Daily Bible Devotionals

“Then I saw a new Heaven and a new Earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea existed no longer.” Revelation 21:1 (HCSB)

The Bible depicts Creation as warring against itself. For instance, light conquers darkness:  

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. All things were created through Him, and apart from Him not one thing was created that has been created. Life was in Him, and that life was the light of men. That light shines in the darkness, yet the darkness did not overcome it.” John 1:1-5 (HCSB)

But the sea is also allied with the darkness. Therefore, the sea had to be contained and limited. This is done on the second day of Creation. (Genesis 1:6-10) Consider God’s statement to Job:

“Who enclosed the sea behind doors when it burst from the womb, when I made the clouds its garment and thick darkness its blanket when I determined its boundaries and put its bars and doors in place, when I declared: ‘You may come this far, but no farther; your proud waves stop here’?” Job 38:8-11 (HCSB)

The sea is active in bringing destruction and death through the flood of Noah, an event mentioned five times in the New Testament. But the sea is under God’s control, as seen clearly in the Exodus, where God’s “strong hand and outstretched arm” turned the Red Sea into a means of salvation for the Israelites. God also used that same sea as a means of destruction for the Egyptians. Furthermore, Isaiah prophesies God’s vindication of Israel when He defeats a great demonic sea beast.

“On that day, the Lord with His harsh, great, strong sword, will bring judgment on Leviathan, the fleeing serpent – Leviathan, the fleeing serpent – Leviathan, the twisting serpent. He will slay the monster that is in the sea.” Isaiah 27:1(HCSB)

Because the Bible speaks so much about judgment by “sea,” a Jewish superstition arose that claimed evil spirits lived at the bottom of deep bodies of water. To the average Jew, when Noah’s flood receded, those eternal evil spirits of that generation, judged by God, rested like dregs in the deep. The same was assumed for Pharaoh and his army’s souls. This is possibly why the disciples thought Jesus was a ghost when He came walking on water. It is, perhaps, why demons (begging to be cast into the pigs) ran into the Sea of Galilee. That action, no doubt, reinforced this superstition among Jesus’ disciples.

Today’s chapter indicates that in the new Heaven and Earth, just as there is no darkness for light to compete with, neither do such deep waters exist. The point is that both Creation and mankind will again be at peace with each other and God.

“Then I saw a great white throne and the One seated on it. Earth and Heaven fled from His presence, and no place was found for them. I also saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the Book of Life, and the dead were judged according to their works by what was written in the books. Then the sea gave up its dead, and Death and Hades gave up their dead; all were judged according to their works. Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. And anyone not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.” Revelation 20:11-15 (HCSB)

I have heard it said by some “new age” and liberal religious types that all roads lead to God. The foundation of their statement is heresy, which assumes that all religions will eventually lead to some kind of eternal salvation. To them, it doesn’t matter which road you choose because they will all arrive at the same destination.

According to today’s passage, though, their assumption has some truth. All roads eventually DO lead to God. That is to say, all roads lead to the judgement of God. We will all, great & small, stand before the Lord’s judgment. The real question should be, “Which road gets me past God’s Judgment?” There is only ONE true way, and if the “narrow path” had a street sign at its entrance, it would read: “MESSIAH JESUS”…or perhaps, “THE Way.”

Some skeptics would argue that such an exclusive assumption is a New Testament fable, an idea that Judaism doesn’t teach. While there are many Old Testament references to the “Day of the Lord,” the “Last Day,” “The Judgment,” etc., consider this one from the prophet Zephaniah:

“Therefore wait for Me – the Lord’s declaration – until the day I rise up for plunder. For My decision is to gather nations to assemble kingdoms, in order to pour out My indignation on them, all My burning anger; the whole earth will be consumed with the fire of My jealousy.”  Zephaniah 3:8 (HCSB)

The Bible gives a symmetrical picture of salvation history. In its first two chapters, at the beginning of history, a sinless World is described. At the beginning of the third chapter (Genesis 3:1-7), Satan entices Eve and Adam into sin, resulting in damage to humanity and the World. From the beginning, God’s plan was to remedy this damage through the death and resurrection of the Messiah—the remaining 1256 chapters of the Bible deal with the outworking of this plan.

