P1 Mary Magdalene - A mourner transformed into a missionary

John 20:11 But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb

In yesterday's post we spent some time looking at the one element that demonstrates the credibility and power of Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead - His post-resurrection appearances to His disciples.  We also considered what top Christian scholars have to say about this evidence - noting that the broad consensus supports the changed lives of the disciples as proof positive of Jesus' resurrection.  Finally we had listed 8 individuals or groups that experienced Jesus' post resurrection appearances, noting the following three elements in each occurance:

1. Desparate condition of the people before His appearances

2. Direct encounter with the Risen Christ appearances themselves

3. Drastic change that resulted from the appearances

The first person on the list that saw the resurrected Savior was a woman named Mary Magdalene. In today's post we aim to briefly tell her story and then detail her dire situation, Jesus' post-resurrection appearance to her and the resulting change.  We are calling this post and the next one after it: "A mourner transformed into a missionary."

Meet Mary Magdelene

The proflific writer Herbert Lockyer notes the following about Mary Magdelene: "She is mentioned about fourteen times in the gospels, and from the references to her we can see clearly what she did and how she did it. A striking feature in eight of the fourteen passages is that Mary is named in connection with the other women, but she always heads the list, implying that she occupied the place at the front in service rendered by Godly females. In the five times she is mentioned alone, the connection with with the death and Resurrection of Christ (Mark 16:9; John 20:1,11,16,18). In one instance her name comes after that of the mother and aunt of Jesus.  She stood close by the cross with these other women, but because of their relation to Jesus it would not have been fitting to put her name before theirs (John 19:25). No woman, however, superseded Mary in her utter devotion to the master."1 Mary Magdalene's place of residency had been the town of "Magdala" or "Magada" which is North of Jerusalem on the North western shore of the Sea of the Galilee.  The little city was known for its dye industry and some surmize that Mary herself may have had the ability to support the Lord in his ministries as assumed by her being named among the women who supported Jesus out of "their private means". (Luke 8:3) 

Mary Magdalene's devotion to her Lord and Savior 

Mary's discipleship or followership of Jesus can be traced to when she had been delivered from her demonic affliction by Jesus.  Simply put, her level of deliverance by Jesus explains her level of devotion to Jesus. Though we know but a faint outline about Mary Magdelene from the pages of sacred scripture, the one detail that does stand out is that Jesus had exorcised seven demons from her. Luke 8:1-2 states - "Soon afterwards, He began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. The twelve were with Him, 2 and also some women who had been healed of evil spirits and sicknesses: Mary who was called Magdalene, from whom seven demons had gone out." Mark 16:9 notes - "Now after He had risen early on the first day of the week, He first appeared to Mary Magdalene, from whom He had cast out seven demons."

So how bad off would Mary Magdalene had been, and why do the Gospel writers mention this Divine intervention by Jesus in her life? Jesus gives this interesting explanation of what happens when someone becomes afflicted in the manner Mary Magdalene was afflicted.  Matthew 12:43-45 records His words - “Now when the unclean spirit goes out of a man, it passes through waterless places seeking rest, and does not find it.44 Then it says, ‘I will return to my house from which I came’; and when it comes, it finds it unoccupied, swept, and put in order.45 Then it goes and takes along with it seven other spirits more wicked than itself, and they go in and live there; and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first. That is the way it will also be with this evil generation.”

Mary's name, which in the Hebrew means "bitter, sorrow", captures the fact that here was a lady who knew tears, bondage and sorrow in her past.  We oftentimes do not know the circumstances that bring about a person's condition by the time we meet them.  All we do know is that in her human timeline the Savior met her, did a Divine miracle of deliverance and saved her.  With the nature of the deliverance being recorded twice in the Gospels as a major identifying mark of Mary Magdalene's life - we can see why her level of devotion would run so deep, especially in the wake of Jesus crucifixion and resurrection.

Mary's discipleship in following Jesus to His cross 

Undoubtedly as we trace the Gospel records of Mary Magdelene's activity through the course of Jesus' ministry, we find most of those references pertaining to His cross and resurrection.  John 19:25 states "Therefore the soldiers did these things.  But standing by the cross of Jesus were His mother, and His mother’s sister, Mary the wife of Clopas, and Mary Magdalene."  Here we see Mary standing at the foot of the cross, establishing her as one of the inner circle followers of Jesus along with the other Mary, Mary Jesus' mother and the Apostle John.  Wherever her Lord was - she was. 

