Revelation 8: Our Future Home (Traditional)

READ | SERMON NOTES

Summary l Do we know where we’re headed – where in life’s journey is our final destination, what will it be like living in this Home? 

God has allowed us to catch a vision of our future Home when Jesus returns to take us there as His faithful disciples. (21:9-14) The Bride of the Lamb that John was led to envision was in fact the Holy City of Jerusalem – coming straight down from Heaven upon a renewed earth! This is where God, whose holy throne will occupy central place, promises to dwell forever with His people. Renewed and regenerated by Jesus, “Behold, I am making all things new” (21:5) they shall reign with their Redeemer. Here, there will be no death, sorrow, crying, suffering or pain. In Heaven our bodies will be made perfect and disease-free to live forever with God in a renewed and flourishing earth. Nothing unclean nor any curse will enter or come upon it. No other home can compare where the Bride of the Lamb will gaze upon the glorious face of the Son of God.

Jesus assures all who follow Him that He is coming again to welcome them into His own Home, so that they may be where He is. (John 14:2-3) How wonderful to say with the Psalmist (23:6 The Message) “Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life. I’m back Home in the House of God for the rest of my life.” It is foundational to anchor the Hope we have of our future Home in Christ alone.

1. How can we be certain about finding ourselves in our future Home?

“The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God, and he will be My son.” (Rev 21:7 ESV) Jesus shows us seven ways to conquer through His letters to the seven churches in Rev 2-3 – love (Ephesus), suffering (Smyrna), truth (Pergamum), holiness (Thyatira), sincerity (Sardis), mission (Philadelphia), and wholeheartedness (Laodicea).

God helps us overcome trials, temptation and persecution when

1. Covered by the blood of the Lamb which frees us from the penalty and power of sin, we confidently confess and repent of our wrongdoings
2. We speak and live out the truth against every deception that tempts us to doubt Jesus’ character and promises
3. We bear witness for Jesus even if it means dying to self and living by faith in the Son of God who loved and gave Himself for us. Knowing that Christ lives in me empowers my witness of Him. (Galatians 2:20)  

2. Who may be barred from living in the future Home?  

1. The cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic art, idolators, and liars (21:8)
2. Those who do what is detestable or false (21:27)
3. Those who hear the words of prophecy in Revelation and add or subtract from them (22:18-19)

Of eternal significance, we must be clear WHO will be denied entry to Heaven, and HOW essential it is to earnestly reflect on our true spiritual condition. If we find ourselves regularly saying or doing things contrary to what Scripture requires, it is a signal for us to go down on our knees, confess our sin and in repentance, explore ways to put a stop to it.  

• Are we compromising our Christian values in a pluralistic secular world?
• Are we contradicting what scripture requires of us in the way we speak and act?
• Are we guarding against altering God’s holy Word in any part?

“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” (James 2:26) “All Scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.” (2 Timothey 3:16-17 ESV) Be not deceived into thinking we can slack on God’s Word recorded in any of the 66 Books, even if it appears difficult to understand. Nothing must stop us from obeying the Lord our God. 

3. What special features of the Home can we look forward to?

1. A cubical structure huge enough to house every single soul saved for Christ. 275 times higher than Mount Everest, it can house the entire world’s population. Sadly, many are unrepentant and unwilling to give God the glory despite harsh judgmental retribution awaiting the unrepentant who reject His Lordship. (Rev 9,16) Faithful ones are nevertheless called to preach the gospel perseveringly so that many more lives may be redeemed and restored in Christ.
2. A glittering crystal Home magnificently endowed both inside and outside to reflect God’s glory, “built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets” with Christ Jesus Himself as “the cornerstone”. (Ephesians 2:19-20)
3. The Most Holy Place where people meet God face to face – where the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. (21:22) Having redeemed us with His precious blood, Jesus the Lamb of God and Great Hight Priest has opened the door to His Father’s presence!
4. The gates are permanently open, allowing a multitude of God’s people continuous access to Him. There is no night or need for lamps for the glory of God shines and the nations will walk by His light. Nothing impure will ever enter it. (7:9,21:23-27)
5. A river of life runs through the Home. Trees on both sides provide never-ending food in abundance and for healing. (22:1-2)

Even now, are we rejoicingly anticipating our new Home in Heaven on earth – with unshakeable Hope?

(Sermon notes by Marjorie Tan)

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THERE IS A HOPE
by Stuart Townend

1. There is a hope that burns within my heart,
   That gives me strength for every passing day;
   A glimpse of glory now revealed in meagre part,
   Yet drives all doubt away:
   I stand in Christ, with sins forgiven;
   And Christ in me, the hope of heaven!
   My highest calling and my deepest joy,
   To make His will my home.
2. There is a hope that lifts my weary head,
   A consolation strong against despair,
   That when the world has plunged me in its deepest pit,
   I find the Savior there!
   Through present sufferings, future’s fear,
   He whispers ‘courage’ in my ear.
   For I am safe in everlasting arms,
   And they will lead me home.
3. There is a hope that stands the test of time,
   That lifts my eyes beyond the beckoning grave,
   To see the matchless beauty of a day divine
   When I behold His face!
   When sufferings cease and sorrows die,
   And every longing satisfied.
   Then joy unspeakable will flood my soul,
   For I am truly home.

Listen to the song here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_yv5yGZnBc

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PONDER | REFLECTION QUESTIONS

1. Study Scripture
   a. Read Revelation 21:1-22:5. Which vision stand out for you? What are your thoughts? Why?
2. Recall Sermon
   a. How can we be certain to find ourselves in our future Home?
   b. Who may be barred from living there?
   c. What are the special features of the Home we can look forward to?
3. Relate Personally
   a. How has God spoken to you through the sermon? What steps are you taking to respond?
   b. Which aspects of our future Home speak to you? How do they give you comfort and hope?
   c. Which of the seven ways Jesus showed us to conquer are you familiar with? How would you live out those that you are not familiar with?
   d. In what ways have you added or subtracted from the books of the Bible, especially Revelation? What are your acts of repentance?
4. Commit to Action
   a. Listen to the song, “There is a Hope”. Reflect on its lyrics. Apply the lyrics to the situation in your life you are facing right now. Share and pray with a friend about it.
   b. Pray for three pre-believers within your circle of influence. Consider how you may systematically reach out to them for Christ in the next 12 months.