Christ's Emphasis on the Bible [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 22:18–21]

How does the Bible conclude? Revelation 22:18–21 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Bible concludes with an emphasis upon Christ’s gracious use of the Bible. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary of the transcript: The final words of the Bible, found in Revelation 22:18–21, underscore the divine authority, completeness, and finality of Scripture, warning against adding to or subtracting from its message while emphasizing that God’s revelation is fully given in the written word. The passage reveals that the ultimate emphasis of God’s self-revelation is not in mystical experiences or visions, but in the faithful hearing and obedience to the written Word, which is the means by which Christ draws near and applies His salvation. Jesus, who testifies to these things, declares His imminent return not as a distant future event, but as a present, ongoing work of grace through the proclamation and reception of Scripture. The response of the Church—'Even so, come, Lord Jesus'—is not a plea for personal deliverance alone, but a humble embrace of Christ’s grace, which empowers believers to live in accordance with His Word. The closing benediction, 'The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all,' affirms that obedience is not earned, but sustained by divine generosity, strength in weakness, and the Spirit’s work in the heart of the believer. Thus, the final message of Scripture is both a solemn warning and a gracious invitation to trust in Christ’s finished work, received through the hearing of His Word.

2025.10.02 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 22:18–21

Read Revelation 22:18–21

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the Speaker in Revelation 22:18 do? To whom? What happens to those who add to the things in the book? What happens to those who take away from the words of the book (Revelation 22:19)? What three things will they lose? How does Revelation 22:20 identify the Speaker? What is He doing? How does John respond to this? With what greeting does John close the book (Revelation 22:21)?

How does the Bible conclude? Revelation 22:18–21 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these four verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Bible concludes with an emphasis upon Christ’s gracious use of the Bible.

Here are the last words of the entire Bible. By Jacob (cf. Genesis 49), Joseph (cf. Genesis 50:22–26), Moses (cf. Deuteronomy 33–34), and others, the Spirit has taught us to pay attention to “last words.” This is confirmed by the solemnity of “testify” in Revelation 22:18 and “testifies” in Revelation 22:20. And even more so by John’s “Amen,” first to Christ in verse 20—then to the entire book, and Bible, in Revelation 22:21.

These important last words of the Bible are about… the Bible! Here, John has had amazing visions and experiences, but what Jesus emphasizes to him are not his experiences but “this book,” that He is having John write. Christians are people of the book, because Jesus says so. Those who would emphasize experiences, visions, etc., find themselves at odds with Jesus Himself.

And it’s not just the Bible that Jesus emphasizes, but especially the preaching of the Bible. He expects that people will “hear” the words of the prophecy of the book. God blesses the reading, but especially the preaching of His Word.

This is because His Word is complete and critical. His Word is complete; nothing may be added to it or taken away from it. His Word is critical; what you do with it is directly correlated to whether you end up in the lake of fire or in the celestial city.

Revelation 22:20 reminds us that this is because it is Jesus Himself Who is using His Word to save. This is the third “I am coming quickly” (cf. Revelation 22:7, Revelation 22:12) in this closing section. We have noted that it is in the present tense, indicating that Jesus is in the process of doing everything necessary unto His return to bring all His elect into glory. And His testifying by means of the words of the Bible is directly connected to this work (Revelation 22:20a).

This is why our hearing and keeping the words of the prophecy of the book is not by our goodness or power, and it does not obtain glory by either merit or achievement. 

John affirms that the Word is a means of the grace of Christ by the concluding greeting: “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.” It is Christ’s merit and Christ’s power which bring us into glory—by grace as a free gift, and by that grace that is sufficient for us, because His power is perfect in our weakness.

How does your use of the Bible show that you value every word of it as the Word of God? What is your hope for keeping the words of the book?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for when we emphasize amazing experiences over Your complete Bible. Grant that by Your grace, we would value, hear, and heed very Word of Scripture. Thus, bring us at last into glory, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP1 “How Blessed the Man” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”

The Jesus Who's Coming Quickly [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 22:12–17]

What is Jesus’s message to us? Revelation 22:12–17 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus’s message to us is to come to Him for life. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Summary from the transcript: Pastor's devotional emphasizes the imminent return of Jesus, portraying Him as the eternal, rewarding, redeeming, sanctifying, returning, and welcoming God. Drawing from Revelation 22, the message highlights the promise of reward for those who obey His commandments, entering into a holy union with Him and gaining access to eternal life. It underscores the importance of personal holiness, urging listeners to come to Chris for forgiveness and escape from practices and ideologies that oppose God, and to actively participate in welcoming others to Christ, ultimately joining the chorus of the Spirit and the Bride in anticipating His return and freely receiving the water of life.

2025.09.17.25 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 22:12–17

Read Revelation 22:12–17

Questions from the Scripture text: With what command does v12 begin? What are they to behold that Jesus is in the process of doing? What is with Him? To do what with it? What two things does He call Himself in v13? In what three ways? Who are the blessed (v14)? To what do they have a right? Through what may they enter? What six groups are named as being outside (v15)? Who has sent whom (v16)? To do what? Where? What does He call Himself in relation to David? What else does He call Himself? What three say what to Him (v17)? Whom else do they urge to come? For what are they urged to come?

What is Jesus’s message to us? Revelation 22:12–17 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that Jesus’s message to us is to come to Him for life.

This (v12–17) is the second of three (v6–11, v18–21) “I am coming quickly” passages. Jesus is in the process of doing everything necessary to bring His people into His blessedness. 

He is returning to bring reward (v12). And the reward is His, personally, because everything is about Him. Three times, here, He says that He is the first and the last, indicating that He is the triune God’s communication of Himself to us. All things are from Him and to Him, and our reward will exactly correspond to our works. 

If, by His grace, we have been both counted righteous and made righteous, we will be blessed forever (v14). If, remaining in ourselves, we are made abhorrent (“dogs,” v15) by our wickedness (the other five in the list), we will be put out of this blessedness (cf. 21:8). 

In this declaration to the churches (v16a), the emphasis is on the union of Jesus with His bride. He is both the Source of all redemption (the root of David, v16b), and the One Who has come to accomplish it (the Offspring of David). From the beginning of time to its end, He has been focused upon union with His bride. And now both sides of that union are represented in the Spirit’s eagerness, and the bride’s eagerness, for Him to come (v17). The true hearer of this book joins this call as a member of the bride, also “Come!” to Him. 

