Sermon snippet – Simply Heaven – Part XIV
INTRODUCTION – As we continue to focus our attention “on things above” (Colossians 3:1-2), we return to Revelation 19:11-16. Here, we find “heaven opened” to reveal to us truths about our Savior, Jesus Christ.
- JESUS REIGNS OVER NATURE
Verse 16 tells us that Jesus is “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” This is a powerful expression of His sovereignty, of His complete and kind control. Colossians 1:16-17 specifically states that Jesus is sovereign over the entire creation. If He is not the Sovereign Creator, then He is not truly sovereign, and mankind can reject His authority. The evil appeal of evolution is that it removes man’s responsibility to this Creator. Jesus both creates and sustains, holding all things together (Colossians 1:17b – “by Him all things consist”). (For a more detailed exposition of this point, please see the full sermon available on Facebook or YouTube).
- JESUS REIGNS OVER SINFUL HUMAN NATURE
Verse 13 says that Jesus “was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood.” This blood is not from Jesus’ enemies, for the campaign of Armageddon is still pending when this prophetic picture of Jesus is presented (see Revelation 19:17-21). The blood of our Savior provides the remedy to defeat sin. Jesus’ own sinlessness on our behalf demonstrates that He reigns over sin – reigns eternally over sin – and passes righteous judgment on sin (verse 11).
- JESUS REIGNS OVER MY SINFUL HUMAN NATURE
Both angels (Matthew 28:2-3) and believers, (Revelation 3:5; 7:9, 14) are attired in white in heaven (verse 14). The contrast with Jesus’ “vesture dipped in blood” (verse 13) is striking. The blood red clothing of Jesus is a reminder of what it took for Jesus to reign over my sinful nature. His death on the Cross, the death that shed His holy blood, was sadly necessary. His blood washed me, washed me clean, washed me clean so that I can wear the white raiment of heaven.
CONCLUSION – Because Jesus reigns, there are only two possible outcomes in eternity – salvation or separation. We are responsible to respond. Jesus had provided the everlasting remedy (salvation); Jesus also passes eternal judgment on sin (separation). In part, heaven has been opened to us to convince each one of us to place our faith in Jesus Christ, for Jesus reigns unto salvation.