Understanding the Kingdom of GodSample

They Will Reign with God Forever

Everyone loves a story with a happy ending. At the movie’s end, we want to see the main characters driving off into the sunset to live happily ever after. The idea of a happy ending is inherently a Biblical one. The story of God’s Kingdom concludes with the happiest ending of all.

In the final two chapters of the Bible, all of the strands that we have been discussing are brought together into a glorious crescendo. As said earlier, we need to understand Revelation’s symbolic imagery and language. Space does not permit a complete discussion of everything in this passage. We will only focus on a few key themes.

Revelation 21-22 is where God’s glory comes from heaven to earth one last time. This time, however, God’s glory is not limited to a specific place (like the Temple). Instead, His glory fills all the earth. All things are made new. The people of God, who are symbolically represented as the Bride of Christ and the New Jerusalem, are now where the unveiled presence of Yahweh dwells. There is no need for a temple because the throne of God and the Lamb is in the midst of the people. From the throne, waters of life flow out into all the earth. Everyone and everything are soaked in the life-giving presence of the Lord.

There will be no more pain, sorrow, suffering, violence, and death. The raging sea of chaos will be stilled for all eternity (Revelation 21:1). Never again shall anything unclean be brought into the City of God. Never again shall God’s children suffer any harm.

In the Creation story, God created the sun and the moon. In the new Creation, however, there is no sun and moon, “for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb” (Revelation 21:23, ESV). The reign of God will come and never depart again. God’s plan for a global Eden will finally be realized. Humanity’s authority, which was lost due to the Fall, will now be permanently restored, for God will share His glory with His redeemed children. And they will reign with Him forever (Revelation 22:5).

As followers of Jesus, we are part of God’s story. We are invited to partner with Him to spread His reign of glory to the ends of the earth. What is your story? How does your story intersect with God’s story? In prayer, humbly submit your life to God. Allow Him to restore His purpose for your life.