31 December

Bible In 365 Days                   

Revelation 20-22

Revelation 20

Victory having been gained over the earthly manifestation of godlessness, it remains to deal with the power lying behind. The archenemy is described as "the dragon," "the old serpent," "the devil," and, finally, as "Satan." In this grouping of names is a remarkable unveiling of the very essence of evil.

A brief and the only account of the thousand years follows. It will be a time of perfect earthly government under the King appointed and anointed by God. That government will be administered by those who have lived by faith in the supernatural.

The description then turns to millennial issues. Evidently even during that period there will be those who have never submitted to essential righteousness. Satan is loosed out of prison to gather them together, and once more they act in definite hostility to the reign of righteousness. The issue is that Satan loses his usurped dominion forever. He is nevermore to be god of the world nor prince of the power of the air.

Then follows the account of the great assize. Books are opened, and a book. In the books things are written. Those whose names are in the book enter into blessedness. Those whose names are not found entered there are judged according to the things written in the books.

There comes a final movement. Death and Hades are cast into the lake of fire. Deepest death would seem to consist in the destruction of the possibility of dying. Beyond these words it is impossible to go in speculation, of hope or despair. Whatever that final sentence may mean, it is the sentence of Him who occupies the Great White Throne.

Revelation 21

The endless end of evil has passed before the vision of the seer, and he now observes the resultant order. The holy city appears. Toward a city of God men had looked through long generations. Now it is manifested. God comes to abide with men. There is a new order of things, characterized by laughter without tears, life without death, singing without mourning, content without crying, pleasure without pain.

As John beheld the vision he heard a voice saying, "Behold, I make all things new," and he was charged to write. All things come to pass, because He is the Alpha and the Omega.

As one of the angels who had the seven bowls had summoned the seer to behold the great harlot, so now the same, or another of the seven angels, summoned him to behold the Bride in the glory of the great city. Radiant indeed is the revelation. It is a city of exclusion, having a wall great and high; and of inclusion, having gates opening in every direction. The names of the tribes on the gates suggest the varied temperaments of human life made pure as incorporated in the new social order. The names of the apostles of the Lamb on the foundations signify that the service of suffering has been the very foundation on which the city is built. No temple of localized worship is found, but the presence of God is everywhere known and felt. Beyond the city is the new earth, with nations and kings walking in the light of the, glory of God. Excluded from it are all unclean things.

Revelation 22

Still gazing at the city, the seer beheld the great river of water of life. On its banks is the tree of life, yielding fruit, and leaves for the healing of nations. And once more the apostle declares there shall be no more curse.

The great unveiling is accomplished. It ended with the declaration of the established Throne, and of the unending reign of the saints. What follows is of the nature of ratification and enforcement. The divine word concerning the authority and value of the book is that the words are "faithful and true." In order that those who have received the unveiling should ever be on the alert, it is announced, "Behold, I come quickly." The word "quickly" might with accuracy be rendered "suddenly." A blessing is pronounced on those who keep the words of the prophecy.

John now adds his own name to the ratification of the book, declaring that he had heard and seen all of which he had written.

The angel charged him not to seal the words of the prophecy, and the tendency to permanence of character is revealed (Revelation 22:11).

Following the charge of the angel, once again the voice of the great unveiled One is heard reaffirming the suddenness of His coming, and declaring that His reward is with Him. In majestic simplicity He introduces Himself as "I, Jesus," and describes Himself in terms of mystical magnificence as the "Root of David," and, moreover, as David's Offspring.

John writes his solemn testimony against tampering with this narrative of unveiling. The final announcement of Jesus is, Yea, I come quickly." To this John writes in reply, "Amen, come, Lord Jesus." This is the perfect acquiescence of the trusting sod.

The wonderful book ends with the simplest of benedictions:

'The grace of the Lord Jesus be with the saints,

Amen."