Contrary to the unfounded accusations asserted by liberal scholars who will contend she was an illicit woman who had designs on Jesus - legitimate history and scripture know of no such evidence.  Mary Magedelene was an ardent follower of Jesus who wanted to be where He was out of faith that had birthed forth in her heart the moment He had delivered her. In order to be truly into Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, one has had to been made aware of how much Jesus brought them out of their sin and brokenness.  This is Mary Magdalene in her journey of discipleship from deliverance to her destination in seeing Jesus on the cross. 

As we said earlier, the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus entailed three elements: Desparate situation, direct encounter and dramatic change.  For Mary Magdalene, the devotion and faith she exhibited in Jesus during His days on this earth, followed by the trauma of the cross rendered her shattered and heart broken.  We will close out this post by noting Mary Magdalene's desparate situation of mourning.

Mary Magdalene's desparate situation of mourning

As she witnessed with tears and grief the Incarnate God of Glory bleeding and broken on the cross - she saw all the more how much He was the source of her healing.  Following His crucifixion, we see Joseph of Arimethea taking the body of Jesus and laying it in his own tomb, guess who is there to both witness it and keep vigil - Mary Magdelene.  Matthew 27:61 "And Mary Magdalene was there, and the other Mary, sitting opposite the grave." In the days following the burial of Jesus, we know from Matthew 28:1 records that Mary and the other women came to look at the grave.  

Mary's actions depict a woman whose soul had been ripped asunder.  She would not rest her weary eyes and her tears could not stop flowing.  Mary Magdalene is depicted at the tomb of her Lord as a woman in deep mourning.  It is certain that no comfort could console her.  She could never get over losing the Life that had saved hers.  Little did she know that upon her next pilgrimage to the tomb that she would find an unexpected scene that would forever alter her life, the disciples and multiplied millions of lives thereafter.  We close with the verse we started with in today's post - John 20:11 "But Mary was standing outside the tomb weeping; and so, as she wept, she stooped and looked into the tomb." What happened? Tomorrow we will continue in see what happens to Mary Magdalene. Find out in P2 of our study - Mary Magdalene - A mourner turned into a missionary.

More tomorrow.....

Endnotes:

1. Herbert Lockyer. All the Women of the Bible. Zondervan. Page 100

The importance of Jesus' post-resurrected appearances to His followers, and to you

Matthew 28:6 "He is not here, for He has risen, just as He said. Come, see the place where He was lying. 7 Go quickly and tell His disciples that He has risen from the dead; and behold, He is going ahead of you into Galilee, there you will see Him; behold, I have told you.”

Introduction:

Whenever we consider the event of Christ's resurrection from the dead, there is no event that stands more central and important to Christianity.  No other event or Christian doctrine is more proclaimed, more attacked and more credible than Christ's resurrection from the dead.  To get our footing on how Jesus' resurrection is communicated and how it is typically defended against critics, I will note four key areas of consideration that must be considered when talking about Jesus' resurrection from the dead:

1. His burial

2. The empty tomb

3. Post resurrection appearances to His followers

4. Changed lives

What top Christian apologists or defenders of the Christian faith say about Jesus' resurrection from the dead

Three of the top Christian Apologists today list the above four areas in their short list of what consistitutes the essence of the Biblical narrative of Christ's resurrection from the dead.  I want the reader to note the last element in each of their listings, since the importance of Jesus' post-resurrected appearances will be discussed toward the end of this post.

First Josh McDowell in his book: "Evidence that Demands a Verdict" lists the following elements of what he calls "the resurrection scene":1

1. Jesus was dead

2. The tomb

3. The burial

4. The stone

5. The seal

6. The guard

7. The disciples

8. The post-resurrection appearances 

The second Christian apologist, Liberty University Professor Gary Habermas, lists out a very similar short list in the argument he gives for the Resurrection that he calls the "minimal facts argument":2

1. The burial

2. The empty tomb

3. Post resurrection appearances

4. Changed lives (especially of the Apostle Paul).

Dr. Habermas' argument leans heavily on Paul's statements in 1 Corinthians 15:1-10, noting that the material represent early information that takes the reader back to within a year after the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.  

