5 Prophecies on the Verge of Coming True – Are You Ready?

[Music] have you ever felt it a sense that something big is about to happen something that's been foretold for centuries five prophecies five warnings each one inching closer to reality as we speak from the rise of darkness in places of power to the Earth's very Foundation shaking these events aren't just predictions they're a ticking clock counting down the question is are you ready for what's about to be fulfilled the first prophecy the Rapture when the Lord returns and descends from Heaven his arrival will be something that no one will be able to ignore just as everyone has seen his Ascension everyone will also witness the ascent of his people to meet him on high in an event we know as the Rapture some people have mistakenly taught about a secret Rapture something that would take place without anyone noticing however this event will be far from Secret on the contrary it will be one of the most grandio and public events in all of human history as Jesus himself described he said that he will send his angels with the loud sound of a trumpet and they will gather his chosen ones from all over the world from one end of the Earth to the other both on Earth and in heaven this is clearly recorded in Matthew 24:31 there is nothing secret about it the Apostle Paul in his first letter to the Thessalonians 4 provides a detailed explanation of what will happen at that time he reminds us that that just as we believe that Jesus died and rose again we also believe that when he returns God will bring with him the Believers who have already died Paul states with conviction that he received this Revelation directly from the Lord according to him we who are alive at the time of Jesus return will not be the first to meet him before us those who have died in Christ will rise from their graves only then together with them will we be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and from that moment on we will be with the Lord forever this is described in 1 Thessalonians 4: 13-1 17 in the original Greek there are two different words for air one is ether which was later adapted into English as ether the other is AR which refers to the air closest to the surface of the Earth the air we breathe and it is precisely this term air that is used in the text above when the time comes for us to meet Jesus he will be very close to the Earth in a proximity that everyone will notice it's almost impossible to imagine anyone not noticing this great moment especially when the Lord is shouting the Archangel is speaking and the trumpet of God is resounding through the heavens it will be an unforgettable and impactful experience some people argue that the word rapture doesn't appear in the New Testament and in fact this statement is correct depending on which translation is used as the New Testament was originally written in Greek and not in English or Portuguese the translation of certain words and Expressions can vary for example in 1 Thessalonians 4:1 17 the expression caught up to meet the Lord in the air can be translated in different ways which can lead to varying interpretations but what about this word rapture it's fascinating and intriguing in Greek the word is Harpo and it is used in several New Testament passages to describe the act of being caught up in John 10 for example the word is used three times to describe how a wolf snatches a sheep from the flock this act is described as something violent and sudden when the wolf appears the hired servant who is not the real Shepherd of the sheep runs away when he sees it coming abandoning the Sheep then the wolf attacks and scatters the flock as recorded in John chap 10:2 the Rapture will therefore be a dramatic visible and absolutely Unforgettable event marking the beginning of a new chapter in human history and in the relationship between God and his people in Matthew 13 in Verses 4 19 we find a powerful illustration where the word raptured is used to describe the Swift and agile action of a bird that swoops down picks up a seed and flies away this image captures the idea of something that happen suddenly and unexpectedly in the New Testament the expression raptured is repeatedly used to describe moments when people are taken from the earth in a surprising and instantaneous way for example in Acts 8 just after Philip baptized the unic he himself was raptured the passage tells us when they came up out of the water the spirit of the lord caught Philip away and the unic saw him no more but went on his way rejoicing acts 8:39 this Rapture was so sudden that the unic who had just experienced a profound spiritual moment saw Philip disappear before his eyes but still went on his way full of joy the Apostle Paul also recounts in his second letter to the Corinthians chter 12 an impressive experience involving a close friend he mentions that this man was caught up to the third heaven Paul emphasizes that this happened 14 years ago and the exact nature of the Rapture whether in the body or out of the body was unknown even to him but God knew this man was taken to heaven and heard Indescribable words things so sacred and profound that no one was allowed to repeat them Paul describes this event in 2 Corinthians 12: 2:4 showing that the Rapture can involve a spiritual journey into Dimensions beyond our Earthly comprehension the concept of the Rapture also appears in Revelation specifically in 12: 5 there we read she gave birth to a son a boy who will rule all nations with an iron scepter and her son was caught up to God and to his throne this apocalyptic Vision points to an event of great Cosmic significance where the Rapture takes place in the context of a divine plan of governance and judgment Paul in his letter to the Thessalonians continues to address the Rapture describing what it will be like for those who are alive when the Lord returns he states that after that we who are alive and remain