LISTEN: The Free State of Glory (Part 48): Those Within and Those Without, Part 6 (Second Coming Chapel with Daniel Whyte III)

TEXT: Revelation 22:13-15

13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

14 Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the gates into the city.

15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

The Free State of Glory (Part 48): Those Within and Those Without, Part 6

In John 10:10, Jesus Christ declared, “I am come that they might have life and have it more abundantly.” In John 14:6, He said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” When man sinned, he immediately experienced spiritual death, he began the process of physical death, and if he continues in sin, he eventually experiences eternal death. But, for those who are within the city, the New Jerusalem, all three types of death are reversed. In the New Jerusalem, we will be spiritually alive because of our relationship with Christ, we will be physically alive with new resurrection bodies, and we will be eternally alive, living with God forever and ever.

So, it makes sense that the next type of person mentioned as being without the city of God is “murderers.” The word murder means one who kills another intentionally or one who commits homicide.

According to Baker’s Evangelical Dictionary of Biblical Theology, “Although the Israelites did not have a term that precisely fits our present-day idea of murder, they differentiated among killing, manslaughter, and murder in their legal terminology. The Hebrew word that was used in the Sixth Commandment for ‘kill’ (or murder) was the somewhat rare term ‘rasah.’ Although its exact meaning has defied explanation, in other contexts it could refer to killing that was inherently evil. The death penalty was posed for one who killed with premeditation, but not for accidental manslaughter. In fact, premeditated murder did not require a trial. Thus, the Old Testament saw a fundamental difference between the two types of homicide, providing two levels of meaning for ‘rasah’. Although the New Testament writers lived in a different legal environment, they were consistent in their view of murder with their Old Testament counterparts. Jesus interpreted the sixth commandment differently than the contemporary Jewish scholars (who had a narrowly literal view), and agreed with the spirit of the Old Testament law on homicide. The death of Christ was the supreme example of murder in the Scriptures. Christ was symbolized as the slaughtered Lamb, signifying his humble obedience and innocence.”

According to the Oxford Dictionary of the English Language, murder is “the unlawful premeditated killing of one human being by another.”

Every day we read stories of men and women taking the lives of other people. Family disputes have ended in murder. Terrorists perpetrate acts of indiscriminate murder on innocent people. Mass murderers, like the one who killed 26 people in a Texas church two weekends ago, end lives on a large and horrific scale.

In Genesis, we read that God breathed into man the “breath of life.” The taking of this life at the hands of another sinful man is an irreversible crime and an assault on God’s image which every human being is made in. Taking a life is the opposite of God’s will. In John 10, Jesus said that Satan comes “only to steal, kill, and destroy.” The devil deals in death, and those who traffick death like him will not have a place in the New Jerusalem. Within the walls of the New Jerusalem is life, and those who enjoy it more abundantly.

——-

If you are not a believer, you will be condemned to remain without the gates of Heaven. Make sure you are within by placing your faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Allow me to show you how you can do that right now.

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.

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 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.

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.

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…”

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.

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 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.

The Free State of Glory (Part 14)

TEXT: Revelation 21:15-21

15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

16 And the city lieth foursquare, and the length is as large as the breadth: and he measured the city with the reed, twelve thousand furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.

17 And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred and forty and four cubits, according to the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.

18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

19 And the foundations of the wall of the city were garnished with all manner of precious stones. The first foundation was jasper; the second, sapphire; the third, a chalcedony (kalsedony); the fourth, an emerald;

20 The fifth, sardonyx (sardaniks); the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolyte (krisolyte); the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus (krisoprasus); the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

21 And the twelve gates were twelve pearls: every several gate was of one pearl: and the street of the city was pure gold, as it were transparent glass.

— PRAYER —

The Free State of Glory (Part 14)

Al Martin said, “Think of it: this very earth that has soaked up the blood of multitudes upon battlefields; this very earth where the sod is stained with innocent blood; this very earth that supports the footsteps of the tyrant, the murderer, and the thief; this very earth that supports the rebel activity of the multitudes of the unconverted; this very earth that gives men air to breathe into their bodies which they use to speak words of blasphemy and denial against God; yes, this very world and its total life-support system will be renovated by the fire of judgment at the return of Christ. And when He’s through, every particle, every atom of this earth and its support system will be permeated with nothing but righteousness. It will be the new heaven and the new earth wherein righteousness and righteousness alone has its home.”

