Revelation Series: 21-22
Finishing Revelation: Looking to Heaven and Beyond
As we conclude Revelation, we fix our eyes on heaven and what is to come. One theme has been undeniable throughout our study—there are two kinds of people: those who will be overcome by the times and those who will overcome the times. And as we peer into the end of this age, let’s be reminded—this is not the end of God’s story. No, the end is just a new beginning because God is making all things new!
Jesus made His intentions clear when He taught us to pray: “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” This is the heart of heaven—to restore what sin has broken.
Heaven: A Relationship, Not Just a Destination
Let’s have a real moment here—how many of us, growing up, didn’t get excited about heaven? Maybe you heard about worshiping forever and thought, Is that supposed to sound fun? Be honest! Sometimes, we’ve been more relieved about where we aren’t going (the lake of fire) than truly excited about where we are going (streets of gold).
The reality is, we struggle to comprehend heaven because we can only imagine based on what we know. Even John, as he wrote Revelation, described things using comparisons—“It was like this,” or “It was like that.” But here’s what we do know—heaven will be better than we can ask or imagine. If we experience moments of pure joy, purpose, and fulfillment on earth, how much greater will it be in the fullness of God’s presence?
Revelation 21 paints a picture of this incredible future:
“Then I saw ‘a new heaven and a new earth,’ for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea.” (Revelation 21:1)
Now, some of you are thinking, “Wait, no sea? I love the ocean!” But let’s consider this—the sea in biblical imagery often represents chaos. Remember the beast of the sea? This could mean that in the new heaven and new earth, chaos will no longer exist.
But the most important part of this passage is what comes next:
“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them and be their God.” (Revelation 21:3)
This is the ultimate restoration—God dwelling with His people, just as it was in the beginning with Adam and Eve. This is the fulfillment of His original design.
Living with Eternal Perspective
1 Corinthians 13:12 reminds us:
“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.”
Right now, we get glimpses of God’s glory. But then—we will see Him face to face! No more separation, no more wondering—just pure, unfiltered, overwhelming joy in His presence.
As Revelation 22 describes, we will drink from the river of the water of life, walk streets of pure gold, and live in a place where God’s glory is our light. There will be no more pain, no more mourning, no more crying—only the fullness of life with Him.
And Jesus Himself closes with this declaration:
“Yes, I am coming soon.” (Revelation 22:20)
And the response of all creation?
“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.”
This is what I hope you take away from our time in Revelation—our response to all that is happening in the world and all that is to come should be “Come, Lord Jesus.”
Over our brokenness, over our families, over our city and nation—our cry is Come, Lord Jesus! And He does—He draws near to the brokenhearted. He is our hope, our restoration, and our King.
But this isn’t just a prayer for the hard times—it’s a heart position for all times. We are here to bring as many people as possible to the wedding supper of the Lamb. That’s why we pray, “God, include me in what You are doing around me.” Because He has placed you where you are on purpose, for a purpose.