This is the Fifty-fourth in a series of verse-by-verse expositions of the book of Revelation. This message was delivered at Hillcrest Baptist Church on August 7, 2016. This message looks at four characteristics of heaven. This post contains an audio recording of my message, along with my sermon notes. Please note that the sermon notes are not necessarily a full transcript.
SERMON AUDIO:
SERMON NOTES:
V.1:
Up until this point, all we’ve seen of the New Jerusalem has been all mineral and no vegetable.
Beautiful and brilliant, but lacking the fundamental qualities of life.
Here, we see the elements that add and air of life and softness.
It’s no surprise that the source of the river of life is the throne of God.
This is a continual flow of eternal life from God’s throne to heaven’s inhabitants.
V.2:
This appears to be an entire orchard of trees. It is said to be in the middle of the street and on each side of the river.
This would be in line with Ezekiel’s vision.
Ezekiel 47:12
Moreover, we are told that “each” tree yells it’s fruit every month.
The trees bear 12 fruits. The tree of life has plenty of variety.
Does the trees bear 12 different fruits at a time? Renewing every month? Or do they bear a different fruit each month of the year? Either way, we’ll have plenty of variety, so that we don’t get tired of it.
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.
All of this lets us imagine what we will see when we walk the streets of heaven. I’m not talking about the technical details, but more important matters.
We will see satisfaction. All along the streets of heaven will be satisfied saints.
They will be satisfied, because they will have a constant and abundant supply of living water and fruit from the tree of life.
True and perfect abundance. There will always be a table prepared for us, and our cup will overflow.
This will be a place of sufficiency.
V.3:
The curse that began in the garden of Eden will be totally finished. God will never have to judge sin again.
Another element of the Holy City, is that it’s not all feasting.
Neither will it be a place of idleness.
It will be a place of service, there will be constant activity.
What this service consists of is anybody’s guess, but whatever the service, it’ll be to God.
V.4:
Yet another attribute of heaven, is that it will be a place of sight.
No person can presently see God’s face and live.
Ex. 33:20–23
But the residents of heaven can look on God’s face without harm because they are now holy.
John 1:18
1 Tim. 6:16
1 John 3:2
Not only that, they are God’s personal possession. They have His name on their foreheads.
V.5:
As previously noted, no external light source is needed, because God is the light.
The fact that the saints will reign forever is the fulfillment of the first promise in the book of Revelation.
Revelation 1:6
Revelation 5:10
Make no mistake, we will be perfected, we will be glorified, and we will reign, but we will not be gods.
Christ is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He will reign supreme above us all.
We will be His governors, under His headship.
We will rule under His authority and in subjection to Him.
Not be cause He needs us, not because He can’t handle the job Himself, but because He has decided that it will be that way.
The saints are indeed privileged to have been chosen for such a future!
We have seen that heaven is a place of satisfaction, where our deepest needs are met.
It is a place of sufficiency, where we will be cared for and provided for in abundance.
It is a place of service, where we will serve our Lord.
It is a place of sight, where our eyes will be opened as never before. We will see our Lord in all His glory, and there will always be plenty of light to see by.
Satisfaction, Sufficiency, Service and Sight. And the only way to get there is through Jesus Christ.
John 14:6
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Posted on September 1, 2016
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