Revelation Devotional – What Heaven Will Be Like
Written by Lesallan Bostron
BIB3560 Revelation (ONLSP23)
Ohio Christian University
Pastor Alexander Soultz
May 11, 2023
What Heaven Will Be Like
The first passage (Revelation 22:1-2, ESV) in this week’s devotional paints a beautiful picture of what heaven will be like; it is a steadfast reminder that one day we will be in God’s presence and have access to everything we need. Although we cannot directly apply this passage to our present lives, it can provide us hope as we anticipate our eternal dwelling place with God.
The second passage in the devotional for this week is from Revelation 22:14-15 ESV). Revelation 22:14-15 (ESV) speaks of the importance of first living a good life pleasing to God. Those who cleanse their robes are the ones who have been purified by the blood of Jesus and have remorsefully turned away from their wrongdoing. They are repentant people who make mistakes and then confess them to God. As a result, they will have the permission of God and the right to partake of the Tree of Life and can enter the city by the gates (Revelation 22:14, ESV). This verse promises eternal life for those who have been saved by faith in Jesus Christ. It is a reminder that our salvation is not based on our own works or merit, but on the grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Then some people are outside, those who are unrepented of their sins and have not accepted the “Lord of lords” that is used twice in Scripture and refers to God the Father. (Deuteronomy 10:17; Psalm 136:3). Jesus Christ is given the full title “King of Kings and the Lord of Lords” in Revelation 17:14 (ESV) and is crowned as the King Of Kings and Lord of Lords” and the Savior of humankind. They, the unrepentant, will be unable to enter the city and be separated from God for eternity.
The opening passage in the Book of Revelation contains a blessing to all people, given from Jesus Christ that all who read, hear, and keep the words of this prophecy are the blessed: “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3, ESV). So, one way to keep the prophecy of the book of Revelation is to read it and keep its words. Another way is to seek humbly and meekly to understand what is revealed in Revelation. The book of Revelation contains so many passages filled with immortality: and the glory of the promise of the new world that all who read and seek its deeper meaning will ultimately receive the promised blessing.
Notably, the notion of a new heaven and earth is distinct from the conventional concept of “going to heaven” as it highlights the restoration of all things rather than the forsaking of this world. This difference serves as a reminder that God’s intention is not to end the world entirely but to save it. Moreover, it reminds us that our ultimate aspiration is not simply to depart from this world, but to witness its metamorphosis into something novel and exquisite.
The book of Revelation was written by the divinely inspired visions to John to inform all about future events yet to occur—especially the final conflict between God and Satan (Revelation, ESV). The Book of Revelation was written to reveal the triumph of Jesus Christ over all the powers of evil, death, and Hell. As its first verse declares, it is “The revelation from Jesus Christ … to show his servants what must soon take place” (Revelation 1:1, ESV). It is difficult to determine a specific course of action that Jesus calls individuals to take in response to the book of Revelation. However, it is vital to note that this book was written to uplift and give hope to Christians undergoing persecution. The primary message of Revelation is that God will emerge victorious over evil, and Christians must continue to stay loyal even amid a world filled with adversity.
Many Blessings to all as we conclude this course (Revelation) and seek a higher understanding of God’s plan and ours.
Lesallan