The third Christian Apologist who argues for the historicity and reliability of the resurrection accounts of Jesus Christ is Dr. William Lane Craig, a world renowned expert and debater who frequently debates critics attacking the Bible.  In his presentations, I have heard Dr. Craig list in a similar fashion the following essential elements to the account of Jesus' resurrection from the dead:

1. The burial

2. The empty tomb

3. The post resurrection appearances

4. The changed lives of the disciples

5. The conversion of the Apostle Paul

The reader can check out Dr. Craig's material at www.reasonablefaith.com.

The one area among these elements that merits further focus and explanation

In past posts over the years we have explored the great resurrection chapter of 1 Corinthians 15 and have aimed to unpack and proclaim all that Paul has to say in his masterful explanation and defense of the resurrection.  Certainly the Gospel accounts have also been the focus of past blogs on this subject, wherein we have talked about the crucifixion, burial and empty tomb.  In this post and in future ones, this writer would like to dedicate more time to considering how Jesus' post-resurrected appearances changed the lives of his followers, and how His living Person and power can change your life.

In listening to such fine articulators of the Christian faith above like McDowell, Habermas and Craig, as well as reading wonderful books and articles written by able Bible teachers, it has come to my attention that the way in which Jesus' post-resurrection appearances changed lives is worthy of consideration. Exploring how the post resurrected Jesus radically changed the lives of his disciples in the wake of His resurrection, as well as how He is still changing lives today lends immense credibility to the truth of the resurrection narratives. 

What we observe in the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus

Whenever we consider the four Gospel records, the Book of Acts and 1 Corinthians 15, we find exactly one dozen episodes featuring Christ's post resurrection appearances.  Furthermore, we find three common themes among them all:

1. Desparate condition of the people before His appearances

2. Direct encounter with the Risen Christ appearances themselves

3. Dramatic change that resulted from the appearances

Eight individuals or groups stand out in these post-ressurection appearance narratives, what we could call "post-resurrection profiles". 

1. Mary Magdelene

2. Peter

3. Emmaus Road Disciples

4. Thomas

5. The Disciples in general

6. Group of 500 people

7. James, the half brother of Jesus 

8. Paul

In scanning over these eight people or groups, we discover that in each case, their lives before, during and after each post-resurrection appearance leads to the conclusion that Christ indeed not only raised from the dead, but is alive and operating among His people.  Such post-resurrection power is the basis for the salvation and Christian growth of every Christian living today.  As I mentioned a moment ago: this writer would like to dedicate more time to considering how Jesus' post-resurrected appearances changed the lives of his followers, and how His living Person and power can change your life.

Closing thought

The importance of Jesus' post-resurrection appearances cannot be over-estimated.  Not only is such a truth a vital component in communicating and defending the truth of Jesus' resurrection from the dead, but also is vital in explaining how Jesus is able to change lives today. In closing, this is why we come across such statements as 1 Peter 1:3 "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." May we think on such truths and live our lives for the living, risen and exalted Jesus Christ!

Endnotes:

1. Josh McDowell. Evidence that Demands a Verdict - Volume 1. Here's Life Publishers. Page 189.

2. Dr. Habermas' minimal facts presentation can be found at the following link at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ay_Db4RwZ_M

P4 Eternal Heavenly Glory - Revelation 21-22

Revelation 22:16-17 “I, Jesus, have sent My angel to testify to you these things for the churches. I am the root and the descendant of David, the bright morning star.” 17 The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who wishes take the water of life without cost."

Introduction & Review
These past several days have been devoted to unfolding the Eternal Heavenly Glory that we find in Revelation 21-22.  In many ways as I write these posts, I feel like I am trying to describe the Grand Canyon by way of a simple post-card! Nevertheless the scriptures are sufficient and alone are the reliable source for grasping these truths by faith.1  Dr. Wayne Grudem has listed the following observations about the passages we have been exploring:

1. Heaven is a place, not  a state of mind

2. The physical creation will be renewed and we will continue to exist and act in it.

3. Our resurrection bodies will be part of the renewed creation

4. The New creation will not be 'timeless' but will include an unending succession of moments

5. The doctrine of the New creation provides a great motivation for storing up treasures in heaven rather than on earth

6. The New Creation will be a place of great beauty and abundance and joy in the presence of God.1

We have thus far seen the description of  everything that will be included (and not included) in the New Heavens and Earth, as well as how the New Jerusalem will be superior to the current place called "heaven" or "the third heaven". We also have looked at the details of the New Heavenly city of New Jerusalem and have commented on how it relates to us today.  In today's post we want to see how The Triune God appeals to sinners to come by grace through faith so as to occupy this future place.


