Discuss Revelation 21 Page 12

We often think in terms of the physical, because we are physical beings. The entrance to a place is in a location and there is usually a gate or door that can be opened and closed.

Jesus said, "I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture."Joh 10:9

So this "gate" or "door" mentioned are metaphors with a specific meaning. In the passage that Chris referenced, the "strait" gate is Jesus Christ and Him alone. Only ONE way. The "wide" gate is every other way than Jesus. The gates are not physical openings or swinging on a hinge.

Fornication is the sin of Babylon.

Rev. 14:8 "And there followed another angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication."

Babylon is mentioned 260 times in the King James Bible.

Rev. 19:2, "For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication [porneia], and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand." The entire earth will be corrupted by this most popular sin of unnatural sex. It is the broad way that leads to destruction. This sin began in Eden.

Matthew 7:13: "Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat".

If this Scripture is indicative of actual entrances to Heaven or Hell, then the gate to Hell is '1'. And it is a wide gate that terminates from a broad road, so that the multitudes who have rejected God & His Saviour, are able to traverse it.

how many gates to hell are there

Revelation 21:4 - And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Psalms 34:18 - The LORD [is] nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.

John 16:22 - And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you.

Matthew 5:4 - Blessed [are] they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.

John 14:27-29 - Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (Read More...)

Isaiah 41:10 - Fear thou not; for I [am] with thee: be not dismayed; for I [am] thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

2 Timothy 4:7 - I have fought a good fight, I have finished [my] course, I have kept the faith:

Colossians 2:5 - For though I be absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, joying and beholding your order, and the stedfastness of your faith in Christ.

Ecclesiastes 3:1-22 - To every [thing there is] a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven: (Read More...)

Psalms 147:3 - He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.

1 Thessalonians 4:13-17 - But I would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning them which are asleep, that ye sorrow not, even as others which have no hope. (Read More...)

Philippians 1:3 - I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,

John 11:25 - Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live:

Philippians 4:6-7 - Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. (Read More...)

They are a great comfort

I apologize, I thought you were specifically referring to the Rapture of the Church. But if you're reading through the Book of the Revelation, it is a difficult book to read because of the various imagery that is used. These imageries, such as the beast from the sea, the horses from Heaven, the sword from the mouth, etc., were shown to the Apostle John as depictions of what is to happen & not necessarily actual animals or objects.

So, in answer to your question, I understand that the those left behind to face God's Wrath are those who are unbelievers, & also those who think they are believers, but are not. That is why, throughout the epistles by the apostles, the challenge is always given as to the 'Christian's' position in Christ: are they truly saved & in God's family, or merely imposters, who might show some spirituality, attending Church, etc., but lead lives that carnal & never born again of the Spirit? Of course, we can never be in a position to judge someone else's salvation - we have to accept one another & encourage them. But when sin is made evident to us, or wrong teaching given, we must take action, whether to give help or deal with those who alter God's Word for their own ends.

However, since you're asking about those left behind, you will be aware of the different views on this by many Christians. Some, like me, believe that the Rapture is for believers to remove them from the time of God's Wrath (Pre-Tribulation Rapture). Others believe in a Mid-Tribulation Rapture (occurring in the middle of the Tribulation). And others, a Post-Tribulation Rapture (that all people, including Christians, go through the Tribulation & then Jesus comes to take us away). You would have to discern with the Spirit's help as to how you need to understand the Scriptures on this matter.

Thank you for answering my question. I'm doing my best to understand Revelation. Does your answer mean that the people left on earth will be the non-believers and the rest have already gone to heaven?

I think you might be referring to the time of the Rapture of the Saints to be with the Lord before the Wrath of God is poured upon the unbelieving World. If so, then your reference is to the Anti-Christ, who is Satan incarnate, filled with all the evil that Satan desires to express. One could say, that he tries to establish his 'messiahship' on Earth deceiving many, replicating what Jesus did by His Coming from God many centuries ago as the true Messiah of all people.

2 Thessalonians chapter 2 gives one of the fullest accounts of that time & of Anti-Christ. Just to highlight the points:

a. the Day of the Lord (the time when God's Judgement begins to fall) will commence by a falling away from Christ. In other words, the true Church will be seen after the fake 'Christians' turn away from the Lord.

b. Anti-Christ will be revealed, coming as a peace-maker, but ultimately taking position in the Jewish Temple proclaiming that He is God. He produces many great signs & wonders that will deceive most people.

c. But the day is coming when God will destroy both him & the spirit controlling him (Satan) casting them into the Lake of Fire.

d. Finally, Paul iterates that he knows his readers better than how the world behaves, & he gives thanks for them. Why was he full of joy & confidence in them? Because they were chosen of God, from the beginning to not only be heirs of salvation but also called to salvation from the evil times ahead. In his previous letter ( 1 Thessalonians 5:9), Paul also wrote there: "God had not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ".

