The Free State of Glory (Part 25) — When God’s Name is Written On Your Forehead

TEXT: Revelation 22:1-7

1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

2 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 yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

3 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:

4 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.

6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

The Free State of Glory (Part 25) — When God’s Name is Written On Your Forehead

After John tells us that we will see God’s face in Heaven, he tells us that God’s name will be in our foreheads. God’s name being in the forehead of believers is contrasted with the mark of the Antichrist being the forehead of those who reject Christ during the Tribulation period. God will place His name upon us, signifying that we belong to Him forever. When a child is born into a family, he is given his own name, but he is also given the family name. His family name indicates where he belongs. When we are born again into God’s family, we are given His name as well. Now, by the Holy Spirit living inside of us, He writes it on our hearts. But, up there, it will be visible for all to see.

The New International Greek Testament Commentary says, “The assertion that ‘his name will be on their foreheads’ intensifies the notion of intimate fellowship with God. It is beyond coincidence that God’s name was written on the high priest’s forehead in the OT. This expresses further the priestly nature of God’s new people. It is also no accident that a ‘new name’ in Isaiah 62 and 65 is repeatedly associated with latter-day Zion and that the various new names attributed to the end-time city there all have ‘God’ included in them. This OT background suggests that the divine name written on believers here is a figurative way of speaking of God’s presence with his people, which protects them. Likewise, Christ emphasizes security by saying that he will write on the overcomer ‘the name of my God and the name of the city of my God … and my new name,’ and metaphorically equates this with making the ‘overcomer’ an immovable ‘pillar in the temple of my God.’ The theme of security associated with the metaphorical use of God’s ‘name’ elsewhere in the book fits neatly into the theme of the eternal security of the saints in the new Jerusalem narrated so far. We have also seen that the ‘name’ on believers refers to the character of God, which they reflect. Therefore, at the end of time the righteous ‘will be like him, because we will see him just as he is,’ a process that has already begun.”

What a wonderful blessing to belong and to be claimed by God through His Son the Lord Jesus Christ.

If you want to reign in Heaven with Christ and God, allow me to share with you how you can place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation from sin and the punishment of sin:

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

Third, accept the fact that you are on the road to hell. Jesus Christ said in Matthew 10:28: “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.” Also, the Bible states in Revelation 21:8: “But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death.”

Now that is bad news, but here’s the good news. Jesus Christ said in John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” Just believe in your heart that Jesus Christ died for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead by the power of God for you so that you can live eternally with Him. Pray and ask Him to come into your heart today, and He will.

Romans 10:9 & 13 says, “That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved… For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.”

If you believe that Jesus Christ died on the cross for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead, and you want to trust Him for your salvation today, please pray with me this simple prayer: Holy Father God, I realize that I am a sinner and that I have done some bad things in my life. I am sorry for my sins, and today I choose to turn from my sins. For Jesus Christ sake, please forgive me of my sins. I believe with all of my heart that Jesus Christ died for me, was buried, and rose again. I trust Jesus Christ as my Savior and I choose to follow Him as Lord from this day forward. Lord Jesus, please come into my heart and save my soul and change my life today. Amen.

If you just trusted Jesus Christ as your Saviour, and you prayed that prayer and meant it from your heart, I declare to you that based upon the Word of God, you are now saved from Hell and you are on your way to Heaven. Welcome to the family of God! Congratulations on doing the most important thing in life and that is receiving Jesus Christ as your Lord and Saviour. For more information to help you grow in your newfound faith in Christ, go to Gospel Light Society.com and read “What To Do After You Enter Through the Door.” Jesus Christ said in John 10:9, “I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.”

God loves you. We love you. And may God bless you.

The Free State of Glory (Part 24)

TEXT: Revelation 22:1-7

1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

3 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:

4 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.

6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

— PRAYER —

The Free State of Glory (Part 24)

Charles Spurgeon said, “It is the chief blessing of heaven, the cream of heaven, the heaven of heaven, that the saints shall there see Jesus.”

