On February 5, 1971, Apollo 14 astronauts Alan Shepard and Edgar Mitchell landed on the Fra Mauro highlands of the Moon. The next day, they set out to accomplish their main objective: gathering geological samples from the rim of a nearby crater, Cone Crater. They were searching for particular rocks to determine exactly what had happened there. Scientists believed a large meteor had impacted the Moon at that location, and they were sure there would be debris—possibly from the Moon’s deeper layers or even from the meteor itself.
As they journeyed toward the crater, pulling a cart filled with tools and instruments, they were surprised to find the terrain different from what they had expected. Photos taken from previous lunar orbits had depicted a flat landscape, but in reality, the terrain was rolling. Time and again, they would see a ridge, thinking it was the crater’s edge, only to crest it and discover more land stretching ahead. This happened repeatedly, exhausting them. Eventually, mission control, concerned for their health, ordered them to stop, gather whatever samples they could, and return to the lunar module. Later analysis of their photographs determined that they had stopped within just 65 feet (20 meters) of the crater’s rim.
This experience teaches us a valuable lesson: we may have a destination in mind, but if we are not prepared for the journey, we might not reach it. The same applies to our lives. While we may not walk on the Moon, we are all on a journey. Many of us hope to reach heaven and be with God forever, but the trials and tribulations of life can be so difficult that some may be tempted to abandon their faith in Jesus and live only for themselves.
If you have ever gone through an extremely difficult season in life—perhaps harder than you expected—or if you are experiencing one now, this sermon is for you. God, in His wisdom, gave us the book of Revelation to prepare us for life’s hardships. The very first verses of Revelation describe its purpose:
“The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
Over the past few Sundays, we have been studying Revelation. Let’s review what we have learned so far. We began with the seven letters to the seven churches, where we saw how essential repentance is—not only for restoring our relationship with God but also for hearing His voice. When we turn away from God, we struggle to hear Him clearly.
We then examined the three seven-fold visions, all covering the time from Jesus’ ascension. Each vision starts with Jesus’ entrance into heaven—His coronation as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. Everything in Revelation must be understood with the knowledge that Christ is ruling over all of creation for us, and He will continue to do so for eternity.
Each of these visions consists of seven scenes. The first four or so show God’s wrath against sin being poured out upon the world. In the fifth scene, God’s people respond with prayers—either calling for vindication or affirming God’s justice. This is followed by a final battle just before Jesus’ return. In the interlude between the second and third visions, we learned that when Jesus ascended into heaven, Satan and his demons were cast out of God’s heavenly court. Since then, in anger over their exile, they have been waging war against God’s people. Yet, just as God protected the Israelites in the wilderness, He continues to safeguard and provide for His church. God’s judgment upon the earth serves to turn hardened hearts toward repentance—that is always His desire.
And Satan, as he wages war against God’s people and is pictured as a dragon, even calls forth a beast from the sea, representing the social and political powers he has corrupted to use against God’s people. He also calls forth a beast from the earth, representing religious powers he has corrupted, and these two join him in his battle against the church.
But we need not be afraid. God tells us that the war he is waging against us will culminate in a final battle, where all the demonic powers will be arrayed against the church. Yet, just when it looks like all is lost, Jesus will return. He will end the war, his enemies will be defeated and destroyed, and the world as we know it will come to an end.
That is the message God gave us in the sevenfold visions. But now, we get to dig into the last part of the book, which is God’s grand finale. It starts around chapter 17 and goes to chapter 22, and we can divide this last part of the book into three sections: Part one, the end of the first world; Part two, a flashback review; and Part three, creation restored.
How many of you have seen The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King? Okay. How many endings did that movie have? Some people count five. In the same way, God’s grand finale contains multiple layers, with each section consisting of three scenes. So, we’re talking about maybe nine scenes, each tying up a different aspect of the prophetic message He has given us.
Now, let’s dig into the first part: the end of the first world. This begins with the destruction and judgment of the dragon’s two beasts. The second beast, the beast from the earth, has been called various names; here, I believe he is referred to as the Great Prostitute. Together, the beast from the sea and the beast from the earth are called Babylon. In chapters 17 and 18, we see that Babylon is judged and destroyed.
Scene two in this section is the wedding feast of the Lamb and His bride in heaven. There is great celebration and joyful praise for God, because now Jesus and His Church are finally together.
The third scene is the second coming of Jesus to earth. Here, He comes on a white horse, bringing the war to an end. He captures the two beasts, throws them into the lake of fire, and destroys those who are fighting against Him and His church.
So that’s part one. Part two is a flashback review. It’s as if Jesus is taking John back and showing him a bit of a rewind. The first thing we see here is that the dragon is bound, and the Millennium begins.
Now, let’s take a little sidebar and talk about the Millennium. There are different views about what that word means, and how you interpret the Millennium will determine how you interpret the book of Revelation. These things are interconnected.
The first view is Premillennialism. This is the belief that Jesus will return to earth in the future before—hence the term “pre”—He establishes His kingdom on earth. He and His followers will then rule in that earthly kingdom for 1,000 years.