And the Lord Himself gives a similar call to each one who has a thirst or desire for life from Him. Even more than a warning against unpreparedness, this book is His appeal to be prepared by coming to Him for life!

How is your belonging to Christ evidenced in your life? When do you feel/express your desire for Him to come?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for when we have been forgetful of You, Who are the Alpha and the Omega. All things are from You and to You, and we rejoice at Your purpose of bringing Your bride into eternal blessedness and life with You. Forgive us for that sinful that remains, and cleanse us from all unrighteousness, we ask in Your Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”

Keep the Words of This Book [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 22:6–11]

What is the Lord Jesus doing right now? Revelation 22:6–11 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord Jesus is doing everything necessary for His soon return, and urging us to respond to His Bible in repentance and faith. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Pastor's devotional emphasizes the urgency of engaging with Scripture as a direct response to the imminent return of Jesus, highlighting that His “coming quickly” is not a future event but already in process by His sovereign rule. It stresses the importance of actively hearing, reading, and applying God’s Word, rather than seeking novel revelations or relying on personal feelings, as the written Word is Jesus's revelation to us. The message underscores the finality of one’s spiritual condition at the time of Christ’s return, urging listeners to embrace Christ for righteousness and holiness now, lest they remain unrighteous and filthy, under wrath, forever.

2025.09.18 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 22:6–11

Read Revelation 22:6–11

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the angel say about his words in v6? How did he come to be the one who was showing this to John? When must these things happen? Who is now speaking in v7? How do you know? What is He doing? At what speed? What must the blessed one keep? Which words? What two things does John refer to experiencing at the beginning of v8? How does he respond to them? But whose feet do they turn out to be? What does the angel say in response (v9)? What three groups of servants does he identify? What does he say to do instead? What does he tell John not to do (v10)? Why not? What will happen to people, in which four conditions, upon the return of Christ (v11)?

What is the Lord Jesus doing right now? Revelation 22:6–11 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these six verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord Jesus is doing everything necessary for His soon return, and urging us to respond to His Bible in repentance and faith.

Having climaxed the book—and the entire Bible—with the glorious end of all things in v1–5, the book winds down with a strong appeal to readers and hearers, centering on three statements that Christ is coming quickly (v7, 12, 20). In this section, Jesus emphasizes the necessity of keeping the words of the book, because of the finality of one’s condition upon the return of Christ.

The angel asserts that the words that he is giving John are faithful and true (v6). But then John hears a different voice, the voice of Jesus Himself, in v7. We know this because of the use of the first person “I,” and because of John’s response in falling down to worship. He has done this before in 19:10, but this seems to be more understandable, due to the change in the voice and the brightness of the vision that is brighter than the sun. Blinded by light, and going by his hearing, John concluded that it was Jesus Who was in front of him.

There are two wonderful things about glory here. The first is the zeal of Christ in hastening it. We are impatient, and so small-minded, that we cannot see what Jesus communicates with the present participle in v7. He is diligently doing everything to come. His coming includes not just His physical return, but the gathering of all of His elect. The second wonderful thing is the brilliance of the glory into which His coming brings us. Even the vision of it blinded John; how great will the reality of it be! What comfort and joy we should get from our Redeemer’s zealous work to bring us to such a glorious conclusion!

So, we must heed Him Who is doing all of His work with such zeal and diligence to hasten this end. For, He has also given us our part in the preparations: “Keep the words of the prophecy of this book” (v7). That is how the angel describes the elect, who are the third group of servants (together with him, and with John and the other Bible-writers, whose spirits are governed by God, v6): the elect are “those who keep the words of this book” (v9). 

Here is a magnificent vision, but the vision itself does not commend to us ecstatic or mystical experiences of Christ. Jesus Himself, instead, emphasizes words on pages. We are not to hope for new words immediately given by the Spirit, or heed what He gives us to feel, or what He “lays upon someone’s heart” (cf. Ezek 13:2–3!). Even in this most glorious and true of visions, Jesus commends to us the words on the pages of the Bible. The words of the Bible are the very words of God, and our part in being prepared for our departure from this world, or for the coming of Christ, is to keep the words on the pages of the Bible.

Jesus’s quickness about His own work is paired with an urgency for us to keep the words of the book. Daniel was told to seal up the words of his prophecy, because acting upon it belonged to future generations (cf. Dan 8:26, 12:4). John is told exactly the opposite. He was not to seal up this book, because every generation since his has needed to act upon this book immediately (v10). When we depart this world, or when Christ returns, everything will be set for eternity. Whether we are still unrighteous before God and filthy before God, or whether we have been made righteous in Christ and consecrated as holy in Him, in whichever condition we are found at the end of our life in this world, in that condition we will find ourselves for all eternity (v11)! Keep the words of this book; repent and believe into Jesus Christ

How does your perception need to change in order to see Jesus as “coming quickly” already? What would you say to someone who emphasizes immediate revelation over the words of the Bible? If you died today, or Jesus returned today, in what condition would you remain for all eternity?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for failing to see how diligently and zealously the Lord Jesus hastens to bring us into glory. And forgive us for not being urgent with ourselves and others about the condition of our souls. Grant that we would keep the words of the Bible, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP32AB “What Blessedness” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”

Ultimate Glory [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 22:1–5]

What is glory? Revelation 22:1–5 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that glory is God’s people’s experience of Him. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) Pastor's devotional lesson explores the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21-5, presenting it not as a physical city, but as a representation of the glorified church. Drawing parallels to the Garden of Eden and the tabernacle, it emphasizes the central role of God’s presence and the continual flow of the Holy Spirit from the Father and the Son, offering life, healing, and fellowship. The ultimate reality is an experience of God’s glory, marked by eternal reign and the absence of darkness, where believers will enjoy a perfected fellowship with Him, shaping their experience of the new heavens and the new earth and fulfilling God’s ultimate design for redemption.

2025.09.11 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 22:1–5

Read Revelation 22:1–5

Questions from the Scripture text: What does the angel show John, in the city, in v1? What is this water? From where does it proceed? What else is there, growing where (v2)? How many fruits does it bear? How often do the trees bear it? What were its leaves for? What is eliminated (v3)? What will be in it? Who will do what? What shall they see (v4)? What will be on their foreheads? What else will there not be there (v5)? What two things will they not need? Why not? What will they do? For how long?

What is glory? Revelation 22:1–5 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that glory is God’s people’s experience of Him.