From these final two chapters of Revelation, we have been blessed to learn of many of the benefits of Heaven and the New Jerusalem. There, we will be rewarded by God, we will rest in God, we will worship God, and we will serve God. But, one of the sweetest aspects of Heaven is described to us in verse four: “and they shall see his face.”

Can you imagine looking into the face of God? In the Bible, no one since Adam’s Fall could do such a thing. Moses requested it of God, but he was only allowed to see what the Bible describes as God’s backside. The Old Testament writers tell us that no one can look into the face of God and live. In the the same way that our sinfulness cannot exist in God’s presence, God’s holiness cannot exist in the presence of sin — not without consuming the sinner. But, in Heaven, these barriers will be gone forever.

In our resurrection bodies, we will be able to see — physically see — the face of God and live. When Jesus came to Earth, He wrapped Himself in human flesh so that we could behold Him. He needed to show us who God is in a way that we could grasp. But, in Heaven, we will see who God is in a way that our carnal, sin-infested minds could never handle. Our spiritual and mental faculties will be so enlarged and renewed that we will be able to understand God’s work in a way that we have never been able to understand it before. I believe that many of the questions we have — such as why God allows suffering and evil — will be answered. Our minds will no longer be clouded by temporal inhibitions. For “now we see through a glass darkly,” but there, we will see “face to face.”

In the New Jerusalem, we will experience the fullness of God — all of His goodness, love, joy, benevolence, creativity, righteousness, and holiness. We will see it all. No longer will we be strangers to the divine. We will fully partake of the experience of knowing God, walking with Him, and talking with Him as Adam did in the Garden. We will finally be right where God has intended for us to be all along.

The late singer Roby Duke wrote a song titled, “I Shall See God.” He said:

It’s almost as if someone is standing there
I don’t know what I’d give to see the face that seems to stare
I’d give all my life to know His ways
Just how much I know, I dare not say
But, one day soon, I’ll see God.

I’m older, much older now, but I still believe
When all else is gone, the Rock of Ages cleft for me
Is holding something I can’t feel or see
I’ll tarry ’til the day I hear the music of the free
And, one day soon, I shall see God.

As I go the way of all the earth
As I turn to the land of eternal mirth
As I step through the heavenly door
There where time is no more
I shall see God

You too can say, “One day, I shall see God.” If you want to spend eternity in the New Jerusalem, allow me to share with you how you can place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation from sin and the punishment of sin:

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

God loves you. We love you. And may God bless you.

Daniel Whyte III has spoken in meetings across the United States and in over twenty-five foreign countries. He is the author of over forty books including the Essence Magazine, Dallas Morning News, and Amazon.com national bestseller, Letters to Young Black Men. He is also the president of Gospel Light Society International, a worldwide evangelistic ministry that reaches thousands with the Gospel each week, as well as president of Torch Ministries International, a Christian literature ministry.

He is heard by thousands each week on his radio broadcasts/podcasts, which include: The Prayer Motivator Devotional, The Prayer Motivator Minute, as well as Gospel Light Minute X, the Gospel Light Minute, the Sunday Evening Evangelistic Message, the Prophet Daniel’s Report, the Second Coming Watch Update and the Soul-Winning Motivator, among others.

He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Theology from Bethany Divinity College, a Bachelor’s degree in Religion from Texas Wesleyan University, a Master’s degree in Religion, a Master of Divinity degree, and a Master of Theology degree from Liberty University’s Rawlings School of Divinity (formerly Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary). He is currently a candidate for the Doctor of Ministry degree.

He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica since 1987. God has blessed their union with seven children.

The Free State of Glory (Part 23)

TEXT: Revelation 22:1-5

1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

3 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:

4 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.

