1. Hope and Change, God’s Way Hope and Change, God’s Way Lesson 8 Revelation 21 – 22 The Hope of Heaven: The Final Word on Heaven May 23, 2010

2. I.Introduction to Lesson 8 A.When thinking of heaven we must keep 1 Corinthians 2:9 in mind. A.This is the final message of our series on Hope. B.The “final word on heaven” is found in the Book of Revelation (especially chapters 21 and 22). C.There is a clear break with earlier chapters. D.Revelation deals with many other aspects of the future, but we won’t go there. E.There are also glimpses of heaven elsewhere in Revelation. F.My approach in this lesson

3. II.Heaven – who will be there (and won’t)? A.God the Father (1:4, 8; 4:2-11; 21:6; 22:13) B.God the Son (1:13-18; 5:5-13; 19:11-16) C.Holy Spirit 1.Holy Spirit = 0x 2.“in the Spirit” = 4x 3.Spirit = 9x D.Saints (some of whom are martyrs) E.Angels = 74x (25%) F.Elders = 12x G.Apostles (18:20; 21:14) H.(four) Living creatures = 13x 1.We aren’t the only ones in heaven 2.But we are the only “bride” (19:7-8) I.Who won’t be there: the wicked (21:8; 22:15)

4. III.What is heaven like? A.Jesus as the prototype of heaven 1.Immanuel (God with us; John 1:14; 2:18-22) 2.His attributes (John 14:9) 3.His miracles a.Water to wine (John 2:1-11) b.Calming the storm (Luke 8:22-25) c.Travel in darkness (John 11:8-10) d.Casting out demons (Mark 1:34) e.Healing the sick (Mark 1:34) f.Raising the dead (John 11) g.The transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8)

5. B.Heaven is God-like 1.Glory (Exodus 33:18ff.; Isaiah 6:3; John 17:24; Rev. 21:23) 2.Holy/holiness (Isaiah 6:3; 57:15; Rev. 21:27) 3.Righteous/just/justice (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10; Revelation 7:9-11; 16:4-6; 19:1-4) 4.Beauty (Psalm 50:2; Isaiah 33:17; Revelation 21:10- 11) 5.Immortality (1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 21:4) 6.Light (Isa. 60:1; John 8:12; Rev. 21:23) 7.Joy (Isa. 62:4-5; 65:17-19; 1 Tim. 1:11; Rev. 19:6-7)

6. IV.What will we be doing in heaven? A.Singing 1.A new song (14:3) 2.The Song of Moses (15:3) B.Prayers (Rev. 5:8; 7:9-11; 8:3-4) C.Worship and Praise (Rev. 4-5; 7:9-12; 10:6; 11:15-18; 14:1-7; 15:1-4) D.Serving (Rev. 22:3) E.Ruling (Rev. 2:26; 3:21; 5:10; 20:6; 22:5) F.Observation: This is what we do every Sunday. Church is rehearsal for heaven. V.What Revelation Confirms: Heaven is dwelling in God’s presence (Rev. 21:3)

7. VI.What is the unique contribution of Revelation? A.Heaven comes down (3:12; 21:2, 10) B.Addressed to churches C.Suffering, martyrdom & heaven D.One world government (Rev. 13) E.Opposition to Israel F.Satan’s defeat and judgment (Rev. 12, 20) VII.Application A.Come! (Rev. 22:17) B.Buy gold! (Rev. 3:18) C.Be ready, the time is near! (22:10-14) D.Be faithful and active! (Rev. 2 & 3) E.Persevere! (1:9; 3:10; 13:10; 14:12)

8. Copyright © 2010 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPoint presentation of Lesson 8 in the series, Hope and Change, God’s Way, prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for May 23, 2010. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit.