The Alpha, The Omega, And The End Series

Alpha and Omega, Part 49, Revelation Part 26

The Alpha, The Omega, and The End

Revelation 21:1-23 and 22:1-21

Dismiss children for nursery (under 4) and children’s church (ages 4-7)

CHANGE: No Wednesday night for adults this week – enjoy holidays!

Christmas Eve service: Sunday morning at 10:30 and Sunday night at 6:30

Introduction

- Been studying Revelation together, to understand God’s plan for creation

-- REM: Redemption of sin is granted through Jesus; and yes, we have a choice

-- Today is our final message in the Alpha and Omega series (thank you!!)

- Last week, we saw the final destruction of Satan and of his wickedness

-- It was the revelation of the death of sin, the death of the burden of sin

-- We also saw the 2nd death – this will be the eternal separation of unbelievers

--- It is a place originally created for Satan and his fallen angels, but,

--- That also exists for those who willingly choose to deny Christ’s salvation

- Today, we will conclude our series with the BEST NEWS ever!

-- It is a glimpse into what is to come, and what we must look forward too!

-- FACT: From Creation to Revelation, God has had a plan for each of us!

- Read Revelation 21 and 22 / Pray

Point 1 – The new Heavens and the new Earth

- What John reveals to us is truly, a sight to behold

-- It must be what we remember is coming – in good times and in bad times

-- It is what God always intended us to have … perfection x 1,000,000

- All that we know is remade by God’s authority – to reveal His glory (v1)

-- Glorious in its splendor, it is (again) another gift from Him for His creation

-- Consider: No more sickness, disasters, suffering, pain, or disappointment

- It is the new city of God, a place where the very presence of God dwells (v2)

-- This is the pinnacle of Heaven, where He is, where His children are welcomed

- If He is there, and we are there, we will have eternal fellowship with Him (v3)

- Why does this matter? B/C it is the perfection of all things (v4-6)

-- There shall be no more death, no more sorrow, no more suffering

-- Why? Because God has recreated our universe, and we are forever His

-- Even death (and it’s curse for sin) has no power there! Check this out:

-- 1 Cor 15:26, “And the last enemy to be destroyed is death.”

- His statement is declarative, “It is finished” … He has overcome/renewed all

-- We can find strength in this because He has never lied or let us down!

-- Jesus called this out: Matthew 5:18, “I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved.” Its Purpose: To show us our need for a Savior!

- FACT: Believers are promised to be the citizens in this place (v6-7)

-- He proclaims for us: He is the Alpha and Omega, He has done all these things

-- For you and me, there can be no greater truth to understand than this!

- SEE: God gives a warning (again) to those who would reject Salvation (v8)

-- Reminiscent of Rev 20 (whole bible really) is a truth that not everyone gets in

-- The lie of the enemy is that we all have time – that we don’t need to repent

-- It is why John, even from the glory of Heaven, is sure to write this down

- TR: What does John say about eternity to come?

Point 2 – The Description of the New Jerusalem

- Don’t miss this, John is then granted one more vision of eternity (v9-10)

-- Taken in the Spirit, He is shown the future of humanity’s eternity

- Talk about the good stuff! Let’s walk through God’s city for a moment:

-- The city itself shines like a sparkling stone – like the most precious crystal

-- The glory of God shines throughout the city – His presence illuminates it

- What does this light look like? Well, some have seen it firsthand!

-- Luke 2:9, “Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord’s glory surrounded them. (reaction) They were terrified”

-- APP: But here, there is no terror – just reverence/love for who He is!

- It’s walls are secure – providing us a perfect place to reside with Him

-- Security of a where we will be with Him – eternally safe and welcome (v12)

-- This is the representation of the walls being broad and high – protection