The Free State of Glory (Part 23)

In Mark Twain’s Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Huck describes his caretaker’s description of Heaven by saying, “She called it the ‘good place,’ and said all a body would have to do there was to go around all day with a harp and sing, forever and ever. So I didn’t think much of it.” This is the view of Heaven that many people have. For some, a land of eternal ease after the toil of this life is attractive. For others, everlasting praise and worship sounds boring. But, this is not the view provided in Scripture. Just as Adam and Eve were given work to do in the Garden, the inhabitants of the New Jerusalem will be given work to do in Heaven.

Certainly, there will be a lot of praise and worship as well as a lot of enjoyment. But, John writes, “The throne of God and of the Lamb shall be in it; and his servants shall serve him.” We will not just be sitting around in Heaven taking it easy. We will have work to do. Leon Morris said, “Heaven is not a place of indolent leisure, but a place where service is done, centering on God.” We learned previously that, during the Millennial Kingdom, believers will help administrate the government of Jesus Christ on the earth. It stands to reason that in the New Jerusalem, the center of a whole new heaven and earth, there will be plenty of work to do.

This reminds us that there is divine value in labor. God worked when He created the world. Jesus is working as He prepares a place for us in His Father’s House. Therefore, we are being godlike in our behavior when we work. Of course, work in Heaven will be completely enjoyable. There will be none of the exhausting conditions of this sin-cursed world; no blood, sweat, or tears. Here, we must often set aside pleasure in order to accomplish something. But, there, we will find complete pleasure in our worship of God and in our work for God.

Knowing that we will work in Heaven should encourage us to offer up worthy service to the Lord in whatever work we do on earth.

B.B. McKinney wrote:

When my work on Earth is ended
And I cross the mystic sea
Oh that I could hear Him saying
I am satisfied with thee.

When my work on Earth is ended
And I sleep beneath the sod
There my soul shall sing with angels
‘Round the blessed throne of God

When my work on Earth is ended
And my new work is begun
I’ll gladly serve my Lord
And labor for His holy Son

If you want to live in a place where work is a joy, a pleasure, and a reward, allow me to share with you how you can place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation from sin and the punishment of sin:

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

God loves you. We love you. And may God bless you.

The Free State of Glory, Part 22

TEXT: Revelation 22:1-5

1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

3 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:

4 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.

The Free State of Glory (Part 21)

R.C. Sproul said, “Revelation is designed not only to inform and assure Christians about God’s final purposes, but to increase their longing for God and the realization of His purpose. The certainty of that consummation comforts saints during times of temptation and persecution.”

Not a single day passes without a reminder that we live in a sin-cursed world. The strangeness of death, sickness, loss, and grief, not to mention the persistent feeling for many that life isn’t fair, repeatedly inform us that something isn’t quite right with our world. This not-rightness came about as a result of sin. We often think that God punished Adam and Eve, and thus the whole human race, as a result of their disobedience. But the aftermath of the Fall was more than simple punishment; the whole earth, the entire ecosystem, reacted to the entrance of sin into our world. That’s why we have famine and pestilence, drought and natural disasters. The earth itself is broken.

But, one day, God intends to fix all that. Right now, He is in the process of fixing His people, those of us who have accepted the sacrifice of His Son on the cross. While we still experience the effects of sin, we are no longer under the curse of sin. Christ redeemed us from that. But, not only is God fixing His creatures, but He will fix creation itself. This old world will pass away, and the new heavens and the new earth will be brought forth. And in the new world, “there shall be no more curse.” We will not simply escape the curse; the curse itself — and sin, the source of the curse — will be eradicated.

But God won’t just remove the curse. He will bring a blessing in its place. The great sign of the removal of the curse is that “the throne of God and of the Lamb of God shall be in” the New Jerusalem where God’s people will reside. God had to withdraw Himself from man when the curse fell. But, in the New Jerusalem, we will once again, like Adam, be able to walk daily in His presence. Every regret, every painful circumstance will be remembered no more . There will be no more curse. Only the light and life and love of God and His children in His celestial city.

S.L. Cuthbert wrote:

We dwell this side of Jordan stream,
Yet often there comes a shining beam
Across from yonder shore;
While visions of a holy throng,
And sound of harp and seraph song
Seem gently wafted over.