In this passage, the angel continues to show John the structure of the New Jerusalem. After showing him the twelve gates of the city, which are engraven with the names of the tribes of Israel, and the twelve foundations of the city, which are engraven with the names of the twelve apostles, the angel describes the dimensions of the city. It is a city that “lieth foursquare”; its height, length, and breadth are the same, making it a perfect cube.

Then the angel describes the construction materials that are used in the building of the New Jerusalem. Now, there are many beautiful cities in our world; some might name Los Angeles or Rome or Paris or Venice. But no city we can imagine can compare to the beauty of the New Jerusalem, if only for the fact that the materials used to build the New Jerusalem are not extensively used in any of the building projects of our world. The beautiful gems and precious stones that the New Jerusalem is made of are scarce, and men have to painstakingly dig into the earth in order to find them. But, with God, such beautiful, valuable things are plenteous and overflowing in abundance.

Some dispute the meanings of the names John gives to the precious materials used to build the New Jerusalem. But we must understand that John is trying to describe unearthly beauty with earthly language. He names twelve precious stones used in the foundations of the city.

First, is jasper, which comes in various colors including blue, green, brass, or white like crystal. Second, is sapphire, a rich, royal blue. Third, is chal-ce-do-ny, a misty or cloudy stone that comes in blue, yellow, and purple. Fourth, is emerald, a pale green, transparent stone. Fifth, is sar-do-nyx, a red and white stone. Sixth, is sar-di-us, a red or “blood-colored” stone. Seventh, is chry-so-lite, a golden or yellow stone. Eighth, is beryl, a pale green stone. Ninth, is topaz, a greenish-yellow stone. Tenth, is chry-so-pra-sus, a gold-tinted or green stone. Eleventh, is jacinth, a dark-blue, near black stone. And twelfth, is a-me-thyst, a violet or purple stone. Not only are the foundations of the New Jerusalem made of precious stones, but the twelve gates of the city are each carved from a single slab of pearl. And on top of that, the streets of the city are paved with gold so pure and thin it is like “transparent glass.” Who wouldn’t want to live in a beautiful place such as this?

In light of the staggering beauty of the New Jerusalem, we are reminded of the stark ugliness of our world. The physical properties of our great cities and magnificent buildings are nothing compared to the Heavenly city. But what really makes our world ugly is the people who have marred God’s creation, and that includes you and me. Unfortunately, due to the devil’s rebellion and man’s sin, this world will never be restored to its original beauty. It is the beauty of the new world that should inspire us to live righteously in this one. John Bunyan, in his classic allegory, Pilgrim’s Progress, wrote about two characters on their way to the Celestial City. In the midst of their journey, one character says to the other, “When do you find yourself in your most wholesome and vigorous spiritual state?” The other pilgrim answers, “When I think of the place to which I am going.”

Likewise, we will find ourselves with the right mentality when we think of what awaits us at the end of our days on this earth. Yes, we ought to live with death in mind. But, more importantly, we ought to live with Heaven in mind.

Margaret Cagle wrote:

Someday, I’ll shed this mortal flesh
And fly away to my Heavenly home,
Leaving behind this old world,
In sin, no more to roam.

The closer I get to that goal,
I think of Heaven more and more.
How will it be when I arrive
Upon that celestial, golden shore?

Yes, the gates are made of pearl,
And the streets are made of gold,
But God’s Word also tells us
That the half has never been told.

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 4 (Second Coming Chapel)

city-2

TEXT: Revelation 21:1-7

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

3 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.

6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

The Free State of Glory (Part 4)

People, today, of all walks of life, are fascinated by the afterlife and Heaven. Over the past decade, a handful of books by and about people who have died, gone to Heaven, and come back to tell about it have repeatedly topped bestsellers lists. Movies have been made out of two of those accounts. Some Christians point to these stories as proof that Heaven exists and that it is as wonderful as the Bible states. Skeptics attack these stories as either illusions that a person endured while close to death or outright lies meant to deceive the gullible. If we want certainty about Heaven, where can we look? It is not to a book written by a human being, but to the Bible and to Jesus Christ. Notice three key attributes of our beliefs about Heaven.

