Jesus, The Lamb of God

Jesus, The Lamb of God Sabbath Devotional Reading, June 23-24, 2023

For most of my life, I have possessed a sense of dread when thinking about the prophetic visions that the Apostle John was given in Revelation. Thankfully, in January, God intervened and allowed me to enroll in a free six-month spiritually intensive, online guided study of the Book of Revelation by Pastor Mark Finley. My dread has turned into joyful anticipation!

The Book of Revelation identifies that Jesus Wins and Satan Loses the Spiritual Battle of God versus Evil. Sin and evil will be abolished. The Bible leaves no room for doubt: God will destroy the wicked! “Though the wicked spring up like grass and all evildoers flourish, they will be forever destroyed” (Psalm 92). There is no eternally burning hell [ Read Malachi 4:1 and Revelation 20:7-9]. The battle was won on the Cross when Jesus, the Lamb said, “It is Finished!” Hallelujah! Amen!

Revelation is filled with heavenly promises for the righteous!

“But as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, Nor have entered into the heart of man The things which God has prepared for those who love Him.’ “—1 Corinthians 2:9

The purpose of the book of Revelation and the prophecies are for our spiritual preparation while on this earth. In John chapter 14, Jesus promises to prepare a forever home for us and that He would come to give the faithful their reward [Revelation 22:12]. Yes, those who have loved Jesus and renounced sin by seeking and obeying “God’s Will” receive immortality and live in the New Heaven and New Earth forever and ever with Jesus, the Lamb of God.

All Things Made New—Revelation 21:1-5

“Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also, there was no more sea. 2 Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, ‘Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God.’ 4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away. 5 Then He who sat on the throne said, ‘Behold, I make all things new.’ And He said to me, ‘Write, for these words are true and faithful.’ “

Revelation fills us with hope! Jesus knows that our earthly journey is tough! Still, He has revealed the most wonderful visions of the New Heaven and New Earth so we will not become discouraged and hopeless. All Christians should be excited about the heavenly future. Our spiritual goal is to see and live with King Jesus.

The Lamb of God

Throughout the book of Revelation, many verses are referring to the Lamb. Who or what does the Lamb represent?

John the apostle who wrote the book of Revelation is the same disciple who wrote the Gospel of John [He refers to himself as the disciple that Jesus loved] answers our question in John chapter 1, verse 29: “The next day John [this is John the Baptist] saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, ‘Behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!’ ” —John 1:29.

From reading the Four Gospels, we have documentation from two of Jesus’ disciples and two of Jesus’ followers who witnessed John the Baptist baptizing Jesus, the Lamb of God. The record of John the Baptist and his baptism of Jesus occurs not only in Matthew 3:13–17 but in Mark 1:9–11, Luke 3:21–22, and John 1:29–34.

John the Disciple Also Describes Jesus as the Eternal Word

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him, nothing was made that was made. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.” —John 1:1-5

End Time Events

John, the Apostle while exiled on the Isle of Patmos was taken into vision and shown the events that will happen at the end of time [before Jesus comes] including the rise of a counterfeit religious system represented by the Beast, the Second Coming of Jesus, Destruction of Satan and the wicked, and the beautiful New Heaven and New Earth.

After Jesus comes and the righteous live in heaven for one thousand literal years: Despite the false teaching of an eternal hell and our lack of understanding of God’s definition of “forever when referring to wickedness”, Revelation chapter 20, verses 13-15 describes the Second Death which is the annihilation of all sin. Satan, his angels, and the wicked will be literally destroyed.

Life for the Redeemed!

In Revelation chapter 19, verse 11, John writes, “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness, He judges and makes war.” But Jesus also allowed John to see the Holy City and the New Heaven and the New Earth.

“And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.” —Revelation 19:16

“They sing the song of Moses, the servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying: ‘Great and marvelous are Your works, Lord God Almighty! Just and true are Your ways, O King of the saints!’ ” —Revelation 15:3

Who are “They?” The Apostle John provides us with the answer in verse 2. “And I saw something like a sea of glass mingled with fire, and those who have the victory over the beast, over his image and over his mark and over the number of his name, standing on the sea of glass, having harps of God.” —Revelation 15:2. [Fire is a symbol of the Presence of God. See Exodus 13:21.]

“They” are the redeemed saints who overcame all of Satan’s temptations and upheld God’s Truth in their hearts [minds] despite the false doctrines that flood the earth right before Jesus comes again. Yes, the righteous saints who were faithful and obedient to God’s commandments, and loyal to God even if it meant dying for their beliefs are “standing on the sea of glass having the harps of God.”

