Revelation 21 - Introduction

CHAPTER XXI.

At the beginning of chapter 21, we arrive at the watershed that divides time and eternity. In chapter 20 we had the millennium, the post-millennial period, the general resurrection and judgment and the final destiny of the wicked. This twenty-first chapter follows as a continuation of the story. Having consigned the wicked to the lake of fire, described in a few brief words, the writer proceeds in this long passage to disclose the glorious abode and the beatific destiny of those whose names were written in the book of life. Our story therefore leads us beyond the confines of this world or this age of earthly affairs to view things in vastly different conditions from anything we know here. The heart of the church has ever beat in response to this revelation of its heavenly home, and without doubt the heart of the church is right. Moreover if there is any chronological relation between the different parts of this book, and there evidently is, then the progress of events brings us to scenes that lie beyond the resurrection and final judgment. Besides the chronological progress, the conditions are not earthly, no sin, no sorrow, no pain, no death, no sea, no sun and moon. Where can such unearthly features find a place?