Restoring Eden 4: The End of this Age
And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. (Revelation 20:15)
Previously . . . During the millennium, survivors of the great tribulation repopulated the earth under the Lord’s government. Some mortals attained conditional immortality through faith and obedience.
The Second Resurrection
At the end of the millennium, on the 7000th anniversary of Adam's creation—the very day—a celestial trumpet blast reverberated across the earth, penetrating into the soil and sea.
As the echoes faded, an awesome scene unfolded. The spirit of every human who'd ever lived, from Adam onward, rejoined its resurrected body as it emerged from the dust. Men, women, and children of every generation found themselves shoulder to shoulder in a crowd of billions.
Alongside them stood every mortal person alive at the end of the millennium, their eyes wide with wonder and anticipation.
Seated on a great white throne, just outside the tribe of Judah's gate into the glorious New Jerusalem, the Lord Jesus looked down on the multitude. Katie and her fellow glorified immortals watched from the side of the throne, their eyes taking in the incredible sight.
The resurrected masses resembled awestruck tourists in the heart of Manhattan, all of them looking up, gawking at the radiant glory emanating from mankind's divine Savior and the heavenly city of gold behind him.
The Heavenly City
The city was a pyramid so enormous it filled the sky before them.
The City’s Wall
The city’s perimeter wall was Jasper in its three colors—crimson red, emerald green, and golden yellow. The wall was more than 210 feet tall, and it stretched out of sight to the crowd's left and right.
Gates of the City
The tribe of Judah's gate was carved through a huge pearl, about 60 feet in diameter, with "Judah" inscribed above it, in Hebrew. Next to the gate, a thirty-foot-tall angel stood guard to ensure nothing impure ever entered the city. The road into the city was pure gold, but transparent, like glass.
The City’s Size
The city was immense, stretching from horizon to horizon, and so high it reached into outer space.
Katie knew the pyramid city's dimensions were 1,500 miles square at its base, and 1,500 miles tall, and that it was made of pure gold, clear as crystal.
Every soul, both small and great, mortal and immortal, stood in humble silence before the King of kings.
The Assembly of All Mankind
Billions of resurrected people stood before Jesus, seated on God’s great white throne.
Katie saw dread and fear in those who'd rejected the truth in their lives—preferring instead to live in selfishness and sin.
Their dread and fear contrasted with the joy and hope she saw on those who'd believed in Jesus as their Savior during their life.
1st versus 2nd Resurrection
In the first resurrection, which occurred before the battle of Armageddon, God transformed Katie, Andy, Rachel, and countless other martyrs and faithful disciples into immortal beings, with bodies just like Jesus’s resurrected body. Over the next 1000 years, these immortal saints served alongside Jesus as teachers and guides, helping the mortal survivors of the great tribulation rebuild civilization as they repopulated the earth.
A thousand years after the first resurrection, these second resurrection believers now stood before Jesus's throne with the wide-eyed anticipation of children on Christmas morning, overjoyed to finally see their Savior and receive their heavenly reward.
The Book of Life
As Katie watched, books appeared before the throne. The largest book, bound in pure gold with pages that glowed, was the Book of Life.
As Jesus sat upon the throne, he reached out his hand and the Book of Life floated gently into his grasp. In a voice that resonated like thunder, yet soothed like a gentle breeze, he read out the names inscribed within.
Katie watched in awe from her position near the throne. As Jesus spoke each name, another person standing among the resurrected billions got transformed. Their earthly bodies, some aged and withered, others youthful but scarred by sin, glowed. Then, in the twinkling of an eye, they were glorified. God instantly changed them from a corruptible mortal into an immortal, free from every blemish. They visibly glowed with the same radiant light that emanated from Christ himself.
Shock, then overwhelming joy spread across their faces. Tears of gratitude flowed down their cheeks. Shouts of praise arose from the glorified millions.
Without a word, the newly glorified saints seemed to know which tribe of Israel they were now grafted into. Like metal shavings drawn to a magnet, they gathered together into twelve distinct groups, each one a beautiful tapestry of people from every era and corner of the earth.
Angels led the first group toward the city gate. As they approached the towering gate of pearl, the guard angel bowed in reverence as he swung open the gate, allowing the newly glorified saints of the tribe of Judah to enter the heavenly city, walking on its golden street.
Meanwhile, other angels approached the remaining eleven groups. These angels joined hands with their group. Then, in a flash of light, they vanished. They're taking them to their tribal areas of the city.
As Katie observed this marvelous scene, a realization dawned on her. In heaven, each person has a book containing every misdeed and sinful thought from their earthly lives. Yet, if their name is written in the Book of Life, their book remains unopened, its pages forever unread.
Tears of joy and gratitude welled up in Katie's eyes as she whispered,
“As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.”
The truth of Psalm 103:12 had never been more clear or more beautiful than it was at that moment.
