Hope and Change, God’s Hope and Change, God’s WayWay

Lesson 8Revelation 21 – 22

The Hope of Heaven: The Final Word on Heaven

May 23, 2010

I.I. Introduction to Lesson Introduction to Lesson 88A. When thinking of heaven we must keep

1 Corinthians 2:9 in mind.A. This is the final message of our series on Hope.B. The “final word on heaven” is found in the Book

of Revelation (especially chapters 21 and 22).C. There is a clear break with earlier chapters.D. Revelation deals with many other aspects of the

future, but we won’t go there.E. There are also glimpses of heaven elsewhere in

Revelation.F. My approach in this lesson

II.II. Heaven – who will be there (and won’t)?Heaven – who will be there (and won’t)?A. God the Father (1:4, 8; 4:2-11; 21:6; 22:13)B. God the Son (1:13-18; 5:5-13; 19:11-16)C. Holy Spirit

1.Holy Spirit = 0x2.“in the Spirit” = 4x3.Spirit = 9x

D. Saints (some of whom are martyrs)E. Angels = 74x (25%)F. Elders = 12x G. Apostles (18:20; 21:14)H. (four) Living creatures = 13x

1.We aren’t the only ones in heaven2.But we are the only “bride” (19:7-8)

I. Who won’t be there: the wicked (21:8; 22:15)

III.III. What is heaven like?What is heaven like?A. Jesus as the prototype of heaven

1.Immanuel (God with us; John 1:14; 2:18-22)2.His attributes (John 14:9)3.His miraclesa. Water to wine (John 2:1-11)b. Calming the storm (Luke 8:22-25)c. Travel in darkness (John 11:8-10)d. Casting out demons (Mark 1:34)e. Healing the sick (Mark 1:34)f. Raising the dead (John 11)g. The transfiguration (Mark 9:2-8)

B. Heaven is God-like1.Glory (Exodus 33:18ff.; Isaiah 6:3; John 17:24; Rev.

21:23)2.Holy/holiness (Isaiah 6:3; 57:15; Rev. 21:27)3.Righteous/just/justice (2 Thessalonians 1:6-10;

Revelation 7:9-11; 16:4-6; 19:1-4)4.Beauty (Psalm 50:2; Isaiah 33:17; Revelation 21:10-

11)5.Immortality (1 Tim. 1:17; Rev. 21:4)6.Light (Isa. 60:1; John 8:12; Rev. 21:23)7.Joy (Isa. 62:4-5; 65:17-19; 1 Tim. 1:11; Rev. 19:6-7)

IV.IV. What will we be doing in heaven?What will we be doing in heaven?A. Singing

1.A new song (14:3)2.The Song of Moses (15:3)

B. Prayers (Rev. 5:8; 7:9-11; 8:3-4) C. Worship and Praise (Rev. 4-5; 7:9-12; 10:6; 11:15-

18; 14:1-7; 15:1-4)D. Serving (Rev. 22:3)E. Ruling (Rev. 2:26; 3:21; 5:10; 20:6; 22:5)F. Observation: This is what we do every Sunday.

Church is rehearsal for heaven.V.V. What Revelation Confirms: Heaven is dwelling in What Revelation Confirms: Heaven is dwelling in

God’s presence (Rev. 21:3)God’s presence (Rev. 21:3)

VI.VI. What is the unique contribution of Revelation?What is the unique contribution of Revelation?A. Heaven comes down (3:12; 21:2, 10)B. Addressed to churchesC. Suffering, martyrdom & heavenD. One world government (Rev. 13)E. Opposition to IsraelF. Satan’s defeat and judgment (Rev. 12, 20)

VII.VII. ApplicationApplicationA. Come! (Rev. 22:17)B. Buy gold! (Rev. 3:18)C. Be ready, the time is near! (22:10-14)D. Be faithful and active! (Rev. 2 & 3)E. Persevere! (1:9; 3:10; 13:10; 14:12)

Copyright © 2010 by Robert L. Deffinbaugh. This is the edited PowerPointpresentation of Lesson 8 in the series, Hope and Change, God’s Way,prepared by Robert L. Deffinbaugh for May 23, 2010. Anyone is at liberty to use this lesson for educational purposes only, with or without credit.