ENDTIMES PROPHECIES: THE IMMINENT RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST - Part X

ENDTIMES PROPHECIES: THE IMMINENT RETURN OF JESUS CHRIST - Part X

JESUS CHRIST will return to Earth soon…very soon.  This is the final installment of our end-times series.  It highlights the eternal joys of Heaven and the 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 (right now) we are seated “together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2:6)  winner-believer (that’s what I call Christians)…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 uniquely beautiful and blessed dwelling place of Almighty 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 awesome majesty and superlative splendor because Heaven’s designing architect is GOD. (Hebrews 11:10)  Indeed, it is the “Father’s house,” comprised of a capital city called “New Jerusalem,” containing the Throne Room of God, a multitude of indescribable mansions and incredible ‘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)  WOW!  I can hardly wait to see what THE CREATOR has in store for US!

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 perfect light and worship.  Unregenerate persons will also be excluded, notably adulterers, fornicators, idolaters, sorcerers, haters, murderers, drunkards, liars, the unclean, the lewd, 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 all also notably absent. (Revelation 22:2 – Revelation 21:14)  And there will be no curse of any kind in Heaven. (Revelation 22:3)  Absolutely 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 be manifested and on continual display there. (Colossians 3:4)  Peace and rest will surely be there. (Hebrews 4:9)

--The “river of water of life” will be there. (Revelation 22:1)  

--The “tree of life” will also be there, containing leaves that are good for “the healing of the nations.” (Revelation 22:2)  

--Priceless treasures of every kind 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 present and accounted for in Heaven. (Revelation 7:9)  

--Continuous praise and worship will take place there. (Revelation 5:8-14)  

--The angelic host will be there. (Isaiah 6:1-3)  

--Twenty-four elders (both old and new covenant saints) will be there. (Revelation 4:4)  

--The names of the saints will be inscribed in Heaven. (Hebrews 12:23)  

--The names of the twelve tribes of Israel will also be inscribed on the gates of Heaven. (Revelation 21:12)  

--We will walk on streets of transparent gold in Heaven, with no potholes, imperfections, or impurities. (Revelation 21:21)  

--Twelve tremendous pearly gates will serve as entry points to the New Jerusalem. (Revelation 21:13)  

--The New Jerusalem will also have twelve foundations made of precious sparkling stones: jasper, sapphire, chalcedony, emerald, sardonyx, sardius, chysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase, jacinth and amethyst.  

--The New Jerusalem will be a city “foursquare,” i.e. a perfect paradise that is equal in all its dimensions, measuring 1,500 miles in length, width and height. (Revelation 21:15-16)  WOW!

Consider this.  Population experts disagree on the number of humans that have inhabited our planet since the beginning of time.  However, none of these experts estimate 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 upon its biblical design and description.  The New Jerusalem is a marvelous, majestic and monumental wonder – and its size 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 still be sufficient room within Heaven’s capital city for every person who ever lived to receive a grace-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 – sufficient space for all those who have accepted Him, and even enough room for all those who have willfully rejected Him! (Genesis 26:22)  Our presence (or absence) there will be totally on us.

Just think: Because of God’s presence and power, all of the vast universe will be accessible to be traveled by us, for “we shall be like HIM,” the Risen Savior, who had the capability to transport Himself instantaneously, and even to walk through walls! (III John 1:1-2 - John 20:19;26)  WOW!

What REWARDS will be available in Heaven?  In the final chapter of Revelation, Christ issues this notification and 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)  Unhappily, some believers will experience a loss of rewards (although they are indeed saved by grace through faith), based upon their self-serving underlying motives for Kingdom service, or a profound lack of service to the Lord. (I Corinthians 3:10-15)  So remember this: Work diligently and consistently to build Christ’s Kingdom.  But always do whatever you are doing as unto the Lord, and not for personal recognition or personal glory.

FIVE DISTINCTIVE CROWNS (or more) will be awarded in Heaven at the Bema, which is the Judgment Seat of Christ (II Corinthians 5:10):

- 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 - Galatians 5:20-22)
- A CROWN OF LIFE will be awarded to those who have patiently endured trials and tribulations. (Revelation 2:10)
- A CROWN OF GLORY will be awarded to those Godly leaders who have served as examples to the flock. (I Peter 5:2-4)
- A CROWN OF REJOICING, a.k.a. THE SOUL WINNERS CROWN will be awarded to all who have served as midwives for spiritual births in the Kingdom of God. (I Thessalonians 2:19 – Daniel 12:3) 

In addition to all of these, SPECIFIC REWARDS AND PHENOMENAL RESPONSIBILITIES WILL BE CONFERRED ON OVERCOMERS BY OUR LORD AND SAVIOR, JESUS CHRIST! (Revelation 2:7 – Revelation 2:17 – Revelation 2:26 – Revelation 3:5 – Revelation 3:21 – Revelation 21:7)  WOW!

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)  Indeed, it is a matter of life or death.  So, as the Word admonishes us, “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 all.  Never doubt it.

Pastor Andrae Crouch penned a poignant message (many 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.

So whatever you are experiencing in life, success, abundance, challenges, pressure or pain…“count it all joy.”  Indeed, it will be worth it all when we see JESUS. (James 1:2-4)  In the words of the Apostle Paul, “I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us.” (Romans 8:18)  My heart’s desire is to hear a heavenly and eternal commendation from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ: “Well done, good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of your lord.” (Matthew 25:21)  Amen!

Your faithful participation and support of this ten part end-times series is highly appreciated; and, I pray that it has proven to be both an inspirational and informative experience.

Sisters and brothers, be continually blessed, and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO MEET OUR SOON COMING KING.  Maranatha!