will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air and so we will be with the Lord forever first Thessalonians 4:1 17 This Promise of being with the Lord forever is the climax of The Rapture offering hope and comfort to Believers in addition in four other passages the term raptured is used to describe situations in which someone is forcibly removed from a crowd or a dangerous circumstance in Matthew 11:12 John 6:15 acts 23:10 and Jude ver 23 we see how this word carries the connotation of a quick decisive and Powerful action the Rapture therefore has some striking characteristics it will happen without any prior warning it will be sudden and extremely powerful there will be no time to prepare at that moment if we are not ready we run the risk of missing the Rapture which will happen unexpectedly as we are warned in Matthew 24 in that chapter Jesus describes a dramatic and sudden separation at that time two men will be in the field one will be taken for judgment and the other will be left behind two women will be grinding at the Mill one will be taken for judgment and the other will be left behind Matthew 24: 40 and 41 the idea is reinforced in Luke's gospel that night two people will be in one bed one will be taken and the other left Luke 17:34 these passages make it clear that the Rapture will bring an instant and surprising separation even between people who are very close to each other whether it's two men working side by side in the field two women sharing the same task or two people sharing the same bed when the Rapture happens one person will be taken while the other will be left behind in view of this it becomes crucial to make a conscious choice about which side we will be on when that moment arrives we need to be alert Vigilant attentive to our faith and our actions because we don't know the day or the hour when the Lord will come it may be near it may be far but the important thing is to be prep prepared Jesus warns us in Matthew 24: 42-44 but understand this if the owner of the house had known what time of night the thief would come he would have stayed awake and not let his house be broken into so you too must be ready because the son of man will come at an hour when you do not expect him just as the owner of the house would have kept vigil if he had known that a thief was about to arrive we to must always be ready Vigilant and firm in our faith so that we are not taken by surprise on the day of the Rapture Jesus taught his discip IES the importance of always being prepared because the moment of his return is unknown he warned against presumption and false security emphasizing that no one can accurately predict the time when he will return this warning was given because over the centuries millions of Christians have been deceived by false Revelations claiming to know the exact day or time of jesus' return something that goes directly against his teachings as recorded in Mark 13: 35-37 Jesus exhorts us to always be vigilant ready for the Master's arrival be it at night at midnight at the crowing of the rooster or in the morning the message is clear we must remain alert because he could return suddenly and find us unprepared asleep in faith and unprepared for his arrival this constant vigilance is vital especially since the Rapture as described in scripture is intended exclusively for believers the three main passages dealing with the Rapture clearly indicate that it will only be for those who believe in Jesus including small innocent children who are not yet capable of exercising faith those who do not acknowledge Jesus as Lord and Savior will not be taken into the Lord's Presence at the time of the Rapture that event is reserved only for Christ's followers those who have committed themselves to him and lived their lives in his faith only Believers will be taken to heaven when Jesus returns the Rapture is not just a distant theological concept it has the power to profoundly transform our lives in the Here and Now for believers it is a source of personal comfort and unshakable hope Paul wrote to the Thessalonians precisely to ease their sorrow for those who had died he wanted to assure them that death is not the end of the story on the contrary the resurrection of departed Believers will reverse the effects of death bringing them back to eternal life this knowledge brings consolation to all who have lost loved ones offering the promise of a reunion in the future where death will no longer have power as well as being a source of consolation the Rapture is also a powerful source of strength and encouragement on the night he was arrested Jesus made a promise to his disciples he would return to them this promise recorded in the gospels is a constant reminder that regardless of the difficulties and trials we face in this world we have the assurance that the Lord will come back for us this gives us the strength to persevere in faith even in the midst of adversity knowing that our future with Christ is certain and that we will be brought into his glorious Presence at the time God has determined therefore the central message of the Rapture is twofold on the one hand it offers deep consolation to those suffering from loss assuring them that death is not the end and that there will be a Resurrection on the other hand it calls us to vigilance and constant preparation reminding us that Jesus return could happen at any moment this Duality should shape the way we live our daily lives keeping us firm in our faith ready to meet our Lord and living with the hope that at the right time he will reunite us with himself forever the second prophecy the revelation of the final Antichrist the Bible warns us of a period of tribulation during which a dark and Powerful fig known as the Antichrist will emerge but how can we identify this apocalyptic figure according to the scriptures this character who will become one of the greatest tyrants in history will be a world leader intent on unifying All Nations