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Sunday School Lesson
The evil that exists in this world comes from only one source - the "thief" that comes "not, but for to steal and to kill and to destroy." John 10:10a. This destructive work began in the garden of Eden. Genesis 3:1-6. The human race has continued the downward slide since that fateful day. However, the heavenly father - the creator of the universe - began to implement the plan that would allow the fallen race to regain that complete relationship which had been lost. The ultimate sacrifice was the gift of his son. John 3:16; Revelation 5:6c. The ultimate destruction of the enemy of the human soul will come. Revelation 20:10. This promise has given hope to all believers through the centuries. Since sin was introduced into the system in the garden of Eden, the earth has been under the influence of Satan - the deceiver. However, this condition will, eventually, be changed. When John received the "Revelation of Jesus Christ" (Revelation 1:1) - while he was "in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Revelation 1:9) - he saw the ultimate change that would occur. "And I saw a new heaven and a new earth..." Revelation 21:1a. This fact was possible because "the first heaven and the first earth were passed away..." Revelation 21:1b. This is a picture that is painted which - on a surface reading - seems to be a source of confusion. For some readers, the "sea" is seen as that which separates and that which holds unknown dangers. However, in the "new" heavens and earth "there was no more sea." Revelation 21:1c. We know that the "sea" is important in what is known as the food chain, and helps to sustain life - as we know it - on the present earth. In this "new system," these necessities will be supplied from a source that is, presently, unknown. Since this is the divine design, the heavenly father will maintain any source that is needed for existence. The Apostle John, then, wrote of another part of this vision. "And I, John, saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband." Revelation 21:2. This language was not a new concept to the first readers. Isaiah had written of this fact (Isaiah 52:1) and the Apostle Paul had echoed the thought (Galaltians 4:26). The writer to the Hebrews spoke of Abraham, "he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God." Hebrews 11:10. As John viewed this scene, he "heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." Revelation 21:3. These were words of encouragement to the first readers, as they faced many difficulties and trails. For those who are going through difficult times, it is easy to feel alone and maybe abandoned. The words of our lord continue to apply in each life. Matthew 28:20c. The words of encouragement continued. "And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away." Reve-lation 21:4. Even though this promise is for the future, these words have helped many people face their present difficulties with hope. The attention of John is, again, brought to the one on the throne. "And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new." Revelation 21:5a,b. This promise, also, provides hope during the trials of life. It is helpful to know that things will, eventually, change for the better. In the meantime, that "blessed hope" (Titus 2:13) rests in the seeking heart. Some of the modern critics have attempted to discredit the writings of all of the New Testament penmen. To disprove this theory, the Holy Spirit (2 Timothy 3:16; 2 Peter 1:21) allowed John to declare, "And he said unto me, write, for these words are true and faithful." Revelation 21:5c. The one who gave the instruction to John "said unto me, It is done." Revelation 21:6a. The divine plan will be carried out. To assure John of the identity of this one who spoke, the declaration of the beginning of the vision was repeated. "I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end." Revelation 21:6b; 1:8. Thus, the declaration remains the same, no matter what part of the record one reads. The promise from the Old Testament is applied to this promise of our future. "I will give unto him that thirst of the water of life freely." Revelation 21:6c; Isaiah 55:1. In the gospel, John recorded the same thought as expressed by Jesus himself. John 4:14; 7:37, 38. Words of encouragement continue to flow from the pen of the apostle, as he listened to the voice and beheld the scene in the throne-room. "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son." Revelation 21:7. These words must have been a great help to John, himself. No doubt, he had the feeling of abandonment as he was on that Isle of Patmos. Yes, he knew the presence of God, but his humanness needed divine assurance. This encouraging word was followed by a stern warning. "But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone." Revelation 21:8a,b. The record explained, "which is the second death." Revelation 21:8c. There are those who will smugly boast that "I live by the ten commandments." However, if one takes the time - and the effort - to study the spiritual equations personal questions will begin to cause one to doubt the effectiveness of their human ability to meet these requirements. The only way we have of finding a home in heaven is by allowing the blood of Jesus Christ to cleanse our sins, and make us pure in the sight of God. 1 John 1:9.
One cannot expect God to "wink at sin," since he has provided our means of cleansing. John 3:16.
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