Understanding The Armor of God by Stella Ashworth | Page 17

Revelation 21:1-4
“21 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth”, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there
was no longer any sea. 2 I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a
bride beautifully dressed for her husband. 3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling
place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with
them and be their God. 4 ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying
or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”
This is the salvation we are fighting for—to enter this glorious Kingdom! Never lose sight of this. This coming Kingdom,
with its worldwide peace and prosperity, makes every price in this life worth paying.
No matter what comes, no matter how vicious the attacks our enemy lands on us, we know that as long as we remain
with God, we are moving slowly but unstoppably toward an eternal victory.
2 Timothy 4:6-8
“6 For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near. 7 I have fought the
good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 8 Now there is in store for me the crown of
righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all
who have longed for his appearing.”
Paul had the vision. He valued his salvation highly and diligently fought the good fight. As the end of his life drew near,
he was able to say with complete confidence that he would receive the crown.
When Paul awakes in the first resurrection, he will trade in his soldier's helmet for a far more glorious, imperishable
and eternal crown of righteousness—the crown of a victorious soldier of Christ.
We, too, can be assured of victory so long as we—like Paul—faithfully follow our God and His commandments from
our heart and mind.
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