under his authority he is compared to Satan his spiritual father and will initially appear as an angel of Light deceiving many with his appearance of goodness however as time passes he will reveal his true evil nature through his actions and words let's explore in more detail who the Antichrist is and how he will play his role in the end times who is the Antichrist the Antichrist is as his name suggests someone who directly opposes Christ the word anti can have two meanings against and instead of both meanings apply perfectly to this figure because he will oppose Christ in every way while at the same time trying to take the place that belongs to Christ Alone this world leader will be instrumental in the hands of Satan who will use his influence to lead the forces of evil in the battle of Armageddon he will persecute torture and kill God's people seeking to destroy all that is Holy his rule will be so tyrannical that it will surpass even the cruelest Emperors in history such as Caesar although the Bible mentions the Antichrist by name only four times he is referred to many other times under different titles such as the Beast the little horn and the man of lawlessness the son of predition in 2 Thessalonians 2:3 we find the prophecy about his Revelation and the wicked will be revealed whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth and Destroy by the manifestation of his coming when the Antichrist appears he will exert such a Fascination over people that they will flock to him like flies to honey they will be willing to follow his orders without question blinded by his Charisma and power how will he unite the Nations the Prophet Daniel gives us a detailed vision of the Antichrist describing him as a fourth Beast with the eyes of a man and a mouth speaking arrogant words Daniel 7:25 this Vision which Daniel received during the night shows that the Antichrist will be known for his eloquence capable of attracting the attention and admiration of the whole world he will speak against the most high using pompous and blasphemous language and will try to change the established laws and times Daniel prophesies that the Saints of the most high will be delivered into the hands of the Antichrist for a time times and half a time which is equivalent to 3 and 1/2 years this description finds a parallel in the Book of Revelation where the apostle John also talks about the figure of the Antichrist in Revelation 13: 5 John writes and to the Beast was given a mouth speaking great things and blasphemies and to him was given authority to act for 42 months which corresponds to 3 and 1/2 years during this period the Antichrist will have the freedom and power to do whatever he wants and his speech will be marked by grandiose and arrogant words full of blasphemies against God so we can see that the Antichrist will be an extremely charismatic leader who will use his ability to speak to manipulate the masses and consolidate his power his ability to seduce the nations with his words will make him a central figure in the tribulation period leading the world into an era of darkness and suffering but despite his apparent invincibility the antichrist's final faith is already sealed he will be defeated by the Glorious coming of Christ who will destroy him with the breath of his mouth as mentioned in 2 Thessalonians 2:8 this prophecy reminds us of the importance of remaining Vigilant and firm in the faith because the Antichrist will seek to lead many astray from the path of Truth however those who are Anchored In Christ will not be deceived and in the end Victory will belong to the Lord he has been given a mouth to speak great things and blasphemies and he has been given permission and authority to act for 42 months this description of the Antichrist reveals a man whose presence will be remarkable and distinctive greater than that of the others around him in Daniel 7:20 we find a symbolic image of this leader the meaning of the 10 horns King that were on his head and the other that came up before whom three fell this horn had eyes and a mouth that spoke great things and it seemed greater than its companions here the figure of the Antichrist is represented by a horn that stands Out Among the rest symbolizing not only his power but also his ability to Fascinate and dominate the masses his charismatic personality sharp rhetoric and striking appearance will make him an irresistible figure to many the Apostle John in his vision of the Apocalypse expands on this description when he recounts the Blasphemous activities of the Antichrist according to John all the inhabitants of the earth will be forced to worship Him He describes in Revelation 13:15 and breath was given to the image of the Beast that the image of the Beast might speak and that anyone who did not worship the image of the Beast should be killed here the Antichrist is described as a beast a powerful metaphor that illustrates his cruel and inhuman nature during the last 3 and 1/2 years of the tribulation the Antichrist will become a direct direct incarnation of Satan as it is written in 2 Thessalonians 2:9 the coming of the Lawless one is by the activity of Satan with all power and false signs and wonders at this point the Antichrist will no longer be just a human leader he will be a global Tyrant who will rule the world with an Iron Fist and eventually claim for himself the title of God the third prophecy Jesus encounter with the Antichrist at the battle of Armageddon following the catastrophic events taking place during the reign of the Antichrist a decisive battle is approaching Armageddon this will be the final confrontation where the fate of the Antichrist and his forces will be sealed as the Antichrist leads the battle of Armageddon something curious begins to happen dissatisfaction with his despotic leadership grows among the Nations This Global leader who promised peace and prosperity breaks his promises one by one which causes many nations to