With Calvary before Him, the Lord spoke these remarkable words – ‘Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.’ From this time Satan would be curbed in his power, still able to work much wickedness until the final day, but severely limited. But how exactly was Satan cast out by Christ’s death?
Using an earthly object to portray something in the infinite mind of God, the Bible speaks of a book or record containing every experience of life on the way to heaven had by those who know Him. Here is scriptural information on the book of life.
‘And he said unto me, These sayings are faithful and true: and the Lord God of the holy prophets sent his angel to shew unto his servants the things which must shortly be done.’
The eighth of Christ’s ‘I am’ sayings occurs three times in the last book of the Bible. Here is the meaning of the most wide-ranging claim of the Saviour of the world, and how it affects us – for life and eternity.
And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.
‘And he shewed me a pure river of water of life, clear as crystal, proceeding out of the throne of God and of the Lamb.’
‘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.’
‘And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years.’
‘And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God.’
‘So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.’
‘And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvellous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God.’
‘And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.’
‘And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.’
‘And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars.’
‘And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein. But the court which is without the temple leave out, and measure it not; for it is given unto the Gentiles: and the holy city shall they tread under foot forty and two months.’
‘And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.’
‘And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before God; and to them were given seven trumpets.’
The meaning of the sealing of the 144,000, and the distinctive marks of true believers presented by this imagery, together with their eternal security.
‘And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.’
‘After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter.’
‘I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.’
Of the three great ‘secrets’ fully unveiled in the New Testament this book is the third – revealed by Christ. It is the explanation of the great struggle between the church and the world throughout the Gospel age. Here is great wisdom and discernment for us.
We are not stirred to seek the Lord until we see ourselves as He sees us. Here are the differences between our view of ourselves and His. Here also are Christ’s own illustrations of us, our need, and how we may receive new life from Him.
Pictured here is the church in Heaven, the people who have come to God from every nation. What is this vast company like, and how did they gain access to Heaven? What is the ‘fountain’ of salvation? And why do many people never find it?
Full chapter _____________ Revelation 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, … Continued
Christ’s famous words of hope to a gravely backslidden church lacking spiritual life apply to all people in need of reconciliation with God. Here is the Saviour’s famous illustration of the barrier between us and Himself, removed by trusting in Him and His saving work and atoning love. You May Be Also Interested in… Sermon: Is … Continued
Why John is given a vision of the reigning Lord in biblical symbols, rather than a true resemblance, and how each symbol shows the true attitude of worship in church or in personal devotion, serving as a tonic for real appreciation of Christ and communion with Him.
After this I beheld, and, lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations, and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; And cried with a loud voice, saying, Salvation to our God which sitteth upon the … Continued
And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? (Revelation 6:16-17) The deeper things of life are so easily … Continued
‘And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof? And no man in heaven, … Continued
After this I looked, and, behold, a door was opened in heaven: and the first voice which I heard was as it were of a trumpet talking with me; which said, Come up hither, and I will shew thee things which must be hereafter. And immediately I was in the spirit: and, behold, a throne … Continued
‘These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb.’ Full chapter _____________ Revelation 14 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, … Continued
Christ’s own call to consider the needs of the soul, to see our spiritual predicament and our need of Him. Here are the reasons why we lock the door of the heart against Him and resist every divine approach, and here is the momentous experience of yielding to Him.
In striking symbolic language, John shows a new heavenly realm prepared for the eternal future of all who find the Lord while on earth, providing insights into that astounding realm, and speaking of the terms of entry, at the end of life’s journey.
And when I saw him, I fell at his feet as dead. And he laid his right hand upon me, saying unto me, Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and … Continued
And the Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely. (Revelation 22:17) The deeper things of life are so easily crowded out today. Here at the Metropolitan Tabernacle we cater for the … Continued
‘As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten: be zealous therefore, and repent.’ Full chapter _____________ Revelation 3 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that … Continued
‘And unto the angel of the church of the Laodiceans write; These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the beginning of the creation of God.’ Full chapter _____________ Revelation 3 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, … Continued
‘And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things saith he that is holy, he that is true, he that hath the key of David, he that openeth, and no man shutteth; and shutteth, and no man openeth.’ Full chapter _____________ Revelation 3 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis … Continued
Full chapter _____________ Revelation 3 And unto the angel of the church in Sardis write; These things saith he that hath the seven Spirits of God, and the seven stars; I know thy works, that thou hast a name that thou livest, and art dead. Be watchful, and strengthen the things which remain, that are … Continued
‘And unto the angel of the church in Thyatira write; These things saith the Son of God, who hath his eyes like unto a flame of fire, and his feet are like fine brass; I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience, and thy works; and the last to be … Continued
‘And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write; These things saith he which hath the sharp sword with two edges; I know thy works, and where thou dwellest, even where Satan’s seat is: and thou holdest fast my name, and hast not denied my faith, even in those days wherein Antipas was my … Continued
Full chapter _____________ Revelation 2 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks; I know thy works, and thy labour, and thy patience, and how thou canst not bear them … Continued
‘Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven stars in his right hand, who walketh in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks.’ Full chapter _____________ Revelation 2 Unto the angel of the church of Ephesus write; These things saith he that holdeth the seven … Continued
A scan of events and trends which are to occur in society and in churches as the end of the age draws near, taken from Revelation, Christ’s words in Matthew 24, and also from 2 Thessalonians 2 and 2 Timothy 3. Also: how believers should react and respond to these.
The infinite and eternal God is a personal God who knows all things, and has a record of all human conduct, including thoughts, words, acts, and motives. Here is the biblical teaching, especially on the ‘book of life’ and who is listed in it.
‘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.’ Full chapter _____________ Revelation 21 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and … Continued
Full chapter _____________ Revelation 1 The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus … Continued
The biblical model for worship (so often overturned today) and the vital ingredients to be included in prayers and hymns. Here also is a swift review of our 300-year hymn genre and its towering superiority in doctrine, depth, quality and music over contemporary songs.
Compromising Sardis and faithful Philadelphia are here contrasted. Doctrine was right, but the ‘works’ of Sardis were its ruin, doubtless because members accommodated in their lives idolatry. Today the equivalent is worldliness in personal life and in worship. Which church do we resemble?
Christ’s teaching on Heaven and future glory constitutes the only hope for eternal souls. Here is the promised future realm: its holiness, beauty and marvels. Here too are its people and their privileges. Here are the qualifications for admission and the terrors of exclusion. Are we ready?
The world’s worst tyrants turn out to be insecure hypochondriacs, because people are never what they seem. And nor are we the people we often think we are. Here is God’s diagnosis of our problems, and His unspeakably gracious remedy, securing our eternal happiness
Treasures from the past – this remarkable survey of Revelation in one address is a rare recordings from the renowned Bible commentator (1900-1982). A stirring, heart-warming devotional survey from one who excelled in combining quality of scholarship with simplicity of expression. A great example of the art of taking sublime truths and helping people feel them in their hearts.
