of eternity are unknown, we need not fear, because Jesus is preparing for us and will spend eternity with us.

Jesus not only is preparing a heavenly home for us, but He has provided the means for us to enter into that home. As sure as our salvation is the surety of heaven!

            B.  We will Fellowship with One Another.

Christ designed the Christian life for fellowship.  Here on earth, stuck in imperfection, we do not experience that full fellowship much of the time.

                   1.  Bible teacher J. Vernon McGee used to say, “To live above with saints we love, oh, that will be glory. To live below with saints we know, well, that's another story.” And so it is. Fellowship down here is imperfect and often broken. But up there, not so. It will be perfect and whole.

                   2.  Have you ever been in a quiet, intimate conversation and felt you were experiencing something special? That sense of bonding with the people will be with us in Heaven, I believe. And much, much more.

                   3.  In the New Testament, Paul speaks of the resurrection of the dead in the plural: Dead and living believers will be raised together, sharing in this marvelous event (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). So we will be reunited with our believing loved ones who died before us.  Even our praise to God in heaven will be done together (Revelation 5:11–13). There will be great feasts (Matthew 8:11), a wonderful wedding ceremony (Revelation 19:7–9), glorious worship experiences (Revelation 5:11-14; 19:1–8). It will be all for one and one for all!

   2.  Heaven is a Glorious Dwelling Place With God.

And what a glorious place our heavenly home is going to be! John described it as a place where all things will be made new and where there will be no more sorrow, suffering, or pain. We will live in the everlasting presence of God (Rev. 21:3–5).

         A.  It Isn't What, but WHO Is in Heaven That Matters.

Rev. 4:1-2,  After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. [2] And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne was set in heaven, and one sat on the throne.

               1.  We will Receive a Full View of God’s Glory.

Chapters 4 and 5 of Revelation record glimpses into OUR Father’s and Christ's glory.  Here we see into the throne room of Heaven. God is on the throne and orchestrating all the events that John records. The world is not spinning out of control; the God of creation will carry out his plans as Christ initiates the final battle with the forces of evil. John shows us Heaven before showing us earth so that we will not be frightened by future events.

              2.  We Will Delight in Eternal Fellowship With God in Heaven.

Beyond the heartening and stupefying size and beauty of Heaven, it is more important to understand that in Heaven we will enjoy eternal fellowship with God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit (three, yet one). Also, we will reign over the universe as vice-regents of Jesus, and we will have eternal fellowship with the rest of God's people from all nations and all periods of history.

              3.  We will Worship God.

                     a. I know what it's like to be bored in church.

As a four- or five-year-old child, I remember being scolded by my grandmother because I had found an empty pew all to myself, where I had lain down and then crawled, twisted, squirmed, and banged my shoes against the mahogany pews. Instead of “behaving” and paying attention in church, I made a general distraction of myself. I have never done that again, on the outside, but on the inside, I have done it many times. The most recent time was not long ago!  So I realize that it will not make heaven sound too appealing to some of us to say that the first thing we will do there is worship God. 

                     b. On the other hand, have you ever been in a terrific worship service, where everything was special and meaningful, for you and others?  Oh, what a grand and moving experience! It is one of life's great joys to be in a good church and stand alongside thousands of others who feel like you do about the great songs of Jesus and our faith. In such times we worship deeply. We are filled with gratitude to God. We are certainly not bored.

                     c. Now, transfer your thoughts to Heaven.

There are millions upon millions of voices. Each one is more beautiful than any voice on earth has ever been. The triune God is there. You are surrounded with beauty that makes the Swiss Alps look like a land fill. All the people sing with deeper conviction and meaning than you have ever heard on earth.  Why . . . its enough to come unglued in there!

         B.  It Is the Absence of Bad, and the Presence of Good!

Rev. 21:3-5, 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 shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. [4] And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. [5] And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful.  

                1.  Heaven is more than the absence of bad. Heaven is the beginning of unlimited, unending joy. It is the presence of righteousness and goodness and peace. Heaven is the presence of the triune God. It is the beginning of a life too wonderful even to be imagined in this world.

                2.  To those for whom life is easy, to those who are too young, or have not suffered much, or who are still pinning their hopes for complete happiness on this life, to those who are comfortable in this world, heaven probably seems distant, irrelevant, possibly even foreboding.

                3.  That is the way it seemed to me for so many years. Youth rarely looks forward to heaven. It is too far away, and youth has its hopes attached to something more immediate. But as we grow older, as we realize that the best this world has to offer is not enough, when we finally give up on this world as that which will ever be put right, then Heaven becomes the great hope indeed, the single focus, the Great Expectation that keeps us stable, steadfast, and faithful in this life, while taking joy from the next.