For the newly glorified saints, the great white throne judgment was not a trial. It was a graduation, a homecoming for everyone who placed their faith in God during the last 7000 years.
But, for the billions of souls left standing outside the gate of the city, whose names weren't in the Book of Life, there was no celebration, only the fearful anticipation of judgment, and wondering what hell will be like.
The New Jerusalem
Julie Whitefeather, Katie's mother, felt an overwhelming surge of joy and awe as she looked down at her newly glorified body, radiant and perfect. Her husband John stood beside her, his face filled with the same wondrous amazement. Aunts Sarah and Ella were there too, laughing and crying tears of pure elation.
An angel approached them, smiling warmly. "Please join hands with me," the angel said. He wore a pastel turquoise robe and had a handsome, youthful face. His melodic voice seemed to emanate from the very air around them.
As soon as the five of them formed a circle, the angel took them away in a flash of divine light.
They soared effortlessly through the air, the wind caressing Julie's face as she gazed in wide-eyed wonder at the scene unfolding before them. The majestic city stretched out below, a colossal golden pyramid reaching high into the deep blue sky. Julie realized they were flying towards the opposite side of the city.
As they flew, the angel guided them on an aerial tour of the heavenly city. Gaining altitude with each passing moment, they ascended alongside the face of the immense pyramidal structure. Julie marveled at the maze of gold buildings that formed its exterior walls.
Higher and higher they climbed until at last they reached the very peak—the magnificent capstone that formed the earthly dwelling place of King Jesus himself. Julie felt an electric thrill course through her at the thought of being so close to her Savior.
Flowing out from under the capstone were four glistening rivers—rivers of the water of life—cascading down each of the pyramid's four sides. Julie peered closer and saw millions of trees—trees of life—growing on both sides of each river for their entire length, their boughs heavy with succulent fruit for more than a thousand miles.
Lush greenery flourished among the golden buildings on the city's exterior. Trees bore ripe produce, bushes overflowed with plump berries, and flowers of every color painted the landscape in vivid hues. The intoxicating scent of blossoms mixed with the sweet aroma of perfectly ripe fruit, making Julie's mouth water. It was even more glorious than paradise, whence they came, with an abundance to satisfy every resident of this glorious kingdom for all eternity.
As they began their descent down the far side of the pyramid, toward the tribe of Zebulon’s gate, Julie's heart swelled with gratitude and love. She squeezed the hands of her beloved family members, knowing they’d be together forever in this wondrous new home, the majestic dwelling place of the almighty King of kings.
The Lake of Fire
Katie gazed in wonder at the dazzling white throne and rejoiced at the countless, newly glorified saints who were entering the twelve pearly gates into the New Jerusalem. Her heart swelled at the thought of embracing her parents, Aunt Ella, and so many others once again.
But first, she turned her attention back to the proceedings before her, where billions of downcast mortals awaited judgment before the throne. A somber hush fell over the multitude as Jesus addressed them, his resonant voice penetrating each mind and heart.
"You who remain are unworthy to enter the holy city in your current state," he declared. "Among you are the unbelieving, cowardly, vile, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idol worshipers, and all liars."
The crowd cowered at his words, weeping in anguish and remorse. A few stood in stoic helplessness. Jesus continued, his tone both firm and compassionate.
"It is written that anyone not found in the Book of Life will be cast into the lake of fire."
The terrified multitude gasped. Some became hysterical.
Jesus continued, “But the lake of fire is not for your eternal condemnation, as many wrongly believe. In the Bible, the word for fire is pur, which is the root of the word purify. For every one of you, the lake of fire is for purification, as gold is refined. And, for some of you, it will begin as a place of punishment for your wicked deeds.”
He gestured toward the tribe of Judah’s magnificent gate. "I am the door into the city. I want every one of you to be reconciled to me, so that you receive my resurrection life. Then your name will be added to the Book of Life, giving you the right to enter the city.”
“But first, since you chose to walk in sin and rebellion during your earthly life, I must chasten each of you as a father chastens his son. This chastening is for your benefit, to cleanse your heart, for nothing unclean can enter the city. Your chastening will continue as long as necessary to purify the attitudes and motives of your heart."
A mournful groan arose from the multitude, their eyes wide with apprehension.
When your faith in me is pure, like gold, I will glorify you and give you an inheritance in the holy city."
Katie saw a glimmer of hope on their faces.
"Those who accept my correction and walk in fellowship with my Spirit will complete their purification relatively easily and quickly.”
“But those who harden their hearts will stoke their own fire, tormenting themselves for ages until their hearts are purified.”
“My patience is infinite. You shall all be made holy, be glorified, and receive a glorious inheritance in my kingdom."
Angels with stern expressions began separating the mortals into regional groups. Katie watched as they reluctantly joined hands, then vanished in the blink of an eye, transported to their appointed places to begin their individualized chastening process.