start turning against him tensions rise and significant parts of the world begin to build their own military forces driven by dis satisfaction and the desire to get rid of this Tyrant as time passes Rebellion against the Antichrist becomes inevitable Daniel 11:40 describes this moment of global tension in the end the King of the South will advance to attack him the Antichrist and the King of the North will come against him with chariots and Horsemen and many ships he will enter countries crush them and pass through them this verse illustrates how in the midst of the battle of Armageddon attempts to oppose the Antichrist emerge from various parts parts of the world with military Powers mobilizing forces to challenge his authority although the Antichrist initially manages to quell some of these rebellions something unexpected happens that prevents him from completing his plan of total Destruction especially in relation to Israel and Jerusalem The Book of Daniel in 11:44 mentions that rumors from the East and the north will alarm and disturb him and he will go out in great Fury to destroy and annihilate many these rumors represent the arrival of new threats this time from the East and North which will destabilize him in this context Revelation 16:12 gives us more details about how this battle will unfold then the sixth Angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates and its water dried up preparing the way for the kings of the East the river Euphrates one of the most important and strategic rivers in the world disappears drying up completely Paving the way for the invasion of the forces of the East the drying up of the Euphrates is a clear sign that the final battle is about to begin throughout history the Euphrates has always been a natural barrier protecting the Middle East from invasions from the East with its disappearance the way is clear for powerful armies to advance towards the Antichrist marking the beginning of an unprecedented confrontation the drying up of the river is seen as an apocalyptic sign symbolizing the vulnerability of the Antichrist and indicating that the time of his rule is coming to an end thus the stage is set for the greatest battle in human history where the forces of the Antichrist will be conf fronted not only by human armies But ultimately by Jesus Christ himself this encounter will culminate in the final defeat of the Antichrist putting an end to his reign of terror and ushering in a new era of justice under Divine rule the battle of Armageddon is not only a physical confrontation but also a spiritual one where God's power will be demonstrated in an incontestable way destroying forever the forces of evil represented by the Antichrist the rise to power of the Antichrist however will be gradual and initially unnoticed he will emerge from the masses beginning as a regional leader before transforming into a world ruler in Revelation 13 verse one we find and the dragon stood on the sand of the sea then I saw a beast coming up out of the sea with 10 horns and seven heads and on its horns 10 diadems and on its heads Blasphemous names the sea here symbolizes Humanity in general more specifically the Gentile nations from which the Antichrist will emerge despite all the chaos and destruction he will bring it is important to remember that the tribulation will always be under God's Sovereign control Satan however powerful he may be is limited by God's power and can only act within the limits Allowed by him but who will worship the Antichrist according to Revelation 13:8 all who dwell on the earth will worship him this includes all those who are not inscribed in the Lamb's Book of Life Daniel 7:25 also gives us a vision of the Antichrist as a cult leader someone who will speak arrogant words against the most high and try to change the times and the law this leader will exalt himself to the level of God and try to impose his own rules and Commandments distorting the truth and deceiving those who follow him however his rise to power and his ability to attract followers are ultimately a test of faith for Humanity those who remain firm in their faith in God and Jesus Christ will not be deceived by the antichrist's lies they will realize that despite his apparent invincibility the antichrist's Fate is sealed he will be defeated in the end end and his fall will be as dramatic as his rise thus the figure of the Antichrist reminds us of the ongoing battle between good and evil and of the need to remain Vigilant faithful and committed to God's truth because in the end justice will prevail and those who resist the antichrist's Temptations and lies will be rewarded with eternal life at the Lord's Side the fourth prophecy the Seal of God and the mark of the beast The Book of Revelation offers us a rich and enigmatic vision of the last times including the importance of two opposing symbols the Seal of God and the mark of the beast these symbols not only represent protection and condemnation respectively but also illustrate the definitive division between those who belong to God and those who follow the path of iniquity in the New Testament the idea of being sealed has a profound connotation the Greek word used for seal refers to the act of marking something with a private seal an emblem that guarantees the protection preservation and ownership of the marked object or person in ancient times seals were essentially IAL to guarantee the authenticity of important documents especially in official contexts a document sealed by a Roman official for example could only be opened by the authorized recipient if the seal was broken it would indicate that the document had been tampered with or accessed improperly jeopardizing its Integrity thus the use of seals was an essential practice to maintain the confidentiality and security of information in the apocalyptic context the Seal of God takes on an even deeper meaning the book of Revelation full of visions and complex messages