                4.  If there is a Hell, there must also be a Heaven. If Hell is so terrible, then Heaven must be so wonderful. If Hell is everlasting destruction, then Heaven is everlasting life.

    3.  Heaven is a Place that is Free of Confusion.

1 Cor. 13:12, For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

          A.  We Will Have More Answers and Less Confusion.

Heaven is a place where we are going to be totally known, and where we will have a more complete understanding of God, ourselves, and our relationship with Him.

It will be a place where there is no doubt, no confusion, no misunderstanding, no estrangement, and no mis–communication (1 Cor. 13:12)!  As you think on these verses, be encouraged about the home that will one day be yours … forever!

          B.  Often Confusion Is Inspired by Sufferings!

If you have ever really suffered … if you have ever known heartache, or loneliness, or pain … if you have ever been crushed with remorse over sins committed and longed never to sin again … if you have ever come to realize that this world will never satisfy the deepest longings of your heart … then “heaven” ought to be one of the most wonderful words in the human vocabulary.

Heaven. The home of the heart's deepest longings. The end of all suffering, all sorrow, all mourning, and all pain. The end of sin.

           C.  Our Questions and Curiosity Will be Satisfied Then!

                 1.  Vance Havner, a blessed old preacher of a previous generation, once said, “I'm homesick for heaven. It's the hope of heaven that has kept me alive this long.”

                 2.  Another time, he said, “There are a lot of questions the Bible doesn't answer about the Hereafter. But I think one reason is illustrated by the story of a boy sitting down to a bowl of spinach when there's a chocolate cake at the end of the table. He's going to have a rough time eating that spinach when his eyes are on the cake. And if the Lord had explained everything to us about what's ours to come, I think we'd have a rough time with our spinach down here.”  And so it is.

                 3.  The Bible says that there is a Heaven, and it gives some indication of what it is, but it doesn't come close to satisfying our curiosity. However, we can be encouraged and enriched by discovering what the Bible does tell us about that great place. To answer the questions we have about Heaven, we can look at specific Scripture passages and do a little educated speculating as well.

    4.  Heaven is a Place of Eternal Reign With Christ.

Rev. 22:4-5, And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads. [5] 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.

           A.  We will Reign with Jesus.

If you can't get your kids to clean up their bedrooms, if you get nervous, if there are more than three people present when you speak, if you have trouble just getting to work on time, then you can't imagine reigning with Christ in Heaven. But it will happen. When you get your new body, it will come with capacities never imagined on earth. Same with your mind. [Christ] “ Who shall change our vile body, that it may be fashioned like unto his glorious body, according to the working whereby he is able even to subdue all things unto himself.  ” (Philippians 3:21).

           B.  We Don't Know All What it Means to Reign with Christ, but We Have Some Hints. 

It will be with a new body and a new mind that will be perfectly capable of it.  I believe the most humble and totally non-assertive saints will have a great opportunity to rain with Christ. And we will do a fine job of it. We may well rule over saints who were politicians or presidents of large companies, but who were careless about their devotion to Christ.

           C.  Yes, What Christ Inherits We Inherit (Romans 8:16–17).

As He was raised up into heavenly places, so we are raised up into heavenly places, to be seated with Him (Ephesians 2:6–7). In Revelation 22:5, we read that we shall be “and they shall reign for ever and ever.”

God has a wonderful future planned for the true believer in Christ Jesus. It is a future that shouldn't be missed! Those who are elderly and those who are seriously ill are among those who especially need to hear the encouraging word of eternal life and a heavenly home. Be quick to share God's Word with all who are suffering or who may be near death.

Beloved, I recommend looking to God and His Word to find the daily encouragements you need. As believers, we can look forward to Heaven! As we do so, we will gain spiritual and emotional strength for the challenges of today. By looking forward to the joys of a future in Heaven, we experience power to continue on for God’s glory in His grace.

A Heavenly Preview

THE REVELATION OF JESUS CHRIST

REVELATION 22:1-21

SUBJECT: HEAVEN & THE RAPTURE

THEME: Believers should hold the hope of heaven in their hearts and believe the promise of Christ’s return.  Such believers will be marked by faithfulness, service, and spiritual motivation as we anticipate Christ’s return in the Rapture.

INTRODUCTION:

1.  As Pre-Tribulationists we believe the Rapture will occur before the Great Tribulation.  There are four main reasons for this conviction.

