Cassie
The book of Revelation is in its entirety an assertion of God’s divine authority over human beings. After the old world has been destroyed in previous chapters, a new heaven and earth are revealed in chapter 21. This occurs after the final judgment, thus illustrating God’s authority over the earthly human realm. The reader is then directed to the loud voice, which is inferred to be God’s voice. Incorporating references to Old Testament prophetic literature cues readers back to the everlasting authority God has had since the beginning of time. In verse 6, God continues this affirmation of divine power by claiming he is “Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” Nothing comes before him and nothing comes after him not only in the reality of an old and new world but also leaves no room for any false prophets to come before him or be after him. After detailing the new temple, John describes the external environment of the New Jerusalem. His description continues illustrating the authority God has by stating, “the city has no need of sun or moon to shine, for the glory of God is its light” (21:23). This only further asserts God’s power over the earthly realm. The book ends with a repetition of what was stated in chapter one with describing those who follow God and those who do not as well as again stating he is the Alpha and Omega.
By developing and designing this new heaven for God’s followers, the space is used to counter the cultural space that the Roman Empire designed. Past chapters have involved a large amount of death and destruction with heavenly choruses interwoven to act as a constant reminder of God’s glory. Koester argues that these choruses anticipate this ultimate renewal (p. 192). The frequency reminder of the power of God and what was deemed unworthy to enter this new heaven really sends home the message of early Christians need for complete devotion to God. This is elaborated by Koester in pointing out that the Harlot, Satan, and the resurrection of the holy martyrs represent as struggle that the seven churches are dealing with individually (192). By identifying this relationship, the early churches can respond to the critiques given in the first chapter in a more “inform” Christian way by renewing their dedication to God by continuing in the faith despite persecution, denying temptations, and not accepting the dominant nature of the Roman empire. For now they know that this renewal will ultimately lead to God’s glory being seen throughout all humanity.
The book of Revelation is in its entirety an assertion of God’s divine authority over human beings. After the old world has been destroyed in previous chapters, a new heaven and earth are revealed in chapter 21. This occurs after the final judgment, thus illustrating God’s authority over the earthly human realm. The reader is then directed to the loud voice, which is inferred to be God’s voice. Incorporating references to Old Testament prophetic literature cues readers back to the everlasting authority God has had since the beginning of time. In verse 6, God continues this affirmation of divine power by claiming he is “Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end.” Nothing comes before him and nothing comes after him not only in the reality of an old and new world but also leaves no room for any false prophets to come before him or be after him. After detailing the new temple, John describes the external environment of the New Jerusalem. His description continues illustrating the authority God has by stating, “the city has no need of sun or moon to shine, for the glory of God is its light” (21:23). This only further asserts God’s power over the earthly realm. The book ends with a repetition of what was stated in chapter one with describing those who follow God and those who do not as well as again stating he is the Alpha and Omega.
By developing and designing this new heaven for God’s followers, the space is used to counter the cultural space that the Roman Empire designed. Past chapters have involved a large amount of death and destruction with heavenly choruses interwoven to act as a constant reminder of God’s glory. Koester argues that these choruses anticipate this ultimate renewal (p. 192). The frequency reminder of the power of God and what was deemed unworthy to enter this new heaven really sends home the message of early Christians need for complete devotion to God. This is elaborated by Koester in pointing out that the Harlot, Satan, and the resurrection of the holy martyrs represent as struggle that the seven churches are dealing with individually (192). By identifying this relationship, the early churches can respond to the critiques given in the first chapter in a more “inform” Christian way by renewing their dedication to God by continuing in the faith despite persecution, denying temptations, and not accepting the dominant nature of the Roman empire. For now they know that this renewal will ultimately lead to God’s glory being seen throughout all humanity.