Heaven's Glory, Part 2 (Revelation 21:9-27)

Dr. Shadrach Meshach Lockridge pastored Calvary Baptist Church in San Diego from 1952 until he retired in 1993. In his 41 years of ministry, Lockridge touched the lives of over 100,000 people as he preached at crusades, revivals, and conferences around the world. A version of Lockridge's well-know sermon, "Friday's Here, but Sunday's A-coming," has been preached, especially during the Easter season, by numerous pastors. The sermon outlines the events of Christ's last day on earth. It repeats the line of the title after each event, giving hope to all believers in Christ. Admittedly, we do and should pay attention to what Christ did on the cross in order that we may be saved. However, our focus should not be solely on the cross, but we should start looking forward to what our reward will be because we are the children of the one true God. Revelation 21 helps us to do just that. Here is a unique opportunity to look into our future home- heaven.

I. The Inheritance of the Church

As believers, also know as the church, we have an amazing inheritance. First, we are the bride of Christ. Our home will be in the Holy City that is saturated with the glory of God. The city and walls are made of jasper and gold with every kind of precious stones. The gates are of pearls and the streets of transparent gold. The glory of God is the light of the city, and the Lamb is its lamp. No sin will ever enter heaven. Only those whose name is written in the Lamb's Book of Life will enter. This heavenly imagery began in Exodus 19 where God told Moses that if the people will obey him then they will be his treasured possession. Hence, their names will be entered into the Lamb's Book of Life.

II. The Architecture of the Inheritance

The city was laid out like a cube. 1400 miles in length, width, and height. The walls were 200 feet thick. Imagine such a huge place covered in transparent gold and every kind of precious jewel. What a loving gift God has given to his children! The gift of his son Jesus Christ could have been enough. Because of the Father's gift of Jesus Christ to us, we will be able to live for eternity with him is such a beautiful place.

III. The Eternal Light

The opposite of light is darkness. Darkness is more than an absence of light. Darkness can be a synonym for evil. 1 John 2:9-11 tells us that the sin of hatred makes a person walk in darkness to the point they do not know where they are going. Additionally, Psalm 107 describes sin's consequences as being chained in darkness. However, there is good news. Christ can bring any person out of darkness, and he can break the chains of sin. John 12:46 gives believers an assurance that they do not have to stay in darkness. Jesus proclaimed that he is the light of the world, and that whoever believes in him will not stay in darkness. Jesus assured his disciples that he will go back to heaven after the resurrection. He said that if he goes, he will prepare a place for all who believe in him. For every child of God- your Sunday is coming. Keep looking forward to your heavenly home. "Friday's here, but Sunday's a-coming." Amen.

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