   A. The Christian is promised deliverance. In Revelation 3:10, we read, “Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”

Many people believe that this promise is only to the first-century church in Philadelphia. Pre-Tribulationists believe, however, that while there was a fundamental message given to that historic church, the language of the promise goes beyond local persecution and includes worldwide persecution that would logically occur during the Great Tribulation.

   B. The Christian is not appointed to wrath. In 1 Thessalonians 5:9 we read, “For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,” Pre-Tribulationists believe that Paul is speaking about the wrath that is to come on the unsaved at the end of this age during the Great Tribulation.

   C. The churches are not mentioned during the Great Tribulation. Pre-Tribulationists believe that the churches, which are mentioned in Revelation 1–3, are in heaven in Revelation 4. And in the remaining chapters of The Revelation there is no mention of the churches; this is interpreted as meaning that the churches are absent from earth during the Great Tribulation.

   D. The Christian is to be ready for the imminent return of Jesus Christ. This means that the Rapture can occur at any moment and that Christians should be constantly watching for Jesus' return.

Titus 2:11–13 says that “For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, [12] Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; [13] Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.” Verses like these point to the Rapture as the next prophetic event, not to anything else we should look for before the Rapture.

2.  Once a Bible teacher introduced the topic of heaven by saying, “Most of what we're told about heaven is negative.” He went on, tongue-in-cheek, to enumerate the “negatives”: no more crying, no more death, no more pain, no more sorrow, no more separation, no more loss, no more war, no more loneliness, and so on! It is true that we are told surprisingly little about heaven and about what role we will fulfill in the hereafter. We are given hints about the great purpose that God has reserved for humankind (Rom. 8:18–39; 1 Cor. 2:9). We now “see through a glass, darkly” (1 Cor. 13:12), but we know that we will be in eternal fellowship with God and with one another, and the blessedness of that state is beyond our present comprehension.

There are four things John points out as He focuses the seven churches on the immanent return of Christ in the Rapture. We will only consider the first one mentioned in chapter twenty-two in this article. 

MESSAGE:

I.  He Completes the Stunning Previews (Rev. 22:1-5). 

In Rev 22:1-5, we move inside the city to see additional facts about the New Jerusalem and discover that it is like a beautiful garden, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden.

A.  A PREVIEW OF THE RIVER OF LIFE (Rev. 22:1).

The angel showed John the “pure river of water of life;” there were four rivers in Eden (Gen 2:10-14), but there is only one river in the heavenly city.

  1.  Its Purity.

It was as “clear as crystal.”  While this is most likely a literal river, its symbolism is clear. Out of the throne of God will flow pure water, symbolic of the holiness and purity of God and the city.

If we believe that heaven is a wonderful place of holiness, beauty, and joy, we will also realize it is a place superior to earth. The beauty of heaven will far surpass the beauty of earth. In addition, there will be none of the ugliness, none of the pain, none of the sorrow. This will help us become willing to live more for the things of heaven and less for the things of earth.

   2.  Its Source.  “Proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.”

       A.  Ezekiel Saw a Purifying River Flowing from the Temple, Certainly a Millennial Scene (Ezek 47).  This reference to a river should not be confused with similar millennial situations such as those in Ezekiel 47:1, 12 and Zechariah 14:8. These refer to literal rivers flowing from the temple and from Jerusalem and will be part of the millennial scene.

       B.  But this River Will Flow Directly from God's Throne, the Very Source of All Purity.

The river in Revelation 22:1 will be part of the New Jerusalem in the celestial city.  The water flows down the middle of the great street of the city. This apparently refers to a main thoroughfare in the New Jerusalem coming from the throne of God with the river being a narrow stream in the middle of the street.

        C.  It Is Significant That the Lamb Is Sharing One Throne with the Father. (also in Rev. 22:3).

                1.  This makes it clear that Christ reign will not end.

1 Cor. 15:24,  Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down [destroy] all rule and all authority and power.

                      — 1 Corinthians 15:24, means that will destroy all opposing powers and not that his reign will cease.  

                      — Christ’s reign on the throne will change its character not its duration.

                2.  Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords (Rev. 17:14; 19:16) for all eternity.

   3.  Its Purpose.

        A.  The river and the tree symbolize abundant life in the glorious city.

        B.  I also believe that believers will actually drink from this perfect river.

B.  A PREVIEW OF THE TREE OF LIFE (Rev. 22:2).

Man was prohibited from eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and prevented from eating of the tree of life (Gen 2:15-17; 3:22-24). But in the eternal home, man will have access to the tree of life.

   1.  Its Location.

       A.  The phrase “in the midst of the street” mean these trees are also growing on either side of the river. Some have been puzzled over this idea that the tree of life is on each side of the river. I take this as a group of trees, because it is “on either side of the river.”