First, we can have certainty about Heaven because of Jesus Christ. John tells us that Jesus told him to “Write: for these words are true and faithful…. It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.” John did not dream about Heaven. He did not make up what he thought Heaven would be like. He was ‘caught up in the Spirit on the Lord’s Day’ and received a vision about Heaven and an explanation about Heaven from none other than Jesus Christ who cannot lie. Jesus’ words are true and faithful. We can trust them. But not only can we trust that we have the truth about Heaven because of Jesus’ words, but we can trust that we have the truth about Heaven because of Jesus’ person. The Lord states that He is “Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end.” Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet. All of the books in the New Testament were written with just the 24 letters of the Greek alphabet. There is nothing outside of Alpha and Omega; Jesus uses this comparison to emphasize that there is nothing outside of Himself. He is the beginning and the end. All of time, history, and eternity are wrapped up in Him. He is the consummator of all things. We can have certainty about Heaven because Jesus is the One who revealed Heaven to John and to us.

Not only can we have certainty about Heaven, but notice that we should have a thirst for Heaven. Jesus says, “I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.” Dr. John Walvoord and Dr. Roy Zuck state that this “apparently refers not to physical thirst, but to a desire for spiritual blessings.” Do you desire to receive all of the benefits of a home in Heaven? Are you tired of this old world and the mock pleasures that it has to offer? Have you begun already to say, ‘this world is not my home’? While we are down here on this earth, it is okay to have a desire for Heaven. That desire should remind us that Jesus is preparing a place for us in His eternal kingdom — a place where there will be no more sin and no more suffering. If you are hungry for that place and the spiritual blessings that come with it, you can rest assured that you will be satisfied when you get there. Jesus Christ Himself has promised to allow you to drink freely of the water of life.

Finally, not only can we be certain about Heaven and not only should we have a thirst for Heaven, but we ought to keep in mind the inheritance that awaits us in Heaven. Jesus continues, “He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.” Who is “he that overcometh”? First John 5:5 answers, it is “he who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.” No matter how downtrodden we may be in life, all believers will eventually overcome because Jesus Christ overcame. Nothing could hold Jesus down; He rose from the grave, from death, and from hell. And because we are in Him, we will also rise. Because we are in Him, we will take part in the inheritance of Heaven — an inheritance that includes “all things.” All of the spiritual and physical blessings of Heaven will one day belong to us because we are overcomers in Christ and we are a part of God’s family through Jesus’ shed blood.

As we go through life with so much sin and death around us (and unfortunately within us), we can be certain about where we are going at the end of our life. We are going to Heaven not because of who we are or what we have done, but because of Jesus Christ who is the beginning and the end of all things. Through Him, our thirst for things that are not of this world will be satisfied and we will overcome everything that is in this world and enjoy our inheritance in Heaven for eternity.

C.A. Tindley wrote:

This world is one great battlefield,
With forces all arrayed;
If in my heart I do not yield
I’ll overcome someday.

Both seen and unseen powers join
To drive my soul astray,
But with God’s Word a sword of mine,
I’ll overcome someday.

A thousand snares are set for me,
And mountains in my way;
If Jesus will my leader be,
I’ll overcome someday.

Tho’ many a time no signs appear,
Of answer when I pray;
My Jesus says I need not fear,
I’ll overcome someday.

___________________

Dear friend, wouldn’t you like to enjoy that glorious day — a day where there will be no more tears, no more crying, no more death, no more pain, and no more sorrow? Yes, you can have a home in the new heaven and the new earth if you place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior from sin and the consequences of sin. Allow me to share with you how you can do that today so that you can be ready for His return.

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 2)

city-2

TEXT: Revelation 21:1-7

1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.

2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

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.

6 And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely.

7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

— PRAYER —

The Free State of Glory (Part 2)

In our last message, we looked at the magnificent transition that is in store for the world. This broken, sin-cursed world will give way to a new heaven and a new earth. The new creation will be populated by new men and women in Christ who are free from sin and the effects of sin. However, the greatest thing about this new glorified state is not the new heaven and the new earth, nor even the new people who live in it. The greatest thing is found in the fact that God will come down to abide with His people once and for all. This starts with the descent of the Holy City.

John writes, “And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.” The Biblical writers had three different perspectives on Heaven. The first heaven refers to earth’s atmosphere where the clouds and the firmament exist. The second heaven refers to outer space where the sun, moon, stars, and distant planets reside. The third heaven refers to God’s abode. It is from this place that the heavenly city, the New Jerusalem, will come down.

