OCR Document

Coachlight Bible Study – Revelation Chapter 21 – 22

The Things Which Shall Be Hereafter – Part XVII

The Dispensation Of The Fullness Of Times

In Chapter 20, John saw the future return of Christ to destroy the wicked and establish His righteous rule and reign. With the promised Son of David seated on the throne in Jerusalem, and Satan bound in chains, the whole earth will be filled with the glory of God. For a thousand years Jesus rules with perfect mercy, grace, and swift justice. All this time and forever his glorious Church without spot or wrinkle will be at His side. At the end of the thousand years there is to be a brief uprising as Satan is released, but they are destroyed swiftly by fire from heaven. Satan will be cast into the Lake of Fire to be there for ever. The wicked dead were then resurrected to stand judgment before the Great White Throne. After the judgment, they will be sentenced to the lake of fire forever.

Now we have the Son of Man handing the Kingdom back to the Father so that God is All in All. God gives us a glorious glimpse into the New Heaven and New Earth where God’s desire and plan is fulfilled, and the habitation of God is with men.

I. A New Dispensation

A. The Dispensation Of The Fullness Of Time

1. Paul Speaking Of Christ:

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Ephesians 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Ephesians 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

2. Through Christ We Have Our Inheritance

Ephesians 1:11 In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:

Ephesians 1:12 That we should be to the praise of his glory, who first trusted in Christ.

Ephesians 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

Ephesians 1:14 Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.

B. Israel Has Her Part In This Dispensation

Isaiah 66:22 For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain.

Isaiah 66:23 And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD.

1. Israel Will Never Run Out Of Land And Will Remain As A People

2. Why – God’s Nature, He Cannot Break An Eternal Covenant

Isaiah 54:1 Sing, O barren, thou that didst not bear; break forth into singing, and cry aloud, thou that didst not travail with child: for more are the children of the desolate than the children of the married wife, saith the LORD.

Isaiah 54:2 Enlarge the place of thy tent, and let them stretch forth the curtains of thine habitations: spare not, lengthen thy cords, and strengthen thy stakes;

Isaiah 54:3 For thou shalt break forth on the right hand and on the left; and thy seed shall inherit the Gentiles, and make the desolate cities to be inhabited.

Isaiah 54:4 Fear not; for thou shalt not be ashamed: neither be thou confounded; for thou shalt not be put to shame: for thou shalt forget the shame of thy youth, and shalt not remember the reproach of thy widowhood any more.

Isaiah 54:5 For thy Maker is thine husband; the LORD of hosts is his name; and thy Redeemer the Holy One of Israel; The God of the whole earth shall he be called.

Isaiah 54:6 For the LORD hath called thee as a woman forsaken and grieved in spirit, and a wife of youth, when thou wast refused, saith thy God.

Isaiah 54:7 For a small moment have I forsaken thee; but with great mercies will I gather thee.

II. All Things New

A. The New Heaven & New Earth

Revelation 21:1 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.

Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Revelation 21:3 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.

Revelation 21:4 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.

Revelation 21:5 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.

1. John Saw What We All Long To See

2. Christ In The Millennium Restored Earth Almost Back To Perfect State

3. For 1000 Years People Enjoyed Life Under The Perfect King

a. The Gentile Inhabitants And Nations Of The Earth

b. The Nation Of Israel – Fulfillment Of Abrahamic Covenant

c. The Redeemed In Their Glorified Bodies

4. Now God Reveals His Plan For The New Dispensation

B. The Old Earth Has Passed Away

II Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.

II Peter 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

II Peter 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

II Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

1. We Are Exhorted To Look Beyond Our Self-Centered Society

2. We Are Exhorted To Look Toward The New Heaven & Earth

3. We Are Exhorted To Store Our Treasures In Heaven

Isaiah 65:17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind.

Isaiah 65:18 But be ye glad and rejoice for ever in that which I create: for, behold, I create Jerusalem a rejoicing, and her people a joy.

Isaiah 65:19 And I will rejoice in Jerusalem, and joy in my people: and the voice of weeping shall be no more heard in her, nor the voice of crying.

C. The Tabernacle Of God Will Be With Men

1. God Is Living With Mankind – What God Desired Before Creation

2. Former Things Are Passed Away

a. God Will Wipe Away All Tears

b. There Will Be No More Death

c. There Will Be No More Sorrow

d. There Will Be No More Crying

e. There Shall Be No More Pain

D. The Inheritance Is To The Overcomer In This Life

Revelation 21:6 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.

Revelation 21:7 He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son.