The climax of the Bible is in a city that is a garden and a bride (cf. 21:2–3, 9–10). 

In Eden, we had seen Adam and his bride brought together, but ultimately the Bible (and all creation and history) has been about the bringing together of the last Adam and His bride. We realize that just as the tabernacle was a shadow of the heavenly reality (cf. 21:3, Heb 8:5), so Eden was a real, physical garden, but also a shadow of a reality to come. Jesus gains for us infinitely more than Adam lost. 

There, the Spirit (v1, cf. Jn 7:37) proceeds from the Father and the Son (v3a), and God’s people know their blessedness in Him as represented by the Tree of Life (again, a heavenly reality, of which that tree in Eden was a shadow copy), now all over the place (street, both sides of the river), with multiple fruit customized to the people of God (12 fruits), being borne continuously (every month), with not only the fruit but even leaves for their benefit. Rather than be driven away from God in curse (v3a), His people are gathered as the children of the Father, and the bride of the Son, to serve Him (v3b). They are enabled to endure gazing upon the display of His glory (v4a), and know themselves to be individually and personally His very own (v4b). The brilliance of that display eliminates all night and obviates lamps and even the sun (v5a). This glorious King of light, and people of light, reign in a kingdom of light, forever and ever (v5b)! Completely opposite the lie of the devil (cf. Gen 3:1), the story of everything is God’s intention to give His people everything. We don’t learn much about what is actually in the new earth here; only that His people’s experience of Himself is the very heart of everlasting blessedness, and that when this heaven comes down to the new earth, whatever is in it will correspond to that.

In what ways have you already begun to experience glory? In what ways are you looking forward to doing so?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for when we consider ourselves to have anything in heaven comparable to you, or when we desire anything on earth apart from You. Grant us grace to hope for You as our glory, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”

The Glory of the Bride [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 21:9–27]

What is the glory of the church? Revelation 21:9–27 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the glory of the church is her glorious God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) The devotional presents the vision of the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:9–27 reveals the glorified Church as the perfected bride of Christ, a divine city not of earthly dimensions but of eternal, spiritual reality, symbolizing the complete and glorious union of God’s redeemed people. Rooted in God’s eternal plan and built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, this city reflects the radiant glory of God and the Lamb, whose presence eliminates the need for sun or moon, as divine light now illuminates all. The imagery of precious stones, pure gold, and unshuttered gates signifies a community refined by divine grace—where only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life enter, and all that defiles, abominates, or lies is excluded. This vision calls believers to live with holy urgency, rejecting anything incompatible with God’s holiness, while trusting in the certainty that every true glory of every nation will be gathered and transformed into eternal splendor. The ultimate hope is not a physical place, but the perfect, incorruptible fellowship of God’s elect, fully sanctified and reflecting His infinite glory.

2025.09.04 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 21:9–27

Read Revelation 21:9–27

Questions from the Scripture text: Who talks with John in v9? What will he show him? Where does he carry him (v10)? To show him what? Descending from where/whom? What glory did she have (v11)? What did her light look like? How many, of what, did she have, with what names on them (v12–13)? And how many of what else, with what names (v14)? What did the angel have, for what purpose (v15)? What were the dimensions and shape of the city (v16–17)? Of what were the walls, foundations, and gates made (v18–21)? What didn’t it have (v22)? Why not? What else didn’t it need (v23)? Why not? Who walk in its light (v24)? Who bring what into it? What doesn’t happen there (v25)? Why not? What is brought into it (v26)? What doesn’t enter (v27)? Only who enter?

What is the glory of the church? Revelation 21:9–27 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word read in the public worship on the coming Lord’s Day. In these nineteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the glory of the church is her glorious God.

John is now shown the point, the ultimate end of all this: the bride of the Lamb (v9). 

She proceeds not from man from God (v10), having not the merely he greatest creaturely glory, but a glory that is of God (v11). 

She is complete, with none of the tribes of Israel missing, as gates by which all the nations enter (i.e. are grafted in, v12–13). 

She is correct, being built upon the correct foundation of the apostles (v14) and with the correct materials of gold and precious stones (v18–21, cf. 1Co 3:10–17). 

None of God’s elect will be missing, and His work in them will be correctly and completely done. 

His work will be enormous (2 million square miles, v15–17) and brilliant. As gemstones do not have actual light in them but bring forth the brilliance that is contained, invisibly, within light, so also it is the very glory of God Himself that is refracted and reflected by the church (v18–21). 

God doesn’t communicate His presence through a temple, but more immediately (v22), and His own glory illuminates it (v23). 

Man doesn’t understand that the glory and honor of nations is the elect who are within them, and all of this glory and honor streams into the city (v24–26). These sinless, and these only, enter in, because so God has written from before the world began (v27). 

What glorious hope, and secure confidence, we should have—even as we cleanse ourselves of everything that will not be a part of the bride at the last!

What do you think of the church? How are you “building” yourself, your family, and your congregation? What do you consider to be the glory of your own nation? With what/whose glory do you seek to radiate?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for being so impressed with creaturely glory, when You have destined us to radiate with Your own glory. Forgive us for being discouraged about the porgress of Your church, when we know that Your work must be completed and perfected. And forgive us for tolertating in ourselves anything which must not enter glory. Continue and complete the work that You have begun in us, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP45B “Daughter, Incline Your Ear” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear” 

The Bride in Christ's Glory [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 21:1–8]

What will glory be like? Revelation 21:1–8 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that glory will be free, full, and forever fellowship with God. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) This devotional explores the promise of a restored creation and the ultimate fulfillment of God's redemptive work in Christ, drawing heavily from Revelation 21. It emphasizes that Jesus's completed work, signified by the phrase “it is done,” anticipates a future where God dwells with His people in a new heaven and a new earth, a glorious city descending from heaven. The message underscores the individual and profound relationship believers will have with God as son, contrasting this with the stark reality of eternal judgment for those who reject Christ. Ultimately, the sermon calls for believers to embrace the transformative power of grace, to overcome sin, and to eagerly anticipate the day when all things are made new and the promise of eternal life is fully realized.