Final Invitation to Eternal Heavenly Glory 22:6-21

As we consider this final invitation by God in the Bible, we can note that the visions given to John by Jesus have concluded.  Like a great evangelist, Jesus is drawing in the net and extending an invitation. We can see a three fold movement of this final invitation, with each part featuring a prophetic statement of appeal made by Jesus Himself.

A. Appeal to heed the invitation 22:6-9
In this first part of the invitation, Jesus is stating that every word that has been written in the Apocalypse is true and worthy of acceptation.  Those who read and hear the book being read, taught or preached need to be sure they heed its words. Perhaps one  of the finest statements of the Bible's inerrancy ("every word is true) and infallibility ("and faithful", incapable of failure) is made here in by Jesus in Revelation 22:6. Clearly this is an invitation that must be heeded, but also notice...

B. Warning to those who refuse the invitation 22:10-13
The wording of the Revelation 22:11 is worth noting: "Let the one who does wrong, still do wrong; and the one who is filthy, still be filthy; and let the one who is righteous, still practice righteousness; and the one who is holy, still keep himself holy.”  This part of the invitation is being communicated to those who refuse to pay heed and who choose to remain where they're at.

Throughout the prophetic scriptures we see God executing the worst form of judgment imaginable - giving people exactly what they want! This way of communication is what I call "let them alone" language. Passages such as Jeremiah 15:1-2; Ezekiel 3:27 and Daniel 12:3 uses such sentiments to communicate to unrepentant sinners: if you're going to be a sinner, be a good one, for whatsoever a man sows, thus will he reap! (compare Galatians 6:7)

Romans 1:24-28 is perhaps one of the clearest New Testament references that features this style of communication.  After giving sinful man the light of general revelation and being gracious with him, when man continues to reject God's efforts in common grace, the worse form of judgment is to hand mankind over to his base desires. We may wonder why Jesus would use this form of communication in this final invitation of Revelation.  In short, it is to escalate the urgency of the appeal.  There is no such thing as apathy.  Either people will remain as they are and perish (which would be their own fault) or respond to the appeal of Jesus (which can only be credit to the Spirit's drawing grace). So what happens if there is a listener or reader who says: "wait a minute, I don't want to keep doing wrong, being filthy and risk remaining in my sins, I want to be made right with God through Jesus Christ!" What does Jesus have to say to such persons? Notice the final part of this grand invitation...  

C. Blessing for those who welcome the invitation 22:14-21

Notice how in this final part of the appeal, Jesus, the church and the Spirit Himself are all present.  Truly the point is made- lest the Spirit is at work in the sinner's heart, there will be no response, no faith, no repentance. The final verse of Revelation 22 speaks: "The grace of the Lord Jesus be with all. Amen". Grace is what draws us, persuades us to genuinely express faith and repentance and keeps us in Jesus. For all who by grace through faith respond to this final invitation, it is a blessed and glorious salvation that is received!

Endnotes
1. Wayne Grudem. Systematic Theology. Zonndervan. Pages 1159-1164

Endnotes:
1. No silly books on the market today that feature visions and post-mortem scenes of people who have gone to heaven and come back can ever replace, supplement or even complement the scriptures. 

P3 Eternal Heavenly Glory - Revelation 21-22

Revelation 21:9-10 9 Then one of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and spoke with me, saying, “Come here, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” The New Jerusalem
10 And he carried me away in the Spirit to a great and high mountain, and showed me the holy city, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God.

Introduction & Review
In yesterday's post we listed some observations about the New Heaven's and New Earth.  We first of all noted 15 things that will be absent in the Eternal Heavenly Glory of Revelation 21-22.  Next we considered how the New Heavens and Earth are described by a theme of "better than", noting that in comparison to Genesis 3, God's aim is to have a "better than paradise".  These thoughts led us to the third consideration of how the New Heaven will be better than the current third heaven where believers go to now to be with the Lord.  We chose to pick up with today's post in further explaining how the New Heavens and Earth, particularly - the New Jerusalem, aid us in seeing just how glorious the Eternal heavenly Glory will be.

