What does "God Himself will be with them" mean for believers today? The Heart of the Promise “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them. They will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God.” (Revelation 21:3) • “God Himself” – not an angel, emissary, or symbol, but the living, personal LORD. • “Will be with them” – permanent, face-to-face fellowship, no barriers, no distance. • “As their God” – covenant language fulfilled; absolute belonging, total security. Already and Not Yet Even before the New Jerusalem, believers taste this promise. 1. God’s presence in Christ • John 1:14 – “The Word became flesh and tabernacled among us.” • Matthew 28:20 – “I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” 2. God’s presence through the Holy Spirit • John 14:16-17 – “He will give you another Advocate… He remains with you and will be in you.” • 1 Corinthians 6:19 – our bodies are now His temple. 3. God’s presence anticipated in glory • 1 Thessalonians 4:17 – “We will always be with the Lord.” • Revelation 22:4 – “They will see His face.” So we live in the overlap: a real, present fellowship that will be perfected when all things are made new. What It Means for Us Today • Steadfast Assurance – Hebrews 13:5: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” – No circumstance can evict God from the believer’s life. • Deep Identity – 1 Peter 2:9-10: once not a people, now “God’s people.” – Our worth rests on whose we are, not what we achieve. • Daily Guidance – Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go.” – Because He is with us, we can seek and expect direction. • Courage in Suffering – Isaiah 43:2: “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you.” – Trials are never traversed alone; His presence steadies us. • Pursuit of Holiness – 2 Corinthians 6:16-18 calls us to separation from sin because “I will live with them.” – Awareness of His nearness fuels obedient, joyful purity. • Vibrant Worship – Psalm 16:11: “In Your presence is fullness of joy.” – Worship moves from duty to delight when we realize He is here. • Hope-Filled Anticipation – Romans 8:18: present sufferings vs. coming glory. – Every glimpse of His presence now is a pledge of the unhindered communion ahead. Living in Light of the Promise • Speak to Him continually; He’s not distant. • Trust His word over shifting feelings; His presence is fact, not mood. • Gather with His people; His dwelling is communal, not merely individual. • Hold loosely to this world; the best is yet to come when “God Himself will be with them.” |
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