“Overview Of Revelation Chapters 20-22”

Sunday, February 04, 2018

Before we delve into the incredible last chapter of the amazing last book of the Bible, I think it is important to consider some observations made by Robert Harkrider in his “Truth Commentaries” publication by Guardian of Truth Foundation about a major misconception that some brethren have with chapters 20-22. This will serve as an excellent summary for the chapter that we have just recently wrapped up, and a good introduction to the one we are about to embark upon. Unfortunately the attractive bullet pointed outline style of his book will be lost in the plain text of this post, but here is what Harkrider wrote:

“Some excellent scholars see in this last section the church on earth throughout all time. They interpret the ‘new heaven and a new earth’ to mean the New Testament order by which sinners wash their robes in the blood of the Lamb and thereby are adorned with purified white robes. They see God’s protecting care and counsel as He comforts Christians in their afflictions and provides for every spiritual need. Although these truths are taught elsewhere in Scripture, this interpretation does not match the context of Revelation 20-22 for the following reasons:

1. The chronology of this text ‘follows’ the final judgment scene rather than occurring before it (20:11-15).
2. The former things are passed away (21:4). The earth and the heaven have fled away (20:11), and John saw a new heaven and a new earth (21:1).
3. The drinking of the water of life is occurring while others are in the lake of fire, the second death (21:6-7; 20:15; 21:8).
4. The rewards are comparable to those spoken of earlier in the book as blessings ‘after’ death.

“The faithful: (a) Wear robes of white after coming out of tribulation (6:11; 7:14). (b) Serve God night and day in His temple (7:14-17). (His temple is in heaven, 11:19). (c) Are in heaven where God is the temple (21:22). (Note the difference: on earth the church is the temple of God [1 Cor. 3:16]. He dwells in us now, but then we shall dwell in His presence.) (d) Experience neither hunger, thirst, nor heat of the sun upon them (7:16). (e) The Lamb shall feed them and wipe away all tears (7:17). (f) Shall eat of the tree of life which is in the paradise of God (2:7). (g) Will be given a crown of life and not be hurt of the second death (2:10-11). (h) Shall see God’s face (22:4) which cannot be done on earth (1 John 4:12). (i) Shall reign forever and ever whereas before judgment they reigned 1000 years (22:5).

“The kingdom of God on earth is called the kingdom of heaven (Matt. 19:23-24). Both terms apply because: (1) it originated in heaven according to God’s purpose (Eph. 3:10-11); (2) its citizens bear the characteristics of heaven (Matt. 5:2-12); and (3) it has the eternal destiny of heaven (Phil. 3:20-21). Therefore many of the eternal blessings that will be enjoyed in heaven are partially realized by the saints who are blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ while they still live on earth (Eph. 1:3). However, to apply Revelation 21-22 as the description of earthly blessings before the final judgment is to strain the text.”

Please read Revelation 22:1-5 for tomorrow. Really this time!

Have a blessed Lord’s Day!

-Louie Taylor

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