introduces the concept of God's seal in a highly symbolic way loaded with spiritual meaning at the very beginning of the book in Revelation 1: 1-2 it is revealed that these Visions are the revelation of Jesus Christ granted by God the Father to be shown to his Faithful Servants through the angel sent to John this seal mentioned in the apocalyptic Visions is not a visible physical Mark but a spiritual Insignia a Divine sign that distinguishes and protects those who truly belong to God during the tribulation period a 7-year era in which God finalizes his judgment on an unbelieving World God's seal becomes especially relevant the tribulation is associated with the day of the Lord a time of God's direct intervention in human history when he will irrevocably fulfill his purposes this day will be marked by wrath anguish Devastation darkness and destruction as described in various biblical passages it will be a period of divine judgments Heavenly turmoil natural catastrophes and terrible plagues in the midst of this chaos God's seal will serve as a shield for those who are his Faithful Servants one of the most striking examples of this protective seal is found in Revelation 7:4 where John hears the number of those who have been sealed 144,000 from all the tribes of the children of Israel these 144,000 servants are a combination of mystery symbolism and promise representing spiritual preservation during the difficult times of the tribulation each of the 12 tribes of Israel contributes 12,000 members symbolizing completeness and perfection in the Divine Choice the act of sealing these 144,000 servants goes beyond a simple physical mark it symbolizes Divine protection and God's ownership of them guaranteeing that despite the horrors of the tribulation these servants will be preserved they are chosen for a special Mission being guarded and protected by God's seal while the world around them is consumed by judgment and disorder in contrast to the Seal of God revelation also mentions the mark of the beast a symbol of Eternal damnation for those who choose to follow the Antichrist this Mark represents the alliance with evil and the definitive rejection of God while the Seal of God brings protection and security the mark of the beast brings destruction and death these two symbols the Seal of God and the mark of the beast represent the final and irrevocable separation between those who belong to the kingdom of God and those who choose the path of rebellion therefore in the apocalyptic scenario the Seal of God and the mark mark of the beast are not only spiritual marks but also reflect the Eternal choices that each person must make The Importance of Being sealed by God is emphasized as a matter of spiritual life and death and the protection offered by this seal is the guarantee that whatever happens during the tribulation those who belong to God will be safe under his sovereignty and Care the number 144,000 in Revelation is a rich and deeply meaningful symbol loaded with numerical symbolism that resonates with Biblical tradition in biblical numerology the number 12 is often associated with Divine Authority order and completeness when we multiply 12 by the 12 tribes of Israel and then multiply the result by 1,000 we get 144,000 a number that suggests an expanded fullness and a complete representation of God's people this expansion of completeness stands out even more in contrast to the mark of the beast which represents the alliance with evil and Rebellion against God the Book of Revelation known for its dramatic visions and potent symbolism uses these numbers and marks to illustrate the eternal battle between good and evil between God's Divine Authority and the Earthly corrupt power of the world these symbols which include the Seal of God and the mark of the beast have captured the imagination of Believers and Scholars over the centuries inspiring deep reflection and contemplation on the ultimate Destiny of humanity and the struggle between light and darkness the Seal of god mentioned in Revelation 7: 2-3 is a spiritual Mark of protection and divine ownership unlike a visible physical Mark the Seal of of God symbolizes a deep and personal commitment to the Creator and his teachings those who receive this seal are recognized as faithful followers of God spiritually protected during times of trial and judgment to possess the Seal of God is to be chosen to live under his laws and principles representing a life dedicated to righteousness and divine obedience it is a Mark that offers spiritual security ensuring that those who possess it are under God's protection even in the most difficult times in contrast the mark of the beast described in Revelation 13: 16-17 is the symbol of an alliance with evil this Mark imposed by an evil leader known as the Beast represents the rejection of God and the acceptance of the corrupt and deceitful Dominion of Earthly power the mark of the beast is not only a symbol of loyalty to an oppressive regime but also a manifestation of worshiping that power which is contrary to everything God stands for those who accept the mark of the beast turn away from God and Ally themselves with evil choosing to follow a path that leads to destruction according to the scriptures this Mark will be essential for participating in the economy during the reign of the Beast according to Revelation 13: 16 to17 everyone whether small or large rich or poor free or slave will be obliged to receive this Mark on their right hand or forehead without this Mark no one will be able to buy or sell which symbolizes the Total Domination of the Beast system over everyday life the mark itself whether a name or a number serves as a distinction between those who follow the Beast and those who resist choosing to remain faithful to God Revelation 13:18 introduces us to the enigmatic number 666 described as the number of a man and a symbol loaded with meaning the number 666 made up of three sixes symbolizes human