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`And He ... said (the One that sitteth upon the throne), Behold, I make
all things new.
And He said ... Write: for these words are true and faithful.
And He said ... It is done'.
Some authorities read `they have been accomplished', even so the sense
of fulfilment remains unaltered. The word gegone, `it is done', is the word
that was uttered as the last vial of wrath was poured out `and great Babylon
came into remembrance before God'. At this utterance `every island fled
away, and (certain) mountains were not found. And there fell upon men a
great hail out of heaven' (Rev. 16:19-21). Here we see the contrast.
It is done Judgment
It is done -- Blessing
The great city, Babylon.
The great city, new Jerusalem.
Precious stones, pearls and gold.
Precious stones, pearls and gold.
No more harper, candle or rejoicing.
No more death, sorrow or curse.
The habitation of demons, foul spirits.
Nothing that defileth.
Islands flee, mountains not found.
Earth and heaven flee away.
The harlot.
The bride.
Kings of the earth corrupted.
Kings of the earth bring glory.
Nations made drunk.
Nations walk in light.
The reader may lengthen this list; we have given enough to show the
evident contrast between the two cities and the two conflicting purposes that
attach to them. The mystery of iniquity ends in destruction utter and
complete; the mystery of godliness ends in glory beyond description. Who is
it that sits upon the throne? Who is it that says `Behold, I make all things
new'? Who is it that says `It is done'?
`I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end' (Rev. 21:6).
This title has occurred in Revelation before, namely, in chapter 1:8.
There it is shown to be parallel with the great name Jehovah, and with the
Almighty:
`I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord,
which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty'.
It is also closely associated with death and resurrection:
`Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am He that liveth, and was
dead; and, behold, I am alive for the ages of the ages, Amen; and have
the keys of Hades and of death' (Rev. 1:17,18 author's translation).
Or again:
`These things saith the Amen, the faithful and true witness, the
beginning of the creation of God' (Rev. 3:14).