Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.” (Revelation 11:15, ESV)
At the seventh trumpet, the last trumpet, Christ returns. The scene of the seventh trumpet is heaven. All in heaven are rejoicing at the consummation of history. The temple in heaven is opened and the ark of the covenant is visible, the footstool of God. God is with his people. Paul reflects on this in 1 Corinthians:
Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. (1 Corithians 15:51-58, ESV)
No matter what happens, God is in control. He is bringing history to its glorious consummation, where God will dwell with his people. Suffering, death, difficulties, everything will pale in significance to the glory of Christ's return. Everything you go through will not be in vain. That is a reason why we can be steadfast and persevere to the end. If you are a child of God, this is your inheritance to supremely enjoy God forever.
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