2025.08.28 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 21:1–8

Read Revelation 21:1–8

Questions from the Scripture text: What does John see in Revelation 21:1? What happened to the first ones? What is eliminated? What does he see in Revelation 21:2? Out of where is it coming down (verse 2)? From Whom? Prepared as what? For Whom? What did he hear (Revelation 21:3)? From where? Announcing what? What else will God do (Revelation 21:4)? What four things will be eliminated? How/why? Who speaks in Revelation 21:5? What does He do? What does He tell John to do? Why? What does He announce in Revelation 21:6? What does He call Himself? What will He give to whom? Who will inherit what (Revelation 21:7)? What will he enjoy? What eight groups does Revelation 21:8 mention? In what will they have a part (cf. Revelation 2:11; Revelation 20:6, Revelation 20:14)?

What will glory be like? Revelation 21:1–8 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eight verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that glory will be free, full, and forever fellowship with God.

John sees a new heaven and new earth (Revelation 21:1) because God makes all things new, and this is the great message that John is to record (Revelation 21:5). Jerusalem herself, the bride, is new (Revelation 21:2)—renewed so as to be fitted for intimate, eternal, fellowship with God (Revelation 21:3). The glories are so great that we have no point of reference for them, so the description consists largely of what will not be there (Revelation 21:4). Everyone who comes freely for life and adoption receives it (Revelation 21:6-7). Otherwise, we are discovered to be the wicked ones that we are and end up in the lake of fire (Revelation 21:8). How free, full, and forever is the blessedness that awaits the believer in Christ!

What are you most looking forward to in glory? From what are you most looking forward to being freed?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for our cowardice, unbelief, detestableness, murderousness, impurity, false religion, idolatry, and lying. We deserve a place in the lake of fire, but You have freely given us to drink of the water of the fountain of life, and to be Your adopted children. Make us to be those who overcome, we ask through Christ, the Alpha and Omega, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song to the Lord” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear” 

Living and Standing before Christ [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 20:11–15]

What will happen in the last day? Revelation 20:11–15 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that each one of us will be resurrected in the last day to stand before Christ and be judged according to whether the book of our own life is cross-referenced with His Book of Life. (click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson) This family worship devotional explores the sobering reality of final judgment, drawing from Revelation 20 and connecting it to Ecclesiastes' reflection on the fleeting nature of earthly pursuits. It emphasizes that Christ sits on the throne, and individuals will stand before Him naked and exposed, their lives represented as books of deeds. The central message underscores the comfort for believers, who are interceded for by Christ and whose names are written in the Book of Life, contrasted with the dreadful fate of the unbeliever facing eternal condemnation. Ultimately, the sermon calls for immediate faith in Christ and a life dedicated to deeds done in union with Him, looking forward to a future of blessing and glory rather than eternal fire.

2025.08.21 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 20:11–15

Read Revelation 20:11–15

Questions from the Scripture text: What two things does John see in v11? How do earth and heaven respond to the One Who sits on that throne? With what result? Whom does John see in v12? Doing what? Before Whom? What is done while they are standing there? What other book is opened? What is done to the dead? According to what? From where are these dead supplied/given up (v13)? What is done to these dead? What, then is done, to death and hades (v14)? What is this casting into the lake of fire called? Who else are cast into the lake of fire?

What will happen in the last day? Revelation 20:11–15 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that each one of us will be resurrected in the last day to stand before Christ and be judged according to whether the book of our own life is cross-referenced with His Book of Life.

This account of the judgment begins with just how fleeting this world is (v11). Since we have been in Ecclesiastes recently, we are prepared to hear that our best, most God-honoring, most generation-blessing works still produce results that, in an ultimate sense, are vapor that will quickly vanish. The great thing about them is that they are done as assignments from God, in dependence upon God, in relationship with God, and as participation in His ultimate works, which are exactly opposite in nature: they are determined from eternity and endure unto eternity.

So, we should be prepared for this teaching, in Revelation 20, that when each of us stands before the tribunal of Christ, earth and heaven themselves will be so far into the background that there is no place for them before the face of Christ (v11). He is the One Who sits upon this great white throne (cf. Mt 25:31–32, Ac 17:31). And this verse emphasizes to us just how naked and open our eyes are to Him (cf. Heb 4:13). This is why, when you read your Bible, and especially when you sit under the preaching of His Word, you need to know yourself to be exposed and examined by His Word (cf. Heb 4:12, Jam 1:23–24). On the last day, everything else will recede into the background, as you stand before Jesus. And, there is a very real sense in which, if you have the faith-eyes to see it, that is already true today.

It is a great comfort to the believer that, when he stands for tribunal to examine the book of his life, it will be before his Redeemer. As Rom 8:34 says, “Who is He Who condemns? It is Christ Who died, and furthermore is also risen, Who is even at the right hand of God, Who also makes intercession for us.” Nothing can separate us from the love of Christ (cf. Rom 8:35), or the love of God which is in Christ (cf. Rom 8:39). Most explicitly, the judgment does not.

This is because there are two sets of books, ours (v12a) and God’s (v12b). As you live your life, you are writing a book. There are two sorts of things that you may write in that book: those things that are evil (cf. Jn 3:19) and those things that have been done in God (cf. Jn 3:21). But God has also written a book, the book of life. And each one’s book will be cross-referenced with His book. If, in your book, there are written deeds that were done in God, this can only have been through union with Christ by grace-given faith. If so, you will find that prior to any of your entries in your book, there is an entry written in God’s book from before the world began, the Book of life (v12b), where He has written down all of those whom He creates and redeems unto eternal life. Being written into this book is the only way that one escapes being cast into the lake of fire (v15).

It is a wonderful comfort for the Christian to know that, at his death, he is not done with his body yet. It will be resurrected like unto Christ’s glory body (cf. Php 3:21, 1Co 15:42–49). But it should be a stupefying horror to the unbeliever to know that, at his death, he is not done with his body yet. He will be raised to stand before Christ in that body (cf. Jn 5:28–29), and he will be cast into the lake of fire in that body (v15). Death and hades wait in that lake of fire (v14), which is the second death, for those who refused to know God, or to trust in Christ as He is offered in the gospel. There, the glorious presence and power of Christ will be unto them, body and soul, a burning that is forever (cf. 2Th 1:9). 

O dear reader, come now to love the presence and power of Christ as the presence and power of your Redeemer, so that when you stand before Him as King and Judge, you will know yourself to be standing before the One Who has loved you without beginning, and will love you without end! And, thus, write the book of your days as a book of deeds done in God.