The other side! No curse is there
So bright the robes those blest ones wear,
Made white in Jesus’ blood;
No cry of grief, no voice of woe,
To mar the peace their spirits know —
Their constant peace with God.

The other side! its shore so bright
Is radiant with the golden light
Of Zion’s city fair;
And many dear ones gone before
Already tread the happy shore —
We seem to see them there.

The other side! oh, cheering sight —
In cloudless, everlasting light,
For me a loved One waits;
Over the stream He calls to me —
‘Fear not, I your Guide will be,
Up to the pearly gates.’

If you want to live in a place free from the curse of sin, allow me to share with you how you can place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation from sin and the punishment of sin:

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

God loves you. We love you. And may God bless you.

He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica since 1987. God has blessed their union with seven children.

The Free State of Glory (Part 21)

TEXT: Revelation 22:1-5

1 And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.

3 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:

4 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.

The Free State of Glory (Part 21)

This final chapter of the Bible brings all of history to a full-circle conclusion. In chapter 21, we viewed the New Jerusalem from the outside. We saw the walls, the foundations, and the gates. We saw the people of the nations and their kings entering the city. And we learned that nothing that defiles will step foot therein. Now, alongside John, we enter the city itself.

The Bible Exposition Commentary says, “We move inside the city to discover that it is like a beautiful garden, reminiscent of the Garden of Eden. There were four rivers in Eden, but there is only one river in the heavenly city. Ezekiel saw a purifying river flowing from the temple, certainly a millennial scene; but this river will flow directly from God’s throne, the very source of all purity. Man was prohibited from eating of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, and prevented from eating of the tree of life. But in the eternal home, man will have access to the tree of life. The river and the tree symbolize abundant life in the glorious city.”

The first things John points out is that the angel showed him “a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.” In the Old Testament, rivers were used as a symbol of abundance, provision, peacefulness, and security. The Psalmist wrote, “There is a river whose streams shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High. God is in the midst of her, she shall not be moved.” The river of living water that flows in the New Jerusalem comes from God Himself. Therefore, it is absolutely pure and untainted, “clear as crystal.” We have never tasted water like this on earth. It is indeed a real river, but it symbolizes the abundant and perfect provision for the saints in the New Jerusalem. There, we will want for nothing.

Then John notices “the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” In the Garden of Eden, man was forbidden from eating of the Tree of Life after he disobeyed God and ate from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. It may have seemed harsh at the time, but God simply did not want us to live forever in our cursed state, separated from Him, and unable to be redeemed. It was indeed a mercy that Adam did not eat of that Tree of Life. But, in the New Jerusalem, the Tree of Life will be there, and we will be able to eat of it freely.

There will be twelve different kinds of fruit growing on this tree, a different fruit for every month. Even the leaves of the tree will be useful. John says they are “for the healing of the nations.” Of course, in Heaven, no one will get sick, so this cannot mean that the leaves are a type of medicine. John Walvoord explains, “The word for ‘healing’ is ther-a-pei-an, from which the English word ‘therapeutic’ is derived. Rather than meaning ‘healing,’ it should be understood as ‘health-giving,’ as the word in its root meaning has the idea of serving or ministering.” Yes, the Tree of Life will actually give life and health to those who eat thereof. No food, no drink on this earth can compare to the River of Life and the Tree of Life which we will have access to in the New Jerusalem. Until that wonderful day, let us abide in the Living Water and the Bread of Life, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who came down from Heaven and died on the cross, was buried and rose again on the third day which we celebrate this weekend.

One hymnist wrote:

The tree of life, how sweet the fruit,
With God as life complete.
I once was dead, but now I live,
Was starved, but now I eat.

‘Twas God that brought me to the tree,
With Christ Himself as meat;
How precious did that tree become
When I began to eat.

The Lord Himself is food to me,
He is my life supply;
He will my pure enjoyment be,
None else can satisfy.

