The Story Chapter 31 Reflection Questions

Use these reflection questions for your personal study time of Chapter 31. (Taken from the Adult Study Guide.)

1. Why might Christians resist studying this book? According to this chapter, what are the benefits connected to studying Revelation?  (Hint:  p. 379, 387; Rev. 1:3, 22:7)
2. Make a list of the various ways God the Father and God the Son are described throughout this chapter of The Story.  For example, on page 379, the Father is him who is, and who was and who is to come; Jesus Christ is the faithful witness.  After completing your list, discuss what one or two of these descriptions mean.
3. Jesus’ messages to the seven churches usually follow a general pattern:  a description of Himself, a commendation, a rebuke, a warning or instruction, and a promise.  Compose a letter to your church using this format.
4. Notice the description of the throne room of heaven (p. 382, Rev. 4:1-6).  Look up Ezekiel 1:26-28, Exodus 19:16 and 20:18, Job 37:4 and John 12:27-28.  What do these images communicate about God?
5. What four-fold reason makes the Lamb worthy to open the scroll and receive praise (p. 383)?
6. Read Matthew 24:29-44, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 and Titus 2:11-14.  How should you live in anticipation of Christ’s return?
7. From what you have learned in this chapter about the great white throne judgment and the lake of fire, how might you respond to the person who does not believe that a loving God could ever sentence anyone to hell (p. 385-386, Rev. 20:11-15, 21:8)?  See also Revelation 20:10 and Matthew 25:41 for further insight.
8. Find at least three similarities between the original creation (Genesis 1-2) and the new heaven and new earth (p. 385-387; Rev. 21-22).  How do these sections of Scripture contribute to our understanding of God’s Upper Story and what would we be missing without them?

The Story Chapter 31 Reflective Questions

Use these questions for your personal study time of Chapter 31. (Taken from the Adult Study Guide.)

1. Why might Christians resist studying this book? According to this chapter, what are the benefits connected to studying Revelation?  (Hint:  p. 379, 387; Rev. 1:3, 22:7)
2. Make a list of the various ways God the Father and God the Son are described throughout this chapter of The Story.  For example, on page 379, the Father is him who is, and who was and who is to come; Jesus Christ is the faithful witness.  After completing your list, discuss what one or two of these descriptions mean.
3. Jesus’ messages to the seven churches usually follow a general pattern:  a description of Himself, a commendation, a rebuke, a warning or instruction, and a promise.  Compose a letter to your church using this format.
4. Notice the description of the throne room of heaven (p. 382, Rev. 4:1-6).  Look up Ezekiel 1:26-28, Exodus 19:16 and 20:18, Job 37:4 and John 12:27-28.  What do these images communicate about God?
5. What four-fold reason makes the Lamb worthy to open the scroll and receive praise (p. 383)?
6. Read Matthew 24:29-44, 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 and Titus 2:11-14.  How should you live in anticipation of Christ’s return?
7. From what you have learned in this chapter about the great white throne judgment and the lake of fire, how might you respond to the person who does not believe that a loving God could ever sentence anyone to hell (p. 385-386, Rev. 20:11-15, 21:8)?  See also Revelation 20:10 and Matthew 25:41 for further insight.
8. Find at least three similarities between the original creation (Genesis 1-2) and the new heaven and new earth (p. 385-387; Rev. 21-22).  How do these sections of Scripture contribute to our understanding of God’s Upper Story and what would we be missing without them?

The Story Chapter 31 Introduction

How does one describe heaven and eternity? How does one even come close to being able to put words unto that which is beyond words? How do we describe the One who has created us and the proximity of being with that Creator?

John tries. He tries to put words into place so that we can understand. Even with the words there is much mystery. Perhaps a good analogy is when we as humans were trying to picture the moon and had not yet begun the space program. There were many theories, but nothing like the real thing until we had sent humans and robots there to investigate.

Angel armies; The heavenly throne which is also described in Isaiah 6; The lamb who is worthy to break the seal; The silence in heaven; The new heaven and earth. Ultimately this is eternity where we are with our Creator forever.

The beauty of this new heaven and earth is that it is the exact opposite of where we began. We began in the Garden of Eden and The Fall–this is the New Jerusalem, the new garden. This is the place where there are no more tears and there is no more sadness. Why would that be? Here one will be in the presence of the Creator and the evil one will not be present. We hear the words of our Creator in saying, “I am making all things new!” God wins!

This is the place of the heavenly banquet. When we share in the Lord’s Supper here on earth we are not only remembering what Jesus has done, but we are also remembering the future–we remember the banquet to come where all who are in relationship with Jesus are invited.

As you read this last chapter of The Story this week, what strikes you most of this place of eternity? What is the biggest surprise? How will reading the end of The Story effect you as you live out the middle of The Story, knowing that you are a part of God’s bigger story?

Chris Tomlin’s song Angel Armies might also speak to you as you read this last chapter.