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.

1. Christ Is The First & The Last – Gives Life

2. Christ Gives The Water Of Life Freely To The Thirsty

3. When God Dwells With Man – Baptism Of Holy Spirit Now The Downpayment

a. He Will Be Our God

b. We Will Be His Sons

4. God’s Judgment Will Have Brought Eternal Death

a. To The Fearful

b. To The Unbelieving

c. To The Abominable

d. To The Murderers

e. To The Whoremongers

f. To The Sorcerers

g. To The Idolaters

h. To All Liars

III. The New City

Revelation 21:9 And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb’s wife.

Revelation 21:10 And he carried me away in the spirit to a great and high mountain, and shewed me that great city, the holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from God,

Revelation 21:11 Having the glory of God: and her light was like unto a stone most precious, even like a jasper stone, clear as crystal;

Revelation 21:12 And had a wall great and high, and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names written thereon, which are the names of the twelve tribes of the children of Israel:

Revelation 21:13 On the east three gates; on the north three gates; on the south three gates; and on the west three gates.

Revelation 21:14 And the wall of the city had twelve foundations, and in them the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

A. The Bride – The Lamb’s Wife – The New Jerusalem

1. Is The Bride The City Of New Jerusalem

2. Well, It Is – But Not Only Because It Is Beautiful;

3. But It Is Because Of The Redeemed People Living With God

a. The 12 tribes Of Israel – Those That Followed God

b. The 12 Apostles – Those That Followed God

4. God Did Not Forsake His Chosen Of Israel

5. God Does Not Forsake His Chosen – The Church

6. Let’s Look At Ephesians 1 Again – God’s Ultimate Desire At Creation

Ephesians 1:7 In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace;

Ephesians 1:8 Wherein he hath abounded toward us in all wisdom and prudence;

Ephesians 1:9 Having made known unto us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he hath purposed in himself:

Ephesians 1:10 That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

B. A Glimpse Of The City

Revelation 21:15 And he that talked with me had a golden reed to measure the city, and the gates thereof, and the wall thereof.

Revelation 21:16 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.

Revelation 21:17 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.

Revelation 21:18 And the building of the wall of it was of jasper: and the city was pure gold, like unto clear glass.

Revelation 21:19 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; the fourth, an emerald;

Revelation 21:20 The fifth, sardonyx; the sixth, sardius; the seventh, chrysolite; the eighth, beryl; the ninth, a topaz; the tenth, a chrysoprasus; the eleventh, a jacinth; the twelfth, an amethyst.

Revelation 21:21 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.

Revelation 21:22 And I saw no temple therein: for the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are the temple of it.

Revelation 21:23 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.

Revelation 21:24 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.

Revelation 21:25 And the gates of it shall not be shut at all by day: for there shall be no night there.

Revelation 21:26 And they shall bring the glory and honour of the nations into it.

Revelation 21:27 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.

Revelation 22:1 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.

Revelation 22:2 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.

Revelation 22:3 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:

Revelation 22:4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

Revelation 22:5 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.