If you want to join God and Jesus in the New Jerusalem where you can take eat of the Tree of Life and drink of the River of Living Water, allow me to share with you how you can place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation from sin and the punishment of sin:

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

God loves you. We love you. And may God bless you.

The Free State of Glory (Part 20)

TEXT: Revelation 21:23-27

23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

The Free State of Glory (Part 19)

Although the New Jerusalem will have walls and gates, John tells us that the “gates of it shall not be shut at all by day.” This notation emphasizes the fact that there will be no threats that the city need guard against. In the walled cities of Biblical times, the gates would be shut at night to protect against invaders. The whole concept of a walled city was implemented for the purpose of protection. Many people worked outside the city walls, but at night they would come inside the walls. Many even lived outside the city, but during a war, they would come inside in order to take advantage of the protection that the walls provided. However, since there will be no enemies to protect against and “no night” in the city either, there is no need for the gates of the New Jerusalem to be shut. The prophecy of Isaiah will be fulfilled: “Therefore thy gates shall be open continually; they shall not be shut day nor night; that men may bring unto thee the forces of the Gentiles, and that their kings may be brought.”

In the New Jerusalem, all creation will be in harmony with itself and with God. Not only will there not be any war, but there won’t be murder, violence, hatred, or disease. John continues, “And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie.” Sin defiles, and sinful people defile. There are many beautiful cities in this world, but it is the people who live therein who defile those cities and make them ugly. We have police forces and military in order to keep peace and order in society, but in Heaven, they won’t be needed.

The only people who will enter the New Jerusalem are those whose names “are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” Matthew Henry said, “In the earthly Jerusalem there will be a mixed communion, after all the care that can be taken. Some roots of bitterness will spring up to trouble and defile Christian societies; but in the new Jerusalem there is a society perfectly pure. This society is free from such as are openly profane. In the churches on earth sometimes abominable things are done, solemn ordinances profaned and prostituted to men openly vicious, for worldly ends; but no such abominations can have place in heaven. This city is also free from hypocrites, such as make lies, and those who say they are Christians, and are not. These will creep into the churches of Christ on earth, and may lie concealed there a long time; but they cannot intrude into the new Jerusalem, which is wholly reserved for those that are called, and chosen, and faithful, who are all written, not only in the register of the visible church, but in the Lamb’s book of life.”

These are the souls who have been washed and cleansed of their sins. They have been made new. They are no longer at enmity with their fellow man. They have no desire to harm others or to do evil. They are content to live in the light of God’s glory and grace in His New Jerusalem.

Ernest Stoneman wrote:

I am now a child of God, I’ve been washed in Jesus’ blood
I am watching and I’m longing while I wait
Soon on wings of love I’ll fly, to a home beyond the sky
To my welcome, I’ll go sweeping through the gates

Oh, the blessed Lord of light, now upholds me by His might
And his arms enfold and comfort while I wait
I am leaning on His breast, oh the sweetness of this rest
Hallelujah, I’ll go sweeping through the gates

I’ll go sweeping through the gates, where the blessed for me wait
Where the weary workers rest forever more
When the strife on earth is done, and the crown of life is won
Oh the glory of that city just before

Christ will burst these prison bars, and I’ll soar beyond the stars
To my Father’s house, the bright and blessed estate
When the morn eternal breaks, and the song immortal wakes
Washed in His blood, I’ll sweep on through the gates

If you want to sweep through the open gates of the New Jerusalem and join the multitude of God’s people who will walk in the light of this beautiful city, allow me to share with you how you can place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation from sin and the punishment of sin:

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

God loves you. We love you. And may God bless you.

He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica since 1987. God has blessed their union with seven children.

The Free State of Glory (Part 19)

TEXT: Revelation 21:23-27

23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

The Free State of Glory (Part 19)

In our last message, we talked about the diverse members of Earth’s nations who will populate the New Jerusalem. Now, John points out that there will be some kings of the earth who will bring their “glory and honor” into the light of this eternal city. Although, in societies today, the realms of government and religion are separate and often adversarial, we see in this passage that there are some governmental leaders who will willingly bow the knee to Jesus Christ, as all people will one day.

