END-TIMES PROPHECIES: THE IMMINENT RETURN OF CHRIST (Pt. X)

END-TIMES PROPHECIES: THE IMMINENT RETURN OF CHRIST (Pt. X)

THE HOLY SPIRIT proclaims the urgent message that JESUS CHRIST will return to Earth very soon.  This is the final installment of our end-times series.  It highlights the eternal joys of Heaven and God-given rewards for the righteous. 

Let’s begin by sharing an awesome announcement.  If you are born again, you are already a resident of Heaven by faith, for the Bible declares that we are now seated “together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:6)  So winner-believer, don’t wait until the battle is over; you can shout now!  For you know, in the end, you’re going to win! (Romans 8:37)

Let’s take a quick peek inside Heaven, shall we?  It is the unique and blessed dwelling place of our God. (Isaiah 66:1 – Matthew 6:9)  Heaven is also the future home of all faithful disciples who will enter into everlasting union with the Church’s Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. (Revelation 19:9 – Revelation 21:9)  It is a place of indescribable beauty and superlative splendor since Heaven’s designing architect is God. (Hebrews 11:10)  Indeed, it is the “Father’s house,” comprised of a capital city called “New Jerusalem,” the throne room of God, a multitude of incredible mansions and unlimited ‘creative surprises’ for the saints.  According to God’s Word, “Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.” (John 14:2-3 – Revelation 21:2-3 – Hebrews 9:11-15 – I Corinthians 2:9)

Who and what will be absent from Heaven?  There will be no temple and no artificial lights in Heaven since the Lamb of God will be all that is needed for perfected light and worship.  Unregenerate persons will also be excluded, notably adulterers, fornicators, idolaters, sorcerers, haters, murderers, drunkards, liars, unclean or lewd persons, the fearful, the unbelieving, the abominable, the effeminate, along with all who embrace contentiousness, jealousy, envy, wrath, selfishness, heresy, self-abuse or rowdiness. (Galatians 5:19-21 – Revelation 21:8 – I Corinthians 6:9)  Sickness, sadness, sorrowful tears, pain and death are notably absent. (Revelation 22:2 – Revelation 21:14)  And there will be no more curses in Heaven.  (Revelation 22:3)  Nothing shall enter the holy city that will defile it in any way. (Revelation 21:27)

Who and what will be present in Heaven?  It is reserved for any redeemed person who “walks uprightly, works righteousness and speaks the truth in his heart.” (Psalm 15:1-2)  The glory of God will certainly be there. (Colossians 3:4)  Peace and rest will also be there. (Hebrews 4:9)  ) A “river of water of life” will be there. (Revelation 22:1)  The “tree of life” will be there, containing leaves that are good for “the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:2)  Priceless treasures will be there as well. (Matthew 6:20 – Luke 12:33)  Righteousness will be there. (II Peter 3:13)  A “multitude which no man could number” will be there. (Revelation 7:9)  Continuous praise and worship will be there. (Revelation 5:8-14)  The angelic host will be there. (Isaiah 6:1-3)  Twenty-four elders (old and new covenant saints) will be there. (Revelation 4:4)  The names of the saints will be inscribed there. (Hebrews 12:23)  The names of the twelve tribes of Israel will also be inscribed. (Revelation 21:12)  Streets of transparent gold will be there. (Revelation 21:21)  Twelve huge pearly gates will be there. (Revelation 21:13)  The New Jerusalem will have twelve foundations made of precious stones: jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, sardius, chysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth and amethyst.  The New Jerusalem will also be “foursquare,” a perfect square that is equal in all dimensions, measuring 1,500 miles in length, width and height. (Revelation 21:15-16)

Consider this.  Population experts disagree on the number of humans that have inhabited the planet since the beginning of time.  But none estimates the total number to be greater than 100 billion people.  An architect friend of mine calculated the approximate square footage of The New Jerusalem, based on the biblical description.  The New Jerusalem is beyond huge!  Assuming the maximum, that there were 100 billion inhabitants of Earth since the beginning and factoring in the 1,500 mile length, width and height of the city, there would be sufficient room within Heaven’s capital city (alone) for every person who ever lived to receive title to a mansion in excess of 100,000 square feet.  WOW!  We should collectively shout, “Rehoboth,” for God has certainly made room for all of us – those who accept and those who reject Him! (Genesis 26:22)

What rewards will be available in Heaven?  In the final chapter of Revelation, Christ issues this challenge: “Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.” (Revelation 22:12 and II Corinthians 5:10)  Some believers will experience a loss of rewards, based upon their underlying motives for Kingdom service. (I Corinthians 3:10-15)

Five Distinctive Crowns will be awarded at the Bema, the Judgment Seat of Christ:

-           A Crown of Righteousness will be awarded to all who love Christ’s appearing. (II Timothy 4:8)

-           An Incorruptible Crown will be awarded to those who have disciplined their bodies and demonstrated self-control, a fruit of the Spirit. (I Corinthians 9:25-27)

-           A Crown of Life will be awarded to those who have patiently endured trials. (Revelation 2:10)

-           A Crown of Glory will be awarded to Godly leaders who were examples to the flock. (I Peter 5:2-4)

-           A Crown of Rejoicing or a Soul Winners Crown will be awarded to those who have served as midwives for spiritual births in the Kingdom of God. (I Thessalonians 2:19 – Daniel 12:3)

Specific rewards and responsibilities for overcomers will also be conferred by Jesus Christ. (Revelation 2:7 – Revelation 2:17 – Revelation 2:26 – Revelation 3:5 – Revelation 3:21 – Revelation 21:7)

My final word to every believer is simply this:  Be encouraged.  Keep your eyes on the prize.  We must never allow any person or thing to separate us from the love of God. (Romans 8:35-39)  It is a matter of life or death.  “Let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” (Galatians 6:9)  Jesus Christ will return soon – very soon – to rapture the Church and to judge us.  Pastor Andrae Crouch penned a poignant message (years ago) that is even more timely today. 

It won’t be long…when we’ll be leaving here…

It won’t be long…we’ll be going home…

Count the years as months…

Count the months as weeks…

Count the weeks as days…

Any day now…we’ll be going home.

Your participation in this ten-part series is truly appreciated, and I pray that it has proven to be inspirational and informative for you and yours.  Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed!