Revelation 21:1-3 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.

This is a glimpse of the end game. Once you have committed to this covenant contract, you become the betrothed. This church age we live in is before the wedding feast and the key word in Revelation 21 is prepared. We were sinners and our garments are soiled by sin. The prepared bride has to be presented pure, white, and sinless. That means we start all over again and learn God’s plan for dealing with sin.

Genesis 3:21 Unto Adam also and to his wife did the Lord God make coats of skins, and clothed them.

Where did God get those coats of skin? From an animal of course, one God Himself not only provided, but sacrifice and prepared for the covering of their nakedness. Now here is a more subtle note which many have missed, including myself. God did this before He exiled them into the world. This is an indication that God did this from His point of view, His eternal point of view.

Since sin has consequences, and God is just, then God Himself has provided a way that He is satisfied that sin is dealt with. We, like Adam and Eve, look at things from a momentary point of view, to easy our conscience and cover our sin temporarily. We only want to feel better about ourselves and forget that God has a different point of view.

2 Timothy 3:7 Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.

John 14:6 Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.

Paul is telling Timothy that there is a real danger of making learning, studies and understanding a focus and not the relationship.

In closing yesterday I encouraged you to understanding what you will be committing to if you should choose to enter into a relationship with Jesus Christ. He is Truth and learning, and belief does not allow you to come to knowing truth that is only formed in commitment to relationship.

From the very beginning I said there has to be a recognition, an acceptance and a choice. Learning can be seen as recognition, belief can be seen as acceptance, and that leaves you with commitment which is choice.

Yearning for knowledge is not yearning for Jesus. Much in the same way that you might express a longing for a life partner and your heart will burst if you cannot have them, this yearning for a relationship with Jesus Christ can only be satisfied by accepting Him for all He is, all He did and all He wants to do for you in relationship. He wants to fill that emptiness in your broken and contrite heart.

Revelation 3:20 Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me.

This is relationship, eating of the bread, which as of old is a sign of a covenant contract. That door of entering is your heart.

That is a choice you have to make with your heart by faith.