What practical steps can you take to prepare for God's judgment as described? The Vision in Revelation 11:19 “Then the temple of God in heaven was opened, and the ark of His covenant appeared in His temple. And there came flashes of lightning, rumblings, and peals of thunder, and an earthquake, and a great hailstorm.” Revelation pulls back the curtain and shows God’s heavenly temple, His covenant chest, and the unmistakable signs of judgment. Everything John sees is real, not symbolic only. The scene calls every believer to make concrete preparations for the day we stand before the same holy God. Why This Matters Now • Hebrews 9:27 reminds us, “It is appointed for men to die once, and after that to face judgment.” • 1 Peter 4:17 states, “It is time for judgment to begin with the household of God.” • 2 Corinthians 5:10 affirms we must “appear before the judgment seat of Christ.” God’s judgment is certain, so preparation cannot be casual or postponed. Practical Steps for Readiness 1. Embrace the Covenant Keeper • Trust Christ, the true Mercy Seat (Hebrews 9:11-12). • Repent of sin and believe the gospel daily (Mark 1:15). 2. Revere His Holiness • Let the flashes of lightning and thunder remind you that sin is serious (Exodus 19:16-19). • Cultivate a worshipful fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). 3. Obey the Word You Carry • Hide Scripture in your heart to fend off sin (Psalm 119:11). • Practice immediate obedience—small compromises dull spiritual hearing (James 1:22-25). 4. Keep Short Accounts • Confess sin promptly (1 John 1:9). • Make restitution where possible (Luke 19:8-9). 5. Live a Distinct, Holy Life • Separate from practices that dishonor Christ (2 Corinthians 6:17-18). • Pursue purity in thought, speech, and action (1 Thessalonians 4:3-7). 6. Walk in Ongoing Fellowship • Gather consistently with believers (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Invite accountability; iron sharpens iron (Proverbs 27:17). 7. Stay Fired Up for Mission • Testify to Christ’s saving work (Acts 1:8). • Use your gifts in service; faithfulness now prepares you for reward later (Matthew 25:14-23). 8. Watch and Pray • Maintain a prayerful alertness; the Judge is at the door (Mark 13:33-37). • Pray “Your kingdom come” with expectation and readiness (Matthew 6:10). 9. Endure to the End • Hold fast when trials rumble like thunder (James 1:12). • Keep your lamp filled with oil, like the wise virgins (Matthew 25:1-13). 10. Look for the New Creation • Set your hope fully on the grace to be brought at Christ’s revelation (1 Peter 1:13). • “Make every effort to be found spotless, blameless, and at peace with Him” (2 Peter 3:14). Living in the Light of the Open Temple Because heaven’s temple is already open, access to God is available now. Approach boldly (Hebrews 4:16), stand clean under Christ’s blood, and order every area of life as though the lightning might flash at any moment. Encouragement to Stay the Course Revelation ends with this promise: “Blessed are those who wash their robes, so that they may have the right to the tree of life and may enter the city by its gates” (Revelation 22:14). Keep washing your robes in the blood of the Lamb, and you will be ready when the ark of His covenant comes into full view. |
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