the Lamb’s Book of Life

Revelation 21:9-27 part 2.

 Continuing from the entry posted last month, John describes the place named the “New Jerusalem”—aka Heaven, as “a city that does not need the sun or moon to shine on it” (v. 23), glory will be brought to it by the kings of the earth (v. 24), “its gates with never close” and “it will never be night” (v. 25), and “nothing unclean will ever enter it” (v. 27). If you refer to Ezekiel chapters 40–43, and you are encouraged to do so, a picture of the temple [also translated to “sanctuary”] is presented in detail. Ezekiel foreshadows the temple as the place where God’s people will be restored (Ezek. 41:21-29). However, according to John’s statement in Rev. 21:22 God is the temple.

Revelation 21:22 (CSB)

22 I did not see a temple in it, because the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb are its temple.

The “place” a relationship with God through a saving faith in Christ is bound, is in the full presence of the Triune God. Your endeavors in this life are preparing you for the time when you will most understand your greatest challenge—and your greatest treasure. There is, and you have, a purpose in the challenges you encounter in this life, and by faith alone you are included in “the Lamb’s book of life” (v. 27).

Our ministry is in the middle of teaching through a demanding portion of recovery. Once the source of life’s hurts, habits, and hang–ups are located it can be difficult to greet what has been done and what needs to be forgiven. This week on Monday night we taught Forgiveness and next week we will learn about the Grace we need to carry it out.

Principle 6: Evaluate all my relationships. Offer forgiveness to those who have hurt me and make amends for harm I’ve done to others, except when to do so would harm them or others.

We hope you can join us!