Pausing and reflecting on how the promise of heaven keeps our faith firmly planted in the ground
One morning I had occasion to share the text of Colossians 3:1-3 with some people: "Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God." This text can be equally used in practically applying the truths of the current heaven and the New heavens and earth described here in Revelation 21-22.  Reflecting upon both yields the same fruit - assurance, hope, encouragement and strength for the journey. 

Dr. John Piper notes concerning how Jesus functions as the anchor for the soul in Heaven in Hebrews 6:18-20 - "Now here is the burning question for me. Is the anchor of my soul as firmly attached to my soul as it is to the altar of God? In other words is the picture here of an anchor with its hook and chain bound unbreakably to the altar of God in the holy of holies so that nothing could loose it from that end, but with the rope just hanging out of heaven in the air? Is the only point of this text to say "Take hold of the loose end of this rope and you will have safety and firmness and assurance?" Piper later writes: "When he says in verse 19 that we have an "anchor of the soul" I think he means that the anchor is firmly anchored in heaven, and the anchor is firmly attached to the Christian's soul."1

The City whose builder and maker is God
We know from other scriptures that the concept of Heaven being likened unto a city is found throughout the Biblical authors.  According to Hebrews 11:9-10, Abraham the patriarch had been in search of it through faith.  We as Christians are already designated a citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem above. (Galatians 4:26; Philippians 3:20) Presumably these references are talking about the "third heaven" where believers in the Lord go when they die in Jesus. (2 Corinthians 5:5-6; 12:4). Jesus then told his disciples in John 14:1-3 that He is going away to "prepare a place" which we can presume to be the grand city described in Revelation 21 and 22. 2   Evidently by being with Jesus through His Kingdom age (compare Revelation 20:1-6), where He is, we will be, and thus the whole point of Revelation 21-22 is to demonstrate that God in Christ with His people has come to tabernacle, and thus Heaven will characterize earth and earth's physical nature will characterize Heaven in the Eternal glory of these chapters. 

A quick tour of the New Jerusalem
We first of all note it is a Heavenly city. (Revelation 21:10-11) This is most likely the same city spoken of by Jesus in John 14:1-3. As a heavenly city is secondly a costly city, composed of solid diamond gemstones (Revelation 21:12) and other costly materials such as gems and transparent gold. (21:15-20) Thirdly it is a promised city, as seen by the names of the patriarchs and apostles inscribed on its gates and foundations. (Revelation 21:13-14)

The fourth thing we can note about this city is its size: 1500 miles in each direction, with the same length characterizing its height.  Quite literally this is a cube that is the size of North America or most of Europe.  The height of this city has led many sound interpreters to conclude that the city may be composed of multiple stories and levels. To wonder if there would be enough space to live, some rough calculations yield that if the New Jerusalem, with all of its levels being a mile of distance from top to bottom (and this 1500 levels high) had tracts of space laid out for 8 billion people, each person would easily have 250 acres! What we must realize of course is that God is a big God and that the whole point of large proportions in any of His creations is to display His glory. (Compare Psalm 19:1-6) So in being a heavenly, costly and promised city that is quite grand in scope, we can notice yet another trait, fifthly that this city is a God-centered city. (21:22-25) In as much as its studded gemstones and unfathomable beauty describe the New Jerusalem, without God as the light and the Lamb as the light, this city would never shine, would never be precious and would never be grand. We can note yet another trait, number six, that this city will be a life giving city. (22:1-5) Notice how this city has a healing tree, a river of life and unending light.

So let us quickly review what we have noticed thus far about the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21:9-22:5
1. Heavenly City
2. Costly City
3. Promised City
4. Large city
5. God-centered City
6. Living City


But now understand dear friend, John has been shown this glorious New heavens and earth with the glorious new Jerusalem, however right now that city is unoccupied.  Henceforth there is one last trait we must notice that will be true of this city, namely that God and the Lamb desire it to be an occupied city.  All those chosen in grace and so inclined to receive the free offer of such grace by faith will be in that city. Is that you? Are you a believer in Jesus Christ? 

Tomorrow we will consider the grand appeal to come and be a present citizen and future occupant of Eternal Heavenly Glory.

