The Power of a Heavenly Vision

Experiencing the Power of God Series

The Power of a Heavenly Vision

Study Guide 

Message for Sunday May 26, 2019

This Week Reading:  Revelation 21:9-10 and 22-27  Additional Reading: All of chapters 19 through 22 of the book of Revelation

Introduction

The key to understanding the book of Revelation is to understand what was going on in the world when it was written. This is called the context. The book is a series of visions from God given to the Apostle John. John is an elderly man probably 90 years old. He is on the Island of Patmos which was a prison Island. It was a place the Roman government sent political and other prisoners. John was sent there because he was a leader of the Christians. The Romans at that time were persecuting Christians and the churches. There was a great deal of suffering. This naturally brought questions to their minds such as: Where is God? What is God going to do? When? They needed something to help them persevere through the suffering. It is in this context that God gives John a vision of the end. By seeing the end and that God and the church are victorious, people are able to endure suffering now. Revelation brings a certain hope to the suffering church. Similarly for us today a vision of heaven gives us certain hope and perseverance.

Background Information

It would be good to read chapters 19 through 22 to get the full context. These chapters deal with the end of the end. The Big Picture of history has four movements: Creation - Fall - Redemption and New Creation. These chapters deal with new creation. The new creation is the only true basis for Biblical hope. The bride refers to the church (See Ephesians 5:22-32 and verses in additional resource below). The lamb refers to Jesus (John 1:29). The book of life refers to all who are saved (Revelation 3:5; 13;8; 20:15; Daniel 12:10). There are several lists throughout the Bible that indicate who can not enter the heaven (1 Corinthians 6:9).    

  

A Simple Outline with Key Points

 I. . The Big Picture  - Verse 9-10

Hebrews 11:10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. 

Hebreos 11:10 porque esperaba la ciudad de cimientos sólidos, de la cual Dios es arquitecto y constructor. 

When struggle, suffering, death of loved one, or sickness come refocus on the big picture and you will find hope. 

II. The Glory to Come - Verses 22-26

 I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18 

De hecho, considero que en nada se comparan los sufrimientos actuales con la gloria que habrá de revelarse en nosotros. Romans 8:18 

The glory to come is the true source of hope and power for today. 

4. The Great Decision - Verse 27

14 “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. 15 Outsideare the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.  Revelation 22:14-15 

14 »Dichosos los que lavan sus ropas para tener derecho al árbol de la vida y para poder entrar por las puertas de la ciudad. 15 Pero afuera se quedarán los perros, los que practican las artes mágicas, los que cometen inmoralidades sexuales, los asesinos, los idólatras y todos los que aman y practican la mentira. 

There will be a separation at the end. Those who follow Jesus will enter the heavenly kingdom. Those who do not will be outside forever lost and broken.  

Digging Deeper Questions

1. What kind of questions do people have when bad things happen? How does suffering or the death of loved ones affect people' faith? What kinds of questions have you struggled with in your life?
2. What comes to your mind when you think of heaven? What do you think it is like? Would you be happy to go there right now or would you prefer to live more of your life? Discuss your reasoning.
3. Read the description of heaven (the New Jerusalem) in verses 22-26. Describe each part and what it means and how it relates to you today.
4. Put yourself in John the apostle's shoes as he receives this vision. Remember John is in exile (see Revelation chapter 1 verse 8) and the churches are being persecuted. How would the vision impact you why?
5. Read verse 27. How would you tell a friend about this verse in your own words? Does everyone go to heaven when they die? What does it take to go to heaven? 
6.  Is your name written in the book of life? Can a person know for certain? How or why not?
7. What have you learned from this study? What will you apply?

This Week's Challenge: Explain to someone who is not following Jesus verse 27 in your own words.

Additional Resource:

Article: 

The Bride the Lamb's Wife

Don't All Good people Go To Heaven