imperfection and fallibility in biblical numerology the number seven represents complete Perfection while six being one step below seven indicates something incomplete or flaw thus 666 is seen as a representation of human inability to achieve Divine Perfection this number serves as a clue to the identity of the last World dictator the one who according to prophecy will rule before Jesus Christ returns to Reign for a thousand years this battle between the Seal of God and the mark of the beast in Revelation is not just a symbolic struggle but a reflection of the spiritual choices everyone faces the decision to accept the Seal of God or the mark of the beast is ultimately a choice between eternal life with God or Eternal damnation the Seal of God offers Protection security and a life lived in communion with the Creator in contrast the mark of the beast leads to destruction symbolizing the alliance with evil and the rejection of divine grace thus at the heart of Revelation is the message that despite the tribulations and challenges the world will face the decision to Ally oneself with God or with evil will be the determining factor in each individual's final Destiny the mark of the beast and the Seal of God represent the fundamental Choice a choice that defines not only the immediate future but eternity the term Mark in the Biblical context especially when associated with the mark of the beast carry significant symbolic weight however outside of a specific Association in Revelation the Greek word charagma has no special or spiritual use historically charagma was widely used to designate Impressions on documents or coins especially as an imperial seal of the Roman Empire during the 1 and 2nd centuries this seal was commonly found on official documents serving as a mark of authenticity and Authority apart from The Book of Revelation charagma appears in the New Testament only once in Acts 17:29 where it is used to describe an artistic image however its Association in the Book of Revelation transforms charagma into a symbol loaded with spiritual and moral meaning accepting the mark of the beast represented by the charagma is seen as an act of betrayal of God this acceptance is not just just an external action or a visible mark on the body it symbolizes a deep internal decision to align oneself with the forces that oppose God accepting this Mark means choosing a way of life that is in direct opposition to God's will a decision that reflects a stance of spiritual Rebellion the Seal of God versus the mark of the beast at the center of the apocalyptic narrative we find two powerful symbols that represent opposing forces the Seal of God and the mark of the beast the Seal of God is a symbol of divine Authority protection and loyalty to God this seal which is often understood as an invisible spiritual Mark indicates those who remain faithful and obedient to God even in times of great trial the Seal of God is Not only a mark of divine ownership but also a sign of spiritual protection during times of judgment and tribulation on the other hand the mark of the beast is a symbol of submission to the corrupt power of the world it is often interpreted as a physical or visible sign that indicates Conformity to the evil forces that oppose God those who receive the mark of the beast are in essence renouncing their allegiance to God and aligning themselves with the Earthly and corrupt power represented by the Beast this Mark symbolizes the choice to follow a path of rebellion and disobedience in direct contrast to the Seal of God these two symbols the Seal of God and the mark of the beast represent the eternal struggle between good and evil they emphasize the importance of making the right choice in life of deciding whether to follow God and his teachings or to submit to the corrupt and evil forces that dominate the world the decision to accept God's seal or the mark of the beast is not only a choice of spiritual loyalty but also a choice that determines the Eternal Destiny of each individual the fifth prophecy the new Heaven and the New Jerusalem the fifth prophecy in Revelation presents us with a glorious vision of the future the appearance of the new Heaven and the New Jerusalem also known as the tent of God the holy city the city of God the heavenly City the four square City and the Heavenly Jerusalem this Vision represents the heavenly Paradise on Earth the Bible mentions the city in several passages such as Galatians 4:26 and Hebrews 11:2 to13 but it is in Revelation 21 that it is described in the most extensive and detailed way Revelation 21 offers us a vision of the end of History the moment when all the ages have passed and the new Eternal age of peace and Justice Begins the tribulation with all its trials and difficulties will have come to an end the battle of Armageddon the last great war between good and evil will have been fought and won by our Lord Jesus Christ Satan the great adversary will have been Chained and thrown into the abyss where he will remain for the 1,000 years of Christ's Reign on Earth with Christ's Victory a glorious new Temple will be established in Jerusalem symbolizing God's Eternal presence among his people the final Rebellion against God will be crushed and Satan will receive his just punishment being cast eternally into the Lake of Fire the great white Throne judgment will have taken place where all of human will be judged according to their deeds and the righteous will enter eternal life while the Wicked Will face Eternal damnation the New Jerusalem described as a quadrangular city will descend from heaven adorned like a bride for her husband this city represents the final fulfillment of God's promises a place where there will be no more tears death mourning or pain for the old things will have passed away God will dwell among his people and they will be his people and God himself will be with them as their God this vision of the New Jerusalem is the climax of the