2. Revelation #15 The Destiny of the Redeemed Revelation 21 & 22

3. The Destiny of the Redeemed Rev. 21 & 22 There is a great contrast drawn between the destiny of the wicked and the righteous: >only a few verses described the punishment of the wicked, cf. 20:13-15; >while almost two chapters are given to the reward of the righteous, chps. 21 & 22! What conclusion is to be drawn from this? Revelation is not a book for the wicked, but the REDEEMED!

4. The Destiny of the Redeemed Rev. 21 & 22 It was written to encourage the faithful, not necessarily to condemn the sinner. The heavenly reward is shown with 3 symbols: 1) a Tabernacle of God with men, 21:1-7 2) a Holy City, a New Jerusalem, 21:9-27 &3) a Perfect Garden, 22:1-5 Heaven is also revealed from 3 angles: Its Fellowship, Protection, and Provisions. These will form our concluding lesson.

5. The Destiny of the Redeemed: Fellowship with God, Rev. 21:1-8 The Tabernacle of God is with Men, 21:1-7 -new heaven & earth, first have passed, v.1a > 2Pet.3:10-14 -no longer any sea, v.1b > it was that which formerly separated God and man, cf. 4:6; 15:2 -heaven appears as a bride prepared for her husband, v.2 > 2Cor.11:2 > Eph.5:22-33 -The presence of God is now with men! -His dwelling place, or tabernacle is with the faithful: there will be no more tears, death, or pain, v.4 all things will be “new” v.5

6. The Destiny of the Redeemed: Fellowship with God, Rev. 21:1-8 The Tabernacle of God is with Men, 21:1-7 -The Alpha and the Omega will give to the one who thirsts the water of life! v.6 -Such is the reward for “he who overcomes” v.7 WHAT ENCOURAGEMENT FOR PEOPLE OF THE FIRST/SECOND CENTURIES WHO WERE ENDURING SEVERE PERSECUTIONS! And for people of every generation who struggle to overcome the temptations Satan throws our way!

7. The Destiny of the Redeemed: Fellowship with God, Rev. 21:1-8 Interlude: the destiny of the wicked, v.8 A Lake of Fire & Brimstone for: Fearful/Cowardly- those who shrink back from the conflict caused by Truth Unbelieving- those who refuse to believe & obey Abominable- those who practice Satan’s defilements Murderers- those who kill (the saints) Immoral- those who live to gratify their fleshly desires Sorcerers- those who practice witchcraft & the like Idolaters- those who put other things before God Liars- those who deceive, either by tongue or action

8. The Destiny of the Redeemed: Protection by God, Rev. 21:9-27 The Holy City, the New Jerusalem -as a bride adorned with the glory of God, vv.9-11a -brilliance as a crystal-clear jasper, v.11b -It had a great high wall for protection, vv.12-21a Never again would Satan harm the faithful! -The street of the city was of pure gold, v.21b -There was no Temple there, v.22a the Lord God was no longer separated from them! v.3 -No need of sun or moon- God is its light! vv.23-24 -Its gates shall never close- there is no need! v.25 -Only the righteous will dwell there, vv.26-27.

9. The Destiny of the Redeemed: Provisions from God, Rev. 22:1-5 The Perfect Garden -has a river which flows with the clear water of life from the throne of God Himself, v.1 -with the tree of life bearing fruit on both sides of the river; 12 kinds of fruit; every month; leaves for healing, v.2 -no more curse, v.3a: on the ground, Gen.3:17-19; or because of sin, Gal.3:10-13 -His bond-servants shall see His face! v.3b- 4 > Matt.5:8 -again, there is no night! v.5

10. Final Assurances & Warnings Rev.22:6-21 “Behold I am Coming Quickly” -Some 7 times a similar statement is made of immediate action, 22:6,7,10,12,20; 1:1,3. Why if the major events of the Book are still yet future? -Such makes no sense! -People at the time this was written needed immediate assurance from the Lord…. and this message from proves they got it! vv.6-7 -John worships and is reprimanded, vv.8-9.

11. Final Assurances & Warnings Rev.22:6-21 “Don’t Seal Up the Words of this Book” -for the time is near, v.10 -let things continue, for the time being, as they are, v.11 -for “I am coming quickly” v.12 -Blessed are those who wash their robes, v.14 -Outside are the evil, v.15 -Jesus Himself sent His angel bring these things to the churches, v.16 -the Great Invitation is made, v.17 -the Great Warning is given, vv.18-19 -and the Revelation is complete! vv.20-21

12. Conclusions: Revelation is a Book of prophecy…. but it is a book which had prophetic meaning to the people of the first & second centuries! Although it certainly pertains to and benefits us greatly, its primary message was one of hope and assurance to persecuted Christians then. Its symbolism may be difficult in some places. But its message is clear: WE WIN!