The command in the early verses of Hebrews 12 to "set our eyes upon Jesus, the Author and Perfector of our faith" might seem a bit trite to those agonizing through the ravages of our fallen world and natures. How do we know that the same Jesus who rocked the face off of this world some 2,000 years ago will come in similar fashion to finish the job? It is great to know that we are saved, but what are we saved into? Will we be riding clouds while playing some sweet, state-of-the-art harps?
These are just a few of the questions that should prompt us to read the final chapter of God's Word, which happens to describe the final chapter of human history as well. The book of Revelation is a book about the last days--our days. All of the days between the first and second coming of Christ are the "last days." Thus, Revelation is our handbook to Christian living in this dark and dispiriting time.
It shows us that even as human history seems to descend on a downward trajectory, Christ is on His march to the throne. As we imitate the Lamb who was slain for us, the slain Lamb is showing that death not only has no hold on Him, but is merely a precursor to His eternal reign on the throne. What a great contrast: the One slain for sin is the One who will assume the throne to judge the world!
Another great contrast: the great host of the redeemed will be wearing white robes cleansed by His blood. How does blood make things white? Well, there we have the story of the cross, where Christ took our filthy rags of sin (Is. 64:9) upon Himself and clothed us in His robe of righteousness, that we might be seen as pure in the eyes of God. In fact, He who cleansed us will also be given authority to judge us. Pretty sweet deal, huh?
Finally, we will end up in a new heavens and earth, where there will be no more hunger or tears. The Lord will be our light and the river of life will flow through His eternal city. There are two trees, as in the Garden of Eden, but replacing the old tree of knowledge of good and evil is a second tree of life. There will never again be a possibility of falling away from grace as in the Garden, because Christ has given us that assurance.
Isn't it great to know the end of the story? May we live our lives with the knowledge that what Christ has started as the Author of our salvation, He will complete as the Perfector. His words "It is finished" on the cross were not in vain, but a declaration that what He has started for His people, He will finish. Praise God!
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