The second view is Amillennialism. The prefix “a-” means “not,” so this view holds that the Millennium is not a literal 1,000-year period. Instead, it is a metaphor describing the time between Jesus’ death, resurrection, and ascension into heaven and His second coming, when He will usher in the end of this world and the beginning of the new heaven and earth.
The third prominent view is Postmillennialism. This is the belief that the Christian church will gradually influence the world, making it more righteous and preparing it for Jesus’ return. This will result in a time of peace and righteousness lasting 1,000 years. Then—hence the term “post,” meaning “after”—Jesus will return.
Throughout church history, different interpretations have been more or less prominent. In the first three centuries of the church, Premillennialism was the most common view. Then, around the fourth century, especially with Augustine, the church largely adopted an Amillennial perspective, which held for several centuries. During the Reformation, Premillennialism began to rise in popularity again, particularly in Protestant circles. Since the 18th century, both Pre- and Postmillennialism have remained strong in Protestant traditions.
But as I mentioned another Sunday, you are free to have your own opinions on these topics, but I cannot teach whatever I personally think. I have promised to teach according to the doctrines of our church—and, as it happens, I also believe this to be the truth. That is why I will be teaching from the Amillennial perspective.
Now, why do I hold this view?
1. It is biblical. The core teaching of the Christian faith is that we are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. Does that sound familiar to anyone? Since this is the main teaching of the church, our views on the Millennium should align with it. Any interpretation that suggests God saves people in different ways in different periods of history is, I suggest, inconsistent with Scripture—particularly with this central tenet of Christianity.
2. It is consistent with human nature. The Bible is clear that human beings are sinful from the moment of their conception. Any view that expects a visible kingdom of God to be established here on earth among fallen human beings is, I would argue, unrealistically optimistic about human nature. Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” The Kingdom of God comes to us not through earthly rule, but invisibly and mysteriously, as the Holy Spirit works through the Gospel message to create faith in human hearts.
3. It follows a key principle of scriptural interpretation. I’ve mentioned this before, but it’s crucial: we should use the clear passages of Scripture to interpret the unclear ones, not the other way around. This means it is better to use the Gospels and the New Testament to interpret Revelation rather than trying to use Revelation to reinterpret the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament.
Now, back to where we were. The dragon is bound, and the Millennium begins.
If you look at Mark 3, Matthew 12, and Luke 14, you’ll see that Jesus is accused of casting out demons by the power of Beelzebub—the devil. In response, Jesus says something interesting: “You cannot enter a strong man’s house and plunder his goods unless you first bind the strong man.”
So, who is the “strong man” in Jesus’ story? And who is the one doing the binding?
I suggest that Jesus is telling us He has entered Satan’s house, bound him, and is now plundering his goods—meaning, He is rescuing those whom Satan had deceived. Ever since Jesus came into this world, lived, died, rose again, and ascended into heaven, Satan has been bound. He no longer has full power over the nations, and that is so the Gospel can be spread throughout the world.
But when that task is complete, Satan will be released for a short time before Jesus returns. He will be allowed to wage war in that final battle we spoke about earlier. That’s scene two.
But Satan is doomed. Very quickly after he is released, Jesus will return, defeat him, and cast him into the lake of fire.
Then comes the resurrection and the final judgment. All people will be raised from the dead and stand before God the Father.
But here’s the thing—for those of us who follow Jesus, our judgment has already been taken by Him on the cross. So for us, it will not be a judgment of condemnation, but a vindication.
After that comes part three, where creation is restored. This is one of my favorite parts of the book of Revelation. We see the new heaven and earth coming down from heaven, like a bride dressed for her husband.
So how do we understand the new heaven and new earth? One way, which I will share with you because it has been helpful to me—and I hope it will be helpful to you—is this:
Just as human beings will, at the end of time, be resurrected from the dead, made new, and yet still retain their identity, I suggest that the same thing will happen with all of creation. It will be transformed just as we are. It will be made new, yet there will still be a one-to-one connection with what exists now.
Then we see the New Jerusalem, which is the Bride of Christ in her final, glorified transformation. She is now the holy city where God dwells. This is the Church, God’s people, and they will dwell with Him forever in His holy presence.
Next, we come to scene three, where the garden is restored. The Bible begins in a garden—Genesis 1 and 2—and now, in Revelation 22, we find another garden.
But notice the difference—this time, we have access to the Tree of Life. There is also a river of life flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb. And on the Tree of Life, we are told, the leaves are for the healing of the nations.
So we will have life, healing, and wholeness in the ultimate sense, as we live with God forever in paradise restored.
Then, the book of Revelation closes with an epilogue, affirming the truth of its message. Jesus gives His promise:
“Yes, I am coming soon.”
And God’s people respond:
“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!”
The Challenge
The challenge I leave with you today is this:
1. Focus on the destination—the home that Jesus has prepared for you.
2. Prepare for the journey—because it will be difficult at times, but Jesus will always be with you to carry you through.
3. Be one of God’s journeying people, wherever He has placed you. There are people around you who are also on a journey, walking through their own valleys of the shadow of death. They need the hope you have in Jesus Christ.
Because you know Jesus, you can share that hope with them.
Amen.
Farewell to Shadowlands 