When Christ took the Throne, there was a moment in heaven of unique tension, and most especially in the mind and heart of John who seeing that there was none to open the scrolls began to weep for there was in his mind a dilemma as the plan of God could not be carried out until the scroll problem was solved. Christ solved this problem through his death, burial, and resurrection, and as He took the throne He did so as one having been given the responsibility and authority to carry out the plan outlined in that scroll. Much of revelation is given over to the reading of what lies within it, and so there is now, in the age of Christ ascension to the Throne of Heaven and Earth a clarity that the Messiah alone can bring, as Redeemer, as Prophet, Priest, and King. What then does Christ's ascension mean for the work of the Kingdom, our lives, our homes, and everything to which we can put our hand?

What we find at the end of Revelation, part of the epilogue of the book is a statement that should be for us, a resounding encouragement and warning, that the Word of God can and ought to be believed upon and trust, and also not edited to fit a narrative or system other than the one which God has given to us, that we might know how to glorify and enjoy Him. God takes most seriously the content of His Word, being His perfect revelation of His purpose and plan for those to whom the Word if given, such that whether you add (18) or subtract (19), you are condemned unto curse and having your name taken away from His book of life. As a final expression of who is sealed in Christ, a dweller in the city, and whose name is included in the Lamb's book of life, it is those who take God at His Word.

In light of all that we have seen and heard, in light of all that the Lord Jesus Christ has told us, and our brother, John the Apostle has declared what then is to be our response? Last week we looked for at the Gospel of that brings warning and encouragement depending on which side of the walls of the City of God you find yourself. To those who dwell within, hold fast to the true confession and live in light of your being sealed and obey the One who is coming with reward. To those who are unfit, unwashed, unresponsive to the call to repentance, there is only misery and death that lay outside the walls. Right now, even now, the invitation is emphasized even more such that the Spirit and the Church, who is the Bride of Christ both call those who have not yet drunk, to drink and to do so freely - such is the manifest glory and extraordinary grace of God.

The depth of the rebellion and idolatry of Israel is manifestly exhibited here in Revelation, where we find a warning given to a people who have no hope to respond in repentance. In fact the warning, though not expressed in half-hearted fashion is more a full throated condemnation against the city that rejected the Messiah. More than a condemnation we also find the exhortation to those who are righteous to continue to walk in righteousness for God will bring with Him reward, in addition to just desserts. To the obedient a promise of peaceful dwelling, to the rebellious the promise of a life banished to the place where the preserve, the liar, the idolaters dwell - outside. Today if you hear the warning, do not harden your heart, for the day is coming when the sheep and goats, the wheat and tares will be divided for eternity. Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.

We are reminded of what John has already written concerning the nearness of Christ's coming in judgment against the city of Jerusalem, the city wherein He was crucified, having been rejected and sentenced to death by those who rejected Him as the Messiah. What Christ has to say is faithful, it is true, and His words are to be the very foundation upon which we build our lives, shape our action, and establish our hope.

This morning John describes for us, the great River of Life, that proceeds from the throne of God and the Throne of the Lamb into all the Earth, whereby God's covenant promises, and grace bring forth life where there was once only death. This the water that brings healing and salvation to the valley of dry bones, issuing forth from the well of whom Christ is the spring and when we come to Him, drink from Him, believe upon Him, the Spirit of God wells up within us, filling up and running down. Such are the people named and sealed by the Lord, full of life, full of light, having been brought into God's presence in salvation.

Having examined the people of God, who are made new in Christ Jesus, by His work of reconciliation will bring all men through the process not only of justification, of adoption, and sanctification, but also that fulfilling act of glorification, wherein all who are in Christ Jesus will be fully redeemed, body and soul, never to feel the effects of sin again, comforted, exalted, dressed in the imperishable garment. John's vision of the heavenly city, coming to earth, perfect in righteousness and exalted in glory, we now see the characteristics of this city where God will dwell with men in the age that is to come.

Oh the glories that await those who have devoted themselves even to the point of pain, sorrow, tears, suffering, and horror for the sake of the coming kingdom and peace of Christ Jesus. For those who share in the child pangs of alienation from that which will soon pass away, will delight in the full flowering of all of the Father's promises made good in Christ Jesus. For the faithful shall receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and a dwelling place with Christ forever (3). Christ Himself shall put an end to our mourning (4), and all that is not done for His honor and glory, and according to His Word shall pass away (4). Even as Christ has made men new, He will consummate that work as we read in verses six through eight. One day Christ will right all wrongs, and He will bring both full salvation and full condemnation, as the start to the New Heavens and Earth.