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Beholding The Face Of God: The Promise Of Revelation 22:4 Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Apr 2, 2024 (message contributor)
Summary: Revelation 22:4 – the promise that believers will see the face of God. This statement carries deep significance and offers a glimpse into the eternal joy and intimacy awaiting God's children.
Beholding the Face of God: The Promise of Revelation 22:4
Introduction:
Today we embark on a journey to explore the profound truth found in Revelation 22:4 – the promise that believers will see the face of God. This statement carries deep significance and offers a glimpse into the eternal joy and intimacy awaiting God's children. Let us delve into this scripture together and uncover its rich meaning for our lives.
Point 1: The Fulfilment of Intimate Relationship (Revelation 22:4a)
"They will see his face..." (Revelation 22:4a, NLT)
The opening of Revelation 22:4 speaks of the remarkable privilege granted to believers – the opportunity to behold the face of God. This imagery symbolises intimate communion and unbroken fellowship with the Almighty. To see God's face is to experience His presence in its fullest measure, basking in His glory and experiencing His unfathomable love.
Revelation 22:4a echoes the longing of every believer to behold the face of their Creator. This vision represents the culmination of our redemption and the ultimate fulfillment of our deepest desires for intimacy with God.
Point 2: The Transformation of Spiritual Gaze (1 Corinthians 13:12)
"For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known." (1 Corinthians 13:12, NLT)
In 1 Corinthians 13:12, Paul paints a vivid picture of the transformative effect of beholding God's face. Currently, our perception of God is veiled, obscured by the limitations of our earthly existence. However, in eternity, we will encounter Him face to face, with no barriers or hindrances. This divine encounter will bring clarity, understanding, and fullness of knowledge, as we gaze upon the beauty of our Creator.
1 Corinthians 13:12 illustrates the transition from partial knowledge to complete understanding that occurs when believers see the face of God. This transformation signifies the culmination of our journey of faith and the beginning of eternal communion with our Heavenly Father.
Point 3: The Eternal Blessing of Divine Presence (Psalm 16:11)
"You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever." (Psalm 16:11, NLT)
Psalm 16:11 encapsulates the eternal blessing that awaits those who see the face of God. In His presence, there is fullness of joy and unending delight. Believers will experience the richness of divine fellowship and the unparalleled joy of dwelling with God for eternity. To see the face of God is to enter into the fullness of life and experience the ultimate fulfilment of our deepest longings.
Psalm 16:11 paints a vivid picture of the abundant blessings that accompany beholding the face of God. This verse speaks of the joy, satisfaction, and eternal pleasure found in His presence.
Application and Call to Action:
As we contemplate the promise of Revelation 22:4, let us respond in the following ways:
Cultivate Intimacy with God: Prioritise your relationship with God above all else, seeking to know Him more deeply and intimately through prayer, worship, and study of His Word.
Anticipate Eternity with Hope: Fix your gaze on the eternal promises of God, eagerly awaiting the day when you will behold His face and dwell in His presence forever.
Live in Light of God's Presence: Allow the anticipation of seeing God's face to shape your priorities and actions, living each day in reverence and obedience to Him.
May we eagerly anticipate the day when we will see the face of our Heavenly Father and experience the fullness of joy found in His presence. Let us live with hopeful expectation, knowing that the best is yet to come. Amen.