Before Whom will you stand in the last day? Who is He, to you, to your heart? What sorts of things did you write in your book today? What sorts of things will you write in your book tomorrow? How can you come to know that your name is written in God’s book of life? What will it be like for you when these books are both opened?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for how we write the books of our lives with too little thought for whether the deeds written in them have been done in God. And forgive us for forgetting that our great hope is to be written down in Your book of life. And, forgive us for taking so little comfort from the fact that the One Who will sit on that throne is the One Who has redeemed us and is interceding for us. Give us to live in that comfort and hope, and to fill the book of our own days with deeds that have been done in union with Christ, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP32 “What Blessedness” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”

2025.08.14 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 20:1–10

Read Revelation 20:1–10

Questions from the Scripture text: Whom did John see (v1)? Coming down from where? What two things did He have in His hand? Of whom did He lay hold (v2)? Who is this dragon (cf. 12:9)? What did He do to him? For how long? Into what did He cast him (v3)? And do what two other things to him? So that he would no longer do what? Until when? What must happen then? What else did John see (v4)? And whom else? What was committed to them? What part of whom did John also see? What had happened to them? What two things had they not worshiped? What had they not received? But what two things do these souls now do with Christ? for how long? But what happens to whom else (v5)? Until when? What does v5 call the “coming to life” of v4? What two things does v6 call the one who has part in this resurrection? What has no power over them? What shall they be unto Whom, and what shall they do with Christ (cf. 5:10)? When will what happen in v7? What will Satan go out to do to whom, where (v8)? What name does v8 use for these attacking enemies (cf. Ezk 38–39). How many will this army be? Whom will they surround (v9)? What came from Whom and did what? And what happened to whom else (v10)? Who else was there already? What will happen with all of them?

What is the millennium? Revelation 20:1–10 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the millennium is Christ’s reign in the age of the gospel, looking forward to the fuller and forever reign when He destroys His and our enemies.

Satan bound. Jesus has had this key, and used this chain, ever since His resurrection, ascension, and enthronement. Certainly, Satan is still very active in the earth, but he is no longer given free reign to deceive the nations as a whole (v3). v2 ties us back to 12:9, indicating that all of Satan’s raging is the fury of a defeated devil. He cannot stop the advance of the gospel. He cannot defeat the church. He cannot defeat a single believer (cf. 12:11). We must be encouraged and confident about the progress of the gospel, despite all that the church currently suffers. The remnant that is being saved out of every nation amounts to an innumerable multitude of a glorious assembly.

Saints reigning. We know that the beheaded saints (v4) overcome by this (cf. 12:11), and now we learn that their souls, which lived and conquered on earth, proceed to live and reign with Christ in heaven (v4). The new birth (cf. Jn 3:3) is called, here, “the first resurrection” (v5). Just as the day that God set apart to Himself was blessed and holy (cf. Gen 2:3), so also, those who have part in the first resurrection are blessed and holy (v6a). The language describing them as kings and priests unto God identifies them as the same group as sing to God during their reign in heaven (v6b, cf. 5:10), looking forward to the time when this reign will be on the earth. Taken together with that passage, it is plain that the “millennium” is referring to the same period of time as covered by the other vision cycles in Revelation: namely the entire time between the two comings of Christ. 

If you are a Christian, you have already been resurrected once! Either you have two resurrections and only one death; or else, when you die, you will be resurrected unto a second death. But being alive is just the beginning of the happiness and holiness of the saints. For, they are priests unto God. They have the nearest fellowship with Him, and the leading role in all the creatures’ bringing Him glory. And, they are kings unto God. Kings with Christ, who reign with Him already in His heavenly reign in glory and spiritual reign on earth—and will reign with Him, physically and entirely, in the new heavens and the new earth. The “thousand years” of the current reign is, of course, a literary number of great length (long is the age of the gospel!). But it is not the duration of the reign of the saints on the earth from 5:10b. No! They, with Christ, shall reign on earth forever, and ever, and ever!

Enemies crushed. How long does the heavenly enthronement of Christ last, until His coming again? One Scripture answer, from 1Cor 15 and Heb 1–2, among others, follows Ps 110 in saying that this reign is “until all His enemies are put under His feet.” This is what is happening during the “thousand years.” But the end of this is not the end of the reign of Christ. Rather, it marks the arrival of the fuller and climactic and eternal reign of Christ! The release of the devil for a little while (v3) is only for the purpose of gathering the nations against the church (v7–9a). 

Ezek 36–39 provides very important background to this passage. Ezek 36–37 describe a spiritual resurrection of God’s Israel into an army. And then Ezek 38–39 describe a war by the nations, led by “Gog and Magog,” against the army of God’s people. Just as the army in Ezek 37 is a spiritual army, what v9 is describing is a spiritual war. This is not something that happens outside of the thousand years, but during the end of it, bringing it to a fulfillment. It implies a time when Satan is given more leash for persecution. But it is a very brief time, and it is anticlimactically concluded when God devours with fire the enemies of the church (v10). And, just as with the rest of the time of the thousand years, even while the church is being persecuted, it continues to be victorious! 

The conclusion of this battle describes (from another perspective) the same event as described in 19:19–21, under the image of the casting of the beast and false prophet, and the unleashing of the sword from Christ’s mouth. Here, the fire from God is described as sending the dragon into the same location as the other two members of the false trinity. Christians always win, though they die, for Christ’s victory is complete and instantaneous!

How are you encouraged by all that Satan is now no longer permitted to do? How are you reigning with Christ on earth? How are you reigning with Him in heaven? What is the explanation for your already having spiritual life? How does participation in the first resurrection encourage and help you? Why shouldn’t you be afraid of persecution, or even the much intensified persecution that comes at the end?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for being intimidated by a chained devil. Give us to rejoice at Christ’s reign, both in our hearts and on the throne of heaven! And forgive us for fearing persecution, whether now, or more intensely when the current part of Christ’s reign is fulfilled. Grant that we would rejoice in the fuller, forever reign that the end brings, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage?” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”

2025.08.07 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 19:11–21

Read Revelation 19:11–21

Questions from the Scripture text: What did John see opened? What did he see there? What was its rider called? What two things does He do in righteousness? What are His eyes like (v12)? What is on His head? What was written, and who knew it? What was his clothing dipped in (v13)? What was His Name called? Who follow Him (v14)? Dressed in what? Riding on what? What went out of His mouth (v15)? Whom does He strike with it? What else does He do to them? What does He tread? What name does He have written in what two places (v16)? Whom does John see in v17? Standing where? To whom does he cry loudly? Telling them to come to what? In order to eat what (v18)? What three entities does John see in v19? What are they gathered to do? Against Whom? Who were captured in v20? Where were they cast? What happened to the kings of the earth and their armies (v21)? What do the birds do?