Jesus, the Lamb of God who is King of Kings and Lord of Lords is the heart and soul of the entire Bible, not only in the Four Gospels and the book of Revelation.

The Bible provides us with a spiritual foundation of the Love, Grace, Mercy, and Character of Jesus, the Lamb, our Lord, and Savior. A starting point for studying the life of Christ—the Books of Genesis and the Four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. We cannot be faithful to Christ or fulfill our calling and service of discipleship without a firm knowledge of who Christ is and the Scriptural promises. When we are indecisive about surrendering our total mind, body, and soul to Christ, we view Revelation as condemnation.

Revelation Causes the Righteous to Rejoice!

“Fear God, give glory to Him for the hour of His judgment has come, and worship Him who made heaven and earth, the sea and springs of water.” — Revelation 14:7

When our lives are in alignment with the will of God, the book of Revelation provides the blessed hope of eternal life for the righteous who strived to be faithful and obedient in their earthly lives. Even though we have failed in our obedience to God, we can begin a new life in Christ by repenting of our sins right now and accepting Christ as our Lord and Savior.  

“My soul longs for You in the night; indeed, my spirit seeks You at dawn. For when Your judgments come upon the earth, the people of the world learn righteousness.” —Isaiah 26:9

The Bible is a Treasury of God’s Love, Redemption, Promises, and Power

As humans, we have a lot of responsibilities to attend to, but it’s important to prioritize our salvation. Eliminate any distractions that hinder your ability to worship and honor God every day. Dedicate yourself to studying the Bible and gaining knowledge about Jesus, the Lamb of God. Our ultimate spiritual objectives should be to develop a loving relationship with Christ and secure our place in His Eternal Kingdom.

1. Make a definitive plan to begin studying Genesis and Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Consistent Bible study is a matter of the heart. We get rid of distractions and set aside time to begin and build our spiritual relationship with Jesus because our heart is filled with love for the Lamb of God.
2. The timeline for studying these five books of the Bible should be at least six months. Do not rush through your journey of learning! Studying the Bible produces spiritual transformation. As an infant matures into a child and then an adult, we grow daily according to the Holy Spirit’s determination.
3. Narrow your focus by getting rid of distractions and choose a secluded place to study.  “But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly (Matthew 6:6). Although this verse refers to praying when studying the Bible, one needs solitude to receive spiritual clarity from the Holy Spirit.
4. Always pray and invite the presence of the Holy Spirit, our Teacher to give you wisdom and discernment of the Truth. “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” —John 14:26
5. Do not be intimidated by the complexity of the Scriptures. Use your measure of faith to believe that our Teacher, the Holy Spirit will give you spiritual discernment of every Scripture you study. The Holy Spirit never overwhelms us. Pray if you do not understand the Scriptures. You may or may not receive your answer immediately. The Holy Spirit is creative and has many ways to reveal the wisdom of the Bible. Use your faith to trust Him!
6. Recommendation: From personal experience, Do not discuss your studies with other individuals until you have a firm knowledge of the Scriptures. Forget traditional beliefs and avoid erroneous ideas! Satan will use others to give you their interpretation of the Scriptures to discourage you and fill your mind with doubt and confusion. Rely totally on the power and presence of the Holy Spirit. We are guaranteed that the Spirit of God will reveal all truth to us.
7. Always acquiesce and let the Spirit of God lead and direct you: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding; 6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. 7 Do not be wise in your own eyes…” (Proverbs 3:5-7)
8. Studying the Scriptures transforms your mind, heart, and life!

King David proclaimed: “With my whole heart I have sought You; Oh, let me not wander from Your commandments! Your word I have hidden in my heart, That I might not sin against You. Blessed are You, O Lord! Teach me Your statutes.” —Psalm 119:10-12

Brothers and Sisters, We Are Nearing Home!

For us to accept Righteousness by Faith which serves as a foundation of our salvation and spiritual growth, we must know more about Jesus Christ. Diligently studying the Bible, much praying, along with the desire to surrender, obey, and give our hearts to Jesus is the only way we will be standing on the Sea of Glass worshiping King Jesus, the Most Precious Lamb of God!

Scripture Reading: “And behold, I am coming quickly and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last. Blessed are those who do His commandments, that they may have the right to the tree of life, and may enter through the gates into the city.” —Revelation 22:12-14

Prayer: Jesus, we thank You for giving the apostle John the visions that reveal Your Victory over hell, death, and the grave. We also thank You for Your great sacrifice so that we may be saved from the wages of sin and have the opportunity if we choose to live with You forever and ever. Lord, we pray for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We ask for strength, wisdom, and the discernment of the Holy Scriptures. We ask this prayer in Your Holy Name, Amen.

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