Revelation Part 52
What a powerful reminder it is that, as the praise of God is sounding in heaven, the temple of God is opened, and the ark of His covenant is revealed. God's presence, His covenant, His government, and His promises are all connected.
Revelation 11:18 says that God will
"destroy those who destroy the earth."
The outcome for the unrepentant is destruction, not eternal life in torment. The lake of fire represents eternal death and the complete destruction of those who refuse God's way. Eternal punishment is different from eternal judgment. Satan's ultimate fate is different because he is a spirit being, but human beings who refuse God will ultimately be physically destroyed in the lake of fire.
This judgment is necessary because sin has polluted every part of human society. We can see its effects in education, healthcare, manufacturing, economics, government, family life, and every other institution. One of the problems of modern systems is that short-term objectives can become more important than ethics and long-term consequences.
The false Babylonian system described in Revelation represents this corruption on a much larger scale. What begins at the individual level can eventually permeate every aspect of society. Economic systems have expanded from local regions to nations and toward a global economy. Revelation will describe how this interconnected system becomes part of the final Babylonian structure.
Romans 8:19-25 describes creation itself waiting for the manifestation of the children of God and for the redemption that will come. 2 Peter 3:10-14 likewise explains that the present heavens and earth will be dissolved and replaced. These things must be ended so that God can establish something new. This is what we look forward to. Therefore, Peter says we should be diligent, living in a way that reflects the future we are waiting for.
Revelation 11:19 brings this section to a powerful conclusion:
"Then the temple of God was opened in heaven, and the ark of His covenant was seen in His temple. And there were lightnings, noises, thundering, an earthquake, and great hail."
The temple represents the place where God dwells. The lightning, noises, thundering, earthquake, and great hail all serve as signs of God's presence, power, judgment, and vindication of His people. The ark of the covenant is especially significant because it represented God's covenant relationship with His people.
The ark pointed toward God's guidance, His direction, His protection, His provision, and His correction. Aaron's rod represented the priesthood and God's chosen direction for His people. The manna represented His provision and care. The tablets of the Law represented His instruction and correction. Together, these reminders pointed toward a God who does not merely exercise power over His creation, but who establishes a covenant relationship with His people and gives them the guidance necessary to live His way.
What a powerful reminder it is that, as the praise of God is sounding in heaven, the temple of God is opened, and the ark of His covenant is revealed. God's presence, His covenant, His government, and His promises are all connected. The time is coming when God will dwell with His people and the seat of His government will be established over the earth.
This is what we have been invited to understand now. We have been given the opportunity to know God's plan before these events take place. We can understand where history is going and why God's judgments are necessary. Praise God!
We should pray for these days to come, looking forward to them with urgency and expectancy. We anxiously anticipate the return of Jesus Christ, the putting away of Satan, and the establishment of God's Kingdom. At the same time, we should be sobered by the judgment that will occur before and during that transition. We should not look forward to human suffering itself. We look forward to the righteous outcome, the end of Satan's dominion, and the establishment of God's government.
That anticipation should make us more determined now to be the salt and the light of the world, as Jesus commanded in Matthew 5:16. We should set a good example for the next generation, as Titus 2 teaches, and we should live as ambassadors for Christ.
2 Corinthians 5:20 says that we are ambassadors for Christ,
"as though God were pleading through us,"
and that we should implore others on Christ's behalf to be reconciled to God. The coming judgment gives urgency to that responsibility. We know where the world is heading. We know that God's Kingdom will come. We know that Christ will return. Until then, we have a responsibility to remain faithful, to keep our garments clean, to walk in the light, and to help others understand the way of God.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
