Seven Parallel Sections in Two Divisions

1. Seven Parallel Sections in Two Divisions Christ in the midst of the lamp stands (1-3)‏ Vision of heaven and the seven seals (4-7)‏ The seven trumpets (8-11)‏ The persecuting dragon (12-14)‏ The seven bowls (15-16)‏ The fall of Babylon (17-19)‏ The great consummation (20-21)‏

2. Revelation 20 Satan’s Doom • One final attempt to attack God’s people using Gog and Magog – representing world’s opposition to God’s people (Ezek 38, Rev 19:19) • This time, direct intervention by God – “Fire from heaven” (Luke 9:54) • Compare with earlier times when God permitted evil according to his purposes – e.g. holocaust • Suffering and death part of our current existence – no-one escapes • Devil thrown into lake of burning suffer • Tormented day and night forever • Death is not an escape for evildoers • Justice will be done and God will determine what is just – not man – we leave it with him

3. Rev 20 –Dead are Judged • Great white throne • Earth and sky flee – nothing protects or hides us from God’s scrutiny – not limited like earlier judgments • Nowhere to hide – however you lived or died • Dead stand before God and the books are opened • Everything thought, word, action we did and failed to do is known to God (Matthew 12:36,37) • But remember salvation by grace (Eph 2:8,10, Rom 8:12-18) • Death and Hades (temporary place for dead), abolished -now just eternity in heaven or hell • Only the saved and the lost – nothing half way • To be in heaven, your name needs to be in the book of life • Only other place is the lake of fire

4. Revelation 21 • New heaven and earth with no sea (does have water) • Old order of things passed away • Anything dangerous or distressing is gone along with what is no longer necessary e.g. temple, sun, moon • Holy city/bride/wife comes down out of heaven • The church? A place? Both? – compare with Babylon and 1 Cor 3:16-17, 2 Cor 6:16, Eph 2:21, 1 Pet 2:5 • Tabernacle was cube – but small – kept away • Now the cube is vast and all come in • Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them • Compare with Garden of Paradise • Offers water of life and adoption without cost to thirsty • Rev 22: 17 “Whoever is thirsty, let him come; and whoever wishes, let him take the free gift of the water of life”. • Those who refuse remain outside go where Satan is • Stuck with the ways of this world

5. Revelation 21-22 The Holy City • Notice the angel of wrath now presents good news • High mountain – holy city descends – for Old and New Testaments saints • Beautiful – huge dimensions – many mansions – plenty of room – prepared by Jesus - Jn 14:2 • No temple – Lord God Almighty and Lamb present everywhere to bless • Only for those whose names are written in lambs book of life • River flows from throne – He is the source • Avenue with trees that heal the nations Gen 3:22 • Curse removed – now healing • Everyone will identify with God

6. Rev 22 – Jesus is Coming • Reminded that Jesus is coming soon • Reminder to worship God alone • All this must be known and told • Let people do what they will • They will give an account to God • Blessed are those who wash their robes • Jesus calls himself the Alpha and Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End, the Root and Offspring of David, the bright Morning Star • A warning about tampering with God’s word • Come Lord Jesus