       B.  Others say that the river of life is narrow and that it flows on both sides of the tree.

   2.  Its Fruit.

As John thought on the heavenly city, he saw “the tree of life, which bear twelve manner of fruit, yielded her fruit every month.”

       A.  The Tree of Life Was Referred to in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 3:22, 24), where it was represented as perpetuating physical life forever. Adam and Eve were forbidden to eat of the fruit of this tree after they fell in sin.

       B.  Earlier in Revelation (2:7) the Saints Were Promised by Christ who said, “I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.”

       C.  While the Literal and the Symbolic Seem to Be Combined in this Tree, there is no reason why it could not be an actual tree with literal fruit.

              1.  The practical effect would be to continue physical life forever.

              2.  While the verse does not state that the fruit can be eaten, this is presumably the implication.

   3.  Its Leaves.

The “leaves of the tree”. . . are “for the healing of the nations.”

       A.  Based on this Statement Some Believe this Situation Refers Back to the Millennial Times when there will be sickness and healing. However, another meaning seems to be indicated.

       B.  The Word “Healing” Can Be Understood as “Health-giving” and “Therapeutic.” 

 Even though there is no sickness in the eternal state, the tree’s fruit and leaves seem to contribute to the physical well-being of those in the eternal state.

C.  A PREVIEW OF THE ETERNAL LIFE (Rev. 22:3-5).

Every human heart longs for eternity. The Bible tells us that God put that yearning there, but we would know it without the Bible. We see it in all ages, cultures, and peoples. We see it in burial practices. Egyptians mummified the bodies of their important leaders, hoping to preserve them for eternity.

We see this longing for immortality in the common stories of the world. Even in our own fairy tales, the yearning comes through strongly, emerging symbolically from stories such as “Sleeping Beauty.”

   1.  The Throne of God (Rev. 22:3).

        A.  No Curse–Perfect World.

               1.  John added the absence of any curse. 

As the curse of Adam’s sin led to illness requiring healing and death, so in the eternal state there will be no curse; therefore no healing of illness is necessary.

               2.  "No more curse" takes us back to Gen 3:14-19 where the curse began.

               3.  Interestingly, even the Old Testament closes with the statement, "Lest I come and smite the earth with a curse" (Mal 4:6).

               4.  But the New Testament announces, "And there shall be no more curse!"

               5.  Satan will be cast into the Lake of Fire; all of creation will be made new; and the curse of sin will be gone forever.

Nothing accursed will be in God's presence (Zech 14:11). God will not only lift the curse that had been placed in Eden during the millennial age (Gen 3:17-18), but he will completely eliminate it in the eternal age. As the curse of Adam’s sin led to illness requiring healing and death, so in the eternal state there will be no curse; therefore no healing of illness is necessary. In the new heaven and new earth there will be no curse at all and no possibility or need of such divine punishment.

        B.  The Throne—Perfect Government (Rev. 22:3).

              1.  As mentioned earlier, “God and . . . the Lamb” are in the heavenly city reigning (Rev. 21:22-23; 22:1).

              2.  The New Jerusalem will be the holy of holies of God (Rev. 21:22), and the throne of God will also be in it.

              3.  This clearly depicts perfect government and leadership.  The phrase "the throne of God and of the Lamb" indicates the oneness of God and the Lamb, as well as God's presence right among his people.   

The New Jerusalem will be the temple of God (21:22), and the throne of God will also be in it. God and the Lamb’s presence will be immediately among his people in the new city (21:22-23; 22:1), and His servants will serve him unceasingly.

        C.  The Servants—Perfect Service (Rev. 22:3).

Then John wrote, “His servants shall serve Him.”

             1.  What will we do in heaven for all eternity?

                   A.  Certainly, we shall praise the Lord, but we shall also serve Him.

                   B.  "His servants shall serve Him" (Rev 22:3) is a great encouragement to us, for in heaven our service will be perfect.

                          — As we seek to serve the Lord here on earth, we are constantly handicapped by sin and weakness; but all hindrances will be gone when we get to glory. Perfect service in a perfect environment!

                          — The highest joy and privilege of the saints in eternity will be to serve their blessed Lord, even though it is true that they will also reign with Him.

            2.  What will this service be?

                  A.  We are not told, nor do we need to know now.

                  B.  It is sufficient that we know what God wants us to do today.

                         — Our faithfulness in life prepares us for higher service in heaven.