What happens in the final battle? Revelation 19:11–21 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these eleven verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that in the final battle, Jesus Himself destroys all of His and our enemies.

vv1–10 had ended with the great marriage feast of the lamb. Now this passage proceeds to another, very different feast. There is a great war with a great King, and the outcome is so sure that the birds are invited to it as to a great feast (v17–18). 

The identity of the King. The outcome is sure because of Who the King is. He is called Faithful and True (v11, cf. 3:14). In righteousness He judges and makes war (cf. v2). His eyes are as flames of fire (v12, cf. 1:14). On His head are many crowns, indicating that He is the King of kings (cf. v16). The blood on His robe (v13) is that of those who are under His wrath (cf. Isa 63:1–6). He is God, the Word (cf. Jn 1:1–14). He is the King of kings and Lord of Lords (v16, cf. Dt 10:17, Dan 2:47, Php 2:11). 

The vengeance of the King. He strikes with the rod/sword of His mouth (v15, cf. Is 11:4, Rev 1:16). He rules with a rod of iron (cf. Ps 2:8–9). He treads the winepress of God’s own wrath (cf. 14:20, Is 63:1–6). He casts two members of the faux trinity alive into the lake of fire (v20) and kills the rest with the sword from His mouth. He leads the holy, heavenly armies of v14, but He Himself accomplishes the entire victory.

Will you be part of the bride in the first feast, or the destroyed in the other feast? When the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with His mighty angels, the saints will enjoy their rest, glorify Him, and admire Him (cf. 2Th 1:7, 10). But on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ, He will take vengeance in flaming fire and punish them with everlasting destruction from His presence and from the glory of His power (cf. 2Th 1:8–9). Obey the gospel! Turn, from sin and self, unto the Lord Jesus!

How does one come to be part of the bride of Christ? Have you done this? What awaits you in the last day?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for being forgetful of the glory of Jesus Christ, and the day of His great wrath that is coming soon. We deserve that wrath, so we hide ourselves in Him as our hope of being members of His bride in the last day. Grant that it would be so, and give us to glorify and admire Him in that great day, we sk in His Name, AMEN! 

 Suggested songs: ARP2 “Why Do Gentile Nations Rage?” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”

2025.08.02 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 19:1–10

Read Revelation 19:1–10

Questions from the Scripture text: How does Revelation 19:1 relate, chronologically, to the fall of harlot Babylon? What does John hear? What is this great multitude saying—what four things do they ascribe to Whom in their praise? What two things have demonstrated his (Revelation 19:2)? What has He done to show this about His judgments? What had the harlot done? And what has He done to her? What do they repeat in Revelation 19:3? What do they say about the harlot? Who do what in Revelation 19:4 (cf. Revelation 4:10, Revelation 5:8)? What do they say? From where does the next voice come (Revelation 19:5)? What does it tell whom to do? Whose voice do we hear in Revelation 19:6? What does it sound like? What is it saying about the Lord? What does it exhort one another to do (Revelation 19:7)? Why—what has come? Who has done what? What will be granted to her (Revelation 19:8)? What is this fine linen? To whom does the one with John now speak (Revelation 19:9)? What does he tell John to do? What is John to write about whom? What does the voice say about what John is writing? How does John respond to the one who says this thing (Revelation 19:10)? But how does this one respond? What does he call himself? Whom does he serve? What do the brethren have? Whom should John worship? Why?

How do we respond to the events of the last day? Revelation 19:1–10 provides a sermon preview. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we respond to the events of the last day with great and universal praise unto God.

We praise God for His truth and righteousness. In His judgments (Revelation 19:2), God has especially shown His truth and righteousness. He has been righteous to the harlot, punishing her corrupting influence (verse 2a). He has been righteous to the saints, avenging them (verse 2b). He has been righteous in the extent of the punishment, it being forever and ever (Revelation 19:3). 

We praise God for His great acts in His plan of salvation. The worship of the twenty-four elders and four living creatures, in Revelation 19:4, is the third act of the worship in which they lead all of God’s great assembly. First it was for creation (cf. Revelation 4:10), then it was for redemption (cf. Revelation 5:8), and now it is for consummation (Revelation 19:4). We praise the Lord for His mighty acts. We sing the new song unto the Lord, upon the closing chapter of His plan (cf. Psalm 96, 98). Indeed, it is the Lord Jesus Himself Who now leads this praise from the throne (Revelation 19:5).

We praise God for His almighty love. It is wonderful that the great display of God’s omnipotence (Revelation 19:6) is not the judgment of the harlot but the marriage of the bride to the Lamb (Revelation 19:7). His power has not only delivered her from her guilt, but fitted her for her wedding (end of verse 7). When you grow in grace, dear saint, your righteous acts become part of the fine linen of the bride (Revelation 19:8)! The Lamb has loved an unworthy bride, betrothed her to Himself, and is fitting her for Himself. Here is the greatest display of almighty power and divine love! 

We respond by serving the saints. We must announce the blessed invitation to the marriage supper (Revelation 19:9). Even John’s angel guide views himself as servant to those who will inherit salvation (Revelation 19:10, cf. Hebrews 1:14). But we are “fellow servants,” and it should be our desire to be used by God to bring every one of His elect to that wonderful marriage feast!

What is your heart-habit of praise to God for His works? What are you looking forward to on the last day? What is God’s greatest display of his power to you, and how are you responding to it? How does the thought of “clothing the bride” incentivize you unto good works? How are you participating in the service to bring all of the saints to the marriage feast?

Sample prayer: Lord, forgive us for when we feel that justice is being neglected. Grant that we would remember the perfect truth and righteousness of Your judgments, that we will see at the last day. And forgive us for how unmindful we are of the marriage supper of the Lamb. Make us to see His love, and come to His feast, and do those righteous acts that are the fine linen of His bride. Forgive us for not serving more in evangelism and discipleship, and use us, as You gather in all Your elect, we ask through Christ, AMEN!