apocalyptic narrative the moment when God's kingdom is finally established on Earth and peace and Justice Reign forever the New Jerusalem is described in the Book of Revelation as a Heavenly City that descends from Heaven symbolizing the Fulfillment of God's promises to humanity in Revelation 21: 1-2 we read then I saw a new Heaven and a new Earth for the first Heaven and the first Earth have passed away and the sea is no more and I saw the holy city New Jerusalem coming down out of Heaven from God prepared as a bride adorned for her husband this passage offers a vivid vision of the New Jerusalem not as a construction in progress but as a complete entity that had already been prepared and was descending from Heaven to Earth the expression was prepared is crucial as it implies that the New Jerusalem was complete and ready at the time of John's Vision he doesn't describe the city being created but rather descending from Heaven a symbol of its Perfection and preparation for its Eternal role the idea of a new Heaven and a new Earth is a constant in Scripture reflecting a total and divine transformation the concept of a new Heaven and a new Earth is repeated in several biblical passages from the Old Testament prophets to the New Testament Isaiah 65:1 17-18 prophesies for behold I create new heavens and a new Earth and the former things shall not be remembered nor come into mind but be glad and rejoice forever in what I create for behold I create Jerusalem to be a joy and her people to be a happiness these words for tell a future in which God's creation will be renewed and perfected and Jerusalem will be a source of Eternal joy and happiness for its people the New Jerusalem is characterized by its Holiness and Purity standing out as a unique and unparalleled City unlike Earthly cities the New Jerusalem knows no sin since creation Humanity has never experienced a community completely free of sin Adam and Eve in their initial condition lived in a state of Purity but the fall took them away from this ideal the New Jerusalem represent presents the final and perfect restoration a place where sin has no place and where Justice and Holiness are the norm the problems and challenges that arise when trying to describe or understand this heavenly Community highlight its uniqueness the New Jerusalem is not a human realization but a Divine gift in Revelation 21: 3 to4 it says and I heard a loud voice from the throne saying behold the Tabernacle of God is with men he will dwell with them and they will be his people and God himself will be with them as their God he will wipe away every tear from their eyes and death will be no more there will be no more mourning or crying or pain for the old things have passed away this statement is one of the most consoling moments of John's Vision promising God's continued presence with his people the Tabernacle of God represents God's presence among men in a way that is so intimate and direct that it has never been experienced before the inhabitants of the New Jerusalem will be in a closeness with God that transcends any human expectation enjoying a direct and personal relationship with the Creator the description of God wiping away all tears and the absence of death mourning crying and pain is a promise of a new beginning an eternal state of happiness and peace where the pains and sufferings of the past have been completely eradicated the contrast between the realities of Life today and the promise of the New Jerusalem emphasizes the magnitude of the promised restoration where all the old things full of sorrow and suffering have been replaced by a state of Eternal Perfection and joy in the Biblical context the Tabernacle built by Moses had a significant purpose to represent God's dwelling place on Earth this Tabernacle described in detail in the Old Testament was not just a physical structure but a symbolic representation of God's presence among the people of Israel it served as a meeting place where God resided among his people establishing a direct and tangible connection with Humanity in the Book of Revelation we find a more glorious and definitive vision of God's dwelling with his people in the New Jerusalem in Revelation 21: 5 to8 we read of the proclaimed renewal of the universe and he who sat on the throne said behold I make all things new and he said write this down for these words are faithful and true and he said to me it is done I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end to the Thirsty I will give freely from the spring of the Water of Life the Overcomer will inherit these things and I will be his God and he will be my son but as for the Cowardly the unbelieving the abominable the murderers the sexual immoral the sorcerers the idolators and all liars their part will be in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone which is the second death in this statement God who sits on the throne announces a radical and definitive transformation behold I make all things new this expression symbolizes the complete renewal of creation where the old Order of Things marked by corruption and sin is replaced by a new beginning perfectly aligned with God's will this renewal is not just a superficial change but an essential transformation that affects every aspect of existence the statement that I am Alpha and Omega the beginning and the end emphasizes God's sovereignty over all creation Alpha and Omega are the first and last letters of the Greek alphabet respectively symbolizing that God is the beginning and the end of all things encompassing all of history and time he is the source and the finisher of all that exists God promises to offer from the spring of the Water of Life to those who are thirsty the Water of Life is a metaphor for the spiritual fulfillment and satisfaction that God brings to those who seek his presence it is a free gift for all those who desire a deep and eternal connection with the Creator symbolizing an abundant and eternal life