lessons
10-Jan-2026: The Book of Revelation and The Promises of God
Opening Prayer
Introduction
Let’s talk about The Book of Revelation but first I want to share a scripture from the very 1st Book of The Bible named Genesis.
Genesis describes a unique river system in Eden in which a single river flowed out of the Garden and then divided into four separate rivers. This description is unusual because, in nature, rivers typically form in the opposite way — multiple tributaries flowing together into one larger river, not one river splitting into several major downstream rivers.
Because this river pattern does not match how most modern river systems function, it has made identifying the physical location of the Garden of Eden extremely difficult. Modern geography of the Middle East does not clearly correspond to the biblical description. Of the four rivers mentioned in Genesis, only the Euphrates still bears the same name today. It now originates in Turkey and flows southward until it merges with the Tigris near the Iraq–Kuwait region. Many scholars believe the biblical river Hiddekel refers to the Tigris.
The unusual nature of Eden’s rivers, combined with changes in geography over time, explains why no definitive location for the Garden of Eden can be identified using present-day maps.
Genesis 2:10-14
A river watering the garden flowed from Eden; from there it was separated into four headwaters. The name of the first is the Pishon; it winds through the entire land of Havilah, where there is gold. (The gold of that land is good; aromatic resin and onyx are also there.) The name of the second river is the Gihon; it winds through the entire land of Cush. The name of the third river is the Tigris; it runs along the east side of Ashur. And the fourth river is the Euphrates.
Then, in Revelation 16 it mentions the Euphrates River drying up, stating, “And the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings of the East.” This verse is often interpreted as part of prophetic events leading to the end times.
Revelation 16:12-16
The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East. Then I saw three impure spirits that looked like frogs; they came out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet. They are demonic spirits that perform signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world, to gather them for the battle on the great day of God Almighty. “Look, I come like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake and remains clothed, so as not to go naked and be shamefully exposed.” Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.
- The Euphrates River holds major Biblical and prophetic significance. In Scripture, it is often associated with boundaries, judgment, and the unfolding of God’s redemptive plan. One of its most notable references appears in Revelation 16:12, where the river is dried up as part of the sixth bowl judgment, preparing the way for the “kings from the east.”
- Biblically, the Euphrates was a historic boundary of empires and a natural barrier to invading armies. Its drying up in Revelation symbolizes the removal of restraints, allowing end-times events to move swiftly toward their climax. Many interpret this act as a prophetic sign pointing toward the final conflict and the Second Coming of Jesus Christ.
- Beyond prophecy, the Euphrates is a real and vital river whose decline today due to increased water usage underscores its ongoing importance. This convergence of Scripture and present-day reality highlights the Euphrates as both a powerful spiritual symbol and a critical lifeline for millions, reminding readers that biblical prophecy often unfolds within real-world history.The Book of Revelation, written by the Apostle John, is the final book of the Bible and reveals God’s ultimate plan for history. Given to John through visions while he was exiled on the island of Patmos, Revelation unveils the spiritual reality behind present events and the future fulfillment of God’s purposes.
- The Book begins with messages from the risen Jesus Christ to seven churches, calling them to faithfulness, repentance, and perseverance. The Book then unfolds a series of vivid visions portraying the conflict between God and the forces of evil, including the judgments of God, the persecution of believers, and the rise and fall of evil powers opposed to Christ. Central to Revelation is the triumph of Jesus Christ—the Lamb who was slain—who is shown as sovereign over all creation. Despite suffering and tribulation, God’s people are assured of victory.
- The Book culminates in the defeat of Satan, the final judgment, and the establishment of a new heaven and a new earth, where God dwells with His people forever. Ultimately, Revelation is a message of hope, reminding believers that God is in control, evil will not prevail, and Christ will return to Reign in Righteousness and Glory.
- After the seven-year Tribulation, Jesus Christ will return visibly to the earth to establish His earthly kingdom and end Satan’s rule over the world.
- At His Second Coming, Christ will be accompanied by the armies of heaven, which include both angelic hosts and redeemed believers those described in Scripture as “called, chosen, and faithful.”
