And finally the consummation of the ages, described so beautifully by John in his vision of the new Jerusalem.

REVELATION 21 AND 22

In the final glorious vision, at the close of history,

As I gazed with trembling wonder at the awesome Deity,

I, John, heard a voice like thunder pealing from the heavenly throne:

‘Twas the Alpha and Omega reassuring all His own.

“It is finished!” cried the Father, “Let the thirsty come and drink:

There is water in abundance; come and kneel down at the brink

Of the mighty, living River flowing from the throne of God;

You may quench your thirst forever from my ever-living Word.

Everyone who wins the battle ‘gainst the evil in their life

Will inherit all the blessings and will be the bridegroom’s wife:

I will be his God forever; he will always be my son,

And, together, we will revel in the vict’ry Christ has won;

But for cowards and unfaithful, for idolaters and thieves,

Those who would not come to Jesus, over whom the Spirit grieves,

There’s the fiery lake of sulphur, place of misery and gloom;

Unbelief has sealed forever their eternal fate and doom.

Then an angel called me to him and invited me to see

All the glory and the beauty of the Bridegroom’s wife-to-be.

In a vision I was taken to a towering mountain peak

Where I saw a sight so wondrous ‘twas impossible to speak;

There I gazed upon the city coming down from God above,

Filled with glory from the Father, wrapped in majesty and love;

Like a glowing, flashing jewel, sparkling like a precious gem

With twelve pearly gates to enter, with twelve angels guarding them;

On each gate a name was written, of the tribes of Israel,

On foundation stones recorded the Apostles’ names as well.

Then the angel who had called me, in his hand a measuring rod,

Calculated the dimensions of the city of our God:

Length and breadth and height were equal, gates and walls were high and strong.

What the purpose of a city with its walls as high as long?

Reader, do you see the wisdom that resides in God’s great plan?

For the city is the temple, so that God can dwell with man.

Streets of gold like purest crystal, gates of pearl and walls of gem,

Corporate man the perfect temple, dwelling place of God in them!

There’s no sun or moon to shine there; God’s own presence is the light;

For God’s glory fills the city; there is never any night.

Gates stay open, never closing; nations stream from far and near;

Nothing evil or immoral, no dishonest person there;

Only those who trust in Jesus, written in the Book of Life,

These alone who, all together, are the Bridegroom’s precious wife.

Down the middle of the city flows a river, deep and wide;

‘Tis the Spirit, He, life-giving, rises like a swelling tide,

Coming from beneath the threshold of the throne room of our God.

On its banks, in rich profusion, trees of life grow in the sod,

Bearing fruit with monthly freshness, healing leaves on every stalk;

In God’s city no more evil; only those with holy walk.

In the glory of this city, God will reign there with the Lamb;

Saints will worship Him forever, bringing glory to His name.

Standing there in adoration, they will see Him face to face,

All earth’s strife and struggles over, heaven gained because of grace.

Once again the angel called me, reassurance in his tone,

“Take this message to the people – Jesus says, “I’m coming soon!”

Soon there’ll be complete fulfilment – every word that’s spoken here

Will come true as you have seen it, for the time is drawing near:

Blessed forever are God’s people who are robed in radiant white,

Garments washed in God’s forgiveness; He has given them the right

Through the gates to enter heaven, feasting from the Tree of Life,

Jesus’ arms outstretched in welcome, claims at last His radiant wife.

As I gaze in awe and wonder at the scene before my eyes,

Voices like the peal of thunder, beckon me towards the prize.

“I am Jesus, Root of David, I’m the Bright and Morning Star;

I am Alpha and Omega; come to me just as you are.”

Spirit and the bride are calling, “Ev’ry one who’s thirsty, come!

Freely drink the living water, He alone the Lovely One.

Hear the voice of Jesus calling, “Listen, church, I’m coming soon.”

“Yes, we hear you.  Come, Lord Jesus.  Come and take your people home.”