At the end of history, in the third-to-last chapter, Satan is judged, with the wicked condemned to the lake of fire. Then, the final two chapters of Revelation present a newly created earth and humanity restored to Eden-like sinlessness. But there is one asymmetry: Satan and the first man, Adam, cause sin at the beginning, while God the Father and the second man (aka 2nd Adam), Jesus, cause sinlessness at the end.  (1 Corinthians 15:45-49, Romans 5:12-21)

“Let us be glad, rejoice, and give Him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has prepared herself. She was given fine linen to wear, bright and pure. The fine linen represents the righteous acts of the saints.” Revelation 19:7-8 (HCSB)

Jesus, as the “Bridegroom,” is found in many places in Scripture.  

The Song of Solomon describes the intimate and passionate love between Solomon, the King of Israel, and his Shulamite wife. Most Bible commentators have seen The Song of Solomon as a typical representation of the loving relationship between the Messiah and His people.

In Matthew 22:1-14, Jesus taught the parable of the King who gave a wedding feast for His Son. This is an apparent reference to the union between Himself and His believers.  

Matthew 25:1-13 gives another parable of the ten virgins who met the bridegroom, typifying the Church going out to meet Jesus when He returns.

John the Baptist said of Messiah, “He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice.” John 3:29 (NKJV)

The apostle Paul wrote, “For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy, because I have promised you in marriage to one husband—to present a pure virgin to Christ.” 2 Corinthians 11:2 (HCSB)

Today’s passage in Revelation describes the marriage ceremony between Jesus and His bride.  

Often in the Bible, the unfaithfulness of God’s people is referred to as infidelity or spiritual adultery. Everyone has sinned and been unfaithful to God. That is why Messiah’s redemption is so valuable… “in that while we were yet sinners, Messiah died for us.” (Romans 3:23). Perhaps another reading of Hosea is in order.  

God's great grace allows us (collectively, His bride, the Church) to be clothed in white linen despite our past infidelities. His grace is not simply a cover-up. Upon receiving the atoning sacrifice of Jesus, we are literally washed white by His blood and are considered spiritually “virginal” to God. So, at the marriage of the Lamb, will you be among those wearing white or sackcloth?

“All this will happen because your merchants were the nobility of the earth, because all the nations were deceived by your sorcery, and the blood of prophets and saints, and of all those slaughtered on earth, was found in you.” Revelation 18:23b-24 (HCSB)

The idea that the “Great Prostitute” would seduce and collect kings & merchants is not new to Scripture. Jeremiah records that Babylon’s king, Evil-Merodach, “pardoned King Jehoiachin of Judah and released him from the prison. He spoke kindly to him and set his throne above the thrones of the kings who were with him in Babylon.”

Babylon’s king Nebuchadnezzar often captured & imprisoned the kings and officials of nations he defeated. Then, he redistributed those nations’ people throughout the Babylonian kingdom. His purpose was to kill cultures by creating melting pots of nationalities.

Mystery Babylon dominates the World by enticing, enslaving, and assimilating mankind into her adulteries. How do nations, merchants, and kings become deceived by “Mystery Babylon”? They willingly choose to be enslaved by succumbing to her enticements. They sell themselves into bondage and then respond with appreciation when their “master” promotes them within her system.  

“But each person is tempted when he is drawn away and enticed by his own evil desires.”  James 1:14 (HCSB)

Mystery Babylon’s methods are very different from God’s. He certainly doesn’t want men to live in forced bondage because He gives us the freedom to choose Him.  God does not tempt men. Nor does He desire that they sin and undergo judgment.  

“The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish but all to come to repentance.” 2 Peter 3:9 (HCSB)

It isn’t until we feel the impact of our fall and recognize our powerlessness to recover that we cry out for God. When we repent in humility and sincerity, He answers gracefully and mercifully.

“Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 (NKJV)

We do not have to live in the bondage of this World. We are free to choose whether to serve God or the World, which the Lord has now revealed to us as the great enticer and “Mystery, Babylon the Great, Mother of Harlots…” (Revelation 17:5)

“The beast that you saw was, and is not, and is about to come up from the abyss and go to destruction. Those who live on the earth, whose names were not written in the Book of Life from the foundation of the World will be astounded when they see the beast that was, and is not, and will be present again.”  Revelation 17:8 (HCSB)

One of the best ways for a company to grow is to diversify. Take the soft drink industry, for example. Many years ago, there were two main soft drink brands: Coke & Pepsi. Soft drink buyers were polarized. So, what did these companies do to take away business from each other? They began to diversify.  