- The Bible distinguishes between the rapture, when Christ comes for His church before the Tribulation, and the Second Coming, when He returns with His saints at the end of the Tribulation to reign on earth. This return fulfills prophecies that Messiah would descend in power and glory to establish His kingdom.
- At His coming, Jesus will completely overthrow all rebellion. The Antichrist and the false prophet will be defeated and cast alive into the lake of fire, and their followers will be destroyed. Satan himself will then be bound and imprisoned for a thousand years, preventing him from deceiving the nations.
- This period marks a time of worldwide deliverance, as Christ reigns over the earth in perfect righteousness, bringing an end to satanic tyranny and restoring God’s rightful rule over humanity.
- The good news is that we already know how the story ends. We are not guessing. We are not hoping blindly. We are winners in Christ.
- Those who belong to Jesus will make it to heaven, will live forever with God, and will witness the greatest new beginning the universe has ever known. On that blessed day, the Lord will create a New Heaven and a New Earth—a New Genesis where sin, fear, and death will never exist again.
- Most people believe that the moment they die, they will open their eyes and see Jesus standing there with open arms. It’s comforting. It’s familiar. It’s preached at funerals and whispered in hospital rooms. But what if Scripture reveals something far more mysterious…and far more powerful?
- The moment you die isn’t the end — it’s a transfer. The instant your heart stops… your breath leaves… the noise of this world fades… You don’t drift. You don’t sleep. You don’t disappear.
- Scripture is clear: “The dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” (Ecclesiastes 12:7)
- Your body stays behind. Your spirit moves immediately. Jesus confirmed this on the cross: “Today you will be with Me in paradise.” (Luke 23:43)
- Not someday. Not eventually. Today. Death is not a waiting room — it’s a doorway. But here is where most people are wrong: You are not alone when you cross over: Jesus gives us a rare glimpse beyond the veil in Luke 16: “The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side.”
Luke 16:19-31
There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’
- Did you catch that? Carried. Escorted. Welcomed. Not wandering. Not confused. Not afraid. Real, powerful angels were assigned to him.
Hebrews 1:14
“Ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation.”
- That assignment doesn’t end at death — it’s when it matters most. If you belong to Christ, heaven doesn’t send silence. It sends an escort.
- The first face you see may be an angel. Imagine this moment: Your eyes open… not to darkness, but to light. Not to fear, but to peace. Angels — sent by God Himself — carrying your soul home.
Psalm 91:11
“He will command His angels concerning you.”
- That promise doesn’t expire at death. So now the question everyone asks: Where is Jesus in all of this? You will meet Jesus — but not how you may imagine. Yes, every soul will see Him. But Scripture shows Him enthroned, not rushing.
- As Stephen was dying he declared: “I see heaven open and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” (Acts 7:56)
- Jesus wasn’t absent. He was reigning. Scripture reveals something profound: You may enter His realm before you behold His face. Angels escort. Heaven receives. Christ reigns.
- Not every soul is carried the same way. This is the part many avoid — but Jesus never did. In the same passage, the rich man dies… and there is: No escort. No comfort. No welcome.
- Only awareness and separation. There are only two paths after death: One leads to rest. The other leads to regret. Jesus said angels also carry out judgment: “The Son of Man will send His angels…” (Matthew 24:31)
- So the question isn’t if you meet a being after death. The question is which one? The throne awaits — for everyone. Scripture is unshakable: “We must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” (2 Corinthians 5:10)
- Everyone meets Jesus. For the believer — He is Advocate. For the unrepentant — He is Judge. If you are in Christ: “There is now no condemnation.” (Romans 8:1)
- Your judgment happened at the cross. If not, Revelation calls it the Great White Throne. No one escapes that meeting.
- Why this truth matters right now. This isn’t theology for curiosity. This is truth for preparation. You wouldn’t travel without a passport so why risk eternity without Christ?