Endnotes:
1. http://www.desiringgod.org/sermons/hope-anchored-in-heaven

2. Often in our songs of praise and even in our doctrines we tend to blend the truths of the third Heaven and the Jerusalem found here in Revelation 21:10-27 & 22:1-5. Clearly there are many similarities, however there are some differences to note as well.

P3 - Mary Magdalene: A mourner turned into a missionary - Life Applications

John 20:31 "but these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing you may have life in His name."
Introduction and Review:
Yesterday we considered how Mary Magdalene had went through a three phase process in relationship to the resurrection of Jesus Christ:
1. She was in a desparate situation that could be described by one word - mourning

2. She was directly encountered by the risen Christ

3. She had a dramatic change that resulted in her being changed from a mourner into a missionary.

Truly such an account is awesome and amazing to behold and read. With that said, we find the words from the Apostle John recorded above at the beginning of today's post in John 20:31.  Clearly such an account of the life changing power of Jesus Christ in the life of Mary Magdalene and the other disciples' encounters with the risen Savior was meant for the reader today. What life applications can we draw from her life? What relationship, if any, does Jesus' post-resurrection power have to do with you today? In reflecting upon what we have discovered in these last few posts, we can draw out the following life applications:

1). Salvation is described as an encounter with the post - resurrected Jesus
As one begins to explore the rest of the New Testament, it is clear how often salvation is connected with the resurrected power of Jesus Christ. The Holy Ghost says in Romans 8:11 "But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you."  1 Peter 1:3 notes - "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." Peter wrote those words some 30 years after the events recorded in the Gospels. 1 Peter 1:21 states - "who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God." Such a salvation includes provisions for delivery from fear of death and intense grief. (Isaiah 53:4-6; Hebrews 2:14) So we see that quite literally, by the agency of the Holy Spirit of God, every Christian living today can say like Mary Magdalene: "I have seen the Lord!" But now let us notice a second life application, namely....

2). Sanctification includes the indwelling post-resurrected Jesus
There was something that radically was altered in both the humanity of our Lord and the humanity of his followers.  For Jesus, His resurrection from the dead enabled Him to walk through walls and defy gravity. (Luke 24:43; Acts 1:11) He remained physical (John 20:27) and could eat food (Luke 24:43) and yet He could alter His physical body in such a fashion as to pass through closed doors and appear in physical form to his disciples (John 20:19,26). 
Clearly people like Mary Magdalene walked differently and talked differently.  Not only was there a one time dramatic change but there was ever increasing ongoing change - whereby the disciples were becoming more and more like their master - a process we called "sanctification". 

What makes Christians today have even more remarkable experiences than the disciples is the fact that the living Christ is described as not being just brought to them (salvation) but being ever increasingly revealed in them (sanctification). Romans 8:10 states - "If Christ is in you, though the body is dead because of sin, yet the spirit is alive because of righteousness." The Holy Spirit says through Paul in Galatians 2:20 "I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me." We then read in Ephesians 3:17 "so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; and that you, being rooted and grounded in love". Colossians 1:27 records - "to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory."

What these passages indicate then is that because of Jesus Christ's resurrection from the dead - all of the spiritual benefits won for us on the cross are transmitted by the Holy Spirit as a result of His resurrection.  His post-resurrected power necessarily leads to change in a person who has been both impacted and indwelt by it. Truly for those who struggle with mourning over their past or in the present, the same power that changed Mary Magdalene the mourner into Mary Magdalene the missionary is available in an even greater measure to you and I as Christians today.  

P2 Eternal Heavenly Glory - Revelation 21-22

Revelation 21:4-5 "and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away. 5 And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.”

Introduction & Review

In yesterday's post we did a brief overview of Revelation 21-22 to begin  a new series of posts: "Eternal Heavenly Glory". Though Revelation 21-22 occupies 2 of the 1189 chapters of God's Word, the "Age to Come" or what we're calling "Eternal Heavenly Glory" will know no end.  Here is a summary of the outline of Revelation 21-22 from yesterday:

I. Eternal Heavenly Glory Defined Revelation 21:1-3

II. Eternal Heavenly Glory Described Revelation 21:4-22:5

III. Final Invitation to Eternal Heavenly Glory 22:6-21

Yesterday we saw that in Revelation 21:1-3 a brief summary of the three main areas of Eternal Heavenly Glory to be described by John: New Everything (21:1); New City (21:2) and the throne of God and the Lamb (21:3). Those are the three main points John will use in this final vision of the New Heavens and Earth.  In today's post we aim to unpack that first element of "New Everything" (New Heaven's & Earth) in Revelation 21:4-22:5.

