‘Day 341

The Biblical record, climaxing in Revelation, is like an elliptical orbit with 2 focal points revolving around the two advents of Jesus. The entire Old Testament had the people of God anticipating the arrival of the Messiah, by faith, through the sacrificial system. It also anticipated the final consummation.  As New Testament Christians our faith revolves around both advents. We look by faith back to what Jesus has achieved for us while anticipating the grand final curtain call of sin and rebellion at Jesus’ second coming.

The Bible speaks confidently and repeatedly of the time this earth will be re-created and the ravages of sin erased forever. At last, humanity will be restored to its original purpose and the world will again be in harmony. All that has perplexed us in the providences of God will in the world to come be made plain. In discussing the church’s march through time, Revelation, the most amazing yet complex book in the Bible, brings the chronicle of sin to its climax. The golden circle is complete! Sin and its effects shall be no more. The creation story is an overlay of the book. Even the seven last plagues are running the days of creation backward. This is the de-creation! But even more incredible is to notice how every one of the 7 last plagues were experienced by Jesus at the cross.

He was treated like a leper -outside the gate (#1 the sores ) the blood & water (#2 &3) the darkened sun (#4 &5) the spiritual struggle (#6) the crown of thorns -the symbol of the curse (#7) the earthquake and lightning (#7) The same pronouncement as at creation and our recreation “it is finished, ” is now pronounced at the end of all things.(Rev.16:17) All this tells us that if we do not accept the fact that Jesus has born our penalty then we have to bear our own punishment for sin, as do those who receive the plagues at this world’s consummation. We will be free at last to enjoy the presence of the father, the immensity of eternity, and the re-created earth. “Even so come Lord Jesus. ” (Rev.22:20)

In his closing words, John says that the grace of Christ is all sufficient. It can supply all your needs, no matter what the situation. Jesus knows, for He has been through hard times.