Understanding Revelation Part 3

The Book of Revelation – Part 3 Sovereignty and Redemption Before we encounter the dramatic events of the end time, which will unfold on earth so as to facilitate the Revelation or Second Coming of Christ, we are introduced to the two realities that anchor our faith in God. 1. Sovereignty At the beginning of chapter four John is called into heaven and once there his eyes gaze upon the very nerve center of the whole created order; the Throne of God. This Throne is all glorious and is encircled by an Emerald Rainbow. It is also transcendent and therefore entirely removed from creation. The Throne of God is then self sufficient, magnificent beyond words and all powerful. Encircling this Throne is a heavenly court of angelic elders and the Almighty Himself. He is not seen but is described as the combined brilliance of Jasper and Sardius stones. Seven Lamps of fire, symbols of the seven attributes of the Holy Spirit (Isaiah 11:1-2), are set there as well and four Living Creatures, symbols of Jesus’ life and ministry as reflected in the four written Gospels, are also in attendance. This glorious scene, unfolding before John’s eyes, sits on a magnificent Sea of Glass. Everything here speaks of rest, control, authority and power. There is no sense of panic, urgency and crisis here because an all powerful and sovereign God is in total control of His world and therefore His eternal purpose is on track and cannot be subverted. Nothing, absolutely nothing, can shake Him, but He can shake the world and will! Hebrews 12:25-26 All of the heavenly host rightly worship Him and acknowledge His holiness and glory. They ascribe blessing to His wonderful name and proclaim that indeed, He created all things and that by Him they consist and are upheld. This is bold truth sweeping away the foolishness of godless evolution! As we see this scene, by the help of the Holy Spirit who illuminates the pages of scripture, we too, like John, are caught up into heaven and long to be there. Our God is indeed sovereign and exists as three persons and all of these have the very same essence (John 10:30). In these turbulent and dark days we need to rest our eyes and faith upon these things. The message of chapter four is clear, heaven has everything under control and, if we will focus on this glorious place, we will have nothing to fear and a wonderful joy and peace will flood our hearts. 2. Redemption The situation on earth is entirely different, it is chaotic and filled with the darkness and wickedness of sin. Even the natural creation of fawn and flora has become fallen, down graded and polluted because of humankind’s rebellion against God (Romans 8:18-22). It anxiously awaits a resolution to the problem. John, overcome by this appalling reality, looks for a deliverer on earth who will save the earth and her inhabitants from this great chaos and wickedness. One who would bring an end to evil, sinfulness and alienation from God but there is no one because the problem begins with humankind’s relationship with God. But, of a truth, the chasm or breach between God and the people of this world is so great and far reaching that no human being can close it. It is, in all respects, a bridge too far because humankind’s sinfulness falls hopelessly short of the perfection of God, even our very best efforts cannot save us (Ephesians 2:8-10; 1 Peter 3:18). We are consequently forever separated from God and therefore doomed and destined to spend eternity under His wrath! John we are told, wept! Resources: www.malcolmhedding.com/shop