So those left on the Earth may not easily discern the evil in the Anti-Christ, since their own deeds are evil continually, but when Jesus returns to reign on the Earth, all people will see the Glory of God & the destruction He brings on the wicked remnant.

Question - The 12 tribes, are they the followers of each of the 12 Apostles? If the Angels are as large as a "titan" how large would new Jerusalem be?

When all elect are saved and in heaven the remainder will be in hell.

When revelation comes how will we know the devil from God after all saved souls have gone to heaven?

Paying tiths 100 gears before Arrow or moses went up mount sini????

Did Jesus ever wore a tallit/the tallit kotan.

Which book states they hoard from thier wealth and giveth not

My thoughts, Tom, is that it could very well be translated "mansion" as the King James Bible has.

And don't you just love the hymn, IS MY NAME WRITTEN THERE?

based on

John 14.2

"Oh! that beautiful city, with its mansions of light,

With its glorified beings, in pure garments of white;

Where no evil thing cometh to despoil what is fair;

Where the angels are watching, yes, my name's written there."

Mary A. Kidder, 1876.

"in the Lamb's book of life." Revelation 21:27

1 Corinthians 12:29

26And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.

27Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.

28And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily PROPHETS, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

Wesley's Notes for 1 Corinthians 12:29

12:27 Now ye - Corinthians. Are the body and members of Christ - part of them, I mean, not the whole body.

12:28 First apostles - Who plant the gospel in the heathen nations. Secondly prophets - Who either foretel things to come, or speak by extra - ordinary inspiration, for the edification of the church. Thirdly teachers - Who precede even those that work miracles. Under prophets and teachers are comprised evangelists and pastors, # Eph 4:11|. Helps, governments - It does not appear that these mean distinct offices: rather, any persons might be called helps, from a peculiar dexterity in helping the distressed; and governments, from a peculiar talent for governing or presiding in assemblies.

12:31 Ye covet earnestly the best gifts - And they are worth your pursuit, though but few of you can attain them. But there is a far more excellent gift than all these; and one which all may, yea, must attain or perish.

Mishael: it is God who chooses the ministry gifts. Verse 28. We recognize them by their "fruits": what they do or say. Prophesy from God, is always true. Fleshly prophesy never produces truth. Worship the Gift Giver (GOD).

How many prophets are mentioned in revelations or the end times? Did God make any promises to a prophet about the end times?

Hi Mark.. Revelation 21:1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. Isaiah 65:17 For, behold, I create new heavens and a new earth: and the former shall not be remembered, nor come into mind. This should be what you're looking for, and there is several more scriptures on this.

Romans 2:28 For he is not a Jew, which is one outwardly; neither is that circumcision, which is outward in the flesh:

Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.

John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. (verse 7 Jesus said)- Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye MUST be born again.

Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.(Not because he is a Jew)

Galations 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

James 2:23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham BELIEVED God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.

Ephesians 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:

Hebrews 11:6 But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.

FAITH IS NOT WHO YOU ARE BLACK, WHITE, NATIONALITY HAS NO EFFECT ON BEING A HEIR WITH CHRIST BUT BY GRACE WE ARE SAVED BY/THROUGH FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST

I believe that you're referring to Revelation chapter 21 specifically. The Bride of Christ will always be His Church - His people.

In verse 2, the New Jerusalem is seen AS a bride adorned for her husband. The city is not the bride but appears in all its beauty & glory as a bride does on her wedding day. So you're quite correct to see the 'bride' as a metaphor of the 'City'.

Then in verse 9, "Come hither, I will shew thee the bride, the Lamb's wife." Now we don't see a metaphor here but is it a reference to the New Jerusalem? No. When the City was descending out of Heaven we do read of its structure & beauty (as a parenthesis) but specifically, to its residents & its purpose. And that was to provide a new & eternal habitation to those in verse 27: "but they which are written in the Lamb's Book of Life". And who are these? But the Bride of Christ. So the whole vision given to John of the Bride was fully seen in the Church, his Bride, residing in a city prepared for them.

Though the question may also come up with your friend, 'if perfection is now seen on the new Earth, then who are they that defileth, or worketh abomination, or maketh a lie?' Since all wickedness will have been locked away for good in the Lake of Fire, we can't presume that some have found escape from it & living outside the New Jerusalem's walls. I see this verse as a statement of force, of the city's purity where simply nothing impure or even of the smell of sin, can be found within its walls.