The reference to the kings bringing their “glory and honor” into the New Jerusalem, is similar to the practice of Old Testament times; when one king visited another, he would not go empty-handed. He would bring some of the best products from his land to give to the king whom he was visiting. When the Queen of Sheba visited King Solomon, she “came to Jerusalem with a very great train, with camels that bare spices, and very much gold, and precious stones. And she gave the king an hundred and twenty talents of gold, and of spices very great store, and precious stones.” Even today, heads of state, when they visit each other often exchange gifts. Like the Wise Men of the first century, whom some believe were actually kings or some type of government officials, who brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the newborn Jesus, the kings of our world will bring all the trappings of their prestige and lay it before the King of Kings. Matthew Poole said, “Such kings of the earth as shall come into heaven shall see all their honour and glory swallowed up in the glory and honour of that place and state. They shall confess that all their crowns are infinitely short of this blessed and glorious crown, all their thrones nothing to these thrones.”

This passage also reminds us of God’s Word which says that He alone “changeth the times and the seasons: he removeth kings, and setteth up kings.” Despite the discontent that we have today regarding those in power, at the end of this world, all power will be where it belongs — in the hands of Jesus Christ. He will institute a perfect government with true liberty and justice for all. Even the “kings” of this world will recognize it and submit to His rule.

This passage also reminds us that the world we live in does not belong to the powers that be, such as they are. It belongs to God and God alone. Although the devil and wicked “kings” have messed up this world for everyone in it, it is still owned by God. He will one day make everything right. For now, we would do well to remind ourselves that “this is my Father’s world.” As Maltbie D. Babcock wrote:

This is my Father’s world,
And to my listening ears
All nature sings, and round me rings
The music of the spheres.
This is my Father’s world:
I rest me in the thought
Of rocks and trees, of skies and seas–
His hand the wonders wrought.

This is my Father’s world:
The birds their carols raise,
The morning light, the lily white,
Declare their Maker’s praise.
This is my Father’s world:
He shines in all that’s fair;
In the rustling grass I hear Him pass,
He speaks to me everywhere.

This is my Father’s world:
O let me ne’er forget
That though the wrong seems oft so strong,
God is the Ruler yet.
This is my Father’s world:
Why should my heart be sad?
The Lord is King: let the heavens ring!
God reigns; let earth be glad!

If you want to join Jesus Christ, the multitude of people, and the kings who will walk in the light of the beautiful New Jerusalem, allow me to share with you how you can place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation from sin and the punishment of sin:

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

God loves you. We love you. And may God bless you.

The Free State of Glory (Part 18)

TEXT: Revelation 21:23-27

23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

24 And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.

25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

27 And there shall in no wise enter into it any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

— PRAYER —

The Free State of Glory (Part 18)

John says that the “nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light” of the New Jerusalem. We know that God Himself and the Lamb Jesus Christ are the light of this city. Here we learn more, not about the conditions of the city, but about the citizens of the city.

In this part of the Revelation, we learn that there will be diversity in the New Jerusalem. The word translated as “the nations” is “ethnos.” In Scripture, it is used to describe a tribe, a nation, or a people group. Collectively, it is also used to denote the whole human family. People from every nation and tongue will be gathered around the throne of the Lamb in the New Jerusalem. Here on earth, we often find the ways in which we are different from one another nearly insurmountable, even as Christians. Despite our best efforts, most of our churches are still segregated, and people from different regions of the world often find it difficult to see eye-to-eye. But, in the New Jerusalem, all of these differences will fade away in the radiance of the Lamb.