- This life is the layover. Eternity is the destination. And the good news? Jesus doesn’t just wait at the end. He walks with you now. And when your final moment comes… Angels will come. Heaven will open.
- And in His timing — Jesus will welcome you home. If tonight were your last breath… are you ready for who meets you first? It doesn’t have to be fear. It doesn’t have to be judgment.
- Right now, you can choose grace. Right now, you can choose Christ. Because even if Jesus isn’t the first face you see He is the reason you’ll be welcomed there at all.
A NEW BEGINNING — A NEW CREATION:
The Apostle John declares
Revelation 21:1–5
Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
- This is our hope. This is our future. This is The Promise of God. In this new world: God will dwell with His people. Sin will be gone. Fear will be gone. Pain, sorrow, and death will be gone. . There will be no curse on anyone or anything. The Bible says we will not even need the sun, because the glory of God Himself will be our light.
THE 1,000-YEAR REIGN — THE MILLENNIUM:
The Bible teaches that a 1,000-year period begins with a resurrection:
Revelation 20:4
“They lived and reigned with Christ for a thousand years”
The First Resurrection.
Revelation 20:6
“Blessed and holy is he who has part in the first resurrection”
- This resurrection includes all the saved from all ages. The righteous dead are raised. The living righteous are transformed. God’s people receive immortality. We receive bodies like Christ’s glorious body.
1 Corinthians 15:54
“Death is swallowed up in victory”
THE SECOND COMING OF CHRIST:
At the Second Coming: Jesus returns in the clouds. The righteous are caught up to meet Him. The living wicked are destroyed by the brightness of His coming. The unsaved dead remain in their graves. Isaiah 11:4 “With the breath of His lips He shall slay the wicked”
- This is not symbolic language — it is a literal, global, visible event.
SATAN BOUND — THE BOTTOMLESS PIT:
Revelation tells us Satan will be bound in the “bottomless pit” for 1,000 years:
Revelation 20:1–3
“He cast him into the bottomless pit… till the thousand years were finished”
- This pit represents a devastated, desolate earth, with no one left for Satan to deceive. He is bound by circumstances — no nations, no people, no influence.
THE SECOND RESURRECTION — THE RESURRECTION OF CONDEMNATION:
After the 1,000 years:
Revelation 20:5
“The rest of the dead did not live again until the thousand years were finished”
Jesus said:
John 5:29
“Those who have done good, to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil, to the resurrection of condemnation”
- This resurrection includes the unsaved of all ages.
THE DESCENT OF THE NEW JERUSALEM:
At the close of the millennium:
Revelation 21:2
“I saw the Holy City, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God”
- The city will descend to earth, settling where the Mount of Olives once stood, which will be flattened to make a great plain (Zechariah 14).
- Who comes with the city? God the Father. Jesus Christ. All the redeemed of all ages. The angels of heaven and His Saints.. Not for His saints, but with His saints.
SATAN’S FINAL DECEPTION & FINAL DESTRUCTION:
When Satan is released, true to his nature, he deceives the resurrected wicked and gathers them to surround the Holy City.
But God interrupts Satan’s plan:
Revelation 20:9
“Fire came down from God out of heaven and devoured them”
This is the second death: Sin is destroyed. Sinners are destroyed. Satan is destroyed forever. There is no resurrection from this death. Evil ends permanently.
WE ARE LIVING ON BORROWED TIME: Jesus said: Matthew 24:33 “When you see all these things, know that it is near—at the doors!”
Scripture is clear: The end will come suddenly and unexpectedly. No one knows the hour — not Jesus, not angels, not man, only the Father.
Be Ready: Hebrews 9:27
“It is appointed for man to die once, and after that the judgment.”
- You can prepare for retirement — but are you prepared for eternity? Your family cannot answer this for you. Your pastor cannot answer this for you. Only you can answer this question: Are you ready to meet God?
Revelation 21:27
“Nothing impure will ever enter it…only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life”
James reminds us:
James 4:14
“You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes”
Today is the day to: Repent and Obey. Walk in Holiness and Make things right and Live fully surrendered to Christ.