"The Land of No More"

Preachers of old have often referred to the New Heavens and New Earth in the Eternal Age to come as "the land of no more".  Consequently this title fits the context since so much referrence is made to what will not be present in the Eternal Heavenly Glory of these chapters.  By noting what is not in the glorious scene or what is "no longer" to remain, we can begin to grasp a little bit of what the Apostle John is communicating. Let the reader note the following things that will be "no more" or "no longer":

1. No longer any sea 21:1

2. No more death 21:4

3. No more mourning 21:4

4. No more crying 21:4

5. No more pain 21:4

6. No more past (i.e former things) 21:4

7. No more debt (i.e without cost) 21:6; 22:17

8. No temple 21:22

9. No sun 21:23; 22:5

10. No moon 21:23

11. No night 21:25; 22:5

12. Nothing unclean 21:27

13. No abomination 21:27

14. No curse 22:5

15. No lamps 22:5

As one preacher describes it: "No more sea means nothing to separate us; No more death means nothing to grieve us; No more pain means nothing to hurt us; No more night means nothing to frighten us and No more curse, therefore nothing to defile us."  

"The land of better than" 

Having considered what this heavenly glory will be missing, we can now consider what will be in the New Heavens and Earth.  Another theme that can be found in Revelation 21-22 is how this Eternal Heavenly Glory is better than anything we know of right now.  Oftentimes I have heard people say that the goal of God is to restore us back to paradise, being that is the first three chapters of Genesis we see paradise lost. I would suggest that God's goal is not merely to restore a paradise lost, rather His aim is to redeem that lost paradise and to make a "better than" paradise. A quick comparison of Genesis 3 and Revelation 21-22 will highlight this thought:

1. Genesis 3 there was death; Revelation 21:4 there is no more death and in 22:1 a river of life

2. Genesis 3 witnesses separation from God; whereas Revelation 21:3, 22:1 sees reconciliation to God

3. Genesis 3 see no access to the tree of life; whereas in Revelation 22:2 there is full access

4. Disease, sickness and pain come out of Genesis 3; whereas healing, wholeness and harmony come out of Revelation 22:2

5. Nothing but curse in Genesis 3; No more curse in Revelation 22:3

6. Broken fellowship persists in Genesis 3; Full fellowship in Revelation 22:3

7. Veiled faces of shame mark Genesis 3; unveiled faces mark Revelation 22:4

8. Darkness sinks into Genesis 3; No more Darkness in Genesis 22:5

9. Mankind lost his position in the first Adam in Genesis 3; All who are in the New Adam by Grace through faith are restored and more in Revelation 22:5

"Better than Heaven"

To add to this "better than theme", the New Heavens and Earth are going to be "better than heaven".  We know of 4 places in scripture defined by the term "heaven".  There is the 1st heaven or sky, the 2nd heaven or universe and the 3rd heaven or where believers go right now to be with the Lord.  In as much as the third heaven is a glorious place (2 Peter 1:11-12) beyond description (2 Corinthians 12:4), we know that the New Heavens spoken of here in these last two chapters of Revelation are beyond and better. 

To illustrate, when my family and I lived in Florida years ago, we would go sometimes to the part of Disney world called "down town Disney". That area was a little town-like place located immediately outside the park.  What many people don't realize is that one can enjoy a taste of the full Disney experience in places like Down Town Disney.  When we would go there we could spend all day without having to pay admission. We also would get on the park monorail and ride for free through the palatial hotel lobbies that dotted the outer perimeter of the vast acrage of Disney.  We could not get over how enjoyable it was. 

However a group of our friends decided to purchase tickets for Debi and me (they took the kids!) to enjoy The Epcot Theme Park and one of its Grandest Hotels. Let me tell you, the experience made Down Town Disney pale in comparision.  Though I had lived only an hour away from Orlando, when I got inside the actual park, I could see why people the world over will spend untold amounts of money to make what could very well be a trip of a life time.  And to think there were two other parks (The Magic Kingdom and Universal Studios) that we had not even seen!

