Solomon's statement has held true since it was written: "…There is no new thing under the sun" (Ecclesiastes 1:9). With the very first statement in Revelation 21, we will see the sun itself pass away and the beginning of new things. In the past, God met with man in places like the Tabernacle or the Temple. Today, through Christ, God's Spirit resides within those who are born again (John 14:23; I Corinthians 6:19-20; Ephesians 2:11-22). In Revelation 21 - 22, we see that God will dwell, directly with man on earth in His special city, the New Jerusalem. With no more Satan, demons, or people who rebel against God and His Son, there is no more sin; no more curse (Revelation 20:10-15; 22:4-8; 22:3). Heaven and Earth will then be the harmonious habitation of God, angels and men. The details of the last two chapters of Revelation are filled with both symbolism and literal graphic descriptions that defy our imaginations - filled with glory and beauty.

Christians must live in hope. We must keep before us the fact that all the evil in this world is temporary. The promises of God not only provide us help with coping and conquering now, but we are given the assurance that the battles, fears and sorrows of today will give way to a perfect world that is filled with Love and Truth. The Bible refers to heaven over five hundred times. The book of Revelation speaks of heaven about fifty times. May God use the book of Revelation to give us the focus on heavenly things that we need to live a life of faith, hope and love - a life of power and purity! See Romans 8:15-39; I Corinthians 13:12-13; 15:1-58; II Corinthians 4:1 - 5:11; Philippians 3:8-21; Colossians 3:1-17; I John 3:1-3.

Contrast and Comparison with Genesis
(See New Testament Bible Exposition Commentary (Revelation 21) - Warren Wiersbe - David C. Cook Publishers.)

Call to Salvation

Revelation concludes with a call to salvation and a warning not to tamper with the message of this book (Revelation 22:16-21). The terror of the Lord moves us to persuade men (II Corinthians 5:10-11). The goodness of God is used to lead people to repentance (Romans 2:4). The book of Revelation reveals the terror of the Lord and the goodness of God. May the church be doing its job, described in Revelation 22:17. As this great book closes in prayer, may we find ourselves moved to intercede for man and worship God in Spirit and in Truth (John 4:23-24).

Beatitudes in Revelation
(See Because the Time is Near - John MacArthur - Moody Press - Page 23 & 106)

Jesus gave beatitudes (blessings) in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5:1-12). Revelation also has beatitudes (blessings): Blessed are they who…

• Read, hear and heed the words of this book. (Revelation 1:3; 22:7)
• Die in the Lord. (Revelation 14:13)
• Wait for His coming. (Revelation 16:15)
• Are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. (Revelation 19:9)
• Are resurrected to life. (Revelation 20:6 cp. Daniel 12:2)
• Do His commandments. (Revelation 22:14)

Note for Revelation 22:14: There are different manuscripts used by different Bible translations that say, "Blessed are those who wash their robes…" This, of course is consistent with Revelation 1:5; 3:4; 7:14. The KJV and NKJV use the words, "Blessed are they that (those who) do his commandments…" This is consistent with Revelation 12:17; 14:12. At first glance, it may appear that this is teaching salvation by works, but a careful examination of Scripture will reveal three things:

1) God commands us to believe in His Son and repent
(John 3:18-21; 6:27-29; Acts 17:30-31; I John 3:23).
2) Faith is an act of obedience
(Romans 1:1-5; 6:17;16:25-26).
3) Salvation is not by works, but it will be accompanied with works - the fruit of the Spirit
(II Corinthians 5:17; Galatians 2:20; 5:22-24; Ephesians 2:8-10; Titus 3:5-8).

See also Matthew 28:18-20; John 14:15,23-24; 15:1-12; Acts 26:19-20; Romans 15:18; I Thessalonians 1:4-10; I John 2:1-6; 3:22-24; 5:1-5.

The blessings of the book of Revelation will help us to be happy, holy and to be helping others to know and to serve Christ!