Although we will be united under the banner of Christ, it appears as though our unique ethnic and racial background will remain. When John looked at the multitude gathered before Jesus’ throne, he was able to distinguish “nations, kindreds, and languages.” Dr. Thomas Constable said, “The most probable explanation seems to be that the nations are groups of believers viewed according to their old creation nationalities, which they will retain in the new creation.“ In light of that, the one quality that binds the people from the nations together in the New Jerusalem is that they are “saved.” No matter what ethnicity or culture they come from, the citizens of the heavenly city are all united by the blood of the Lamb. They are saved from sin, saved from the punishment of sin, and saved from this sin-cursed world. In their glorified state, they “walk in the light” of the New Jerusalem.

The term translated as “walk” refers to one’s conduct or the regulation of one’s behavior; it has to do with how we live. Here on earth, it is a struggle to walk in the light. Temptation besets us on every side. The attraction of the world constantly threatens to draw us astray. We need the constant admonition of one of John’s other writings: “walk in the light as Christ is in the light.” But when we get to Heaven, when we live in the New Jerusalem, our struggle against darkness will be over. We will “walk in the light” of that glorious land, untouched by temptation, sin, and evil for the rest of eternity. We may often feel as though the battles of this earth are too much for us. But if we keep our eyes on what is to come, we can press on, walking in the light now, so that we may do so then.

Laurene Highfield encourages us to do so in her hymn, “Walk in the Light of God”:

Like a lamp unto your feet,
a light from heaven glows,
From the land which needs no sun or moon,
nor ever darkness knows,
And radiant with a living splendor
it makes the way so bright;
You can walk, safely walk
on the upward path of right.

Like a lamp unto your feet,
the holy light-beams shine,
With the brightness of a cloudless sun,
a glory all divine:
Though you must go among briars and brambles,
nothing shall you fear;
Ever walk, safely walk
in the light so white and clear.

Like a lamp unto your feet,
the light makes plain the way,
Turn not aside where shadows linger,
lest afar you stray,
Keep in the path, though it is stony,
never need you fall;
Ever walk, safely walk,
in the light that shines for all.

If you want to join Jesus Christ and the multitude of people who will walk in the light of the beautiful New Jerusalem, allow me to share with you how you can place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation from sin and the punishment of sin:

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

God loves you. We love you. And may God bless you.

He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica since 1987. God has blessed their union with seven children.

The Free State of Glory (Part 16)

TEXT: Revelation 21:22-23

22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

— PRAYER —

The Free State of Glory (Part 16)

In our last message, we began looking at some things that will not be found in the New Jerusalem. The first thing John names is the Temple, a central symbol of God’s presence for the Jews since the birth of their nation. He tells us, “I saw no temple therein.” The reason why the Temple is absent from the New Jerusalem is because the entire city will be a Temple for God. His presence will permeate the heavenly city, even the entire universe, the New Heavens and the New Earth.

Here on Earth, we often speak of feeling God’s presence in special places. Some people feel God’s presence more in a physical church building. Some feel God’s presence more when they are out in nature among trees and wildlife. Some say they feel God’s presence most in their prayer closet or in a quiet booth at Starbucks. But, in the New Jerusalem, such places will not exist. God’s presence will be everywhere and we will feel Him everywhere. Henry Alford said, “The inhabitants of the New Jerusalem need no place of worship or sacrifice, the object of all worship being present, and the great sacrifice Himself being there.”

The Bible says that God is “a spirit.” As such, we cannot see Him or perceive Him perfectly with our natural senses. That is why He chose to reveal Himself to humanity in different ways throughout history. To the Jews, He was a cloud and a pillar of fire. The Bible is a revelation of God that we can understand. The God-Man, Jesus Christ, was sent to walk in human form so that we could know who God is and what He is like. The solemness and grandeur of the Temple also served as a revelation of God. But, in the New Jerusalem, we will experience God without any filters or symbols. We will finally see Him face to face. Robert Van Kampen said, “This is evidence that God has indeed created ‘all things new.’ Shadows have been replaced with reality. Instead of God being housed in a building, the building is housed in God.”

