Of The Earth - Revelation 21:22-27

Revelation 21:22-27 ESV 

And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb. And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb. By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day—and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honor of the nations. But nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false, but only those who are written in the Lamb's book of life.

Mankind was expelled from the presence of God when Adam disobeyed. Through obedience we are able to return and regain that presence. We enter the gates of the New Jerusalem. 

It would appear from this passage there exists an earth outside of the New Jerusalem.  The light from God's presence goes out to the ends of earth from the city. The glory and honor of the nations are brought to the city in return. 

We participate and are part of that light, as are all children of light which comprise the body of Christ. 

Though the gates are never closed, it is only those who have found God and worship Him who may enter. 

The purpose of the Garden of Eden is fulfilled.  The charge of multiplying and subduing the earth has and is being carried out. 

The second Adam has become the tree of life.  All those who have eaten the bread from heaven have eaten from the tree of life. Jesus is the bread of life. 

There Soar

Step off the edge of this flat world into the kingdom of heaven, and there soar in the splendid atmosphere of the Living God. 

Through Him - 2Corinthians 1:20-22

2 Corinthians 1:20-22 ESV 

For all the promises of God find their Yes in him. That is why it is through him that we utter our Amen to God for his glory. And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

It is through God that we utter our Amen for He is the Amen, the word of God. Through His Son we are established, made whole and are given His righteousness for our own. He has anointed and sealed with His Spirit. 

A truer word has not been spoken. 

Solitude

A man enters the solitude of God and leaves the mass of the world, only to find the communion of God and the reality of the world to come.  It is there we find true companionship.  That ship is the ark of God, the body of Christ.  In its hold we safely float on the waters of the deep until the waters recede. 

We are privileged to see those two worlds at the same time. We realize what is yet to be has been spoken and is more real than what is before our eyes. 

In that solitude we find the voice of God and we are speechless. 

Hold Fast - 1Corinthians 15:1-2

1 Corinthians 15:1-2 ESV 

 Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand, and by which you are being saved, if you hold fast to the word I preached to you— unless you believed in vain.

Most translations seem to imply that the gospel says that we are saved as a done deal, and in a way that is true.  It is often translated in the past tense, but the Greek uses the present tense. Our salvation is ongoing and something that is being done to us. 

For example the NIV translates these verses:

1 Corinthians 15:1-2 NIV 

 Now, brothers and sisters, I want to remind you of the gospel I preached to you, which you received and on which you have taken your stand. By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.

The ESV uses the phrase "are being saved", which reflects its present tense. We are in fact being saved "if" we hold on to the word.  This is our work, that we cling to His word and endure so we will not be ashamed when He returns. 

We are a work in progress as we work out our salvation with fear and trembling.  Responding to "if" in the way we live according to His word is our testimony of Jesus.  As we keep going to Him, He keeps growing in us until we reach the full measure of His stature. 

The Dwelling Place Of God

In the Old Testament, the dwelling place of God is in a specific place. 

In the New Testament, the dwelling place of God is in the heart of His church.

It is still a specific place, though it is no longer geographical, but spiritual.  This becomes the New Jerusalem. 

To Endure It - 1Corinthians 10:11-13

1 Corinthians 10:11-13 ESV 

Now these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction, on whom the end of the ages has come. Therefore let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

The basics of temptation were the same yesterday as they are today.  They are common to man.  We share the same skin and world.  The record of journeys that went before us are useful to us as we undertake our journey, which is the same journey everyone must make: to get from here to there. It is the great migration of our souls. 

Paul confirms that our life is filled with temptation.  God's plan is for us to choose Him and keep on choosing Him.  It is the endurance of the saints and the persevering to the end.  In doing this, we are able to at reach the promised land, our inheritance as children of God. 

God is for us.  He is with us and walks with us.  He has made a way, where there was no way.