1. The Woman on the Beast (17:1-6)
John has a vision of human civilization personified as an attractive prostitute drunk on the blood of God's people riding on the beast--the Antichrist. The use of a prostitute to symbolize a greater evil is common in Scripture, where God's people are identified as his bride. It shows us that sin is first of all a sin against love.
2. The Angel's Interpretation (17:7-14)
The woman and the beast belong to the cosmic struggle between God and Satan which lies behind the scenes of human history. The good news of this revelation is that God's final judgment will destroy Satan and his evil forces. Not for one moment should we lose sight of the certainty of the overthrow of evil.
3. The Punishment of the Prostitute (17:15-18)
We expected the final Antichrist and his powers to hate the Lamb, but we could not have anticipated that "the beast and the ten horns will hate the prostitute" (17:16). Evil often turns on itself, carrying the seeds of its own defeat. Notice that "God has put it into their hearts to accomplish his purpose" (17:17). All will ultimately serve God's end.
The Judgment of Babylon
Revelation 17:1-18
July 9, 2017 • Toby Henson
The New Jerusalem
August 13, 2017 • Toby Henson
1. The Dwelling Place of God and His People (21:1-4) The final state of the new world will be characterized by God "dwelling" with His people (21:3). None less than God will be the comforter of His people. "He will wipe" away "every tear" (21:4). His concern is infinite. The loud voice from heaven lists evils that will cease to be: "death," "mourning," "crying," and "pain" (21:4). 2. The Separation between Good and Evil (21:5-8) The new Jerusalem is only for those who have already experienced the new life in Christ. The eternal life of the believer is contrasted with the eternal destruction of the unbeliever. The "fiery lake of burning sulfur" is the destination of the wicked at the end of the final judgment (21:8). 3. The Description of the Holy City (21:9-21) Let's not get caught up in the pearly gates or the streets of gold. The most striking thing about the holy city is "the glory of God" (21:11). It is the place where God dwells. The truth that needs to be repeatedly highlighted is the glory and presence of God. For all eternity, we will enjoy perfect fellowship with a holy God. 4. The Light of the Holy City (21:22-27) The heavenly city has no need of sun or moon to shine because it is illuminated by "the glory of God" and the "Lamb" (21:23). Part of the curse of wicked Babylon was that never more would a lamp shine there. By contrast, the new Jerusalem will be forever full of light.
The Final Victory
August 6, 2017 • Toby Henson
Truth 1- Satan is no match for God. Truth 2- Satan is a defeated foe. Truth 3- Christians will reign with Christ in heaven. Truth 4- At death, the believer is immediately ushered into the presence of Jesus. Truth 5- At the resurrection, we will be clothed with heavenly bodies. Truth 6- Satan will be defeated and cast into his final place of eternal fiery torment. Truth 7- Salvation is by faith alone.