Knowing this ought to help us keep in mind that God is everywhere on this Earth — even when we can’t feel Him. He is everywhere we are because, if we are saved, Jesus lives inside of us. This knowledge ought to inspire us to live holy and to do what is right, not just because He is watching us, but because He helps and empowers us to do the right thing. On this Earth, we are His Temple. Let’s act like it as we wait for that day when Temples are no longer needed and Jesus reigns in earth and in heaven.

Fulbert of Chartres, wrote the following hymn:

Triumphant in His glory now
to Christ all power is given;
to Him in one communion bow
all saints in earth and heaven.

While we, His soldiers, praise our King,
His mercy we implore,
within His palace bright to bring
and keep us evermore.

All glory to the Father be,
all glory to the Son,
all glory, Holy Ghost, to thee,
while endless ages run.

If you want to join Jesus Christ in the beautiful New Jerusalem, allow me to share with you how you can place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation from sin and the punishment of sin:

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

God loves you. We love you. And may God bless you.

He has been married to the former Meriqua Althea Dixon, of Christiana, Jamaica since 1987. God has blessed their union with seven children.

The Free State of Glory (Part 15)

TEXT: Revelation 21:22-23

22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

23 And the city had no need of the sun, neither of the moon, to shine in it: for the glory of God did lighten it, and the Lamb is the light thereof.

The Free State of Glory (Part 15)

So far, in John’s tour of the New Jerusalem, we have seen the people who will be in this city, the people who will not be in this city, the structure of this city, as well as some of the materials that the city will be made out of. Now, John tells us some things that are NOT in this city, the New Jerusalem.

He tells us, “I saw no temple therein.” This was very significant to John as a Jewish believer. Ever since the deliverance of the Jews from Egypt, the Children of Israel had associated God’s presence with the Temple (first known as the Tabernacle). The Tabernacle always sat in the center of the camp when the Israelites were in the wilderness. It was set up in Jerusalem when David established his rule. Later, Solomon’s Temple became the center of Jewish worship during the years of the kingdom. When the Jews were carried away into exile, they would always pray facing toward Jerusalem and the Temple where God’s special presence resided. When they returned to their land, the main thing they concerned themselves with, under the leadership of Nehemiah, was rebuilding the Temple. During Jesus’ day, the Temple was being renovated and added to with the support of Herod. And, we all know that when Jesus died on the cross, the veil, which represented the separation of God and man, was torn in half. This tearing of the veil marked the beginning of the new way in which God would deal with man — not through animal sacrifices at a physical building, but through the once-and-for-all sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ — The Lamb of God who took away the sins of the world.

Approximately forty years later, the Temple was destroyed by the Romans and it has never been rebuilt. John notes that it is not even present in the new Jerusalem. Perhaps, at first, he was surprised to see that it was not a part of the “New Jerusalem.” The reason why the Temple is absent is not because God’s presence is not there, but because God’s presence is there in the New Jerusalem. John says, “The Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.” In the New Jerusalem, we will not need to go to a certain building in order to meet with God — neither literally nor symbolically. God’s very presence will permeate the entire city, even the entire universe, the New Heavens and the New Earth. The entire universe will be God’s Temple.

Isaac Watts wrote:

Lo! what a glorious sight appears
To our believing eyes!
The earth and sea are passed away,
And the old rolling skies.

From the third heav’n, where God resides,
That holy, happy place,
The new Jerusalem comes down,
Adorned with shining grace.

Attending angels shout for joy,
And the bright armies sing-
“Mortals, behold the sacred seat
Of your descending King.

If you want to join Jesus Christ in the beautiful New Jerusalem, allow me to share with you how you can place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ for salvation from sin and the punishment of sin:

First, accept the fact that you are a sinner, and that you have broken God’s law. The Bible says in Romans 3:23: “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God.”

Second, accept the fact that there is a penalty for sin. The Bible states in Romans 6:23: “For the wages of sin is death…”

God loves you. We love you. And may God bless you.

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this:

Share this: