FRIDAY
Finally, we talked about the destiny of God’s people, and it is utterly irresistible. The gospel story of destiny gives us real hope that is assured because Jesus rose from the dead. We have experienced relationship with him and the deposit of the Holy Spirit. This is so much better than the alternatives of a secular utopia or an enlightenment destiny.
The whole story of the Bible is the story of a return to Eden. What Adam and Eve lost in Genesis 3, God restores to his people in Revelation 21-22.
Revelation 21:1–7 1 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.” 6 He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. 7 Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children.
This is the destiny of the people of God. Therefore, we can have faith and hope in the midst of chaos in the world, suffering in our lives and the anxiety that comes with the loss of control. God is the only who will do this so it does not depend on us, but on him. This is good news because we have seen humanity’s propensity to mess it up throughout history. God is faithful. He is just and his word is true. Therefore, we can live with faith, hope and peace as we trust in him.
Romans 15:13 13 May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.