                         — In fact, some believers think that we shall have access to the vast universe and perhaps be sent on special missions to other places. But it is useless to speculate, because God has not seen fit to fill in the details. Yes, our relationship to God in eternity will involve service and worship. The highest joy and privilege of the saints in eternity will be to serve our blessed Lord, even though it is true that we will also reign with Him (2 Tim. 2:12; Rev. 5:10; 20:4-6). While all of our service will be focused on worshiping God, there will be ongoing caretaking responsibilities given to us as we reign with him (22:5).

   2.  The People of God (Rev. 22:4).

        A.  Our Privileges (Rev. 22:4, 5b).

             

             1.  To See His Face.

                   A.  God's people will see his face; they will have a privileged place before the throne for “they shall see His face.”

                   B.  The implication is that they are under the Lord’s good favor and in His “inner circle.”

                   C.  The face of God had not been seen by anyone since Adam and Eve sinned.

                           — Even Moses, the great lawgiver who went up on the mountain to meet with God, had only been able to see God from the back. God had told him, "And he said, Thou canst not see my face: for there shall no man see me, and live." (Ex 33:20).

                           — Here in heaven, however, God's people will see him face-to-face.

                   D.  Jesus had promised, "Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God." (Matt 5:8).

                   E.  John, in another of his books, wrote, "Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is." (1 John 3:2).

                   F.  To be able to see God's face suggests intimate personal relationship. God will not be a king on a throne in a remote castle; he will be among his people.

God’s people will see his face. The face of God had not been seen by anyone since Adam and Eve sinned (Ex 33:20). Here in heaven, however, God’s people will see him face-to-face (Matt 5:8; 1 John 3:2). This privilege suggests intimate personal relationship and immediate access to the glory of God in the eternal state. God will not be a king on a throne in a remote world; he will be among his people.

             2.  To Bare His Name (Rev. 22:4).

 In addition, God's people will have his name written on their foreheads.

                 A.  This intimacy is also indicated by the fact that “His name shall be in their foreheads” (Rev. 2:17; 3:12; 7:3; 14:1).

                         1.  This points out God's ownership.

                         2.  God's people had been "sealed" (Rev. 7:3), and this seal previously had been described as being in the form of the Father's name (Rev. 14:1).

                         3.  The point is that this is the same group along with all true believers-- God will bring his own safely to his eternal kingdom.

                  B.  Our freedom to be in the presence of God indicates that we will then be in our glorified bodies (1 John 3:2). In addition, God's people will have his name written on their foreheads. This points out God’s ownership and He will bring his own safely to his eternal kingdom. Their freedom to be in the presence of God indicates that they will then be in their glorified bodies (1 John 3:2).

        B.  Our Positions (Rev. 22:5b).

              1.  Not only shall we be servants in heaven, but we shall also be kings. We shall “reign forever and ever!”

              2.  This speaks of sharing Christ's authority in glory.

                    A.  As believers, we are seated with Christ in the heavenlies today (Eph 2:1-10); but in the eternal state, we shall reign as kings over the new heavens and earth. What an honor! What grace!

              3.  Certainly, many interesting questions could be asked about our future abode in heaven, but most must go unanswered until we reach our glorious home. In fact, John closed His book by reminding us that we have responsibilities today because we are going to heaven.

   3.  The Light of God (Rev. 22:5).

Once again John wrote that the glory and light of the New Jerusalem will be the presence of God, with no artificial illumination (Rev.21:23-24). 

         A.  No Night

         B.  No Candles Light

         C.  No Sun Light

         D.  Divine Light

Though the description of the city does not answer all questions concerning the eternal state, the revelation given to John describes a beautiful and glorious future for all who put their trust in the living God.

There will be no more night indicating that there will be no more evil, no more darkness, and no more time. The Lord God will be the light (Zech 14:7). Those who believe in Christ will become rulers, reigning in his kingdom of life, where there is no death. Eternal life is ours now and forever.

The future is veiled, and for good reason. There have been times in my life that had I known what was going to happen, I would have been a basket-case waiting for the axe to fall. Still, the future draws us. We are eternal beings, created for a world other than this—destined for a better world than this. It is natural for us to look forward to it. Yet the Bible does not give us a lot of details about heaven and the future. Vance Havner, a witty preacher of an earlier generation, said if God had given us a clear picture of heaven, it would be like putting a plate of spinach in front of a young boy, with a chocolate cake at the other end of the table. It would be even harder for the young boy to get his spinach down, looking at the chocolate cake all the time.

The question, “What will Jesus do in eternity?” is of deep interest to us, not only because of our interest in God, but also because it affects what we will do in eternity. And while the Bible does not give us a lot of information about eternity, it does give us some, and that “some” can be very enlightening and encouraging.