Let’s focus on Coke. Coke doesn’t only want to sell you a Coke, per se; they’re after your beverage-buying dollar. Today, whether you purchase Dr. Pepper, Sprite, A&W, Nescafe, or over 400 other brands worldwide…the money goes back to Coca-Cola. To compete with Pepsi, all Coke had to do was introduce new brands into the marketplace and get out of the way. People who may have had a negative opinion of the Coke brand would have a higher probability of buying one of these other products instead of Pepsi. No problem. Coke still makes money.      

Some people are surprised when they discover that Coke manufactures their favorite beverage, like Dasani water, for example.  

There is a notion in our culture that following Jesus is one choice among many gods & religions. The reality is that the followers of those so-called gods & religions will be astonished to see the originator of their belief systems was Satan! Satan diversified.

In Revelation 17, the angel reveals that Satan “was, is not, and will be present again.”  This is opposed to God, who “was, and IS, and is to come.”  While God’s presence has remained constant throughout history, Satan’s approach has been stealthier. Satan’s goal is to increase mankind’s “options” for religious choice. Instead of choosing between God and Satan, mankind can choose between several religious opinions. Then, Satan hid himself because only a crazy person would choose to worship Satan outright! Only in the end will Satan be revealed as the father of ALL false religions.  

If Satan had a name for his “parent company,” it would be “Mystery Babylon.”  Described as a prostitute, Mystery Babylon has made the nations drunk with idolatry and false religion.

Satan’s downfall is his pride; he is jealous of worship. Of course, ALL worship belongs to God alone. Soon, it will not be enough for Satan to lure worship away from God. Eventually, Satan will expose himself as the originator of all false religions by demanding all men worship him directly. This will effectually destroy “the Prostitute.”

In the end, everything comes back to only two choices for the worshipper: God or Satan. Since only Messiah Jesus leads to salvation, why not choose Him today?

“Look, I am coming like a thief. The one who is alert and remains clothed so that he may not go around naked and people see his shame is blessed.” Revelation 16:15 (HCSB)

“…for you know very well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, “Peace and safety,” destruction will come on them suddenly, as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.” 1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 (NIV)

Have you ever had anything stolen from you? I have. I remember coming out of the Mall one day, getting into my car, turning on the radio, and…no sound. I turned around to discover that someone had stolen my car stereo speakers!! Serves me right for leaving the convertible top down. My dad warned me it would happen someday. Nevertheless, I was totally shocked on the day I got ripped off.  

So, it will also be for unbelievers on the Day of the Lord. Despite the warnings, many will be totally surprised when it actually comes. Friends, there is a reckoning forthcoming. A final and harsh lesson awaits all who reject the Lord, who have refused to be clothed in His righteousness.

“I greatly rejoice in the Lord, I exult in my God; for He has clothed me with the garments of salvation and wrapped me in a robe of righteousness.” Isaiah 61:10b (HCSB)

Remember the story of Adam & Eve, how they lived in the Garden of Eden before the fall? Their flesh had not been corrupted by sin, so they had nothing to hide. Their nakedness bore witness to their sinlessness.  

“Both the man and his wife were naked, yet felt no shame.” Genesis 2:25 (HCSB)

After Adam & Eve sinned, their corrupted flesh bore witness to their sinful act. So, they attempted to cover themselves.  

“I was afraid because I was naked, so I hid.” Genesis 3:10 (HCSB)

Listen, it is impossible to hide our sins from the Lord. We cannot cover ourselves with enough good deeds. Sin is a mark, impossible to rub off. It is a disease that is impossible to self-medicate and recover from.

In the days of Adam & Eve, the Lord clothed their sinful flesh with animal skins…but this was only to “cover their shame.”  It didn’t permanently atone for sin. Nor did it change their inner conditions or impending judgment.

When Jesus took the sin of the world upon Himself, He paid the penalty we deserve for our personal sin conditions. The Salvation Jesus offers clothes us with His righteousness. The day of the Lord will come, like a thief, upon the whole world. Only those clothed in Messiah’s righteousness will be able to stand without shame. Would you receive His atonement, His “garments of righteousness” today? Admit (to Jesus) that you are a sinner and tell Him you want to receive the atonement He freely offers.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Revelation 15. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Then I saw another angel flying in mid-Heaven, having the eternal Gospel to announce to the inhabitants of the Earth – to every nation, tribe, language, and people. He spoke with a loud voice: “Fear God and give Him glory, because the hour of His judgment has come. Worship the Maker of Heaven and Earth, the sea, and springs of water.”  Revelation 14:6-7 (HCSB)

In this chapter, God is shown working behind the scenes of history, preparing rewards for His people and punishments for those who disobey Him.  Believers are warned against falling away and encouraged to remain faithful.