Suggested songs: ARP98 “O Sing a New Song” or TPH471 “The Sands of Time Are Sinking” 

2025.08.01 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 17–18

Read Revelation 17–18

Questions from the Scripture text: Who comes to talk with John in Revelation 17:1? Whose judgment will he show him? Upon what did she sit? Who did what with her (Revelation 17:2a)? What did she do to whom (verse 2b)? Where did he take John, and whom did he see there (Revelation 17:3)? Upon what was she siting? How was she clothed (Revelation 17:4)? What did she have in her hand? What was written on her forehead (Revelation 17:5)? With what was she drunk (Revelation 17:6)? What impression does she make upon Jon? What does the angel ask (Revelation 17:7)? What will he do to help John? Which beast is this, and who marvel at it (Revelation 17:8, cf. Revelation 13:3–4)? What do the heads of the beast represent her (Revelation 17:9)? What do each of these mountains have (Revelation 17:10)? From what eras? As what does the beast present himself (Revelation 17:11)? What do the horns represent (Revelation 17:12)? How long is each of their reigns? Like whom do they think (Revelation 17:13)? With Whom do they make war (Revelation 17:14)? Who wins? Why? What do he waters from Revelation 17:1 represent (Revelation 17:15)? What do the kings and kingdoms ultimately do to the harlot (Revelation 17:16)? Why (Revelation 17:17)? And who is the mother of this and all harlots (Revelation 17:18, cf. Revelation 17:5)? Whom does John see in Revelation 18:1? What does this angel have? How glorious is he? What does he do in Revelation 18:2? What has happened to Babylon the great? What happened to those who drank her cup (Revelation 18:3, cf. Revelation 17:4)? What does John hear in verse 4? Whom does the voice address? What does it tell them to do? Why (Revelation 18:5)? What will God do to her in this remembrance (Revelation 18:6)? To what extent (Revelation 18:7)? And with what result (Revelation 18:8)? How/why? What will the kings of the earth do at this (Revelation 18:9-10)? Who else will weep (Revelation 18:11)? Why (Revelation 18:11-14)? What, specifically, will they say (Revelation 18:15-16)? What will shock them the most (Revelation 18:17, cf. end of Revelation 18:10)? Who else will mourn her (Revelation 18:17-18)? In what manner (Revelation 18:19)? Most amazed at what? But who will have what other reaction (Revelation 18:20)? Why? Who does what in Revelation 18:21? To demonstrate what? What will now be an irrelevant memory (Revelation 18:22-23)? Why—what was found in her (Revelation 18:24)?

Why do we need to see and hear the greatness of God’s wrath upon worldliness? Revelation 17–18 provides a sermon preview. In these forty-two verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we need to be warned about wrath, so that we will come out from among the worldly and be separate.

The wrath of God comes with observation and reaction, both by the world, and by the saints. And, the Lord’s angel summons John to observe this (Revelation 17:1). The “mystery” (knowledge that is revealed from the Scripture, rather than found in the creation) of this “Babylon” is that she is the mother of all harlots (Revelation 17:5), offering luxuries and pleasures apart from God (Revelation 17:4), and receiving the devotion of the kingdoms of the world (Revelation 17:3). 

Whether the empire of the 7 mountains/heads (probably Rome, Revelation 17:9-10), subsequent attempts to rule the world by force of power (the beast, and its manifestations, Revelation 17:11), or lesser kingdoms that are more local or short-lived (the ten horns, Revelation 17:12)—they all have one mind, willing to make war with Christ and His church in service of power (Revelation 17:13), and especially the harlot of prosperity and pleasure (Revelation 17:14). 

The point of the waters (Revelation 17:1, Revelation 17:15) is that this is an equal opportunity harlot, seducing literally every “civilization” there has ever been. The prostitute woman-city of Babylon is a counterfeit of the woman-city of Zion/Jerusalem. A counterfeit church in which the creature is worshiped, rather than the Creator. And wherever peoples, multitudes, nations, or tongues have been, members of the harlot-church of prosperity and pleasure have been found.

But her days are numbered, and regardless of how prosperous or luxurious their experience has been with her, all who loved her will be shocked at the severity and the intensity of her desolation that comes in “one hour” (Revelation 18:10, Revelation 18:17, Revelation 18:19). 

We need to see the violence and completeness of the coming destruction of worldliness (Revelation 18:21-23). When the shiny cup of Revelation 17:4 is drunk, it will turn out to be full not only of her filth, but of the wrath that she will drink with all who have accepted it from her (Revelation 18:6). Even after she has slain so many of the prophets and the saints (cf. Revelation 16:6, Revelation 17:6, Revelation 18:24), we are vulnerable to worldliness. So, the angel in Revelation 17:1 shows these things to John, and the voice of the Lord in Revelation 18:4 urges us to come out of the world-church of worldliness. 

Dear saint, be warned, and be amazed at the judgment of the harlot. Don’t let worldliness seduce you. Separate yourself from that (Revelation 18:4; cf. Isaiah 52:11, 2 Corinthians 6:17). Be one of the called, chosen, faithful ones who are with the Lord of lords and King of kings (Revelation 17:14). Then, you will be among those who rejoice over her, when God avenges His saints (Revelation 18:20).

Whom do you know that pursues prosperity and pleasure? How are you coming out from among them?

Sample prayer:  Lord, forgive us for being so easily tempted by the pursuit of prosperity and pleasure. Please make us remember that this harlot religion will be devastated suddenly and completely. And, make us to come out from among the worldly, and be the called, chosen, and faithful ones of King Jesus, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP24 “The Earth and the Riches” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear”