My friend and I always end up in an Argument about Paul's teaching(s) about who Paul says plainly whom The Bride Of Christ Is ...and book of Revealation seemingly saying The Bride is The Holy City ...I keep mentioning that it states "as a Bride " ( a metaphor ) ... Do you mind helping me out to settle this discussion and put this subject to Bed

Thank You

I'm sorry to read of your sad loss but to know that your husband loved the Lord, and is now his present joy & your comfort & assurance.

The best Scripture that I can think of, considering your husband's connection with the sea, is in Psalm 107:23-30. Even though the Psalm may seem irrelevant to some extent, the thought that whether going through physical storms (which your husband would be well acquainted with), or even the 'storms' that we all have to face in life, that the Lord will bring His children to their safe haven (add, Heaven) at the end of our lives.

Hebrews 6:18,19 (loosely transliterated): "God has given both his promise and his oath. Since God cannot lie, we who have fled to Him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold onto the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. This hope leads us through the veil that was torn down at Jesus' death into God's inner sanctuary. Jesus has already gone into Heaven for us. He has become our eternal High Priest". My husband (his name), had his hope resting only in His Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ; Christ was his sure anchor as he both sailed the high seas and throughout his life. And now that Anchor (Jesus Christ) Who was held on in faith throughout his life has now become his sight, as he stands in great joy before his God and Saviour.

Other useful Scriptures: Romans 8:35-39; John 11:25-27; Revelation 21:3-7; 1 Corinthians 15:51-57; John 14:1-3.

I hope something here helps you & will reflect the hope & joy that your husband had in the Lord. May the Lord continue to comfort your heart by His Spirit & His precious Word.

Hi Harold, No one knows his position, but if that's the case his living in sin, however show him in the scripture. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 (KJV) Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,

Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God.

My son Nicholas is not married, but living with a woman and fornicating. Will he and her go to HELL

Isaiah 1.18

Lord, my sins they are many, like the sands of the sea,

But Thy blood, O my Savior, is sufficient for me;

For Thy promise is written, in bright letters that glow,

"Though your sins be as scarlet, I will make them like snow."

IS MY NAME WRITTEN THERE? (hymn title)

"in the Lamb's book of life." Revelation 21:27

Mary A. Kidder, 1876.

Thanks for clarifying this chapter and it has surely given me great understanding of the coming end of days.

God's re-creation of a new Heaven (may also refer to the sky/universe) & a new Earth, is the final great Act of God to remove the stain & stench of sin from the Earth. Satan, his demons & all who followed him have been cast into the eternal Lake of Fire (chapter 20), so now this new Earth will be for all the righteous ones to live on, with God Himself reigning with them.

It appears that with the creation of the New Jerusalem, which comes down & is established on this new revamped Earth, that there will be no other countries or cities, as all of God's people will be eternally with the Father & His Son in this new City. Those who have been raptured, or had died in Christ earlier, along with the Old Testament saints & martyrs, will have 'physical' bodies so fashioned, that we will be able to live in Heaven or on Earth. That is why the "dead in Christ will rise first" at the coming of the Lord ( 1 Thessalonians 4:16), that their reconstituted bodies, with those living, will be physically with the Lord & not just 'spirits in Heaven'.

The 144,000 that you read about in Revelation chapters 7 & 14, apply to the 12,000 from each of the 12 Tribes of Israel. We are not told how these will be known & selected (except it's stated that they are virgins ( Revelation 14:4), seeing that present day Israel is largely of mixed blood. Yet aside from these, there will still be the number of redeemed Gentiles ( Revelation 7:9) who will, together with all the other inhabitants of Heaven, worship the Lord into Eternity.

Revelation 21 verse 1 a new heaven and earth , why if everyone is suppose to be spiritual beings no body and physical needed is there a new earth what happen to everyone being caught up in the Rapture and taken to heaven , then it said only the 144,000 are going to heaven explain

In Revelation chapter 21 we see the new Jerusalem, "coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband", and "Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God." So in the end, heaven and earth will be together. The meek, in and by Jesus Christ, inherit it all.

The Old Testament was given to Israel and they were supposed to be a witness to the world:

Declare his glory among the heathen; his marvellous works among all nations. ( 1 Chronicles 16:24)

It was also given for us to learn the ways of the LORD by it:

Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come. ( 1 Corinthians 10:11)

The New Testament is for the world to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ whereby whosoever will come unto him shall be saved.

The soul that sinneth, it shall die:

For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.( Romans 6:23)

There is a second death:

And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. ( Revelation 21:6-8)

CH 21 v 8. Who is the fearful & unbelieving. ??