THE CITY OF ABRAHAM

New Jerusalem will be populated in fulfillment of the promise to Abraham to “bless all nations” – Revelation 21:24-22:5.

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The book of Revelation concludes with a picture of the immense and glorious city of “New Jerusalem” populated by the “innumerable multitude” of men redeemed by Jesus from every nation. It represents the fulfillment of the covenant promises to Abraham of “land” and “blessings to all the nations,” and all “redeemed by the blood of the Lamb.”

MESSIAH REVEALED ON THE CROSS

In the gospel of Mark, Israel’s Messiah, the Son of Man, is revealed in his death on a Roman Cross.

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In Mark, men and women are unable to recognize Jesus as the Messiah until AFTER his crucifixion, and paradoxically, following his death, he is declared the “Son of God” by the unlikeliest person, the Roman centurion on duty at his execution. And in this gospel account, his self-identification as the suffering “Son of Man” caused many to misunderstand and even reject him.

RIGHTEOUSNESS REVEALED IN HIM

The “righteousness of God” refers to His faithfulness to His promises, and this is demonstrated in the salvation He has provided in Jesus.

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In Romans, Paul stresses the “righteousness of God” revealed in the gospel, the “power of God for salvation to everyone who believes.” And it is proclaimed throughout the earth to “Jew and Greek” alike. By the “righteousness of God,” he means HIS “righteousness,” God’s faithfulness to provide salvation for His wayward creatures.

THE FULLNESS OF TIME

Paul coordinated the commencement of the “last days,” the “fullness of time,” with the Death and Resurrection of Jesus.

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According to the Apostle Paul, the “last days” commenced with the death and resurrection of Jesus. In him, the age of fulfillment had arrived, and all the promises of God were finding their “yea and amen” in His Son.  God had spoken truly but partially in the prophets of old; but now, he was speaking fully in Jesus Christ.