2025.07.31 Hopewell @Home ▫ Revelation 15:5–16:21

Read Revelation 15:5–16:21

Questions from the Scripture text: What did John see opened where (Revelation 15:5)? Who came out of it (Revelation 15:6)? What did they have? How were they clothed? Who gave them what (Revelation 15:7)? What did the bowls look like? With what were they filled? Whose wrath? With what was the temple filled (Revelation 15:8)? From where did this smoke come? What couldn’t anyone do? Until when? What did John hear from where (Revelation 16:1)? To whom did it speak? What it tell them to do? Where? Who does what in Revelation 16:2? With what result? Upon whom? Who does what in Revelation 16:3? Onto where? What happens to it? And what happens to which creatures? Who does what in Revelation 16:4? On what? With what effect? Whom does John hear in Revelation 16:5a? To Whom are they speaking (verse 5b)? What do they call Him (verse 5c)? For what are they praising (verse 5d)? What have those whom He judged done (Revelation 16:6a)? And what has the Lord done to them (verse 6b)? Why (verse 6c)? What does John hear in Revelation 16:7? From where? To Whom is it speaking? What does it say about Him? Who does what in Revelation 16:8? Upon what? What was given to him? With what result (Revelation 16:9)? What do these men do? Why? What do they not do? Who does what in Revelation 16:10? Upon what? What happens to his kingdom? Who do what, and why? What do they do to Whom (Revelation 16:11)? Because of what? What did they not do? Who poured out what in Revelation 16:12? On what? With what result? So that who could do what? What does John see in Revelation 16:13? Coming out of which three mouths? What are these spirits (Revelation 16:14)? What are they able to do? Who now speaks in Revelation 16:15? What does He say that He is doing? As what? Whom does He say is blessed—what two things must they do? Lest what happens? To what place do the kings gather (Revelation 16:16, cf. Judges 5:19)? Who pours out what in Revelation 16:17? Onto what? What comes from where? What does it say? What four things occur in Revelation 16:18? How big is the earthquake? How does Revelation 16:19 refer to the world coalition? What happens to this city? What does verse 19 call the city? What is being done to her? What happens in Revelation 16:20? What falls from where upon whom (Revelation 16:21)? How large? What do men do in response?

What do we learn from the bowls of wrath? Revelation 15:5–16:21 looks forward to the evening sermon on the coming Lord’s Day. In these twenty-five verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we should admire God for His wrath, hating and repenting of sin, and running to Christ in thankful love.

In this passage, we have the wrath of God poured out on the earth (Revelation 16:2), the sea (Revelation 16:3), the rivers (Revelation 16:4), the sun (Revelation 16:8), the worldly kingdom (Revelation 16:10), the Euphrates (Revelation 16:12), and the air (Revelation 16:17). In these seven bowls, the wrath of God is completed.

We are reminded throughout the passage that the wrath of God has broken into history multiple times. There are obvious references to the plagues of Egypt, which were forerunners of the wrath to come. Just as the Song of Moses became the Song of the Lamb in Revelation 15:3–4, NKJ’s “Armageddon” in Revelation 16:16, is actually “Megiddo” (in the Greek NT throughout the ages), a reference to Judges 5:19–20, and heaven’s victory over the kings of Canaan.

In our passage, the time has come for the wrath that had sounded warnings into history to express itself fully and forever. Revelation 15:8 refers us back to 2 Thessalonians 1:9–10 which calls this the day when, “These shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, when He comes in that Day, to be glorified in His saints and to be admired among all those who believe.” Now Revelation 15:8 says “the temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power.”

The great theme of this passage is the glory of God in His wrath. He is indeed, “glorified in His saints and admired among all those who believe.” We hear the angel in Revelation 16:5–6 say, “You are righteous, O Lord, the One who is and who was and who is to be, because You have judged these things. For they have shed the blood of saints and prophets, and You have given them blood to drink. For it is their just due.” And the other angel say, “Even so, Lord God Almighty, true and righteous are Your judgments.” They are dressed in brilliant white and gold, and the bowls from which the wrath is poured are gold. The passage screams the glory, justness, truth, and holiness of God’s wrath.

This challenges us, because we are so easily offended at God’s wrath. But this comes entirely from our flesh. We must be wary of responding to His wrath with anything but worship. Its justness is displayed, in part, precisely by the responses of the judged. They blaspheme Him for the plagues and do not repent or give Him glory (Revelation 15:9). Hey blaspheme Him for their sores, and do not repent of their deeds (Revelation 15:11). They blaspheme God for the plague in Revelation 16:21. They do not respond to the wrath of God with repentance but with more rebellion! Truly, His wrath is just. And it is proportional to their sin (Revelation 16:6). Like Babel of old, they are only too glad to be deceived by evil spirits into gathering against God and His Christ (Revelation 16:12-14, Revelation 16:19). But, this comes as a pouring out of God’s wrath (Revelation 16:12), Who rules over it, and the Lord Jesus Who comes as a thief (Revelation 16:15). 

The Lord Jesus Himself applies all of this to us, urging us to watch and keep our garments (verse 15). The believer must remember the greatness of God’s wrath against sin and be watchful against it in ourselves. 

So, we must glorify God for His wrath; we must take comfort that all sin will be justly repaid; we must repent we must watch against our wrath deserving sin; and, we may add one more application: marvel at what Christ has endured for our sakes. God made Him Who knew no sin to be sin, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. Jesus bore the full enmity of God against all the sins of all His people. The display of the severity of that enmity in this chapter should bring us to the feet of Jesus in thankfulness and love.

What do you think and feel about God’s wrath? How can that be brought more into line with the responses of the holy ones in this passage? What sins of yours do you find yourself tolerating too much? How can this passage help you against that? What has the Lord Jesus suffered for you? How will you respond to Him in your life?

Sample prayer:  Lord, Your wrath is righteous and holy. Forgive us for how we have bristled against it in our hearts, and even been embarrassed of it before men. Often, You have justly chastened us, but we have responded against Your wrath instead of against our sin. Forgive us for our slowness to repent. And forgive us for how we are not mindful of Your coming, or of how our lives will appear in light of Your coming. Finally, forgive us for not being more affected in our hearts by Christ having suffered the wrath of God in our place. Grant that we would remember what He has done and respond with lives of thankfulness and love, we ask in His Name, AMEN!

 Suggested songs: ARP149B “O Praise the Lord, O Sing Aloud” or TPH389 “Great God, What Do I See and Hear” 

God's Praise in the Last Day [Family Worship lesson in Revelation 19:1–10]

How do we respond to the events of the last day? Revelation 19:1–10 looks forward to the hearing of God’s Word, publicly read, in the holy assembly on the coming Lord’s Day. In these ten verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that we respond to the events of the last day with great and universal praise unto God.

The sermon explores the culmination of God's plan of salvation, vividly depicted in Revelation 19, focusing on the judgment of the “great harlot” and the subsequent celebration of the Lamb’s marriage to His bride. It emphasizes God's truth and righteousness, demonstrated through both condemnation and redemption, while highlighting His almighty power manifested in the salvation and sanctification of believers, ultimately preparing them for the marriage supper of the Lamb. The message calls for active participation in summoning others to this blessed state, encouraging evangelism and discipleship as essential components of preparing the bride for her wedding day and participating in the ultimate praise of God.(click here to DOWNLOAD mp3/pdf files of this lesson)