Prepare For Jesus' Return: The Final Battle And The Promise Of Eternity

As the world watches with bated breath, the stage is set for the culmination of prophetic events foretold in the Bible. The battle of Armageddon, a cataclysmic showdown between the forces of good and evil, looms on the horizon. This pivotal moment will usher in the eternal state, a new Heaven and a new earth, where God's dwelling place will be with His people forever.

The Antichrist's Rise to Power
The first of the four horsemen of the apocalypse is the Antichrist, a deceptive figure who will initially present himself as a peaceful leader, brokering a deal to protect Israel. But his true nature will soon be revealed as he turns on God's chosen people, bringing war, famine, and death in his wake. This great deceiver will be received as a liberator, but his conquest will ultimately lead to the unfolding of God's divine judgment.

The Cry of the Martyrs
As the Antichrist's reign of terror unfolds, the martyrs in Heaven will cry out, "How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?" (Revelation 6:10). Though they have given their lives for their faith, they will be assured that God's plan is unfolding according to His perfect timing.

The Wrath of the Lamb
When the sixth seal is opened, the world will experience a cataclysmic upheaval. The sun will turn black, the moon will become like blood, and the stars will fall from the sky. Mountains and islands will be removed, and the kings and powerful of the earth will hide in fear, calling out for the rocks and mountains to fall on them and hide them from the wrath of the Lamb. This is the day of the Lord's judgment, a time of reckoning for all who have rejected Him.

The Promise of Eternity

A New Heaven and a New Earth
Yet, amidst the darkness and destruction, there is a glimmer of hope. John's vision in Revelation 21 reveals the promise of a new Heaven and a new earth, where the former things have passed away. This is the eternal state that God has prepared for His people, a place where every tear will be wiped away, and there will be no more death, mourning, crying, or pain.

The Dwelling Place of God
In this glorious new reality, the dwelling place of God will be with mankind. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people. God Himself will be with them as their God, and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. This is the fulfillment of the longing for justice, wholeness, and the restoration of all things.

A Life of Unending Joy
Imagine a world without the burdens and sorrows of this life. No more weddings or funerals, no more hospitals or heartache. Instead, it will be a life of unending joy, where believers can simply be with one another and with their Savior, Jesus Christ. This is the promise that awaits those who have placed their trust in Him.

Responding to the Call

Admitting Your Need for a Savior
The path to this eternal promise begins with acknowledging your own sinfulness and need for a Savior. You cannot save yourself through your own good works or by comparing yourself to others. You must come before the holy God, confessing your sin and your inability to meet His perfect standard.

Receiving God's Grace
But the Good News is that God, in His great love, has provided a way for you to be forgiven and reconciled to Him. He sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to take the punishment you deserve, dying on the cross and rising again to conquer sin and death. All you must do is believe in Him, ask Him to be your Savior, and receive the grace He so freely offers.

Taking the Next Steps
When you make this decision to follow Christ, there is a celebration in heaven, and your journey of faith begins. From there, your next steps may include being baptized, joining a community of believers, and growing in your relationship with God. But the most important thing is that you have taken the first step, and now you can look forward to the promise of eternity with confidence and hope.

Waiting and Watching

The Urgency of the Hour
As you wait for Jesus' return, be vigilant and prepared. The world is hurtling towards the final battle, and the wrath of the Lamb is coming. This is not a time to be complacent or fearful, but to be actively engaged in the mission of sharing the good news and making disciples.

Living with Purpose
Your task is not to cower in the face of these events, but to live with purpose, working diligently as unto the Lord. Witness to those around you, and encourage one another in the faith. For God has not destined you for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Longing for the Eternal State
Though the road ahead may be difficult, keep your eyes fixed on the promise of the eternal state. Imagine a world where every tear is wiped away, where death and pain are no more. This is the hope that sustains us, the vision that inspires us to persevere. So, let us wait with patience and watchfulness, knowing that our Savior is coming soon to usher in the fulfillment of all things.

Conclusion

The battle of Armageddon and the promise of eternity are not just abstract theological concepts, but a call to action. As the world hurtles towards its final confrontation, we are called to be ready, to share the Good News, and to live with purpose and hope. By placing our trust in Jesus Christ, we can look forward to the day when all things will be made new, and we will dwell with our God forever. This is the hope that sustains us, the vision that inspires us to keep pressing forward, no matter what the future may hold.

This blog is based on the message shared by Senior Pastor Dr. Roger Patterson on Sunday August 25, 2024. Check out the full message below!