Do you know dear friend, the place where our Christian loved ones and friends go now is undoubtedly glorious and comforting (Luke 16:19-21,25). Such a heavenly reality has gates to welcome us (2 Peter 1:11-12) and is saturated with the very presence of God (2 Corinthians 5:5).  Revelation 4-5 describes a little bit of what the activity and beauty of the third heaven is like, fully of light, sound, singing and rejoicing over the glory of God the Father, the Lamb and the Spirit proceeding out from the midst of that throne.  The saints of old pine after it (Psalm 73:24-25).  However the new Heavens and New Earth are going to be "better than" heaven.  How so? To answer that question will require us looking at the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21:10-27 and inside that vast metropolis in Revelation 22:1-5 tomorrow. 

P1 Eternal Heavenly Glory - Revelation 21-22

Revelation 21:1-3 "Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. 2 And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them."

Introduction: Two great preachers comment on the eternal heavenly glory of Revelation 21-22

I thought I would open up today's post with two quotes from two great preachers who have been gifted by God to expound His word.  The first is from Dr. John MacArthur who writes concerning Heaven and the Christian:1

"Most Christians, I suppose, through the centuries could say with the psalmist in Psalm 73, "Whom have I in heaven but Thee and besides Thee I desire nothing on earth." That is the expression of the heart that longs for God. Much like Psalm 42 where the psalmist says, "As the deer pants after the water brook, so pants my soul after Thee, O God." The psalmist in the same Psalm 73 said, "Nearness to God is my good." He said, "God is my portion forever." Being preoccupied with the person of God, longing to be in the presence of God was on the heart of Christians. In fact, the pure in heart, according to the words of Jesus in the Beatitudes, are promised that they will some day see God. Through the centuries that desire to see God, to be in God's presence, to enjoy God forever, that desire that there is nothing in the world that can satisfy has been on the hearts of believers."

The second quote derives from the late Dr. W.A Criswell who penned in his opening sermon on Revelation 21 - "The Word is illimitable. The wisdom and truth and revelation of God is unfathomable. I’m like a diver that would go down into the depths of a southern sea to find pearls and gems on the floor of the ocean. And when I get down there, I am overwhelmed by the profuse, vast, illimitable treasures scattered all around me. Which jewel shall I take? And what jewel shall I leave behind? What shall I place in this sermon, and what of those thousand other things that I wish I had time even to mention? Ah, the riches of the revelation of God in Christ Jesus; how past finding out, how past exploring, how past understanding, much less exegeting and homileticizing and presenting and preaching, this rich, incomparably glorious Word of God!"2

A bird's eye view of Eternal Heavenly Glory in Revelation 21-22

With the opening thoughts above, it is very apparent that the final two chapters of the Apocalypose of John present to us scenes and realities that exceed imagination and which nearly escape human vocabulary.  If we were to view the entire Bible in terms of ages and time frames, we could assign at least five of them:

1. The Old Testament Age

2. The Church Age

3. The Tribulation Period or age

4. The Kingdom Age

5. The Age to Come 

The last age is to be an endless one.  Though it only occupies 2 of the 1189 chapters of God's Word, the "Age to Come" or what we're calling "Eternal Heavenly Glory" will know no end.  More will be said in future posts, however today I wanted to simply outline for the reader how Revelation 21-22 unfolds.

I. Eternal Heavenly Glory Defined Revelation 21:1-3

A. New Everything  21:1

B. New City 21:2

C. Throne of God and the Lamb 21:3

II. Eternal Heavenly Glory Described Revelation 21:4-22:5

A. New Everything described 21:4-8

B. New City described from afar 21:9-27

C. Throne of God & The Lamb inside the City 22:1-5

III. Final Invitation to Eternal Heavenly Glory 22:6-21

A. Appeal to heed the invitation 22:6-9

B. Warning to those who refuse the invitation 22:10-13

C. Blessing for those who welcome the invitation 22:14-21

Endnotes:

1. http://www.gty.org/resources/sermons/66-80/the-new-heaven-and-the-new-earth-part-1

2. http://www.wacriswell.com/transcript/?thisid=9C63831F-2578-41A7-91CD49D7E17B1D48