In Revelation 17 the worldly powers are characterised as ‘Babylon’ which is depicted as a great prostitute who rides upon the beast. In direct contrast to this, in Revelation 21, the glorified church is depicted as the New Jerusalem “prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband”. Revelation is a book of contrasts; it uses imagery like this to create a polarised image for a very clear purpose. We must choose our allegiance. The present world system looks seductively good on the outside but is inwardly corrupt. We must live in this world in love and grace and contribute whatever good we can. But we must not get too comfortable here. For this “old order of things” is going to pass away. Other texts in Scripture talk about a kind of fiery purge of the earth (Isaiah 51:6; 66:15–16; Zephaniah 1:18; 3:8; 2 Peter 3:12). We don’t know exactly what this means, but we do know what God’s purpose in this is. He is going to purge the earth to make way for the new order, an eternal home for his bride. It will be a perfect creation like that of Genesis 1-2 where we will live together with God forever. The implications of this are enormous; this truth should radically transform the way we live now. Don’t invest all your resources and energy in trying to build a little artificial heaven for yourself here. Invest yourself in God’s purpose. God is preparing his bride, his church, and he wants you to be a part of this. Take your place in God’s plan because only this will endure.
Ask God to help you prepare for Christ’s coming.
Read Revelation 21:1-4 and Revelation 19:7-9.
