Prayer: Open my eyes that I may behold wonderful things out of thy law. (Psalm 119:18).
Reading: Revelation 7:9-12
Memory Verse: Revelation 11:15
The holding of various summit conferences of world leaders from time to time reminds us that there will be a great summit conference at the end of history when God will sum up all things in Jesus Christ our Lord. God's plan started before history – we "were chosen in him before the foundation of the world" (Ephesians 1:4); we were redeemed by him through Jesus' incarnation, death and resurrection (Ephesians 1:7). One day God will "unite all things in him" (Ephesians 1:9-10) and establish his kingdom. Let us look at some questions about God's final summit conference and find the answers in his scriptures.
Where will it be held?
There is always a venue for a summit. God's summit will be held in the heavenly city – the city of God. Read Revelation 21:10,15,22- 27. Abraham, God's friend, but a stranger and pilgrim on the earth, looked for this promised city and is now in it. Believers are all pilgrims traveling towards this same city (Hebrews 11:8-11).
Who will be there?
There will be not just representatives from some nations but representatives from all the nations, tribes, peoples, ethnic and linguistic groups (Revelation 21:24; 11:15; 7:9-12).
What kind of representatives will be there?
There will be none present by virtue of office – no prime minister, president, king or foreign minister. All will be private individuals present because they are believers. The redeemed of God dressed in the white garments of Christ's righteousness will all be present on that day. (Revelation 7:13-17; Romans 13:14). The central figure of God's summit conference will be the Lord Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:9-11). Make a list of some of the names and titles of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Will there be a banquet?
On the day of God's summit there will be a great banquet in his city. Each celebration of the Holy Communion or the Lord's Supper on earth points towards that forthcoming banquet – the marriage supper of the Lamb at which Jesus Christ and his holy church will dine together (Matthew 26:29; Revelation 19:7,9).
When will God hold His summit conference?
No one knows (Acts 1:7). As suddenly as a thief in the night the Lord Jesus Christ will return to the world.
What special preparations will be made for God’s summit?
For a conference there are always many preparations – cleaning, white-washing, special labels etc. The preparations for God's summit conference are a special dress – "the wedding garment" signifying Christ's righteousness (Matthew 22:1-14), holiness of life (1 John 3:2,3), watchfulness and preaching of the good news (Matthew 24:14).
What are the signs of the coming of God’s conference?
In Matthew 24 many signs are mentioned – the coming of false Messiahs or Christ’s (Matthew 24:3-5), wars and rumours of wars (Matthew 24:6), famines and earthquakes (Matthew 24:7), betrayal (Matthew 24:10), love will wax cold because of wickedness (Matthew 24:12) and the gospel of the kingdom will be preached in all the world (Matthew 24:14). What other signs are given in this chapter?
Conclusion
God's conference will be the most certain and perfect conference in the world. He will unite all things in the Lord Jesus Christ and the kingdoms of this world will become the kingdom of our Lord and his Christ, and he shall reign forever (Revelation 11:15).