A. We Have A Glimpse Of The Size Of The City

1. John Measures It With A Golden Reed

2. The City Is Laid Out As A Suuare

a. A Square With Equidistant Sides Of 12,000 Furlongs

b. 12,000 Furlongs Is 1377 Miles

c. It Is As Tall As It Is Wide

3. It Would Stretch From Maine To Florida

4. It Would Stretch From The Atlantic Coast To West Of The Mississippi River

5. That Is – About Half Of The Continental US

6. Could Be A Cube Or A Pyramid

B. We Have A Glimpse Of The Light Of The City

1. The Light Contains The Glory Of God

2. The Light Is Like A Precious Stone

a. The Light Is Like A Jasper

b. The Light Is Clear As Crystal

C. We Have A Glimpse Of The City Walls

1. The Walls Are 144 Cubits High

2. The Walls Are Made Of Jasper

3. The Walls Have 12 Gates – 3 On Each Side

4. Each Had An Angel

5. Each Had The Names Of The 12 Tribes Of Israel

D. We Have A Glimpse Of The City Wall Foundations

1. The Walls Have 12 Foundations

2. Each Foundation Is Like A Different Precious Stone

3. Each Foundation Has Contained A Name Of The 12 Apostles

E. We Have A Glimpse Of The Make Up Of The City

1. The Streets Were As Transparent Gold

2. The City Has No Temple – God & The Lamb Are The Temple

3. The City Has No Sun Or Moon – The Lamb Is The Light

F. We Have A Glimpse Of The New Nations

1. The Nations Walk In The Light Of The City

2. The Kings Bring Their Glory To The City

3. Their Will Be No Need To Shut The Gates – No Night

4. There Will Be No Defilement – Only Those Written In The Lamb’s Book

a. Nothing That Brings Abomination

b. Nothing That Brings A Lie

5. God’s Servants Will Serve Him

6. God’s Servants Will Reign With Him

7. God’s Servants Will Have God’s Name In Their Foreheads

G. We Have A Glimpse Of The New River

1. It Is A Pure River Of The Water Of Life

2. It Proceeds Out From God & The Lamb

H. We Have A Glimpse Of The New Tree Of Life

1. It Bares 12 Kinds Of Fruits

2. It Yields It’s Fruit Every Month

3. It’s Leaves Are For The Healing Of The Nations

I. There Will Be No More Curse

J. There Will Be No More Night

IV. Christ Surrenders The Kingdom To God

I Corinthians 15:24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power.

I Corinthians 15:25 For he must reign, till he hath put all enemies under his feet.

I Corinthians 15:26 The last enemy that shall be destroyed is death.

I Corinthians 15:27 For he hath put all things under his feet. But when he saith all things are put under him, it is manifest that he is excepted, which did put all things under him.

I Corinthians 15:28 And when all things shall be subdued unto him, then shall the Son also himself be subject unto him that put all things under him, that God may be all in all.

V. Christ Is Coming Soon

Revelation 22:6 And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.

Revelation 22:7 Behold, I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book.

Revelation 22:8 And I John saw these things, and heard them. And when I had heard and seen, I fell down to worship before the feet of the angel which shewed me these things.

Revelation 22:9 Then saith he unto me, See thou do it not: for I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets, and of them which keep the sayings of this book: worship God.

Revelation 22:10 And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand.

Revelation 22:11 He that is unjust, let him be unjust still: and he which is filthy, let him be filthy still: and he that is righteous, let him be righteous still: and he that is holy, let him be holy still.

Revelation 22:12 And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.

Revelation 22:13 I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end, the first and the last.

Revelation 22:14 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.

Revelation 22:15 For without are dogs, and sorcerers, and whoremongers, and murderers, and idolaters, and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie.

Revelation 22:16 I Jesus have sent mine angel to testify unto you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star.

Revelation 22:17 And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely.

Revelation 22:18 For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book:

Revelation 22:19 And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Revelation 22:20 He which testifieth these things saith, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Revelation 22:21 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.

VI. A Glimpse Of Life In The Eternal City

A. A Life Of Fellowship With Him

1 Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known.

I John 3:2 Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is.

John 14:3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.

Revelation 22:4 And they shall see his face; and his name shall be in their foreheads.

B. A Life Of Rest

Revelation 14:13 And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them.

C. A Life Of Full Knowledge

I Corinthians 13:12 For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known

D. A Life Of Holiness

E. A Life Of Joy

F. A Life Of Service

Revelation 22:3 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:

G. A life of abundance

Revelation 21:6 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.

H. A life of glory

II Corinthians 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;

Colossians 3:4 When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory.

I. A life of worship

Revelation 19: 1 And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

Revelation 7:9 After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands;

Revelation 7:10 And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.

Revelation 7:11 And all the angels stood round about the throne, and about the elders and the four beasts, and fell before the throne on their faces, and worshipped God,

Revelation 7:12 Saying, Amen: Blessing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honour, and power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever. Amen.

VII. How Should We Then Live – The Application

II Peter 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness,

II Peter 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat?

II Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness.

II Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.

Life In The Eternal City – Revelation 21-22
Characteristic	Scripture Reference
A Life Of Fellowship With Him	I Corinthians 13:12; I John 3:2; John 14:3; Revelation 22:4
A Life Of Rest	Revelation 14:13
A Life Of Full Knowledge	I Corinthians 13:12
A Life Of Holiness	Revelation 21:27
A Life Of Joy	Revelation 21:4
A Life Of Service	Revelation 22:3
A Life Of Abundance	Revelation 21:6
A Life Of Glory	II Corinthians 4:17; Colossians 3:4
A Life Of Worship	Revelation 19:1; Revelation 7:9-12
Application – How Should We Then Live
II Peter 3:10 But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up. II Peter 3:11 Seeing then that all these things shall be dissolved, what manner of persons ought ye to be in all holy conversation and godliness, II Peter 3:12 Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? II Peter 3:13 Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness. II Peter 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot, and blameless.