It is not easy to suffer, all the while blessing God. The whole scenario of “God-willed” suffering is askew with much of what the modern Church has adopted as doctrine. But it is important to remember that the suffering of believers is Scriptural and thus good. We suffer for several reasons. God teaches us the depth of our faith when situations He ordains demand that we either trust Him or seize control. God rebukes the Enemy when we faithfully endure trials, such as is the case with Job. Our shared suffering with non-believers is a beautiful opportunity to witness the objects of our faith: peace, joy, and a right standing with God.

Until now (in the book of Revelation), what has seemed like God’s judgment, compared to our present-day life existences, has actually been intended to provoke people to repentance. Consider these verses in light of the angel’s testimony in today’s passage:

“Even now – this is the Lord’s declaration – turn to Me with all your heart, with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Tear your hearts, not just your clothes, and return to the Lord your God. For He is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger, rich in faithful love, and He relents from sending disaster. Who knows? He may turn and relent and leave a blessing behind Him so that you can offer grain and new wine to the Lord your God.”  Joel 2:12-14 (HCSB)

“The Lord does not delay His promise, as some understand delay, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief; on that day the Heavens will pass away with a loud noise, the elements will burn and be dissolved, and the Earth and the works on it will be disclosed.”  2 Peter 3:9-10 (HCSB)

Before the bowl judgments, even at this late hour of this World’s season, there is a final plea for salvation addressed to anyone who would accept the message of the Gospel.

Have you come to the point in your spiritual life where you know for certain that you have eternal life? The Lord has delayed His return so that as many as possible might believe. But there is coming a time when that invitation will be withdrawn, and it will be as if a thief had stolen your moment away. Don’t let that “thief” be your own stubbornness. Turn to Jesus today and plead with others to join you!

“And he requires everyone – small and great, rich and poor, free and slave – to be given a mark on his right hand or on his forehead, so that no one can buy or sell unless he has the mark; the beast’s name, or the number of his name. Here is wisdom: the one who has understanding must calculate the number of the beast, because it is the number of man. His number is 666.”  Revelation 13:16-18 (HCSB)

Much has been made about this passage and the mysterious meaning of “666”. To add further drama, there are no numbers, per se, in Hebrew. Therefore, each letter has a numerical value. So-called “end times experts” have gone to great lengths to develop computer programs that look for “666” patterns in numerical and literature worlds. My favorite is the guy who determined that if A = 100, B = 101, C = 102, etc., the numerical value of the name Hitler totals “666”!  

It all makes me wonder what else these people could do with their time to be more productive for the Kingdom. Shouldn’t we spend more time sharing the Gospel instead of trying to convince our neighbors that their dog has the “mark of the beast” because the veterinarian placed a micro-chip in Fido?

Here’s what we know. As we learned earlier in Revelation 1, the number 7 is the number of completion. The number 6 is the number of Creation. The Lord took 6 days to establish Creation. He rested on day 7: Completion. Whenever we see the number 6 in Scripture, it is generally related to something that man originated and is usually compared/contrasted to what God had intended. For instance, there were 6 steps to Solomon’s throne. The number 6 is used 273 times in the Bible.  

So, there are two distinct images we are focusing on today: Where the mark is attached and what the mark means.

John tells us the beast’s mark is seen on the hand and the forehead. This is a direct mockery of the tefillin (phylacteries) (Matthew 23:5) that Jewish people were commanded to wear. The “forehead” represents our mind/thoughts, and the “hand” represents our actions.

“You shall bind them (God’s commands) for a sign on your hand, and they shall be frontlets for your eyes.” Deuteronomy 6:8 (NKJV)

Now, about the three sixes. This represents a mockery of the tri-unity of God. It is Mankind’s attempt to be their own judge & savior and to define their own truth. When you combine the beast’s number with its placements on the non-believers’ bodies, it becomes clear that those bearing the “mark of the beast” are simply those whose minds & actions testify that they have forsaken the Father, Messiah, and the Holy Spirit in exchange for Satan, the Flesh, and the World.