Conclusion

Hopefully the reader has gained a feeling for what is at hand in the Kingdom of God. We are facing war and judgment—vicious, unrelenting war until all that is sinful and rebellious has been destroyed from the Kingdom of God.

We always have known that such judgment and cleansing had to come sometime. It is not possible that the holy city, or the new world of righteousness of which Peter speaks, is holy or righteous by imputation alone. If such were the case we have no paradise to look forward to, only the same old jealousy, competition, anger, lust, treachery.

No matter how wonderful were the buildings and environment of the new Jerusalem, if the people were unchanged there would be no hope.

But God has given us hope. He is going to make an end of sin. Christ already has paid the price to remove the guilt of our sin. Now all that remains is the removal of the presence of sin itself, and this God has promised to do.

It is wonderful to imagine the beauty, love, peace, and joy of the world toward which we are moving. But all of this would be disappointing if it were not for the fact that all the people will be righteous, holy, and totally obedient to the will of God. This is the best part of the new world.

Have you ever been on a family picnic that you looked forward to for weeks? The weather is perfect. The setting is peaceful and attractive. All the family members are present and healthy. There is a little stream where the children can sail their boats.

But before the day is over there is arguing and fighting among the family members.

So it would be in Paradise if we were not changed.

We have the promise. Salvation is coming. It is the same Christ but now in much more abundance. Jesus has kept the good wine until now. Let us keep that hope before us. It will save by keeping us from the sin that so easily snares us.

Keep pressing the battle. It will be over before you know it. Sooner than you think, the twelfth chapter of Isaiah will be your daily bread, for this is the eternal testimony of those who dwell in the feast of Tabernacles.

"You were angry with me, O God, but now You have become my song, my strength, my salvation. Now I will draw water from Your Throne in my heart and multitudes will come and drink. This will bring me joy beyond my comprehension as I see spiritually dead mankind come to life.

"Arise, O God, You and the ark of Your covenant. Attack Your enemies, beginning with me. Make every rebel the footstool of the Lord Jesus Christ.

"You have brought me through the Valley of Achor. All that I am and possess has been buried under the stones of judgment. But You have become my Husband and I will sing as I haven't sung since I was young.

"I have been saved. I am being saved. And I know in the future you will come without sin bringing the fullness of salvation. Therefore I keep my eyes on You for You alone are my salvation.

"Do not tarry, Lord, for the nations are becoming depraved beyond measure. Like Nineveh of old they cannot tell their right hand from their left.

"But our eyes and the eyes of our little ones are on you, O Lord. Come and save us that we may live with You forever where there is no sin but everlasting righteousness.

"Come quickly, Lord Jesus." (from The Future Salvation)