The book of Revelation speaks of conflicts and battles involving mysterious powers of evil, and we may wonder how and when such things might actually take place. Yet all who have hope in Christ have nothing to fear. The final result has already been announced. The Lord of heaven and earth has won the decisive battle through the finished work of Jesus, and the final triumph is assured. When the curtains of history close, there will be "a new heaven and a new earth" in which God lives with his people forever.

God will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and mourning, death, and pain will disappear. Imagine the joy of living in the presence of the Lord, who has promised us his glorious inheritance. Our bodies will be renewed, and we will reign eternally with Christ. Sin will no longer be present in our lives, because nothing impure can stand in God's presence. There will be no sickness or suffering. All injustice and conflict will be things of the past.

All who are redeemed in Christ are welcomed into God's kingdom by grace. Jesus is the only way that leads to God (John 14:6). And in the presence of God there is and will be fullness of joy forever!