Why does the mention of nations in Revelation 21:24 show that the kingdom continues into eternity?
Revelation 21:24 uses the word nations, showing that nations exist not only during the thousand-year reign of Christ but also in the eternal state. Because the Old Testament describes the kingdom as forever and ever, this continuity proves the kingdom economy passes directly into eternity, with saved nations and sub-governments under God.
Les explains that Revelation 21:24 is significant because the word nations appears after describing the eternal city. There were nations during the thousand-year reign of Christ, and now nations appear again in eternity. Some theologians argue this must refer only to the kingdom, not the eternal state, but Les disagrees, saying this is the eternal state. Since the Old Testament speaks of the kingdom as forever and ever, the kingdom economy continues into eternity. Those who are saved walk in the light of it, and the kings of the earth bring their glory and honor into it. This indicates nations with sub-government under the headship of God, and believers will rule and reign with Him into that eternal state.
And the nations of them which are saved shall walk in the light of it: and the kings of the earth do bring their glory and honour into it.
More Questions
Why do some theologians think Revelation 21 with nations is not the eternal state, and why does Les disagree?
Contrary to theologians who say the presence of nations proves Revelation 21 describes only the millennial kingdom, this is the eternal state because the Old Testament speaks of the kingdom as forever and the kingdom moves on into eternity.
Why does Les disagree with theologians who say Revelation 21 describes the millennium instead of the eternal state?
Contrary to theologians who say the mention of nations proves this describes the millennial kingdom rather than eternity, Les teaches this is the eternal state, since the Old Testament describes the kingdom as lasting forever and eternity continues that kingdom.