the Overcomers are those who have persevered in faith and overcome adversity and Temptation they will inherit the Divine blessings and Promises experiencing a special relationship with God who will be their father and they will be his children this is the culmination of the promised Redemption and restoration where the relationship between God and his people is completely restored and glorified in contrast there is a Stern warning about those who do not meet Divine standards the Cowardly unbelieving abominable murderers sexually immoral Sorcerers idolators and Liars will have their part in the lake that burns with fire and brimstone which is the second death this Lake of Fire symbolizes Eternal separation from God and the suffering that results from continual rejection of his grace and mercy the second death is a form of Eternal judgment for those who have chosen to live contrary to God's will John's Vision not only describes the total renewal of creation but also reflects a paradigm shift where sin and Injustice are finally eradicated this state of perfection is a realization of the Divine promise and the Fulfillment of God's Eternal plan for Humanity the concept of renewal and final Perfection is often idealized in our minds many can imagine a state of primordial innocence like the one Adam and Eve knew before the fall however the New Jerusalem represents something even more glorious a new creation where sin has been definitively overcome and where God's presence is fully manifested the idea that all things are made new emphasizes the depth of this transformation providing a new reality that transcends the limitations and Corruption of the previous world in the Biblical context it is fundamental to recognize that redeemed Humanity in Christ is superior to the originally innocent man what we gain in Jesus far transcends what we lost in Adam God's Perfection as revealed in Revelation 21: 15 to 16 is a full manifestation of this Redemption the angel who spoke to John had a golden rod to measure the holy city the New Jerusalem this city is described with impressive dimensions a cube 2,200 km long wide and high this detailed description of the New Jerusalem is a challenge for many readers especially given its colossal size the city is described not only as an endless expanse but is a structure that far surpasses our modern understanding of space and scale to give you a clearer idea the floor of the city measuring 2,200 km by 2200 km covers an area of approximately 4,860 th000 km for comparison London occupies around 1572 km so New Jerusalem is approximately 20 times larger than New Zealand 10 times larger than Germany and France and 40 times larger than the whole of England this city is immensely larger than any Nation we know such as India the Monumental size of the city is a significant aspect but equally impressive is its design the city is surrounded by a large high wall although the wall has no defensive function since there are no more enemies it serves to clearly Define the city's boundaries and to emphasize the exclusivity of those who have access to it only those who are righteous are allowed to enter this distinction is symbolized by the magnitude and Majesty of the wall which also indicates that some will be excluded the New Jerusalem is described in Splendid detail in including streets of gold and Gates of pearl Revelation 21:18 reveals that the structure of its wall was Jasper and the city was pure gold like clear glass in addition the 12 gates of the city were made of pearls each made of a single Pearl and the street of the city was made of pure gold like clear glass these descriptions are not just metaphors but images of a beauty and Purity that defy our capacity for imagination the light that illuminates the city does not come from Material combustion but from the lamb himself self who will be the light of the city at that time the description of the city as reflecting a light not generated by Fuel is a way of indicating that the source of light is divine and not physical in 1 Corinthians 2:9 Paul reminds us of the incomparable character of God's promises but as it is written what no I has Seen Nor Ear heard nor the heart of man imagined what God has prepared for those who love him this promise is fulfilled in the New Jerusalem which is the final manifestation of God's goodness and promise the Tree of Life life which appears again in the New Jerusalem has a rich history in the Bible in the Book of Genesis in the Garden of Eden the tree of life was situated in the center of paradise along with a tree of the knowledge of Good and Evil Adam and Eve's Disobedience resulted in the loss of eternal life and the Tree of Life which sustained Adam and Eve's life was removed now in the New Jerusalem the Tree of Life returns symbolizing the restoration of eternal life and complete Redemption the River of Life is also a central element of the New Jerusalem offering an additional vision of the abundance and vitality that characterize this heavenly place the city is therefore the final fulfillment of all the promises made by God throughout history reflecting his infinite goodness and the fullness of redemption the New Jerusalem with its vast size and glorious construction is a symbol of the perfect fulfillment of God's promises it is a place where God's presence is tangible and direct a space of incomparable Purity and Beauty the city is not just a new beginning but the culmination of a divine plan that goes beyond any human imagination as we advance in our understanding of these Eternal truths we are invited to reflect on the deeper meaning of redemption and gratitude for God's fulfilled promises let us pray dear Lord we thank you for your constant guidance and protection as time progresses we ask for understanding of the prophecies and forgiveness for our sins known and unknown guide us from now until eternity as we fulfill the purpose you have given us in jesus' name we pray amen