Dr. John Walvoord writes, “The New Jerusalem is called ‘the Holy City’, in contrast with the earthly Jerusalem (which spiritually was compared to Sodom). The fact that the New Jerusalem comes down from heaven and that it is not said to be created at this point has raised the question as to whether it has been in existence during the Millennium.” Some scholars believe that this New Jerusalem will be suspended over the Earth during the Millennium, but “this is an inference rather than a direct revelation of the Bible.” “Here, however, the New Jerusalem is described as it will be in the eternal state… Though the city is compared to a beautifully dressed bride, it actually is a city, not a person or group of people.”

This city is God’s city. It is the “place” to which Jesus referred to when He said, “I am going to prepare a place for you.” All who have placed their faith and trust in Jesus Christ have an address waiting for them in the New Jerusalem. The Old Testament saints and the Tribulation saints also will abide in this city. However, the biggest presence in the city will be God himself. John continues, “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.”

After the Jews were delivered from Egypt, God commanded them to make a tabernacle. The tabernacle was always placed in the middle of the Hebrew camp. it was intended to symbolize God’s potent physical presence with His people. God was with them at all times and they were with God. Later on, Solomon built a Temple, and God’s presence inhabited this building, again symbolizing His presence with His people. Unfortunately, because of the people’s sin and rebellion God’s presence was removed. Presently, God regards every believer as a tabernacle, and His Holy Spirit resides in each of our hearts. In that way, He is with us at all times.

However, the tabernacle of the glorified state is different. Notice, John says this is “the tabernacle of God”; not just a tabernacle inhabited by God, but a tabernacle made by God. The entire city, the entire world even, is a tabernacle brought forth by God. His presence will permeate every aspect of it. Everyone who lives in the New Jerusalem or anywhere in the New Earth will be in constant communion with God. Even though His Spirit abides in us today, we still have to exist in the here and now, dealing with earthly concerns as fallen men and women. But we can look forward to the day when we will be with Him and love Him and enjoy Him forever.

Witness Lee wrote:

In new heaven and new earth
The New Jerusalem lies;
Out of God it has its birth,
With God’s radiance thrice.

There, life’s crystal river flows
With an abundance of supplies,
And the tree of life there grows
All I need it satisfies.

God is there, the great I AM
In that city of eternal light;
God is the light within the Lamb,
And there never again is night.

___________________

Dear friend, you can have a home in the new heaven and the new earth if you place your faith and trust in Jesus Christ as your Savior from sin and the consequences of sin. Allow me to share with you how you can do that today so that you can be ready for His return.

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.

What Will Heaven be Like? Part 3 (Onward Christian Soldiers #52)

TEXT: Revelation 21:1-3: “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 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.”

During our first lesson, we began looking at the nature of Heaven, our eternal home. From that lesson, we learned that:

(1) Heaven is a place of incredible beauty;
(2) Heaven is a place of incredible abundance;
(3) Heaven is a place of incredible happiness.

In our second lesson, we learned:

(1) Only those who accept Jesus Christ into their lives on Earth will be able to live in Heaven.
(2) In Heaven, we will be busy singing praises to God, serving God, and reigning with Jesus Christ.
(3) In Heaven, we will worship God and Jesus for all eternity because they are worthy of our worship.

Today, as we close this lesson series, we are going to focus on a single point, and that is: While on Earth, we should look forward to our Heavenly home. Yes, Jesus Christ is coming, and He is coming soon! He said Himself in Revelation 22:12, “Behold, I come quickly.” Sooner than we think, we will be with Him forever. The trials and problems of this life will last only a short time, and if we endure them faithfully, they will add to our rewards in Heaven.

Second Corinthians 4:17 says, “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.” The sorrows and sufferings of this world are nothing compared to the glory we will enjoy with our Saviour in Heaven one day. The Apostle Paul wrote in Romans 8:18, “For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.”

We have a glorious future to look forward to. Our feeble, human minds cannot even begin to do justice to the Heavenly home that awaits us. First Corinthians 2:9 says, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.”

We should allow the anticipated glories of Heaven to fill our minds so that we will be joyful and perseverant during the trials and sorrows of this life. We should allow our love for Christ to fill our hearts so that we will live for Him each and every day. We should allow the hope of His coming to purify us so that we will be ready when He returns. “Even so, come Lord Jesus!”

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this:

Share this:

Like this: