Behind the Curtain of RevelationSample

Day Five - Heaven or Hell?

Read Revelation 22

Everyone chooses their final destination. Revelation shows us a description of both heaven and hell. It is an ominous look and everything is riding on the choice that you make in this life; either for or against Jesus Christ the Victorious One.

The most famous Bible verse is John 3:16 and it says, “For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” It is famous for a reason, because it simply offers so much hope in one verse. But just a few verses later the message takes a turn, in John 3:36 we read, “And anyone who believes in God’s Son has eternal life. Anyone who doesn’t obey the Son will never experience eternal life but remains under God’s angry judgement.” This is the other side of the story, a stern warning to those who will not obey God’s Son, Jesus Christ. To those people, God says that, by choosing not to obey Jesus, they are in effect choosing to remain under God’s wrath, and they will never experience eternal life. Don’t be deceived, the weight of eternity rests within our choice for or against Jesus Christ.

Revelation 20:8 describes the eternal destiny of those who will not follow Jesus, and it talks about being immersed in the burning fires of judgement saying, “But cowards, unbelievers, the corrupt, murderers, the immoral, those who practise witchcraft, idol worshipers, and all liars—their fate is in the fiery lake of burning sulphur. This is the second death.” Contrast that to what is found in Revelation 21:3-4 where it says, “Look, God’s home is now among His people! He will live with them, and they will be His people. God Himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.”

Revelation 22 is the final chapter of the book. Here you read about trees of life, and God’s presence with His people. You also learn that Jesus is coming again soon, and each one of us ought to be ready for His return. He offers a clear invitation to anyone who is thirsty and truly wants to drink freely of the water of life! He invites us to come and receive His free gift of life, and have our robes washed white and clean. Jesus forgives our sins, and gives us His Spirit of life freely for the asking.He died on the cross for our sins, paying for them in full. Anyone who calls on the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ will be saved. And He wants everyone. Jesus wants you. He wants you in heaven with Him forever, enjoying life in His presence.

Reflection

As you read this final chapter of the Book of Revelation, revisit Revelation chapter 1 in your mind and recall the picture of Jesus in victory. Remember that Jesus has already won the war, but the time has come for you to choose to fight the battle well, by trusting in His power and in His victory. Let this picture of the future be the vision behind the curtain that propels you forward each and every day. See Jesus as He is in reality right now, standing in victory, calling you forward, strengthening you to fight your battle and to overcome in this life. May the blessing of the Book of Revelation be your blessings in Jesus Christ our Lord.