She released a slow breath, marveling at the perfect balance of justice and mercy in the Lord's judgments. Though difficult, this purification was a pathway to ultimate redemption for all. It’s hard to imagine, but someday I’ll enjoy Christian fellowship with Lilith. That’ll be a miracle indeed.
With a last glance at the empty plain, Katie turned her face toward the welcoming gates of New Jerusalem, eagerness rising in her spirit. It was time to be reunited with all her loved ones at last.
Homecoming
Katie's heart raced with anticipation as she spirit-traveled directly to her heavenly home in Zebulon's portion of the holy city. Since her trip was instantaneous, she hoped to arrive while her family was still getting their tour of the city.
She went directly to her family's dwelling places, near her own, but found them empty and waiting. Good, they're not here yet. I'll meet them when they come through the gate.
Katie waited just inside the massive Zebulon gate, its iridescent pearl surface shimmering in the divine light. She watched as group after group of joyful saints entered, their faces radiant with unbridled joy. The sounds of joyful reunions and awestruck observations filled the air.
As she waited, she reminisced about the journey that had brought her here. She recalled the guilt and shame of her unplanned pregnancy, the pain of Johnny and Aunt Ella's rejection, and the trauma of her botched abortion. But Uncle Andy was there for me during that dark time. He was always positive and uplifting, encouraging me to follow the truth and do what's right. She loved flying, especially flying medevac helicopters against an adversary, whether it be human or bad weather. But the world system repeatedly used my love of flying to tempt me to compromise the truth. And I was tempted, but God helped me make the right choices, even though they were hard at the time.
She thought about Ethan and his patient love and support. From Kygyristan to Ketchikan, he followed me, in life, and then in faith. Today, he's welcoming his ancestors' arrival in the tribe of Benjamin. God bless him.
Nearby, she saw Uncle Andy waiting as well, his eyes searching the arrivals for his beloved wife, Sarah, Katie's aunt. Memories flooded back to that fateful day when their plane crashed, taking the lives of Sarah and Katie's parents, leaving only Andy and eight-year-old Katie as survivors. Uncle Andy saved me, pulling me out of the wreckage—from under the frigid water. He tried, but he couldn't save the others.
At last, Katie spotted her family coming through the Zebulon gate, led by an angel on the golden street. Her mother's eyes met Katie’s, and her mother broke into a run, her arms outstretched. Simultaneously, Sarah raced to embrace Andy, tears of happiness streaming down her face. Katie found herself engulfed in her mother's arms, showered with kisses, as the rest of the family joined in a massive group hug—her mother, father, Andy, Sarah, and Aunt Ella, all embracing in love and triumph.
The angel who had guided them bowed low before Katie and Andy, acknowledging the glory of two of God's 144,000 overcomers.
Katie's family gazed upon Katie with awe and wonder when they witnessed the angel's reverence toward her.
In that moment, an ancient promise came into Katie's mind—a vow she made to her teenage self when she was pregnant, rejected, and alone in the Ketchikan Cannery's bunkhouse. "I will be successful," she had declared. "I will earn honor and respect in this world."
At that moment, with a holy angel bowing to her in the presence of her parents and elders, Katie's heart swelled with unspeakable joy. She looked up, in tears, her face aglow with gratitude. Raising both hands, she praised her Savior, "Thank you, Lord! I owe everything to you."
The true measure of success and honor is living in God's favor.
Epilogue
What’s next? Many have asked, "When we get to heaven, won't we be bored? Who wants to sit on a cloud, playing a harp for eternity?"
Isaiah 9:6-7 says,
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end...
There'll never be an end to the increase of Jesus's kingdom. Imagine what this means for an infinite, omnipotent, omniscient, and omnipresent God . . .
After God perfects the spiritual heaven and the earth, the rest of the physical universe is begging to be populated.
In the observable universe, scientists estimate there are 10 trillion galaxies.
Our Milky Way galaxy has 100 billion stars. Using it as an example, there are 10Trillion galaxies x 100Billion stars in each galaxy, or 1,000,000,000,000,000,000,000,000 stars in the observable universe.
And each star could have multiple planets orbiting it.
It’s challenging to conceive with our finite minds, but in the ‘ages of ages’ to come I expect our Almighty God plans to populate every one of these planets.
Many times Jesus said his disciples will reign with him. Here are three examples:
2Timothy 2:12, If we endure, we will also reign with him
Revelation 5:10 You have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth
Revelation 22:5 And night will be no more. They will need no light of lamp or sun, for the Lord God will be their light, and they will reign forever and ever.
If we connect the dots, it’s reasonable to conclude that Jesus will extend his government throughout the universe. And when he does, every saint is going to be very busy.
So, the answer is no. We won't be bored.
If you’re enjoying this series, please click the Like and Restack buttons. Also, feel free to leave a Comment and tell me what you liked, or what could be improved in the coming eBook/paperback/Audio versions. Thanks!
Thank you!
What a beautiful picture…Our King of Kings will reign forever and ever! ❤️